5 Best Mandarin Learning Software in 2024

Mandarin Chinese language is rather difficult to learn and those aspired to take up such a challenge are searching for the best Mandarin learning software to simplify the process. Some years ago, students have to spend lots of time searching for hieroglyphs in dictionaries, matching syllables and tones, but nowadays the procedure is streamlined thanks to specifically developed programs. Now you can concentrate on a particular theme and have all the necessary info within easy reach.

Top 6 Mandarin Learning Software

  1. Du Chinese - To improve Chinese reading skills
  2. Pimsleur Chinese - Focuses heavily on correct pronunciation
  3. ChineseClass101 - The site features a host of learning tools
  4. Rocket Chinese - Is built around recorded audio in the form of dialogues
  5. Pleco - Provides the world's best Chinese dictionaries
  6. Promova - Gamified learning

Before looking for the best Mandarin learning software, you need to clarify your goals and preferences. Some programs are grammar-aimed, while others help you expand your vocabulary, improve listening and speaking skills, etc.

1. Du Chinese

To improve Chinese reading skills
  • Great for conversational Chinese
  • Solid grammar lessons
  • Covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening
  • None

Verdict: The Du Chinese Mandarin learning software is one of the popular and highly recommended Chinese language-learning software in the market today. In fact, it is considered to be a very easy and efficient way to learn Chinese. Like most of the available online learning platforms, it will help you know about basic Mandarin Chinese, but more importantly, it will help you learn the different Chinese tones and dialects. One of the main features of this software It will also make the learning process fun.

du chinesemandarin learning software interface

2. Pimsleur Chinese

Focuses heavily on correct pronunciation
  • Actually gets you speaking & listening
  • Functional vocabulary
  • Emphasizes pronunciation
  • Easy to use
  • Formal language

Verdict: Pimsleur Chinese has been a trusted language learning software in the language education field for several years. In fact, it is considered as one of the most popular and easy to use learning methods all over the world. Although it is mostly based on the traditional Chinese learning method it also follows some modern approaches and is becoming more flexible than the traditional way of learning.

One of the main reasons why traditional Chinese learning is hard is because it requires a lot of memorization. It also requires you to be able to string together many words quickly to communicate with people. Pimsleur Chinese will eliminate those two factors, making it easier for you to learn and more enjoyable.

pimsleur chinese mandarin learning software interface

3. ChineseClass101

The site features a host of learning tools
  • Over 1,200 podcast lessons
  • Free content
  • Lessons are fun and interesting
  • Built in flashcard system
  • No speaking required
  • Limited community features

Verdict: Chinese Class101 is one of the many excellent Chinese learning software programs. The idea behind this product is for the user to get an up to date understanding of Chinese and then to practice those skills in a variety of different situations.

The best part about Chinese Class101 is that the materials are professionally designed, so there are not the vague learning concepts that one often comes across when listening to an audio course or viewing a video. The materials include clear instructions with detailed examples, and the lessons are presented in a clear and concise manner, which makes them easy to follow and learn.

chineseclass101 mandarin learning software interface

4. Rocket Chinese

Is built around recorded audio
  • Teaches speaking & listening
  • Also for reading & writing
  • Balances practical vocabulary & grammar
  • Very comprehensive courses
  • Course can seem dry
  • It doesn’t appear new content is added to the courses
rocket chinese mandarin learning software logo
Rocket Chinese

Verdict: Rocket Chinese is one of the most popular Mandarin learning software programs and rightly so. It gives you a total immersion in the Chinese language and teaches you Chinese characters and phrases quickly and easily through its video-based lessons. The language learning software package also includes audio files that you can listen to as you study, which is great because it allows you to pace yourself and learn at your own pace. And with the numerous features offered by the package, the chances are very high that you will be able to easily progress through your Chinese learning.

rocket chinese mandarin learning software interface

5. Pleco

Provides the world's best Chinese dictionaries
  • Incredibly fast
  • Huge and growing collection of licensed dictionary databases
  • Insanely powerful / customizable system
  • Supports TXT/EPUB/DOC/PDF files
  • Only for mobile devices
pleco mandarin learning software logo
Pleco

Verdict: This language learning app is great for people who are a little busy and just don't have time to spend hours on a computer learning a new language. Pleco has two main parts: dictionaries make up one part and flashcards the other. Using a dictionary is very simple. In the input box on the toolbar, you can type using pinyin. If you don't know pinyin, then there is the option to use handwriting input.

pleco mandarin learning software interface

6. Promova

Gamified learning
  • Improves Chinese language skills
  • For all proficiency levels
  • Interactive lessons with natives
  • Covers all language aspects
  • Repetitive content
  • Subscription model
promova mandarin learning software logo
Promova

Verdict: Promova is turning out to be my favorite app for mastering Chinese, with its interactive lessons with natives that will enhance one's vocabulary and improve pronunciation and understanding of tones-all this over an extremely short period.

The app pushes me to practice every day, and I just have to carve out 10-15 minutes each day to study. This consistent practice has helped me build a very solid vocabulary base of about 1,000 essential words that are kind of a key milestone for a person starting to learn Chinese.

Another great aspect is the gamified way of learning: studying is less of a chore with these bite-sized quizzes and more a fun thing to do. Plus, with the spaced repetition system, whatever I learn will at least stick in my brain after some time. It's easy to fit learning into my busy schedule with helpful flashcards and practical lessons tailored by expert teachers.

promova mandarin learning software
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