Head-to-head · Handwriting Practice Apps
Hanzi Writer vs HanziStroke
Hanzi Writer leads on 0 checks, HanziStroke on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreHanzi Writer · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresHanzi Writer · 3 of 3
Hanzi Writer scores higher on our rubric for handwriting practice apps: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
Hanzi Writer is the better fit for chinese learners wanting an all-rounder. HanziStroke is the better fit for free web-based Chinese practice.
- Hanzi Writer fits best
Chinese learners wanting an all-rounder
- HanziStroke fits best
Free web-based Chinese practice
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Side by side
| Feature | Hanzi Writer 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | HanziStroke 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #1 in Handwriting Practice Apps | #7 in Handwriting Practice Apps |
| Best for | Chinese learners wanting an all-rounder | Free web-based Chinese practice |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS | Web |
| Support | ||
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Hanzi Writer 3/3 · HanziStroke 2/3 | ||
| Pen-control exercises | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom word practice | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Progress tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Writing modes | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Age levels | All_ages | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | ios, android, macos | web |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Hanzi Writer is a handwriting-practice app for learners of written Chinese. It combines animated stroke-order guidance with real-time correction, HSK 1–9 courses, spaced-repetition review, on-device OCR, an offline dictionary, custom… Read the review → |
HanziStroke is a web-based platform for learners practicing Chinese character handwriting and stroke order. Its Writing Practice tool combines guided sessions, stroke-level feedback, continuous practice queues, and completion review.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Hanzi Writer — where it wins
- Real-time stroke-order validation and correction
- HSK 1–9 courses with spaced-repetition review
- Offline practice, OCR, worksheets, and Anki import
Where it doesn't
- Progress synchronization is available through Pro features
- The listed integration is limited to Anki
- Its focus is written Chinese rather than broader language study
HanziStroke — where it wins
- Stroke-order feedback supports guided character writing practice.
- HSK, saved vocabulary, lessons, and custom decks provide varied practice sources.
- Worksheets, dictation, spaced repetition, and progress tracking broaden practice.
Where it doesn't
- Runs on the web rather than as a listed native mobile app.
- Some premium features may require a paid subscription.
- Learning progress tracking is available for registered users.
- Hanzi Writer9.4/10 · Free plan
An all-round Chinese handwriting app with structured courses, review tools, and offline practice.
Visit Hanzi WriterFull verdict → - HanziStroke8.6/10 · Free plan
A free web app for structured Chinese handwriting, dictation, and vocabulary practice.
Visit HanziStrokeFull verdict →
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All handwriting practice apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





