Inkpaper vs Duolingo
Duolingo teaches through short game-like lessons; Inkpaper teaches through reading graded stories. Both are free. If you want to read Chinese, follow stories and see grammar in real sentences, Inkpaper is the better fit. If you want five minutes of quick drills and a streak, Duolingo is. Many learners do both.
| Inkpaper | Duolingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free with ads; optional Super subscription |
| How it teaches | Reading graded stories, then reviewing the words you saved | Short, game-like lessons |
| Languages | Chinese only | Over 40 |
| Audio | Every word, sentence and chapter read aloud (speech synthesis, four voices) | Audio in lessons |
| Pinyin | Above every word, or zhuyin; can be switched off | In lessons |
| Review | Flashcards with FSRS spaced repetition, both directions | Practice within the course |
| Grammar | Sentences show the grammar they use; grammar for HSK 1 to 7–9 | Within lessons |
| Speaking and tones | Speaking practice that checks your tones; tone listening drills | Speaking exercises in lessons |
| Ads | None | Yes, unless you subscribe |
| Platforms | Web, iPhone and iPad; Android in a closed test | iOS, Android and web |
Where Duolingo is stronger
- Short, game-like lessons and strong habit features that make it easy to practise every day.
- Its Chinese course is free, like Inkpaper.
- One app for over 40 languages.
Where Inkpaper is stronger
- Built for Chinese only, around reading: graded stories from HSK 1 to HSK 6, with pinyin above every word.
- Every chapter is read aloud, with the text highlighted as it is read.
- Sentences show their grammar, with the pattern marked and explained.
- No ads.
Which should you choose?
Choose Duolingo if you are one of the learners who want a few minutes of game-like practice a day, and like streaks and leagues.
Choose Inkpaper if you want to learn Chinese by reading graded stories, from your first words to HSK 6, for free. Start reading, no account needed for the first chapter of every story.
Questions
Is Duolingo enough to learn Chinese?
Duolingo is a good way to build a daily habit and learn first words. To read Chinese you also need lots of reading at your level, which is what graded stories are for. Inkpaper gives you those stories for free, from HSK 1.
What should I use after Duolingo for Chinese?
Graded reading. Pick a story at your level in Inkpaper: pinyin sits above every word, a tap gives its meaning and sound, and the words you save come back as flashcards.
Is Inkpaper free like Duolingo?
Yes, and without ads. Without an account you can read the first chapter of every story; a free account gives you whole stories, flashcards and speaking practice.
Can I use both?
Yes. Duolingo for a quick daily drill, Inkpaper for reading: the two fit together well.
About Duolingo, from Duolingo on the App Store, checked on 26 October 2026. Prices in US dollars; they may differ in your country. Inkpaper is made by us, so weigh this page accordingly.