Best Chinese Character Reader Apps

218+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
19 free apps
Updated May 2026

Pleco Chinese Dictionary is the household name in chinese character reader, but it's far from the only option. We track 218+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Top Picks for Chinese Character Reader

Pleco Chinese Dictionary#1

Pleco Chinese Dictionary by Pleco Inc.

Handwriting, OCR, flashcards
Editor's Choice
🔍 Reference
4.7😊(1.9K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Pleco Chinese Dictionary screenshot 1
Pleco Chinese Dictionary screenshot 2
Pleco Chinese Dictionary screenshot 3
Pleco Chinese Dictionary screenshot 4
Pleco Chinese Dictionary screenshot 5

A powerful and comprehensive Chinese learning companion app with features like dictionaries, OCR, flashcards, and handwriting input. Easily look up words, characters, and example sentences, while enjoying excellent customer support. Experience the best in mobile Chinese learning without ads. Contact support for more information.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Extremely helpful and useful
  • 👍 Comprehensive and detailed dictionary
  • 🔍 Excellent search and lookup features
  • 💡 Customizable and personalized experience

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Expensive add-ons and bundles
  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and freezing issues
  • 🔍 Cluttered interface and navigation
Chinese Character Reader#2

Chinese Character Reader by Tsz Poon

Scan and Read - DOWNLOAD NOW
Strong Contender
📚 Education
5.0(2 ratings)
FreeAds
Chinese Character Reader screenshot 1
Chinese Character Reader screenshot 2
Chinese Character Reader screenshot 3
Chinese Character Reader screenshot 4
Chinese Character Reader screenshot 5

Instantly transform printed text into spoken words by simply scanning it with your device. Convert books into audiobooks with a single tap and enjoy your reading experience in English and Chinese.

More Chinese Character Reader apps to explore

4
Chineasy: Learn Chinese easily
Chineasy: Learn Chinese easily
Chineasy: Learn Chinese easily
Map your way to learn Chinese
Free

Learn Chinese easily with a visually engaging app that offers bite-sized challenges, games, and quizzes to help you master Mandarin quickly. Switch between Simplified and Traditional Chinese, practice speaking with speech recognition, and join a community of learners on the path to fluency. Take your first step today!

📚 Education
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5
ChinesePro: Chinese Translator
ChinesePro: Chinese Translator
ChinesePro: Chinese Translator
Chinese,Text,Photo,Learning
Free

ChinesePro is an advanced Chinese translation app that offers voice, camera, and text translation features, making it an essential tool for Chinese language learning and travel. With real-time conversation translations and accurate text translations, ChinesePro is your go-to app for all Chinese translation needs. Experience seamless communication with ChinesePro today!

🔍 Reference
(4K)
6
Chinese Characters 汉字
Chinese Characters 汉字
Chinese Characters 汉字
Read and write characters
Free
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(212)
7
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese
Read Mandarin at any level
Free

Practice Mandarin easily anytime with the graded reading app offering Chinese lessons for all levels. Access pinyin, audio, translations, and a built-in dictionary to enhance your learning journey. Improve your reading and listening skills with daily new content and track your progress. Start your Chinese learning journey today!

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8
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese
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#1 Chinese Learning App
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An innovative app for mastering Chinese language through interactive lessons, real-life dialogues, pronunciation exercises, and quizzes. Start your language learning journey today!

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9
KTdict Chinese Dictionary
KTdict Chinese Dictionary
KTdict Chinese Dictionary
OCR, Flashcards, Trainer
Free

Unleash the power of Chinese language learning with our all-in-one app! Effortlessly search, use OCR technology, create dynamic flashcards, and access trusted sources for accurate learning. Transform your Chinese language learning experience now!

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10
trainchinese
trainchinese
trainchinese
The best way to learn Chinese
Free

Learn Chinese effectively with an all-in-one app featuring a comprehensive dictionary, flashcard system with OCR, and handwriting training. Enhance your vocabulary with audio recordings, example sentences, measure words, and interactive learning modes. Master Chinese characters and language nuances effortlessly with trainchinese!

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11
ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese
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Must-Have Mandarin Chinese App
Free

Learn Mandarin Chinese quickly and systematically with this must-have app for beginners. Featuring 500 engaging mini-lessons covering Pinyin, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, it offers automatic speech assessment, gamified learning, and offline mode. Start your Chinese language journey today!

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12
Chinese - Mandarin Language
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This app serves as a comprehensive Mandarin Chinese language tool - offering detailed dictionary functionality, pronunciation guides, and interactive learning features. Dive into Chinese language mastery today!

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13
iLearn Chinese Characters Lite
iLearn Chinese Characters Lite
iLearn Chinese Characters Lite
Read and Write Chinese
Free

This application teaches non-native speakers and young kids to read and write Chinese characters in a fun and interactive way, by exploring their origins as pictures and practicing writing them. With its intuitive approach and hands-on practice, users can quickly learn to read and write Chinese characters, and even upgrade to a full version for more comprehensive learning features.

📚 Education
(38)
14
I Learn Chinese Characters
I Learn Chinese Characters
I Learn Chinese Characters
Read and Write Chinese
$4.99
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Pinyin Academy-Fun with Pinyin
Pinyin Academy-Fun with Pinyin
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Master Pinyin dan kata Cina.
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This learning tool helps users of all ages master Chinese Pinyin and basic characters through interactive lessons, exercises, and games, covering pronunciation, writing, vocabulary, and phonetic recognition. Start your Chinese learning journey today with step-by-step lessons and fun activities to boost retention and motivation.

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16
Chinese Writer by trainchinese
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Play to learn Chinese writing!
Free

Learn Chinese writing effortlessly with an engaging app. Practice over 5,600 characters through interactive games, stroke-order diagrams, and audio pronunciations. Suitable for learners of all levels, create custom packs, track progress, and share achievements with friends. Enjoy the beauty of Chinese writing with this educational and addictive tool.

📚 Education
(375)
17
HSK1 Learn Chinese Chinesimple
HSK1 Learn Chinese Chinesimple
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Your Course to HSK Success
Free

Learn Chinese with Chinesimple, an all-encompassing app that helps you master Chinese language with over 5,000 words, 2,000 common phrases, grammar lessons, flashcards, writing practice, pronunciation exercises, and more. Start learning for free, save time and money, and be environmentally friendly with this comprehensive language learning tool.

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(327)
18
Translate Photo & Camera Scan
Translate Photo & Camera Scan
Translate Photo & Camera Scan
OCR Scanner: Image Translator
Free

Easily translate text from photos into various languages with just a snap. Effortlessly understand foreign languages on the go by translating text captured in images. Try it now for quick and accurate translations!

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19
Hanzii: Learn Chinese & HSK
Hanzii: Learn Chinese & HSK
Hanzii: Learn Chinese & HSK
중국어 학습 · 한자 · 단어장 · HSK 대비
Free

Discover a robust Mandarin Chinese dictionary app equipped with comprehensive features for learning and understanding the language. Immerse yourself in a wealth of resources to enhance your Chinese proficiency.

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20
Hi Translate
Hi Translate
Hi Translate
Text, Camera, Voice Translate
Free

A powerful translation app offering text, camera, and voice translation for over 100 languages, making communication seamless across different languages. Features include text input, image translation, and face-to-face communication, with subscription options available. Explore the world with ease using Hi Translate!

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