Zishu vs HanziStroke

ZZishu9.2Visit HanziStroke8.6Visit

Higher score Z Zishu #2 in Handwriting Practice Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Zishu

vs

HanziStroke #7 in Handwriting Practice Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit HanziStroke

• Zishu fits best

  Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice

• HanziStroke fits best

  Free web-based Chinese practice

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Side by side

Feature	ZZishu 9.2/10 Visit ↗	HanziStroke 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.6
Ranking	#2 in Handwriting Practice Apps	#7 in Handwriting Practice Apps
Best for	Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice	Free web-based Chinese practice
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Mobile	Cloud
Platforms	iOS	Web
Support	Email	Email
Built for	Solo	Solo
Features Zishu 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	web
Our review
Pros	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	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.
Cons	Available only on iPhone and iPad Focused specifically on Chinese character handwriting Interface languages are limited to English and Chinese	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.
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 →	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

• 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

• 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.

• ZZishu9.2/10 · Free plan

  A free iOS app with structured practice, grading, and spaced review.

  Visit ZishuFull verdict →
• HanziStroke8.6/10 · Free plan

  A free web app for structured Chinese handwriting, dictation, and vocabulary practice.

  Visit HanziStrokeFull verdict →