# HeInput vs Learn Chinese

The clearest difference is rating: HeInput at 5.0 against Learn Chinese's 4.5. HeInput also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). Learn Chinese's advantage is ratings volume (1.1K vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HeInput sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Learn Chinese sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HeInput holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Learn Chinese has 1.1K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 78% of HeInput's written reviews are positive against 82% of Learn Chinese's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

HeInput ships an update every 2 months, Learn Chinese every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HeInput | Learn Chinese |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heinput-chinese-study-and-input/id417876708/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-chinese-studycat/id547571511/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 77.8% of reviews | **82.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 22 MB | 232 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Guilin Ouyang](https://appshunter.io/developer/417876711) | [Studycat Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/428920242) |

## What reviewers say

### HeInput

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heinput-chinese-study-and-input/id417876708)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Word and Phrase Coding | $1.99 | one-time |
| Extended HeCharacter Table | $1.99 | one-time |
| Speed Typing | $1.99 | one-time |


### Learn Chinese

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-chinese-studycat/id547571511)

This app offers interactive games and activities designed to help children learn Mandarin Chinese. It focuses on virtual language immersion and everyday vocabulary, encouraging early speaking skills through engaging challenges. The content is safe, ad-free, and suitable for offline use.

**Highlights:** Interactive learning games, Virtual language immersion, Everyday vocabulary, Speaking challenges, Ad-free and safe for kids, Offline learning

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $14.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $14.99 | per month |
| Learn Chinese | $14.99 | per month |
| Fun Chinese - Annually (A) | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $59.99 | per year |
| Learn Chinese | $59.99 | per year |
| Animals Lesson | $2.99 | one-time |
| Numbers Lesson | $2.99 | one-time |
| Three Lesson Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Four Lesson Pack | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging learning games
- 🚀 Effective for learning vocabulary
- 💡 Interactive and gamified approach
- 👍 Great for kids and beginners

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Pronunciation issues with Taiwanese accent
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔒 Difficulty accessing content across devices
- 🔍 Lack of content variety and new updates

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription issues and double charges
- Compatibility problems with older devices
- Crashes and freezes during gameplay

**Requested features**

- More language options and accents
- Expanded vocabulary and content
- Ability to access content across devices
- Improved pronunciation and audio quality


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HeInput free?

HeInput is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Learn Chinese free?

Learn Chinese is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, HeInput or Learn Chinese?

HeInput is rated higher. HeInput averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Learn Chinese averages 4.5 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do HeInput or Learn Chinese have ads?

Neither HeInput nor Learn Chinese shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HeInput or Learn Chinese?

HeInput ships an update every 2 months, and Learn Chinese every 2 weeks. Most recently, HeInput was updated on October 6, 2026 and Learn Chinese on October 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*