Comparison

Modu vs XiaoKao

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

Head to head
About

Modu

Features
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Read Chinese stories, understand unfamiliar words, and build vocabulary from what you read. Modu combines graded reading, a tap-to-lookup dictionary, and spaced-repetition review in one app. Choose a graded story or import your own EPUB and TXT books. Tap unfamiliar words for pinyin and meanings, save vocabulary in context, and review it later. READ WHAT INTERESTS YOU • Explore a library of graded retellings of public-domain stories. • Import EPUB and TXT books to read with built-in learning tools. • Generate AI stories based on your selected topic and level, with vocabulary you are due to review. • Follow RSS feeds. Available article text depends on the source; some feeds provide summaries only. UNDERSTAND AS YOU READ • Tap words for pinyin, meanings, and measure words. • Use AI explanations to explore a word in the context of a sentence. • Translate sentences and paragraphs into English on your device, or read with a bilingual chapter view. • Listen to text with read-aloud tools. REMEMBER WORDS IN CONTEXT • Save vocabulary from your reading and review it with spaced-repetition flashcards. • Mark words as known to focus highlighting on unfamiliar vocabulary. • Track your reading and vocabulary progress, and export your vocabulary. OFFLINE READING AND YOUR ACCOUNT Read and save books on your device as a guest, without creating an account. Books already on your device and core reading tools work offline. On-device translation requires an initial language-model download. AI features and natural online voices require an internet connection. Sign in to back up your vocabulary. Modu Plus also syncs reading progress and other learning data across devices. Imported book files remain on your device; import the same books on another device to continue reading there. FREE + MODU PLUS Free features include reading, dictionary lookup, on-device translation, bilingual reading, vocabulary review, book imports, RSS, the story library, and basic read-aloud. Limited AI explanations and story generation are included. Modu Plus adds higher AI usage allowances, natural multi-voice read-aloud, and additional learning-data sync. AI and natural-voice usage limits apply. See the in-app purchase screen for available plans and current allowances. Start with a story, and build your Chinese one reading session at a time. Terms of Use (EULA): https://modu-ai-proxy.zhouxuehan101.workers.dev/terms Privacy Policy: https://modu-ai-proxy.zhouxuehan101.workers.dev/privacy

About

XiaoKao

Features
Read full description

XiaoKao is a complete study companion for the HSK exam (HSK 1 through 6) — built for learners who want real exam readiness, not just flashcards. STUDY THE FULL HSK CURRICULUM • Structured lessons for every level, HSK 1 to HSK 6 • Vocabulary with pinyin, audio pronunciation, and example sentences • Grammar points explained level by level PRACTICE THAT ACTUALLY PREPARES YOU • Full-length mock exams that mirror the real HSK format • Skill drills: listening, reading, and vocabulary recall • Stroke-order writing practice for every character (draw and get instant feedback) • Dictation practice — listen and type/write what you hear • Tone practice to fix the mistakes that matter most for speaking • Sentence writing and translation drills • Speaking practice with audio recording, so you can compare your pronunciation TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • A mistake notebook that automatically collects the words and questions you get wrong, so review time is never wasted • Progress stats by level and by skill • A daily coach that tells you what to study next LEARN IN YOUR OWN LANGUAGE Explanations, grammar notes, and the interface are available in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, and Khmer. WORKS OFFLINE Download a level once and keep studying without an internet connection. XiaoKao is free to use, with an optional Premium subscription that unlocks the full mock exam bank, the daily coach, unlimited mistake notebook, advanced progress analytics, and an ad-free experience. Subscriptions renew automatically; manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Questions or feedback? We read every email: sapoinc.support@gmail.com XiaoKao is an independent study app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hanban / Chinese Testing International, the organization that administers the HSK examination. "HSK" is used only to describe the exam this app helps you prepare for. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Modu4 screens
XiaoKao4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Modu at none against XiaoKao's 10. Modu also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. XiaoKao sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 3 months. Modu asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Modu ships an update weekly, XiaoKao every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Modu versus XiaoKao: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterModuXiaoKao
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 4 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.515.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size157 MB71 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer雪寒 周VU TRONG KHIEM

In-app purchases

None

Modu

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

XiaoKao

Subscriptions6
  • 3-Month Plan - Win-back 30%$6.993 Months
  • 3-Month Plan - 20% Off$7.993 Months
  • 6-Month Plan - Win-back 30%$10.496 Months
Show 3 more
  • 6-Month Plan - 20% Off$11.996 Months
  • 1-Year Plan - Win-back 30%$13.991 Year
  • 1-Year Plan - 20% Off$15.991 Year
One-time4
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime (30% Off)$20.99
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime (20% Off)$23.99
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime (10% Off)$26.99
Show 1 more
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is Modu free?
Modu is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is XiaoKao free?
XiaoKao is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Modu or XiaoKao have ads?
XiaoKao shows ads; Modu does not.
Which is updated more often, Modu or XiaoKao?
Modu ships an update weekly, and XiaoKao every 4 days. Most recently, Modu was updated on October 28, 2026 and XiaoKao on October 28, 2026.

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