Best Read Chinese Apps

236+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated May 2026

Finding the right read chinese apps can be overwhelming with so many options. We've analyzed 236+ apps to bring you the best choices for 2026, from free options to premium solutions with advanced features.

Compare top Read Chinese Apps (May 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Du Chinese: Read&Learn ChineseDu Chinese: Read&Learn ChineseFree4.9★ (4.4K)NoYesJul 2026
2HelloChinese - Learn ChineseHelloChinese - Learn ChineseFree4.9★ (22K)NoYesJul 2026
3Pleco Chinese DictionaryPleco Chinese DictionaryFree4.7★ (1.9K)NoYesJul 2026
4Read BeanRead BeanFree4.9★ (278)NoYesJul 2026
5Readibu - Chinese novel readerReadibu - Chinese novel readerFree4.8★ (149)NoYesJul 2026
6Chineasy: Learn Chinese easilyChineasy: Learn Chinese easilyFree4.8★ (9.3K)YesYesJul 2026
7TCB | Read Chinese to LearnTCB | Read Chinese to LearnFree4.6★ (546)NoYesJun 2026
8ChineseSkill - Learn ChineseChineseSkill - Learn ChineseFree4.8★ (15K)NoYesJul 2026

Top Picks for Read Chinese

Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese#1

Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese by Sinamon AB

Read Mandarin at any level
Editor's Choice
📚 Education
4.9😊(4.4K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese screenshot 1
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese screenshot 2
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese screenshot 3
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese screenshot 4
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese screenshot 5
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese screenshot 6

Learn Mandarin Chinese through engaging stories with integrated tools for reading and listening comprehension. Access definitions, pinyin, native audio, and translations instantly. Build vocabulary with a built-in dictionary and flashcards.

What We Love

  • 👍 Excellent reading and listening practice
  • 🚀 Intuitive and easy to use interface
  • 💡 Variety of content and levels
  • 👍 Helpful features like pinyin, translations, and flashcards

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Subscription is considered expensive by some
  • 🔒 Limited access to premium content without subscription
  • 💡 Need more advanced or longer-form stories
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese#2

HelloChinese - Learn Chinese by HelloChinese Technology Co., Ltd.

#1 Chinese Learning App
Strong Contender
📚 Education
4.9😊(22K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
#98in Education
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese screenshot 1
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese screenshot 2
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese screenshot 3
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese screenshot 4
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese screenshot 5
HelloChinese - Learn Chinese screenshot 6

This app offers a fun and effective way to learn Mandarin Chinese from beginner to conversational levels. It combines game-based lessons, stories, videos, and speech recognition to help you master pronunciation, characters, and practical conversations while exploring Chinese culture.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Easy to learn
  • 👍 Engaging and fun
  • 👍 Helpful for beginners
  • 👍 Good for pronunciation practice

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent speech recognition
  • 🐛 Audio quality issues in some videos
  • 💰 Paywall limits access to full content
Pleco Chinese Dictionary#3

Pleco Chinese Dictionary by Pleco Inc.

Handwriting, OCR, flashcards
Worth Considering
🔍 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

This app is a comprehensive tool for learning Chinese, offering integrated dictionaries, document reading, and flashcard features. It supports various input methods including handwriting and OCR, with extensive dictionary options and pronunciation guides.

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

More Read Chinese apps to explore

4
Read Bean
Read Bean
Read Bean
Daily Graded Chinese Readings
Free

Master Chinese with authentic, graded readings and interactive exercises. Tailored lessons adapt to your HSK level, offering vocabulary drills, grammar practice, and AI-powered speaking roleplays. Get instant translation and pronunciation support.

Authentic graded readingsHSK 1-6 level adaptationInteractive drills and exercises
📚 Education
(278)
free with in-app purchases
5
Readibu - Chinese novel reader
Readibu - Chinese novel reader
Readibu - Chinese novel reader
Read Chinese web novels
Free

Access a vast library of Chinese web novels, short stories, and children's tales. Enhance your learning with integrated dictionary lookups, text-to-speech, and pinyin display. Premium features offer advanced tools like sentence translation and offline reading for an immersive language learning experience.

Explore Chinese web novelsTap for character definitionsReader mode for web pages
📚 Education
(149)
freemium
6
Chineasy: Learn Chinese easily
Chineasy: Learn Chinese easily
Chineasy: Learn Chinese easily
Map your way to learn Chinese
Free

Learn Chinese characters and vocabulary through visual aids and a unique building block method. This app breaks down the language into manageable lessons, making it easy to understand and remember, while also exploring Chinese culture. Suitable for all levels, it offers games and SRS reviews for efficient learning.

Visual learning of Chinese charactersBuilding block vocabulary methodBite-sized lessons
📚 Education
(9.3K)
free with in-app purchases
7
TCB | Read Chinese to Learn
TCB | Read Chinese to Learn
TCB | Read Chinese to Learn
Chinese Reading, Graded News
Free

This app offers over 9,500 news-based lessons to enhance Chinese reading skills. It provides content for all proficiency levels, with daily updates and features like offline study and a one-tap dictionary. Improve fluency and vocabulary through interactive exercises and detailed lesson breakdowns.

9,500+ news-based lessonsOffline study modeOne-tap dictionary
📚 Education
(546)
freemium
8
ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese
ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese
ChineseSkill - Learn Chinese
#1 Mandarin & Cantonese App
Free

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.

Gamified bite-sized lessonsNative-speaker audio & videoHandwriting practice
📚 Education
(15K)
free with in-app purchases
9
BaoBao: Learn Mandarin Chinese
BaoBao: Learn Mandarin Chinese
BaoBao: Learn Mandarin Chinese
Read Stories, Audiobooks & AI
Free

Master Chinese reading and listening with authentic content like novels, news, and videos. Features include side-by-side translation, native audio, tap-to-translate, AI-powered flashcards, and gamified challenges. Suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Authentic books and audiobooksSide-by-side translationNative narration with adjustable speed
📚 Education
(175)
free with in-app purchases
10
SuperChinese - Learn Chinese
SuperChinese - Learn Chinese
SuperChinese - Learn Chinese
#1 Chinese Self-Study App
Free

Master Mandarin Chinese with an AI-powered app designed for all levels. Learn to speak, read, write, and listen through engaging lessons, animated videos, and speech recognition. Track your progress with proficiency tests and enjoy bite-sized learning sessions.

AI-powered learningSpaced repetitionAnimated videos
📚 Education
(3.5K)
free with in-app purchases
11
Skritter: Write Chinese
Skritter: Write Chinese
Skritter: Write Chinese
Learn Mandarin vocabulary fast
Free

Master Mandarin characters through interactive writing practice. Learn meanings, readings, and tones with curated decks for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Interactive character writing practiceLearn character meaning, reading, and toneTopic-based and difficulty-level decks
📚 Education
(800)
freemium
12
HSK Study and Exam - SuperTest
HSK Study and Exam - SuperTest
HSK Study and Exam - SuperTest
HSK Preparation and Mock
Free

Prepare for the HSK Mandarin Chinese proficiency exam with this comprehensive study tool. It offers practice questions, mock exams, vocabulary training, and detailed explanations for all six HSK levels. Achieve your goals for studying or working in China.

HSK vocabulary trainingPractice listening, reading, and writingDetailed answer explanations
📚 Education
(1K)
free with in-app purchases
13
Translate Photo & Camera Scan
Translate Photo & Camera Scan
Translate Photo & Camera Scan
OCR Scanner: Image Translator
Free

Instantly recognize and translate text from images in over 100 languages using advanced OCR and neural network technology. Perfect for travelers and language learners, it allows you to scan menus, signs, and documents with your phone's camera and get accurate translations.

Text recognition from imagesTranslate in over 100 languagesSmart document edge detection
🔧 Utilities
(11K)
free with in-app purchases
14
Hanzii: Learn Chinese & HSK
Hanzii: Learn Chinese & HSK
Hanzii: Learn Chinese & HSK
AI Tutor, Flashcard, Translate
Free

This AI-powered app offers a comprehensive suite for learning Chinese, including translation, a smart dictionary, flashcards, and exam preparation. It supports various learning methods and levels, from beginner to advanced HSK preparation.

AI-powered Chinese translationSmart Chinese dictionary with character breakdownsPersonalized flashcards and review system
📚 Education
(392)
free with in-app purchases
15
Daily Chinese: Grow Vocabulary
Daily Chinese: Grow Vocabulary
Daily Chinese: Grow Vocabulary
Learn Characters, Idioms, HSK
Free

This app uses a spaced-repetition algorithm to help you learn and retain Chinese vocabulary. It offers various question types, AI-generated example sentences, and word breakdowns to reinforce learning. Track your progress and build a strong foundation for mastering Chinese.

Spaced-repetition algorithmMultiple question typesAI example sentences
📚 Education
(231)
free with in-app purchases
16
Read Chinese - Learn Mandarin
Read Chinese - Learn Mandarin
Read Chinese - Learn Mandarin
Learn Mandarin Chinese stories
Free

Master Mandarin Chinese through engaging stories and phrases. This app offers voiced pronunciations, pinyin support, and detailed translations to enhance your learning journey. It's designed for users of all levels to build vocabulary and comprehension.

Read Mandarin storiesLearn Chinese phrasesPhrases sorted by HSK level
📚 Education
(5)
free with in-app purchases
17
Chinese Reading & Audio Books
Chinese Reading & Audio Books
Chinese Reading & Audio Books
For Beginners and Learners
Free

Learn Chinese through immersive reading and listening with a curated library of classic world literature. Improve vocabulary and pronunciation with hours of audiobooks, perfect for beginners and on-the-go learners.

12 reading booksHours of audiobooksBackground listening
📚 Education
(21)
free with in-app purchases
18
ChinesePro: Chinese Translator
ChinesePro: Chinese Translator
ChinesePro: Chinese Translator
Chinese,Text,Photo,Learning
Free

This app offers professional Chinese translation services, including voice, camera, and text translation. It's designed to assist with Chinese travel and language learning by facilitating real-time conversations and translating various forms of text.

Voice translationCamera translationConversation mode
🔍 Reference
(4K)
free with in-app purchases
19
Learn Chinese – Studycat
Learn Chinese – Studycat
Learn Chinese – Studycat
Learning Games for Kids
Free

This app offers interactive games and activities designed to help children learn Mandarin Chinese. It focuses on virtual language immersion and everyday vocabulary, encouraging early speaking skills through engaging challenges. The content is safe, ad-free, and suitable for offline use.

Interactive learning gamesVirtual language immersionEveryday vocabulary
📚 Education
(1K)
free with in-app purchases
20
LingQ | Изучение языков
LingQ | Изучение языков
LingQ | Изучение языков
Путь к свободному владению
Free

Learn languages naturally by reading and listening to real content. Expand your vocabulary and improve comprehension with interactive tools and AI-powered features. Supports over 50 languages and offers a global community for support.

Massive content libraryImport your own contentInteractive reader with word definitions
📚 Education
(10K)
free with in-app purchases

FAQ about Read Chinese

What are the best read chinese apps for iPhone?
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese tops our read chinese apps ranking as of May 2026, with a 4.9-star average from 4.4K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top read chinese apps we rank are free to download, including Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese and HelloChinese - Learn Chinese.
Du Chinese: Read&Learn Chinese has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of May 2026.
We track 236+ read chinese apps on the iOS App Store as of May 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Du Chinese is a language learning application designed to help users learn Mandarin Chinese through reading and listening to stories. It provides tools like instant word definitions, pinyin, native speaker audio, and sentence translations to facilitate comprehension and vocabulary building.
Key features include an extensive library of Mandarin Chinese stories and articles for all levels, instant access to pinyin, definitions, and translations, native speaker audio for all readings, a built-in dictionary and flashcard system for vocabulary reinforcement, and options for both Simplified and Traditional Chinese.

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