Hanzi Writer vs Nazoru

Hanzi Writer9.4Visit Nazoru8.8Visit

Higher score Hanzi Writer #1 in Handwriting Practice Apps 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Hanzi Writer

vs

Nazoru #5 in Handwriting Practice Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Nazoru

• Hanzi Writer fits best

  Chinese learners wanting an all-rounder

• Nazoru fits best

  Japanese learners using study-service integrations

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Side by side

Feature	Hanzi Writer 9.4/10 Visit ↗	Nazoru 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.8
Ranking	#1 in Handwriting Practice Apps	#5 in Handwriting Practice Apps
Best for	Chinese learners wanting an all-rounder	Japanese learners using study-service integrations
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	$39.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Mobile	Mobile
Platforms	iOS, Android, macOS	iOS, macOS, Android
Support	Email	Email
Integrations	1 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo
Features Hanzi Writer 3/3 · Nazoru 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	ios, macos, android
Our review
Pros	Real-time stroke-order validation and correction HSK 1–9 courses with spaced-repetition review Offline practice, OCR, worksheets, and Anki import	Guided tracing gradually reduces assistance toward writing from memory Study paths cover JLPT, grades, frequency, and Heisig Syncs with WaniKani, Bunpro, MaruMori, Anki, Google Drive, and iCloud
Cons	Progress synchronization is available through Pro features The listed integration is limited to Anki Its focus is written Chinese rather than broader language study	The Free plan allows two full practices per day Similar-kanji drills require a paid Unlimited plan Study-service synchronization is limited to selected integrations
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 →	Nazoru is a Japanese handwriting-practice app for learners working on hiragana, katakana, kanji, words, and phrases. Its guided tracing reduces assistance over time, moving practice toward writing from memory. Learners can choose built-in… 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

• Nazoru — where it wins

  • Guided tracing gradually reduces assistance toward writing from memory
  • Study paths cover JLPT, grades, frequency, and Heisig
  • Syncs with WaniKani, Bunpro, MaruMori, Anki, Google Drive, and iCloud

  Where it doesn't

  • The Free plan allows two full practices per day
  • Similar-kanji drills require a paid Unlimited plan
  • Study-service synchronization is limited to selected integrations

• Hanzi Writer9.4/10 · Free plan

  An all-round Chinese handwriting app with structured courses, review tools, and offline practice.

  Visit Hanzi WriterFull verdict →
• Nazoru8.8/10 · Free plan

  A focused Japanese writing app with tracing, study paths, and service sync.

  Visit NazoruFull verdict →