Best Chinese Learning Characters Apps

238+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.5 avg rating
19 free apps
Updated September 2026

Out of 238+ chinese learning characters apps on iOS, 19 are free and the rest sit in the paid tier. This page sorts them so you can compare both sides before you commit.

Compare top Chinese Learning Characters Apps (September 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Hanzio: Learn ChineseHanzio: Learn ChineseFree5.0★ (2)YesYesSep 2026
2I Learn Chinese CharactersI Learn Chinese Characters$4.994.6★ (30)NoNoAug 2026
3ChineseSkill - Learn ChineseChineseSkill - Learn ChineseFree4.8★ (15K)NoYesSep 2026
4iLearn Chinese Characters LiteiLearn Chinese Characters LiteFree4.4★ (42)NoNoAug 2026
5Hanzishu - learn ChineseHanzishu - learn ChineseFree5.0★ (3)NoNoMay 2026
6Learn Chinese CharactersLearn Chinese CharactersFree1.0★ (1)NoYesMay 2026
7trainchinesetrainchineseFree4.7★ (2.2K)YesYesSep 2026
8Learn Chinese RadicalLearn Chinese RadicalFree5.0★ (2)NoNoMay 2026

Top Picks for Chinese Learning Characters

I Learn Chinese Characters#2

I Learn Chinese Characters by YOYASOFT LLC

Read and Write Chinese
Strong Contender
📚 Education
4.6😊(30 ratings)
$4.99
I Learn Chinese Characters screenshot 1
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I Learn Chinese Characters screenshot 3
I Learn Chinese Characters screenshot 4
I Learn Chinese Characters screenshot 5
I Learn Chinese Characters screenshot 6

Learn Chinese characters by understanding their pictographic origins. This app teaches pronunciation, writing, and grammar through interactive practice and progressive study modes.

What We Love

  • 👍 Great for learning characters
  • ✍️ Shows stroke order and writing practice
  • 🧠 Explains character etymology and history
  • 🎧 Provides pronunciation audio
  • 📚 Useful for serious learners
  • ✨ Interactive and engaging
  • 💯 Well-designed and informative
  • 💰 Good value for money
  • 💡 Clear explanations and examples
  • ✅ Progressive study format
  • 🌟 Highly recommended by users
  • 📚 Handy reference tool
  • 📝 Good for practicing writing
  • 🚀 Fast and easy to use
  • 💡 Detailed character explanations
  • 👍 Customer service responsiveness

Room to Improve

  • 📉 Limited content/characters
  • 🐛 Stroke recognition bugs
  • 🤔 Percentage learned status deceptive
  • ✍️ Writing practice not always available
  • 🧐 Errors in English text in later lessons
  • 🐌 Slow recognition of strokes
  • 📚 Not ideal for quick study or grammar
  • 🤷‍♂️ Character selection unclear
  • 🖱️ UI could be improved/too much navigation
  • 🚫 Does not teach grammar or reading extensively
  • 🗣️ Lacks sentence practice within the app
ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese#3

ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese by YIYAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

#1 Mandarin & Cantonese App
Worth Considering
📚 Education
4.8😊(15K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese screenshot 1
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ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese screenshot 6

Master Mandarin Chinese with interactive lessons, smart reviews, and AI-powered speaking practice. Learn Pinyin, Hanzi, vocabulary, and grammar for work, travel, or HSK exams. Improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

What We Love

  • 👍 Great app for learning Chinese
  • 🚀 Comprehensive and effective learning approach
  • 💡 Helpful explanations and grammar notes
  • 👍 Engaging and fun learning experience
  • 👍 Versatile features (pinyin, characters, writing practice)
  • 👍 Excellent value, lots of free content

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
  • 🔒 Concerns about subscription cancellation and account issues
  • 💰 Paid subscription required to access all features
  • 🤔 Some lessons feel repetitive or lack progression
  • 💬 Desire for more audio/speech practice features

More Chinese Learning Characters apps to explore

FAQ about Chinese Learning Characters

What are the best chinese learning characters apps for iPhone?
Hanzio: Learn Chinese tops our chinese learning characters apps ranking as of September 2026, with a 5.0-star average from 2 App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 19 of the top chinese learning characters apps we rank are free to download, including Hanzio: Learn Chinese and ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese.
Hanzio: Learn Chinese shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of September 2026.
We track 238+ chinese learning characters apps on the iOS App Store as of September 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Hanzio uses spaced repetition and active recall to help users memorize Chinese characters. Users are tested on meaning, pinyin, writing, and audio pronunciation, ensuring deep learning.
Yes, Hanzio allows users to earn XP, level up, and maintain study streaks. It also features leaderboards for friendly competition with friends.