AppBreakup
Submit an app

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

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Anki logoAnkiOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 557.2
  1. Anki logo

    1. AnkiTop pick

    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)

The best Du Chinese alternative for…

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

HelloChinese logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for most people

HelloChinese

Structured beginner course to learn the basics first.

Anki logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for a free option

Anki

Free flashcards to review saved words long term.

LingQ logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

LingQ

Read and import content in Chinese and 50+ other languages.

Anki logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for open source

Anki

Free flashcards to review saved words long term.

Anki logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for Mac

Anki

Free flashcards to review saved words long term.

Anki logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for Windows

Anki

Free flashcards to review saved words long term.

Anki logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for Linux

Anki

Free flashcards to review saved words long term.

Migaku logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for iPhone and Android

Migaku

Learn from Chinese shows and websites with one-click cards.

Readlang logo

Best Du Chinese alternative for working in the browser

Readlang

Read any Chinese web text with click translations.

Du Chinese alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Du Chinese?

HelloChinese ranks first right now. Structured beginner course to learn the basics first. LingQ and Readlang follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Du Chinese?

Yes. HelloChinese (free plan + paid), LingQ (free plan + paid), Readlang (free plan + paid) and Anki (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Du Chinese?

Yes: Anki.

Which Du Chinese alternatives work on Linux?

Anki runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Du Chinese?

The complaints we hear most: not a full course; full library needs a subscription; no speaking practice.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Du Chinese, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.