Head-to-head · Handwriting Practice Apps
Zishu vs Skritter
Zishu leads on 1 check, Skritter on 0, and 3 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 · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Zishu
- Free trialonly Skritter
- Most featuresZishu · 3 of 3
Zishu scores higher on our rubric for handwriting practice apps: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Zishu offers free plan; Skritter doesn't.
Zishu is the better fit for free iOS Chinese handwriting practice. Skritter is the better fit for serious Chinese and Japanese learners.
- Zishu fits best
Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice
- Skritter fits best
Serious Chinese and Japanese learners
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Side by side
| Feature | Zishu 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Skritter 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Handwriting Practice Apps | #3 in Handwriting Practice Apps |
| Best for | Free iOS Chinese handwriting practice | Serious Chinese and Japanese learners |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $99.99/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Features Zishu 3/3 · Skritter 0/3 | ||
| Pen-control exercises | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Custom word practice | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Progress tracking | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Writing modes | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Age levels | All_ages | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | ios | Not checked yet |
| 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 → |
Skritter focuses on writing and remembering Chinese and Japanese characters. It is designed for learners who want handwriting practice alongside reading, definitions, tones, audio, and structured vocabulary review. Study modes include… 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
Skritter — where it wins
- Real-time handwriting grading and stroke-order corrections
- Spaced-repetition reviews with custom vocabulary lists
- Offline mobile review across iOS and Android
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Access requires a paid subscription after the 7-day trial
- Focuses on Chinese and Japanese rather than broader language study
- Zishu9.2/10 · Free plan
A free iOS app with structured practice, grading, and spaced review.
Visit ZishuFull verdict → - Skritter9.0/10 · 7-day trial
A focused handwriting app for serious Chinese and Japanese learners.
Visit SkritterFull 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