HSK University vs Duolingo vs HelloChinese
— Which Is Best for the HSK?
An honest comparison for learners preparing for the HSK exam. We make HSK University, so we list where the others are better too. Prices and features were checked on October 2, 2026 on each product's site or app store listing; "Not checked" marks what we could not confirm.
HSK University is an online course for the HSK, the official Chinese proficiency exam. It teaches HSK 3.0 Bands 1–3 and HSK 4–5 in 104 lessons, with vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, flashcards and AI-generated full-length mock exams. It runs on the web, Android and Windows, in six interface languages (English, Spanish, German, French, Russian and Burmese). You can start free with no card; paid plans start at $9.90 a month.
By the Numbers
HSK University vs Duolingo vs HelloChinese vs SuperTest
| Feature | HSK University | Duolingo | HelloChinese | SuperTest (HSK Online) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built for | The HSK exam, level by level | Everyday Mandarin as a daily habit | Beginner conversation | HSK exam question practice (over 300,000 questions advertised) |
| HSK levels | HSK 3.0 Bands 1–3, plus HSK 4–5 (2.0 syllabus); 6 and 7–9 in development | Not organised by HSK level | HSK-based levels (older HSK guidelines) | HSK 1–6 (HSK 2.0); no HSK 3.0 mention found |
| Full mock exams | AI-generated, full length and timed, HSK 2.0 format. 1 on the free plan, more on paid plans | None listed | None listed | Yes, mock tests in the exam format |
| Free plan | Free forever: most lessons (3 per course and one section in most lessons are paid) | Free | Free, with Premium content | Free, with VIP content |
| Paid price | Pro $9.90/mo or $79/yr; Max $19.90/mo; Ultra $49/mo | Super $9.99/mo (App Store) | Premium $11.99/mo or $69.99/yr | VIP $5.99 to $109.99, monthly to lifetime (App Store) |
| Speaking practice | AI voice tutor on Max and Ultra plans | Not checked | Speech recognition in lessons | Not checked |
| Audio | AI text-to-speech for lesson words and dialogues | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Android, Windows (iPhone app not out yet) | iPhone, Android, web | iPhone, Android | iPhone, Android |
| Best for | A full HSK course with an exam date in mind | Casual learners who want a streak | Absolute beginners who want to talk | Drilling exam questions, on iPhone too |
Checked October 2, 2026 on each product's official site or app store listing. Prices change; check before you buy. For 12 HSK apps side by side, see the best HSK apps in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is HSK University better than Duolingo for the HSK exam?For the HSK exam, yes. HSK University is built around the HSK syllabus: HSK 3.0 Bands 1–3 and HSK 4–5 in 104 lessons, with full-length mock exams in the HSK 2.0 format. Duolingo teaches everyday Mandarin and is not organised by HSK level, so learners with an HSK test date usually need something built for the exam. Duolingo is the better pick for a light daily habit, and it has an iPhone app, which HSK University does not have yet.
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What is the difference between HSK University and HelloChinese?HelloChinese is a polished beginner app for conversational Mandarin, with speech recognition for speaking practice and levels based on the older HSK guidelines. HSK University follows the HSK exam more closely: HSK 3.0 courses for Bands 1–3, the HSK vocabulary and grammar, and full mock exams (HSK 2.0 format), which HelloChinese does not list. Pick HelloChinese to start speaking; pick HSK University if you are preparing for an HSK test.
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What is the best HSK prep app?It depends on what you need. For a complete HSK course in one place, HSK University (we make it, so weigh that) covers HSK 3.0 Bands 1–3 and HSK 4–5 with lessons and full mock exams. For drilling exam questions (it advertises over 300,000), SuperTest. For vocabulary only, HSKLord or Hack Chinese. Our full comparison of 12 HSK apps is at hskuniversity.com/blog/best-hsk-apps.
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Is HSK University free?There is a free-forever plan with no credit card. Most lessons are free; 3 lessons per course and one section in most lessons need a paid plan, and the free plan includes one full mock exam. Paid plans are Pro at $9.90 a month, Max at $19.90 and Ultra at $49; the AI voice tutor starts with Max. Prices as of October 2026.
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Which HSK levels does HSK University cover?HSK 3.0 Bands 1–3 (shown as HSK 1–3) and HSK 4–5, which follow the HSK 2.0 syllabus; HSK 3.0 exams start worldwide on December 13, 2026. HSK 6 and Bands 7–9 are in development. There are 104 lessons and 345 grammar points in total.
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Does HSK University use native-speaker audio?No. Lesson and vocabulary audio is generated with AI text-to-speech, so lesson words and dialogues have audio. If you want recordings by native speakers, pair the course with a podcast or a tutor.
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Most lessons are free, with no credit card and no trial clock. Paid plans from $9.90 a month.
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