Zishu vs Nazoru

ZZishu9.2Visit Nazoru8.8Visit

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

vs

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

• Zishu fits best

  Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice

• Nazoru fits best

  Japanese learners using study-service integrations

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Side by side

Feature	ZZishu 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Nazoru 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#2 in Handwriting Practice Apps	#5 in Handwriting Practice Apps
Best for	Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice	Japanese learners using study-service integrations
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$39.99/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Mobile	Mobile
Platforms	iOS	iOS, macOS, Android
Support	Email	Email
Built for	Solo	Solo
Features Zishu 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	ios, macos, android
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	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	Available only on iPhone and iPad Focused specifically on Chinese character handwriting Interface languages are limited to English and Chinese	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	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 →	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

• 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

• 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

• ZZishu9.2/10 · Free plan

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

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

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

  Visit NazoruFull verdict →