Top HSK apps compared

Pricing as of early 2026; check each app's site for current rates.

What makes a great HSK app?

Most HSK apps look similar on the surface. The ones that actually help you pass break down into four must-have features:

1. Native-speaker audio, not text-to-speech. The HSK listening section uses real native recordings at native speed. If your app only has TTS, your ear won't be ready. All 5000 audio recordings on our site are real native speakers.
2. The full official vocabulary list. The HSK 3.0 (2021) list has 5000 words across 6 levels. Many apps quietly use the older 2010 list (5,000 words) or skip words. We include every word — see HSK 1, HSK 2, HSK 3, HSK 4, HSK 5, HSK 6.
3. Spaced repetition (SRS). The single most effective memorization technique. Without it, you'll forget 70% of what you learn within a week. Our flashcards use a simplified SM-2 algorithm — the same one Anki uses.
4. Quizzes and listening practice. Active recall (quizzing yourself) is 2–3x more effective than passive review. Our site has both vocabulary quizzes and listening practice built in.

Why HSK Core has no paid tier

HSK Core exists because the underlying data is open: the vocabulary comes from the open-source complete-hsk-vocabulary project (MIT licensed), and the native audio is sourced from open Anki HSK decks. We didn't create the content — we just packaged it into a faster, no-install web app with SRS, quizzes, and listening practice.

If you find the site useful, the best way to support it is to actually use it to study and pass your HSK test. That's the whole point.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best HSK app?

It depends on your goal. For pure vocabulary memorization with native audio, our HSK Core is hard to beat — every HSK 1–6 word with real native-speaker pronunciation, spaced repetition, and quizzes, no signup needed. For structured courses with video lessons, consider Skritter or ChinesePod. For HSK-specific test prep, the official Hanban mock tests are essential.

Is there an HSK app?

Yes — HSK Core is available with no signup required, no ads, and no premium tier. You get all 5,000+ HSK 1–6 words, native audio, SRS flashcards, quizzes, and listening practice. Most other entry-level HSK apps use freemium pricing: they let you study HSK 1, then charge for higher levels.

Which HSK app has the best audio?

Apps with native-speaker MP3 recordings (rather than text-to-speech) sound the most natural. HSK Core uses native recordings sourced from open Anki HSK decks — 5000 of 5000 words have real audio. Pleco and Skritter also use native audio. Avoid apps that only offer synthesized TTS — it sounds robotic and doesn't match real HSK test audio.

Can I use Anki for HSK?

Yes, Anki is excellent for HSK vocabulary. The downside: you need to install the Anki app, find or build a deck, and sync it to your phone. HSK Core uses the same spaced-repetition algorithm and the same native audio (sourced from open Anki decks), but runs in your browser with no install — see our <a href="/hsk-1-vocabulary">HSK 1 vocabulary page</a> for a side-by-side comparison.

What's the best HSK app for beginners?

For absolute beginners (HSK 1), look for: (1) native audio on every word, (2) pinyin + English translation, (3) simple flashcards with spaced repetition, (4) low cost or no paid plan. HSK Core checks all four. Duolingo's Chinese course is also beginner-friendly but doesn't follow the HSK curriculum.

Is Pleco good for HSK?

Pleco is an excellent Chinese dictionary app with HSK vocabulary lists built in. It's best used as a lookup tool and for studying words you encounter in real text. For systematic HSK-level study with spaced repetition and listening practice, HSK Core is more efficient.

How much do HSK apps cost?

No-cost options: HSK Core (all features), Duolingo (freemium), HelloChinese (freemium). Paid: Skritter ~$15/month, ChinesePod ~$14–39/month, Pleco bundles $10–30 one-time. For most learners, an HSK app with native audio plus official Hanban mock tests is enough to pass any HSK level.