10 Best Free Online Chinese Classes for Beginners in 2025

Are you searching for the best free Chinese classes online? You can start learning with Coachers.org, Duolingo, HelloChinese, Yoyo Chinese, Coursera (Peking University), edX (Tsinghua University), ChinesePod, Memrise, Mandarin Click, and FreeChineseLessons.com. Each website has something different to offer. Some have real teachers and live tutors. Others give you fun lessons, phone apps, or business Chinese choices. You can learn mandarin online with great teachers, try a free class, and talk to tutors who help beginners learn basic Chinese. Free online Chinese lessons make it simple for any beginner to begin. Try a free class and see why these are the best free Chinese lessons for beginners.

Key Takeaways

• Many free websites have beginner Chinese lessons. They use apps, videos, live classes, and podcasts.

• Pick a way to learn that you like best. You can play games, practice speaking, or watch videos with real teachers.

• Make clear goals for learning Chinese. This helps you choose lessons for travel, work, or tests.

• Practice a little bit each day. This helps you get better at speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

• Try free trial classes or lessons on different websites. This helps you find teachers and tools that keep you interested and help you do well.

Free Chinese Classes Online: Quick Comparison

Platforms and Formats

When you look for free Chinese classes online, you will see many choices. Each platform helps you learn in its own way. Some let you use apps on your phone. Others have websites or YouTube videos. Some even have real teachers who talk to you live. Here is a quick chart that shows how each platform gives free lessons:

Tip: Try out different platforms to find what you like. Some people learn best with videos. Others like using apps or joining live classes.

Key Features and Strengths

You should pick free Chinese classes that fit how you learn best. Every platform has something special for students. Coachers.org lets you learn with live teachers. Duolingo and Memrise use games and short lessons to keep you interested. HelloChinese helps you practice speaking and writing. Yoyo Chinese and Mandarin Click teach with videos about real life. Coursera and edX have university courses for a strong start. ChinesePod lets you listen to podcasts and learn anywhere. FreeChineseLessons.com has free resources and easy lessons for beginners.

Some platforms help you with speaking and listening. Others help you learn new words or business Chinese. You can also find classes that teach you to write Chinese characters step by step. No matter what you want, there is a platform for you. With so many free choices, you can start learning Mandarin now and find the best way to reach your goals.

Free Online Chinese Lessons: Top 10 Reviews

Coachers.org

You want to learn Chinese with real teachers and flexible options. Coachers.org gives you that and more. You can join live classes with expert tutors who know how to help beginners. The platform offers both group and 1-on-1 sessions. You get structured lessons that fit your needs. You can pick conversational Chinese or business Chinese. The teachers use role-play and real-life situations, so you practice speaking and listening right away.

You can start with a free trial class. This lets you meet your tutor and see how the lessons work. The teachers give you feedback and help you set goals. You can also get progress reports to track your learning. Coachers.org makes it easy to schedule classes online. You can learn from anywhere. If you want to become a teacher, you can join their “Become a Coacher” program and get certified. Many learners say the tutors are friendly and patient. You will feel supported every step of the way.

Tip: Try a free trial class to see how Coachers.org matches you with the right teachers for your goals.

Duolingo

Duolingo is a popular app for learning Chinese. You can use it on your phone or computer. The lessons feel like games. You earn points and unlock new levels as you go. The app helps you learn basic Chinese words and phrases. You can practice reading, listening, and speaking. The app uses short, structured lessons, so you never feel overwhelmed.

You do not need to pay to start. The free version gives you access to all the main lessons. You can study at your own pace. The app also sends reminders to help you build a daily habit. There are no live tutors or teachers, but the app’s design keeps you motivated. Many people like Duolingo because it is fun and easy to use.

HelloChinese

HelloChinese is another great app for beginners. You can download it for free and start learning right away. The app uses games, voice recognition, and quizzes to help you learn. You can practice speaking, listening, and writing Chinese characters. The lessons are short and focused, so you can learn even if you have only a few minutes.

The app has structured lessons that guide you step by step. You can track your progress and review what you have learned. HelloChinese also lets you try a free trial class with real tutors if you want extra help. Many users say the app feels friendly and the teachers are helpful. You will find it easy to start learning Chinese, even if you know nothing yet.

Yoyo Chinese

Yoyo Chinese offers video lessons with real teachers. The main teacher, Yangyang, explains Chinese in a simple way. You can watch the videos on their website or YouTube channel. The lessons cover basic Chinese, pronunciation, and grammar. You can also learn about Chinese culture.

The videos feel like a classroom, but you can pause and replay them anytime. The teachers use clear examples and speak slowly. You can follow along and repeat after them. Yoyo Chinese gives you free lessons to start. If you want more, you can buy extra courses. Many learners like the friendly style of the teachers and the easy-to-follow lessons.

Coursera (Peking University)

Coursera partners with Peking University to offer free online Chinese lessons. You can join the course and learn from top university teachers. The lessons use videos, quizzes, and practice exercises. You can study at your own pace. The teachers explain basic Chinese words, grammar, and pronunciation.

You can try a free trial class and see if you like the course. The platform also lets you interact with other students in discussion forums. Many people say the teachers are clear and the lessons are well-organized. If you want a strong start with Chinese, this course is a good choice. You can also get a certificate if you finish the course and pay a small fee.

edX (Tsinghua University)

edX offers free Chinese courses from Tsinghua University. You can audit the courses without paying. The lessons use many videos to teach you basic Chinese. You can watch the videos online and learn at your own speed. The teachers explain key words and phrases.

Some learners say the courses are not as interactive as others. The lessons focus on watching videos, so you may not get as much practice speaking or listening. Many people find Coursera’s Peking University courses more engaging. Still, edX is a good place to start if you want free access to university-level Chinese lessons. You can try a free trial class and see if the style fits you.

ChinesePod

ChinesePod gives you free online Chinese lessons through podcasts and videos. You can listen to the lessons anywhere—on your phone, computer, or tablet. The teachers talk about real-life topics, so you learn words and phrases you can use right away. The lessons range from beginner to advanced.

You can try a free trial class to see how the platform works. The teachers speak clearly and explain new words. You can also join live sessions with tutors if you want more help. Many learners like the flexible format and the friendly teachers. You can pick the topics that interest you most.

Memrise

Memrise is an app and website that helps you learn Chinese with games and flashcards. You can use the free version to access many lessons. The app uses spaced repetition to help you remember new words. You can watch videos of native speakers and practice your pronunciation.

The lessons are short and fun. You can learn at your own pace. The app does not have live tutors, but the videos help you hear real Chinese. Many users say the app makes learning feel like a game. You can track your progress and review old lessons anytime.

Mandarin Click (YouTube)

Mandarin Click is a YouTube channel with free Chinese lessons. The teachers use simple language and real-life examples. You can watch videos about greetings, shopping, travel, and more. The lessons are short and easy to follow.

You do not need to sign up or pay. Just go to YouTube and start watching. The teachers speak slowly and repeat key phrases. You can pause and practice as much as you want. Many learners like the relaxed style and the friendly teachers. You can learn at your own speed.

FreeChineseLessons.com

FreeChineseLessons.com gives you free online Chinese lessons for beginners. The website has structured lessons on basic Chinese words, grammar, and pronunciation. You can read the lessons or listen to audio clips. The teachers explain each topic step by step.

You can start with a free trial class if you want to practice with tutors. The site also has quizzes and practice exercises. Many people say the lessons are clear and easy to understand. You can use the site to build a strong foundation in Chinese.

Note: Try different platforms to find the teachers and tutors who match your learning style. Free online Chinese lessons make it easy to start your journey today!

Online Beginner Chinese Lessons: How to Choose

Assess Your Learning Style

You learn best when you know your style. Do you like watching videos? Maybe you enjoy talking with teachers or tutors. Some people remember words by writing them down. Others need to hear them out loud. Try a few different ways. You might like using an app, joining a live class, or watching YouTube lessons. Think about what helps you remember new Chinese words. If you like speaking, look for classes with real teachers and tutors. If you like games, try an app with fun lessons.

Set Your Goals

Ask yourself why you want to learn Chinese. Do you want to travel, talk to friends, or use Chinese for work? Maybe you want to pass a test. Write down your goals. This helps you stay on track. If you want to speak with people, choose lessons that focus on talking and listening. If you want to read or write, find classes that teach characters. Teachers and tutors can help you set small goals and celebrate your progress.

Compare Features

Not all online beginner Chinese lessons are the same. Make a list of what matters most to you. Do you want live classes with teachers? Do you need flexible times? Some platforms offer business Chinese. Others focus on daily conversation. Use this table to compare:

Tip: Try a free class before you decide. See if the teachers and tutors match your style.

Maximize Online Flexibility

Online learning gives you freedom. You can study at home, at a café, or while traveling. Pick a platform that fits your schedule. Coachers.org lets you book sessions with teachers and tutors from anywhere. You can join group classes or get 1-on-1 help. If you need to change your time, just reschedule. The best ways to learn mandarin use online tools and real teachers. You get support from tutors who care about your progress.

Remember: The right online beginner Chinese lessons make learning easy and fun. Choose teachers and tutors who help you reach your goals.

Learn Mandarin Online: FAQs

Got questions about learning Mandarin online? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common things people ask:

1. How do I start learning Mandarin online?

You can start by picking a platform that matches your style. Try a free class on Coachers.org or download an app like Duolingo or HelloChinese. Watch a few YouTube videos or listen to a podcast. See what feels right for you.

2. Do I need to know any Chinese before I begin?

Nope! Most online classes start with the basics. You’ll learn greetings, numbers, and simple words first. Teachers and apps guide you step by step.

3. How often should I practice?

Practice a little every day. Even 10–15 minutes helps. Daily practice builds strong habits and helps you remember new words.

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget to practice!

4. Can I really learn to speak Chinese online?

Yes, you can! Many platforms offer speaking practice. Coachers.org gives you live sessions with real teachers. Apps use voice recognition to help you say words out loud.

5. What if I get stuck or feel lost?

Don’t worry. Everyone feels stuck sometimes. Ask your teacher or tutor for help. Use discussion forums or chat features if your platform has them. Take a short break, then try again.

6. How do I stay motivated?

Set small goals. Celebrate when you reach them. Try different lesson types—videos, games, or live classes. Learning with a friend can also keep you going.

Remember: Every learner moves at their own pace. You’ve got this!

You have so many great ways to start learning chinese online. If you want unlimited coaching, expert teachers, and flexible lessons, Coachers.org stands out. You can join group or 1-on-1 sessions, use interactive tools, and even become a certified Coacher. Ready to begin your chinese journey? Take the next step and Join Coachers.org today! 🚀

FAQ

How long does it take to learn basic Chinese online?

You can learn basic Chinese in a few months if you practice every day. Start with simple words and phrases. Use apps, videos, or live classes. Everyone learns at a different speed, so go at your own pace.

Do I need special software or equipment?

No, you do not need anything special. You just need a phone, tablet, or computer with internet. Most classes work in your browser or with a free app. A notebook helps you remember new words.

Tip: Use headphones for better sound during live classes!

Can I learn Chinese for free without paying later?

Yes! Many platforms offer free lessons for beginners. You can use apps, watch YouTube videos, or join free trial classes. Some sites have paid extras, but you can learn a lot without spending money.

What if I make mistakes while learning?

Making mistakes is normal. You learn faster when you try and correct yourself. Teachers and apps help you fix errors. Do not worry about being perfect. Just keep practicing and you will improve.

Is it possible to practice speaking with real people online?

Yes, you can! Many platforms, like Coachers.org, offer live classes with real teachers. You can join group sessions or book 1-on-1 lessons. Speaking with others helps you build confidence and learn faster.