Jul 1, 2026 · 1 min read
Best Chinese Learning Apps in 2026
Learning Mandarin in 2026 means choosing from dozens of apps, each promising fluency. The truth is simpler: no single app does everything. The best stack combines a dictionary, a course or reader, and something for long-term vocabulary retention.
Our top picks by goal
- Starting from zero: HelloChinese or ChineseSkill for structured HSK-aligned lessons
- Dictionary (essential): Pleco — install on day one
- Reading practice: Du Chinese for news-style articles, ReadChinese for HSK-leveled stories
- Vocabulary retention: Anki or Hack Chinese
- Speaking: italki for tutors, HelloTalk for free exchange
Browse the full curated list with pricing notes and skill tags on our Chinese Learning Apps directory.
How to combine apps
- Use a course app (HelloChinese) for your first 300 words and basic grammar
- Add graded reading (ReadChinese or Du Chinese) as soon as you know HSK 1 vocabulary
- Keep Pleco open for anything you do not recognize
- Move vocabulary into Anki for words you want to remember long-term
The post-beginner plateau hits when you stop adding input. Reading is usually the missing piece — see our reading resources for more options.