Comparison

Chinese Drill vs PrepareHSK

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Chinese Drill

Master Chinese HSK vocabulary and phrases with a comprehensive learning tool. Features include a vast vocabulary database, interactive exercises, AI-powered grammar help, and character stroke animations. An integrated dictionary and error reporting ensure a polished learning experience.

Highlights
  • HSK vocabulary database (1-5)
  • Learn exercises, flashcards, quizzes
  • AI grammar assistant
  • Character stroke animations
  • Chinese-English dictionary
  • Error reporting
Features
Read full description

Looking to exercise and practice the Chinese language? The Chinese Drill app has got you covered โ€“ easily, practically, and affordably. Whether you're just starting out or you're an intermediate learner, this app offers a variety of tools to help you master the language. Features: โ€ข Vocabulary database for HSK 1, HSK 2, HSK 3, HSK 4, HSK 5 (upcoming) and list of most common phrases โ€ข Various learn exercises, flashcards, quizzes and much more โ€ข Integrated AI for grammar questions โ€ข Character strokes animations โ€ข Chinese-English dictionary (over 100 000 words) โ€ข Quick and easy error reporting feature to ensure a perfect vocabulary database Background story: Ever since I was young, I've been fascinated by Chinese history and culture. I dreamed of embarking on new adventures and understanding the Chinese language. But to be honest, learning Chinese proved to be challenging. I searched for numerous apps to assist me, but I always encountered the same issue. Sure, some of them offered great lessons and perfect grammar, but they lacked practicality. And by practicality, I mean repetition. I knew that mastering the Chinese language required endless repetition. The Chinese language is entirely different from what we're accustomed to. It is written using pictographic characters, many of which carry multiple meanings. Without understanding the meaning behind a character, it's impossible to read it. But that's not all. Chinese has a distinct sentence structure, and mastering commonly used phrases is crucial. It's not just about learning individual words; we need to learn how to use phrases correctly. And that's where my app comes into play. I've created a unique database of frequently used phrases in various categories. It not only teaches you individual words in HSK lessons but also how to combine them to form meaningful sentences. This feature provides practical and interactive learning, helping you become fluent in Chinese. But there's more! The app I've developed is my own personal learning tool. I use it every day to study Chinese. And as a passionate programmer, I continuously enhance and add new features to it. I plan to expand the database of words and phrases, making it even more valuable for all users. I believe that my app will impress you. But don't forget to leave a rating because your satisfaction is my greatest reward. And what's even better is that you can provide feedback directly through the app. If you encounter any errors or have ideas for improvement, I welcome all your messages. Get ready for an adventure in learning Chinese like never before! Become a master of the Chinese language, conquer phrases, and open doors to new possibilities. And remember, this app will always be evolving and expanding to provide you with the best possible tool for your Chinese language journey. What is the HSK? The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is an international standardized test designed to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers, including foreigners, Chinese people living overseas, and Chinese national minorities. It primarily targets adult Chinese learners. HSK tests are regularly held across the globe. HSK 3.0 (2022) structure: Elementary Level: HSK 1 - 500 words, 300 characters, understand and use essential words and phrases HSK 2 - 772 words, 300 characters, communicate simply on daily topics HSK 3 - 973 words, 300 characters, communicate on basic topics related to life, work, and study Intermediate Level: HSK 4 - 1000 words, 300 characters, discuss a wide range of topics fluently in everyday situations HSK 5 - 1071 words, 300 characters, read Chinese newspapers and magazines and watch Chinese TV and movies HSK 6 - 1140 words, 300 characters, understand most of what you read and hear and can express yourself fluently Advanced Level: HSK 7-9 - 5636 words, 1200 characters, communicate fluently on various topics and conduct professional translation work

About

PrepareHSK

Features
Read full description

PrepareHSK is the all-in-one study companion for the HSK Chinese proficiency exam, from HSK 1 to HSK 6. STUDY YOUR WAY โ€ข Flashcards โ€” flip through vocabulary with pinyin and translations โ€ข Listening โ€” train your ear with audio comprehension exercises โ€ข Reading โ€” build reading speed and character recognition โ€ข Writing โ€” practice writing Hanzi from memory โ€ข Pinyin โ€” sharpen your pronunciation reading skills โ€ข Past Exams โ€” practice with real HSK exam questions TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Follow your results across every exercise type and HSK level. See what you've mastered and what needs more practice. STAY ON TRACK Add the home screen or lock screen widget to see a new character every day. Enable daily reminders to keep your streak alive. FREE & PREMIUM HSK 1 and HSK 2 are completely free, no account needed, no ads. Unlock all levels (HSK 3โ€“6) with a single one-time purchase. WORKS OFFLINE All content is available offline after download. Study on the subway, on a plane, anywhere.

Screenshots

Chinese Drill4 screens
PrepareHSK4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: PrepareHSK at none against Chinese Drill's shown. Chinese Drill's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Chinese Drill sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and PrepareHSK sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chinese Drill ships an update every 6 days, PrepareHSK every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 6 level
Chinese Drill versus PrepareHSK: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChinese DrillPrepareHSK
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviewsโ€”
Update frequencyEvery 6 days โ€” betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesNo โ€” better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesโ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 โ€” better15.1
Further details โ€” not scored
Size183 MB41 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBeWise s.r.o.Alessio Lapi

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Chinese Drill

One-time5
  • Purchase 125k tokens$0.99
  • Purchase HSK-2 vocabulary$1.99
  • Purchase HSK-3 vocabulary$2.99
Show 2 more
  • Purchase HSK-4 vocabulary$2.99
  • Purchase the app and HSK 1$3.99
1 purchases

PrepareHSK

One-time1
  • PrepareHSK Premium$12.99

Questions

Is Chinese Drill free?
Chinese Drill is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PrepareHSK free?
PrepareHSK is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Chinese Drill or PrepareHSK have ads?
Chinese Drill shows ads; PrepareHSK does not.
Which is updated more often, Chinese Drill or PrepareHSK?
Chinese Drill ships an update every 6 days, and PrepareHSK every 2 weeks. Most recently, Chinese Drill was updated on October 10, 2026 and PrepareHSK on September 29, 2026.

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