Head-to-head · Handwriting Practice Apps
Zishu vs Chinese Stroke Order Practice
Zishu leads on 0 checks, Chinese Stroke Order Practice 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 scoreZishu · 8.2/10
- Free planboth
Zishu scores higher on our rubric for handwriting practice apps: 8.2 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
Zishu is the better fit for free iOS Chinese handwriting practice. Chinese Stroke Order Practice is the better fit for focused web-based Chinese stroke practice.
- Zishu fits best
Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice
- Chinese Stroke Order Practice fits best
Focused web-based Chinese stroke practice
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Side by side
| Feature | Zishu 8.2/10 Visit ↗ | Chinese Stroke Order Practice 7.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.2 | 7.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Handwriting Practice Apps | #7 in Handwriting Practice Apps |
| Best for | Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice | Focused web-based Chinese stroke practice |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | $5.9/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | iOS | Web |
| Support | ||
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features Zishu 3/3 · Chinese Stroke Order Practice 3/3 | ||
| Pen-control exercises | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom word practice | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progress tracking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Writing modes | Not published | Not published |
| Age levels | All_ages | Not published |
| Supported platforms | ios | web |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Zishu is a free iPhone and iPad app for practicing Chinese character handwriting. It suits learners of different ages who want guided practice rather than a simple character reference tool. Each exercise validates handwriting against… Read the review → |
Chinese Stroke Order Practice is a browser-based handwriting tool for Chinese learners. It supports pasted words and characters, animated stroke-order playback, individual stroke inspection, guided tracing with live feedback, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Zishu — where it wins
- Validates strokes and provides automatic grading with order feedback
- Combines tracing, outlining, memory practice, and spaced review
- Includes HSK, radical, frequency, and custom character sets
Where it doesn't
- Available only on iPhone and iPad
- Focused specifically on Chinese character handwriting
- Interface languages are limited to English and Chinese
Chinese Stroke Order Practice — where it wins
- Custom queues support Chinese words and characters
- Live handwriting feedback with stroke-by-stroke playback
- Saved progress and quick practice sets support regular study
Where it doesn't
- Available only through a web browser
- Free sessions are limited to 10 Hanzi
- Longer queues and unlimited daily practice require Pro
- Zishu8.2/10 · Free plan
A free iOS app with structured practice, grading, and spaced review.
Visit ZishuFull verdict → - Chinese Stroke Order Practice7.2/10 · Free plan · paid from $5.90/mo
A focused web tool for practicing Chinese characters, stroke order, and short study queues.
Visit siteFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update