Du Chinese alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Du Chinese: not a full course, and full library needs a subscription. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Du Chinese, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. HelloChinese currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	HelloChinese	Free plan + paid	No	iOS, Android	3 of 3	66.5
2	LingQ	Free plan + paid	No	Web, iOS, Android +1	3 of 3	62.6
3	Anki	Open source	Yes	Windows, macOS, Linux +3	5 of 5	57.2
4	Migaku	Paid	No	Browser extension, iOS, Android	3 of 3	55.3

1. HelloChineseTop pick
Best for: Beginners who want a fun, structured start in Mandarin Chinese
Free plan + paidiOS, Android
66.5
score / 100
Why switch from Du Chinese
Structured beginner course to learn the basics first.
Pros
Built specifically for Mandarin
Speech recognition for tones and pronunciation
Character handwriting practice
Cons
Content thins out past upper-beginner
Full course needs a subscription
Mandarin only
Visit HelloChinese Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.3100
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is HelloChinese a good Du Chinese alternative?
Verified facts
3 of 3 verified
Users
20,000,000+
Checked Oct 25, 2026hellochinese.cc(opens source in a new tab)
Skills covered
Reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, grammar
Checked Oct 25, 2026hellochinese.cc(opens source in a new tab)
Speech recognition
Yes
Checked Oct 25, 2026hellochinese.cc(opens source in a new tab)
2. LingQ
Best for: Intermediate learners who want to learn through lots of reading and listening
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android, Browser extension
62.6
score / 100
Why switch from Du Chinese
Read and import content in Chinese and 50+ other languages.
Pros
Import articles, books and videos as lessons
Tracks known words across everything you read
Supports 50+ languages
Cons
Cluttered interface
Free account limits saved words
Not suited to complete beginners or speaking
Visit LingQ Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.387
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is LingQ a good Du Chinese alternative?
Verified facts
3 of 3 verified
Learners
5M+
Checked Oct 25, 2026lingq.com(opens source in a new tab)
Languages
More than 50
Checked Oct 25, 2026lingq.com(opens source in a new tab)
Co-founder
Steve Kaufmann
Checked Oct 25, 2026lingq.com(opens source in a new tab)
3. Anki
Best for: Self-directed learners who want free, customisable spaced-repetition flashcards
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web
57.2
score / 100
Why switch from Du Chinese
Free flashcards to review saved words long term.
Pros
Free and open source on desktop and Android
Highly customisable cards and scheduling
Large library of shared decks and add-ons
Cons
Dated interface and steep learning curve
Official iOS app is paid
You must build or choose decks yourself
Visit Anki Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.369
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Anki a good Du Chinese alternative?
Verified facts
5 of 5 verified
Sync
Free AnkiWeb sync
Checked Oct 25, 2026apps.ankiweb.net(opens source in a new tab)
Desktop price
Free on Windows, Mac and Linux
Checked Oct 25, 2026apps.ankiweb.net(opens source in a new tab)
Android app
AnkiDroid, free
Checked Oct 25, 2026apps.ankiweb.net(opens source in a new tab)
iOS app
AnkiMobile, paid, funds development
Checked Oct 25, 2026apps.ankiweb.net(opens source in a new tab)
Deck size
Handles 100,000+ cards
Checked Oct 25, 2026apps.ankiweb.net(opens source in a new tab)
4. Migaku
Best for: Intermediate learners, especially of Japanese or Chinese, learning from shows and web content
PaidBrowser extension, iOS, Android
55.3
score / 100
Why switch from Du Chinese
Learn from Chinese shows and websites with one-click cards.
Pros
One-click flashcards with audio and screenshots
Interactive subtitles on streaming sites
Tracks known words across everything you consume
Cons
Overwhelming for complete beginners
Paid subscription for real use
Browser features need Chrome
Visit Migaku Details and reviews
How this score is calculated
Editorial fit ×0.363
Reviews ×0.363
Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
Freshness ×0.1585
Votes ×0.150
0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula
Is Migaku a good Du Chinese alternative?
Verified facts
3 of 3 verified
Money-back guarantee
10 days
Checked Oct 25, 2026migaku.com(opens source in a new tab)
Browser extension
Chrome
Checked Oct 25, 2026migaku.com(opens source in a new tab)
Free account
Yes
Checked Oct 25, 2026migaku.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Du Chinese alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Best Du Chinese alternative for most people

HelloChinese

Structured beginner course to learn the basics first.