# Nihongo Chat vs Unlock Hanzi

The clearest difference is monetization model: Unlock Hanzi at free against Nihongo Chat's paid. Nihongo Chat's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Nihongo Chat ships an update daily, Unlock Hanzi every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nihongo Chat | Unlock Hanzi |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-chat/id6789473488/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 34 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tak Yan](https://appshunter.io/developer/6789473490) | [Jaebok Lee](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780121560) |

## What reviewers say

### Nihongo Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-chat/id6789473488)

Master Japanese vocabulary and grammar for all JLPT levels with a spaced repetition system. Build custom decks from a comprehensive dictionary and track your learning progress with daily check-ins and review calendars. Enjoy a privacy-focused, offline experience.

**Highlights:** Spaced Repetition System (SRS), JLPT Level Selection (N5-N1), Built-in Japanese Dictionary, Custom Deck Building, Daily Reminders & Streaks, Offline Functionality, Multiple-Choice Quiz Mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Unlock Hanzi

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/unlock-hanzi/id6791061138)

This app transforms your phone's lock screen into a learning tool for Chinese characters. It displays one HSK word at a time until mastered, with an integrated handwriting practice feature. Learn at your own pace without pressure or tracking.

**Highlights:** Lock screen widget for continuous learning, HSK word list (5,000+ words), Self-paced learning, Handwriting practice canvas, Learned word history, Progress tracking by HSK level, Offline functionality

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nihongo Chat free?

Nihongo Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Unlock Hanzi free?

Unlock Hanzi is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Nihongo Chat or Unlock Hanzi have ads?

Unlock Hanzi shows ads; Nihongo Chat does not.

### Which is updated more often, Nihongo Chat or Unlock Hanzi?

Nihongo Chat ships an update daily, and Unlock Hanzi every 3 weeks. Most recently, Nihongo Chat was updated on October 11, 2026 and Unlock Hanzi on October 7, 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.*