# Pinyin Reader vs HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader

The clearest difference is update cadence: HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader at every 4 days against Pinyin Reader's every 2 weeks. HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pinyin Reader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Pinyin Reader against 5.0 for HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

Pinyin Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pinyin Reader | HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-reader/id6759076586/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hskstory-chinese-graded-reader/id6771238049/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 135 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [粤珠 袁](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875136461) | [Anton Bezliudnyi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895594146) |

## What reviewers say

### Pinyin Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinyin-reader/id6759076586)

This reading tool automatically adds pinyin annotations to Chinese characters on web pages and PDFs. It offers translation, text-to-speech playback, and pronunciation practice to enhance learning efficiency and pronunciation skills.

**Highlights:** Automatic pinyin annotations, Integrated web and PDF reader, Character definition and pronunciation lookup, Sentence-by-sentence text-to-speech, Pronunciation assessment and shadowing practice, Vocabulary and sentence saving, Ad-free reading experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Pro Annual | $12.99 | per year |


### HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hskstory-chinese-graded-reader/id6771238049)

Access a library of Mandarin Chinese stories tailored to your HSK proficiency level, from beginner to advanced. Features include tap-to-translate, synchronized audio narration, and integrated vocabulary flashcards with spaced repetition. Read offline and customize your reading experience.

**Highlights:** HSK-leveled multi-chapter stories, Tap-to-translate with pinyin and definition, Audio narration with word highlighting, Vocabulary saving and spaced repetition, Offline reading and cross-device sync, Customizable text and reading modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HSKStory Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| HSKStory Annual | $84.00 | per year |
| HSKStory Lifetime | $199.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pinyin Reader free?

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

### Is HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader free?

HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pinyin Reader or HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader?

Pinyin Reader and HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do Pinyin Reader or HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader have ads?

Neither Pinyin Reader nor HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pinyin Reader or HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader?

Pinyin Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader every 4 days. Most recently, Pinyin Reader was updated on October 31, 2026 and HSKStory Chinese Graded Reader on November 10, 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.*