HeInput vs HSK 1
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
HeInput
Learn and type Chinese characters and words with this app. It offers a step-by-step approach with practice modes for writing, typing, and phrases. Suitable for all learners of Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
- Learn Chinese characters and words
- System input method integration
- Step-by-step self-training
- Phrase coding and article practice
- Supports Simplified and Traditional Chinese
- Code prompt and Pinyin search
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HeInput (Chinese Study and Input) (汉字字形学习与输入) HeChinese Series: 1. HeCharacter (On AppStore); 2. HeInput (This Application); 3. HeBook1 (On AppStore); 4. HeBook2 (On AppStore); 5. HeBook3 (Soon). This is the best way to learn and type (Input) Chinese characters and words. After installation, take steps of Settings-->General-->Keyboard-->Add New Keyboard...-->Select THIRD-PARTY KEYBOARDS: iHeInput, this will set HeInput as iOS 8 system input method. Then you can use HeInput system input method to do study and practice of this application. This application provide a easy and fast way to learn Chinese writing and typing. If you feel difficult to start with, you may need try HeCharacter (on AppStore) first. More study material and software are available on www.HeZi.net. HeInput uses step-by-step easy going approach for self-training, it provides thoughtful instructions, explanation, prompts, and card and text practice modes. Phrase coding practice and article type practice are the last part of the self-training procedure. HeInput as a study method can help to learn Chinese words quickly and effectively. Intended teenagers can master HeInput in 3 hours, and then can analysis, decompose and type all Chinese words. HeInput application is suitable for all Chinese learners and users. HeInput application is adapted to both Simplified and Traditional Chinese, HeInput is widely used for study and typing Chinese. HeInput input method can type 21,003 words(only 3,500 words are daily used), 180,000 Phrases, has rich features such as code prompt, PinYin prompt, search words and code by PinYin, linked typing, adding personal phrases, etc. HeInput also using 26 numbers(formed with 1-6 six digitals) to encode 26 English characters, HeInput application provide training and function for English typing.
HSK 1
Master Mandarin vocabulary with flashcards and interactive games aligned with the official HSK proficiency test. Covers all six levels, offering pronunciation, meaning, and review tools for systematic language learning.
- HSK levels 1-6 vocabulary
- Flashcards with Hanzi, Pinyin, and English meaning
- Audio pronunciation
- Word review function
- Mini-games and quizzes
- Systematic learning framework
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Learn mandarin in a systematic and standardized way within the official framework of Chinese Proficiency Test HSK issued by Hanban. This app is designed for foreigners learning Chinese or attending language courses according to HSK – Chinese Proficiency Test, as well as for beginners who are interested in learning Chinese vocabulary (Hanzi) and speaking standard mandarin in a systematic and standardized way within the official Chinese level test framework issued by Hanban, similar to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The menu of this app includes: • Vocabulary list of flash cards. Complete six levels 1-6 of Chinese characters or words (Hanzi), in written form as well as real voice of pinyin (pronunciation system), and the official meaning in English. • Review of words. You can review the words saved during your study. • Words game/ quiz. Three mini games and quizzes to help you memory the words and test your level of speaking Chinese. If you are attending language courses offered by Confucius Institute or if you have the intention to pass HSK, the official Chinese Proficiency Test, issued by Hanban, this app is exactly what you are looking for. It will accompany your study of all the six levels of HSK vocabulary with pinyin/ pronunciation system and the official explanation in English, no matter in which level you are (the elementary/ basic levels 1 – 2 for beginners, the intermediate 3 – 4 or the advance 5 – 6). Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: HeInput at 78% against HSK 1's 20%. HeInput also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. HeInput sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and HSK 1 sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
HeInput ships an update every 2 months, HSK 1 every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | HeInput | HSK 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews — better | 20.4% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 9 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.0 — better | 14.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 253 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Guilin Ouyang | Pocket School - Basic education to learn for adults & kids |
Customer experience
HeInput
HSK 1
In-app purchases
HeInput
- Word and Phrase Coding$1.99
- Extended HeCharacter Table$1.99
- Speed Typing$1.99
HSK 1
- Weekly semanal Offer$4.997 Days
- Weekly Plan3 Days trial$9.997 Days
- Full Purchase$29.99
Questions
Is HeInput free?
Is HSK 1 free?
Do HeInput or HSK 1 have ads?
Which is updated more often, HeInput or HSK 1?
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