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Head-to-head · Chinese Learning Apps

Busuu vs Ling

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Busuu #1 in Chinese Learning Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Busuu
Ling #7 in Chinese Learning Apps 8.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Ling

Busuu leads on 0 checks, Ling on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBusuu · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Ling
  • Most featuresBusuu · 1 of 3

Busuu scores higher on our rubric for chinese learning apps: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

Busuu is the better fit for learners who want a structured, well-rounded course. Ling is the better fit for learners seeking broad language choice and cultural context.

  • Busuu fits best

    Learners who want a structured, well-rounded course

  • Ling fits best

    Learners seeking broad language choice and cultural context

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Busuu 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Ling 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.4
Ranking #1 in Chinese Learning Apps #7 in Chinese Learning Apps
Best for Learners who want a structured, well-rounded course Learners seeking broad language choice and cultural context
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — $89.99/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 7 days
Money-back guarantee 14 days 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Tickets, Docs Email, Docs · 24/7
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Busuu 1/3 · Ling 0/3
Character writing practice Not checked yet Not checked yet
Speech recognition Not checked yet Not checked yet
Offline lessons ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Lesson focus Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • CEFR-aligned lessons cover grammar, vocabulary, and four language skills.
  • Placement testing and review tools support level-based, ongoing practice.
  • Community corrections, AI speaking practice, and offline lessons add variety.
  • Courses span 80 languages, including lesser-taught options.
  • Lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • Native-speaker audio, dialogue practice and cultural notes add context.
Cons
  • AI Conversations and some speaking features are limited to selected courses and languages.
  • Community corrections depend on feedback from other learners.
  • Self-paced lessons may not suit learners who want live instruction.
  • The free plan offers only limited lessons.
  • Full access requires a paid subscription.
  • The 12-month plan is billed annually at $89.99.
Our verdict

Busuu offers self-led Chinese courses for individual learners who want a structured path through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Its expert-developed lessons are aligned with CEFR levels, and a placement test helps learners…

Read the review →

Ling is a web and mobile language-learning app for learners from beginner through advanced levels. Its catalog spans 80 languages, including Asian, Eastern European and other lesser-taught options, and its lessons address vocabulary,…

Read the review →
  1. BusuuChinese Learning Apps 9.2Free plan
  2. LingChinese Learning Apps 8.4Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Busuu — where it wins

    • CEFR-aligned lessons cover grammar, vocabulary, and four language skills.
    • Placement testing and review tools support level-based, ongoing practice.
    • Community corrections, AI speaking practice, and offline lessons add variety.

    Where it doesn't

    • AI Conversations and some speaking features are limited to selected courses and languages.
    • Community corrections depend on feedback from other learners.
    • Self-paced lessons may not suit learners who want live instruction.

  • Ling — where it wins

    • Courses span 80 languages, including lesser-taught options.
    • Lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
    • Native-speaker audio, dialogue practice and cultural notes add context.

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan offers only limited lessons.
    • Full access requires a paid subscription.
    • The 12-month plan is billed annually at $89.99.
  • Busuu9.2/10 · Free plan

    A structured Chinese course with placement testing, review tools, and community practice.

    Visit BusuuFull verdict →
  • Ling8.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad language catalog pairs interactive practice with native-speaker audio and cultural notes.

    Visit LingFull verdict →

More comparisons

All chinese learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update