Top 10 Best Programs to Learn Chinese in 2025

Are you trying to find the best programs to learn chinese in 2025? Here is a short list to help you begin:

• Coachers.org – You get a coach and can pick your plan

• Duolingo Chinese – Lessons are fun and feel like games

• HelloChinese – You can practice speaking and get feedback

• Rosetta Stone – You learn by using the language a lot

• Yoyo Chinese – Watch videos and get easy explanations

• LingoDeer – Focuses on grammar and has organized lessons

• italki – Talk with native speakers in real conversations

• ChineseClass101 – Listen and watch lessons for every level

• Mandarin Blueprint – Uses pictures to help you remember

• ChinesePod – Learn with real-life conversations

Experts judge programs by these things:

• If they follow well-known rules for learning

• If tests fit your age and how you think

• If they mix language, culture, and real-life use

• If tools are easy for students and teachers to use

Online learning lets you go over lessons, chat in groups, and learn at your speed. If you want a coach who fits your needs, Coachers.org is a good choice. The best programs to learn chinese help you start where you are and help you improve.

Key Takeaways

• There are many good programs to learn Chinese. They use games, videos, or live coaching to teach you. Pick a program that matches your goals and level. Think about how you like to study. You might want to learn for fun, travel, or work. Apps like Duolingo and HelloChinese are good for beginners. They use games to make learning easy and fun. If you want help from a real person, try Coachers.org or italki. They have real coaches and lessons you can change to fit your needs. Try free trials and sample lessons first. This helps you find the best program for you and keeps you interested.

Coachers.org

Features

You get a lot of options with Coachers.org. You can pick between 1-on-1 or group coaching sessions. Every lesson matches your learning style and goals. The coaches have advanced degrees, so you always learn from experts. You can study from anywhere because everything happens online. If you want to learn with friends or coworkers, you can join group sessions. Kids get special lessons with games and fun activities. Professionals can choose business Chinese plans that focus on real work situations. You can switch or upgrade your plan as you grow. Coachers.org also gives you a free trial class, so you can see if the teaching style fits you.

Tip: You can choose between conversational, business, or exam prep Chinese lessons. This helps you focus on what matters most to you.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Personalized coaching for every learner

• Flexible scheduling fits your busy life

• Expert coaches with high-level degrees

• Options for both kids and adults

• Business Chinese plans for professionals

• Free trial class to test the platform

• Fully remote learning—study from anywhere

Cons:

• Premium plans may cost more than basic apps

Pricing

You can pick monthly or yearly plans. You can also upgrade as you need more support.

Best For

Coachers.org works best if you want a personal touch. If you like learning with a real coach, this is for you. It fits busy professionals, kids, and anyone who wants to learn Chinese for daily life or business. If you want to become a certified coach, you can train here too.

Duolingo Chinese

Features

Duolingo Chinese gives you a fun way to learn Mandarin. You can use it on your phone or computer. The app feels like a game, so you stay motivated. Here are some features that make Duolingo Chinese stand out:

• You get lots of pinyin help. This connects Chinese characters to how they sound, so you remember words better.

• Speaking exercises use a smart grading system. If you say a word right, Duolingo counts it—even if there are homophones.

• You can pick how you want to answer. Use a word bank or type with a keyboard. This helps you practice real Chinese input.

• Lessons mix things up. You do not get stuck with the same exercise over and over. This keeps learning fresh and interesting.

Duolingo also lets you set daily goals. You can track your progress with streaks and earn rewards. The app sends reminders, so you do not forget to practice.

Note: Many people started learning Chinese on Duolingo after TikTok got banned and Chinese social apps like Xiaohongshu became popular. In the U.S., new Mandarin learners on Duolingo jumped by 216%. You are not alone if you want to join in!

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Free to use for everyone

• Game-like lessons keep you coming back

• Short sessions fit into any schedule

• Good for beginners and casual learners

• Fun rewards and streaks boost motivation

Cons:

• Not much focus on grammar rules

• You may need extra practice for speaking and writing

Pricing

You can use Duolingo for free. If you want no ads and more features, you can try Duolingo Plus.

Best For

Duolingo Chinese works best if you want to start learning Mandarin in a fun, easy way. If you like games and want to practice a little each day, this app is for you. It fits busy students, travelers, and anyone who wants to learn at their own pace. If you want to build a daily habit, Duolingo makes it simple.

HelloChinese

Features

HelloChinese is a fun way to learn Mandarin. You can use it on your phone or tablet. The lessons feel like games, so you do not get bored. You can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The app checks your pronunciation with speech recognition. You listen to native speakers and repeat what they say. If you want to write, HelloChinese shows you how to draw each character.

You can set daily goals and see your progress. As you learn, you unlock new levels. The app has pinyin courses and simple stories. These help you build a strong base in Chinese. Many people feel more confident speaking after a few months. Surveys show users improved fluency by 40% in three months.

Tip: Use the speech recognition tool. It helps you sound more like a native speaker.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lessons are fun and feel like games

• Good for beginners and early learners

• Speech recognition helps you say words right

• Teaches reading, writing, listening, and speaking

• You can track your progress and set daily goals

Cons:

• Not much for advanced learners

• Does not teach hard grammar or big vocabulary

Pricing

You can start learning for free. If you want more features and no ads, you can get Premium.

Best For

HelloChinese is best if you are new or want to reach an intermediate level. The app is made for beginners and early learners. You get clear grammar help, pinyin, and lots of practice. If you want a strong start in Mandarin, this app is a good pick. Advanced learners may need other tools for harder topics.

Rosetta Stone

Features

Rosetta Stone gives you an immersive way to learn Chinese. You see pictures and hear words, so you start to think in Chinese instead of translating. The lessons use short, 10-minute chunks. You can fit them into your day, even if you are busy. The app uses TruAccent speech recognition. This tool checks your pronunciation and helps you sound more like a native speaker. You can download audio lessons and practice offline. If you want extra help, you can join live tutoring sessions with native speakers. The program also offers a 6-week study plan that matches your goals.

Tip: If you like learning by seeing and hearing, Rosetta Stone’s image-based approach might work well for you.

• The lessons focus on vocabulary and simple sentences.

• You get on-demand stories and videos read by native speakers.

• The app works on your phone or computer, so you can learn anywhere.

• You do not need to take a placement test to start.

Pros & Cons

Some users say the lessons feel like school and can get dull. If you need reminders or want more culture, you might want to try other apps.

Pricing

You can pick a plan that fits your budget and how long you want to study.

Best For

Rosetta Stone works best if you like to learn by seeing and hearing. Visual learners and people who want to practice pronunciation will enjoy it. If you want a step-by-step path and do not mind repetition, this program is a good fit. It is also helpful if you want to learn at your own pace and do not need a lot of cultural lessons. If you want live practice with native speakers, you will find that here too.

Yoyo Chinese

Features

Yoyo Chinese helps you learn Mandarin in a simple way. You start by learning to speak, so you can talk to people fast. The lessons use short videos, audio, and flashcards. A real teacher explains things in easy English. Each lesson has quizzes and review tools to help you practice. You can slow down the audio or listen at normal speed. The platform keeps track of your progress and shows your next steps. You can download study guides and use flashcards that repeat words over time. This helps you remember new words for longer.

Here’s how Yoyo Chinese teaches you:

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Short video lessons with real teachers

• You learn to speak first, so you can talk soon

• Good for English speakers with easy steps

• Progress tracking helps you keep going

• Downloadable guides and flashcards for more practice

Cons:

• No live speaking practice in the program

• Not much for advanced students

Tip: Try using Yoyo Chinese with a friend to practice talking. You will learn even more from the lessons.

Pricing

Yoyo Chinese lets you buy one course or get bundles for less money. Prices start at $29.99 for one course and go up to $299 for all courses. You get to keep any course you buy forever. Sometimes, you can try free sample lessons before you pay.

Best For

Yoyo Chinese is great if you want to learn Mandarin step by step. It works best for:

• Busy adults who need flexible lessons

• English speakers who want simple explanations

• People who like videos, audio, and flashcards

• Beginners and intermediate students who want to speak in real life

If you want to learn spoken Chinese well and go at your own speed, Yoyo Chinese is a good pick.

LingoDeer

Features

LingoDeer gives you a smart way to learn Chinese. The app builds lessons step by step, so you never feel lost. You start with simple words and phrases, then move to harder topics as you get better. LingoDeer groups vocabulary by themes like colors, food, or countries. This makes it easier for you to remember new words. You use flashcards and spaced repetition, so you see tricky words more often and remember them longer.

The app lets you practice real-life situations. You might order food in a restaurant or talk about your family. After learning new patterns, you can create your own dialogues or try role-play. LingoDeer also uses adaptive learning. If you do well, lessons get harder. If you need more help, the app gives you extra practice. You get clear grammar tips, native speaker audio, and lots of different exercises.

Tip: You can slow down the audio or repeat speaking exercises as much as you want. This helps you learn at your own pace.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Logical lessons made by language experts

• Clear grammar explanations with examples

• Native speaker audio for every sentence

• Many exercise types keep things interesting

• Progress tracking and achievement awards

• Flexible writing system options for Chinese

• Extra practice with LingoDeer Plus app

Cons:

• You need to pay for full access

• No live teacher or group classes

Pricing

You can try some lessons for free before you decide.

Best For

LingoDeer works best if you want a serious, well-structured way to learn Chinese. If you like clear grammar help and want to build strong language skills, this app is for you. Self-motivated learners who enjoy daily practice will get the most out of it. If you want to focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking, LingoDeer gives you all the tools you need.

italki

Features

If you want to talk with real people and learn Chinese, italki gives you that chance. You can pick from over 1,000 native-speaking tutors. Each tutor has a profile with videos, reviews, and lesson plans. You get to choose who matches your style and goals. You can book lessons when you want, so your schedule stays flexible. Some tutors focus on conversation, while others help with grammar, business Chinese, or test prep. You can even try a discounted trial lesson before you decide. The platform lets you message tutors, set learning goals, and track your progress. You can also join the italki community to practice with other learners.

Tip: Try lessons with different tutors. You will hear new accents and teaching styles, which helps you understand Chinese better.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Huge choice of tutors and lesson styles

• Flexible scheduling—learn anytime

• One-on-one lessons for fast progress

• Tutors set their own prices, so you find options for any budget

• No monthly fee—you pay only for lessons you book

Cons:

• Quality can vary between tutors

• You need to stay motivated and plan your own learning

Pricing

You do not pay to join italki. You only pay for the lessons you book. Community tutors charge between $4 and $25 per hour. Professional teachers usually cost $10 to $80+ per hour. Most students spend $10 to $25 per lesson. Many tutors offer discounts if you buy a package of lessons. Trial lessons often cost less, so you can try before you commit.

Best For

You will like italki if you want real conversations with native speakers. It is great for self-motivated learners who want to set their own pace. If you want to focus on speaking, listening, or business Chinese, you can find a tutor who fits your needs. Italki works well for travelers, students, and professionals who want flexible, personal lessons without a big upfront cost.

ChineseClass101

Features

ChineseClass101 gives you a flexible way to learn Mandarin. You can pick from hundreds of audio and video lessons. Each lesson comes with transcripts, vocabulary lists, and review quizzes. You get to hear native speakers, so you learn real pronunciation and everyday phrases. The platform lets you download lessons for offline study. You can use the app or website, so you can learn anywhere. If you want extra help, you can sign up for personal feedback from teachers. The lessons cover all levels, from beginner to advanced. You can even set your own learning path and skip around as you like.

Tip: Try listening to the audio lessons during your commute. You can fit learning into your daily routine.

Pros & Cons

ChineseClass101 has some strong points. You get lots of practice with listening and vocabulary. The lessons focus on pronunciation, which helps you sound more natural. You can study offline, so you do not need Wi-Fi all the time. The course structure is flexible, so you can move at your own pace.

But there are a few things you should know. You do not get much writing practice. Some lessons use a lot of English, so you might not get full immersion. Feedback is limited unless you pay for a higher plan. Sometimes, you might see a lot of marketing messages.

Here is how users rate ChineseClass101:

Pricing

You can start with a free account. This gives you access to some lessons and features. If you want more, you can choose from three paid plans:

• Basic: About $8/month. You get all audio and video lessons.

• Premium: About $25/month. You unlock interactive tools, lesson notes, and quizzes.

• Premium Plus: About $47/month. You get everything in Premium plus personal teacher feedback.

You can save money with longer subscriptions.

Best For

ChineseClass101 works best if you like learning by listening. If you want to build your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation, you will enjoy this program. It fits busy people who want to study on the go. If you want to set your own pace and skip around lessons, this is a good choice. You might want to try something else if you need lots of writing practice or want full immersion.

Mandarin Blueprint

Features

Mandarin Blueprint gives you a new way to learn Chinese. You use spaced repetition and memory tricks to remember characters for a long time. The program works with Traverse, a smart app that helps you review words right when you need it. You see pictures and stories that make each character easy to remember. You also get mind maps and flashcards that change based on how well you know each word. The lessons include both reading and speaking practice, so you can use Chinese in real life. You can even import your own Anki decks and study on your phone.

Tip: The program adapts to your learning speed. If you find a word hard, you will see it more often until you know it well.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Uses science-backed memory tools like spaced repetition and visual mnemonics

• Personalized review system focuses on what you need most

• Mixes reading, listening, speaking, and writing

• Lets you study anywhere with mobile access

• Active recall and mind mapping help you remember faster

Cons:

• You need to stay motivated and practice often

• Some lessons may feel fast if you are brand new to Chinese

Pricing

You can try a free trial before you pay. This helps you see if the method fits your style.

Best For

Mandarin Blueprint works best if you want to learn Chinese in a smart, organized way. You will do well if you have a strong reason to learn and like to use both reading and speaking. This program fits you if you enjoy using pictures, stories, and memory tricks. It is great for independent learners who want to set their own pace. If you like to track your progress and use different tools, you will find Mandarin Blueprint helpful.

• Learners with clear goals or personal reasons for learning Mandarin

• People who like to mix reading, listening, and speaking

• Students who enjoy using flashcards, mind maps, and spaced repetition

• Anyone who wants a flexible, science-based way to master Chinese

If you want a program that adapts to you and makes learning fun, Mandarin Blueprint is a strong choice.

Best Programs to Learn Chinese: Quick Comparison

There are many programs to pick from. It can be hard to choose. This quick guide will help you compare them. The table below shows the main things you need to know. You can see features, prices, how easy they are, and who will like each one.

Tip: Think about what you want most. Do you like games, talking with people, or learning from a coach? Each program is special in its own way. Some are fun, some help with business, and some help you speak fast.

Prices and features are not the same for every program. Coachers.org gives you a coach and many plans. Duolingo and HelloChinese make learning feel like a game. If you want to talk to real people, try italki. If you like videos and stories, Yoyo Chinese or Mandarin Blueprint are good choices.

Pick a program that fits your goals and how you like to learn. Use this table to help you find the best one for you!

Honorable Mentions

Do you want more ways to learn Chinese? Here are some programs with special features. These honorable mentions are not in the top 10 list. You might like one if it matches your style. Each program is different. Some use news, calming sounds, or stories. There are no strict rules for picking these. They are here because they help certain learners in new ways.

Tip: Try a few of these if you want to change your study routine or work on one skill.

FluentU

FluentU uses real videos like music, news, and movies. You watch with interactive subtitles. Click any word to see what it means and how to use it. This shows you how people really talk.

Mondly

Mondly gives you short lessons every day. You practice speaking, listening, and reading. The app has voice recognition and a chatbot. You can track your progress and win rewards.

Lingopie

Lingopie helps you learn Chinese by watching TV and movies. You get subtitles you can click for quick translations. This makes learning fun and helps you hear real speech.

Coursera (Chinese for Beginners)

Coursera has a free course called "Chinese for Beginners." You learn at your own speed with videos and quizzes. The course teaches basic grammar and words.

Mandarin Corner

Mandarin Corner gives you free podcasts and videos. You can listen to slow, clear Chinese. Each episode has transcripts and word lists.

Pleco

Pleco is a strong Chinese dictionary app. You can look up words, practice writing, and use flashcards. Many learners use Pleco every day.

ChinesePod

ChinesePod has thousands of audio lessons. You pick your level and topic. Each lesson has transcripts and review tools. It is great for listening practice.

Mango Languages

Mango Languages teaches you useful phrases for real life. The lessons are short and focus on speaking and listening. You can use it on your phone or computer.

SuperChinese

SuperChinese uses AI to help you learn faster. The app gives you quick feedback on your pronunciation. You get lessons on grammar, words, and speaking.

Anki, Memrise, Skritter, ChineseSkill, Du Chinese, Chineasy Cards, Tandem

These apps help you practice words, reading, or writing. Anki and Memrise use flashcards. Skritter helps you write characters. Du Chinese and Chineasy Cards have stories and reading. Tandem lets you chat with native speakers.

Here is a quick look at how these honorable mentions are different from the top 10:

You can try these programs to make your Chinese learning more interesting!

There are lots of ways to learn Chinese. Each program has something different. Some feel like games. Others let you talk with real speakers. Think about what you want to do with Chinese. Are you learning for work, travel, or just for fun? Also, think about your level and how you like to study.

Coachers.org is special because you get coaching that fits you. The teachers are experts and plans are flexible. You can even train to be a Coacher. The support matches your needs and culture. Want to join people from all over the world and improve? Join Coachers.org today!

FAQ

What is the best way to start learning Chinese if I am a beginner?

You can start with an app or join a beginner class. Try simple lessons first. Practice speaking and listening every day. If you want help, book a free class on Coachers.org.

How much time should I spend learning Chinese each day?

Try to study for 15–30 minutes daily. Short, regular practice works better than long sessions once a week. You will remember more if you review often.

Tip: Set a daily reminder on your phone. Little steps add up!

Can I really learn to speak Chinese online?

Yes, you can! Many people learn Chinese online with apps, videos, and live coaches. You get to practice speaking, listening, and reading. Online programs like Coachers.org give you real feedback and support.

How do I choose the right Chinese program for me?

Think about your goals. Do you want to talk, travel, or work in China? Check your budget and how you like to learn. Try free trials or sample lessons. Pick the program that feels right for you.