Chinese Exams & Learning Apps -- The Ultimate Comparison Guide (2026)
By Biz Han
Chinese Exams & Learning Apps -- The Ultimate Comparison Guide (2026)
There are at least 5 major Chinese proficiency exams and over 20 learning apps on the market in 2026. How do you know which exam to take -- or which app to trust with your study time?
If you're learning Chinese for university admission, a work visa, scholarship applications, or personal growth, choosing the wrong exam or the wrong app can waste months of preparation. This guide compares every major Chinese proficiency exam side by side, reviews the top learning apps, and gives you a clear recommendation based on your specific goal.
Practice HSK Tests Free -- BizHan
Every Chinese Proficiency Exam Compared (2026)
Before choosing an exam, understand what's available. Here are the 5 main Chinese proficiency tests recognized internationally:
| Exam | Full Name | Region | Levels | Skills Tested | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK | 汉语水平考试 | Mainland China | 9 (new) / 6 (old) | Reading, Listening, Writing | $30-80 | University, work visa, scholarships in China |
| TOCFL | 華語文能力測驗 | Taiwan | 6 (Band A-C) | Reading, Listening, (Speaking optional) | $30-50 | University in Taiwan, Taiwan scholarships |
| HSKK | 汉语水平口语考试 | Mainland China | 3 | Speaking only | $20-40 | Paired with HSK for stronger applications |
| YCT | 青少年中文考试 | Mainland China | 4 | Reading, Listening | $15-30 | Students under 15 years old |
| BCT | 商务汉语考试 | Mainland China | 2 (A, B) | Business Chinese | $40-60 | Business professionals working with China |
Which Exam Should You Take?
Answer these 3 questions:
1. Where will you use your certificate?
Mainland China -- HSK. Taiwan -- TOCFL. International company -- HSK (more widely recognized).
2. What's your purpose?
University admission -- HSK 4+ or TOCFL B1+. Work visa -- HSK 4+ (China) or TOCFL B1+ (Taiwan). Scholarship -- usually HSK 5+ or TOCFL B2. Personal proof -- either HSK or TOCFL.
3. Do you need speaking certification?
Yes -- add HSKK alongside HSK. Taiwan -- TOCFL includes optional speaking component.
Most learners should start with HSK. It's the most recognized Chinese proficiency test worldwide, accepted by over 1,000 universities and employers across 120+ countries. If your goal is specifically Taiwan, choose TOCFL instead.
HSK vs TOCFL -- Which Chinese Exam Matters More?
Think of HSK and TOCFL like IELTS vs TOEFL for English -- both prove your ability, but each is preferred in different regions.
| HSK | TOCFL | |
|---|---|---|
| Characters | Simplified (简体) | Traditional (繁體) |
| Organizing body | Hanban (China) | MOEC (Taiwan) |
| Test centers | 120+ countries | 40+ countries |
| Online testing | Available | Limited |
| Most recognized in | Mainland China, Southeast Asia, globally | Taiwan, some US/EU universities |
The biggest practical difference is the character set. HSK uses simplified Chinese characters (Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia). TOCFL uses traditional Chinese characters (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau). If you've been studying simplified characters, switching to TOCFL requires 2-4 months of additional preparation to learn traditional forms.
Full comparison with level mapping -- HSK vs TOCFL: Complete Guide
HSK vs HSKK -- Do You Need the Speaking Test Too?
Many learners don't realize HSK does NOT test speaking. The speaking test is a separate exam called HSKK (汉语水平口语考试).
| HSK | HSKK | |
|---|---|---|
| Tests | Reading, Listening, Writing | Speaking only |
| Levels | 9 | 3 (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) |
| Duration | 35-180 minutes | 17-25 minutes |
| Format | Written (paper or computer) | Oral recording (computer) |
Who needs HSKK? Chinese university programs requiring spoken proficiency, jobs involving customer-facing Chinese, scholarship applications (HSK + HSKK = stronger application), and Chinese government or teaching positions.
Level mapping: HSKK Beginner = HSK 1-2. HSKK Intermediate = HSK 3-4. HSKK Advanced = HSK 5-6.
Strategy: Take HSK first to build vocabulary and grammar. Then take HSKK 2-3 months later when you can focus purely on speaking practice.
Best Chinese Learning Apps & Websites (2026)
With dozens of apps available, here are the 7 that actually matter for serious Chinese learners:
| App | Primary Focus | HSK Tests | AI Features | Dictionary | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BizHan | HSK test practice | 178 tests | AI Tutor | Built-in | Free + Premium | 5/5 |
| HelloChinese | Beginner course | ~20 quizzes | None | None | Free + $60/yr | 4/5 |
| Pleco | Dictionary + flashcards | None | None | Best-in-class | Free + add-ons | 4/5 |
| Du Chinese | Reading practice | None | None | Basic | $8/mo | 4/5 |
| Anki | Flashcard memorization | Community decks | None | None | Free (desktop) | 4/5 |
| HSK Online | Official HSK practice | Official tests | None | None | Paid per test | 4/5 |
| ChineseSkill | Gamified learning | Basic quizzes | None | Basic | Free + Premium | 3/5 |
No other app offers 178 HSK practice tests in one place. BizHan also includes: AI Tutor that explains answers in your language, built-in Chinese-English dictionary, personal vocabulary notebook, and practice tests for every HSK level (1-6). If your goal is passing an HSK exam, BizHan gives you the most practice material available anywhere online.
Detailed reviews -- 7 Best HSK Practice Apps (ranked and scored)
BizHan vs HelloChinese -- Which Is Better?
| Feature | BizHan | HelloChinese |
|---|---|---|
| HSK Practice Tests | 178 (all levels) | ~20 quizzes |
| AI Tutor | Yes | No |
| Dictionary | Built-in | Need separate app |
| Vocabulary Notebook | Smart notebook | Basic word lists |
| Gamification | Minimal | Strong (streaks, points) |
| Speaking Practice | AI conversations | Speech recognition |
| Beginner Course | No | Yes -- structured lessons |
| HSK Level Coverage | HSK 1-6 (all) | HSK 1-4 only |
Recommended strategy: Use HelloChinese to learn the basics (HSK 1-2 level) -- then switch to BizHan when you're ready to seriously prepare for HSK exams. Many learners use both -- HelloChinese for daily lessons, BizHan for weekly practice tests and exam simulation.
Full comparison -- BizHan vs HelloChinese: Head-to-Head Review
The Perfect Exam + App Combination for Your Goal
Exam: HSK 4+ (minimum), aim for HSK 5. Apps: BizHan (practice tests) + Anki (vocabulary) + Pleco (dictionary). Timeline: 6-12 months.
Exam: TOCFL B1+ (minimum), aim for B2. Apps: Pleco (traditional character dictionary) + traditional character reading apps. Note: BizHan focuses on simplified characters (HSK), so supplement with traditional character study.
Exam: HSK 4 (general) or BCT (business-specific). Apps: BizHan (HSK prep) + HelloChinese (speaking practice). Timeline: 4-8 months.
Exams: HSK 4+ then HSKK Intermediate. Apps: BizHan (tests) + BizHan AI Tutor (speaking) + Anki (vocabulary). Timeline: HSK first, then HSKK 2-3 months later.
Budget-Friendly Stack
Free: BizHan (free tier) + Anki (desktop) + Pleco (free version). This combination gives you practice tests, flashcards, and a dictionary for $0.
Premium Stack
BizHan Premium + Pleco full bundle + Du Chinese. Total: approximately $15-25/month for the most complete Chinese study toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HSK recognized worldwide?
Yes. HSK is accepted by over 1,000 universities, employers, and government institutions in 120+ countries. It's the most widely recognized Chinese proficiency test globally. TOCFL is recognized primarily in Taiwan and some Western universities with Taiwan-focused programs.
Can I use a TOCFL score for Mainland China universities?
Generally no. Mainland China universities require HSK. Some international programs may accept TOCFL, but HSK is the standard. If you're applying to Chinese universities, take HSK.
What's the best free Chinese learning app?
For HSK exam preparation, BizHan offers a free tier with access to practice tests. For general learning, HelloChinese has a generous free version. For flashcards, Anki is completely free on desktop. For dictionary, Pleco's free version is excellent.
How long does it take to prepare for HSK 4?
With consistent daily study (1-2 hours), most learners reach HSK 4 in 8-12 months from zero. Using BizHan's 178 practice tests can accelerate preparation by giving you real exam experience early and helping you identify weak areas faster.
Do I need HSK if I only want to speak Chinese?
Not necessarily. HSK proves reading, listening, and writing ability. If you only want speaking certification, consider HSKK. However, HSK is the most recognized proof of Chinese ability, even for jobs requiring spoken Chinese, because it demonstrates overall language competence.
Is BizHan free?
BizHan offers both free and premium tiers. Free users can access practice tests and basic features. Premium unlocks all 178 HSK tests, AI Tutor, and advanced features. Try it free at bizhan.ai/test.