Top Mandarin Learning Resources, Apps & Podcasts

Finding the right tools can make or break your Mandarin journey. On this page, Jeff Kellogg. a Chinese Flagship Scholar with 13+ years of teaching experience. shares the resources he genuinely recommends to his students, including ChinesePod, Pleco, and Anki. Whether you are just starting out or pushing toward HSK 6, there is something here for every level.

ChinesePod. Jeff's Top Recommendation

If Jeff had to point every Mandarin learner toward a single resource, it would be ChinesePod. Built around short, dialogue-based podcast episodes, ChinesePod teaches real, conversational Mandarin the way it is actually spoken. not the stiff, textbook variety. Episodes are organized by level, from complete beginner (Newbie) all the way through Advanced, so the platform grows with you over the months and years of your study. Each lesson is anchored to a realistic dialogue, followed by vocabulary breakdown, grammar explanation, and cultural context. This format mirrors the fundamentals-first, conversation-driven philosophy that Jeff applies in his own private Mandarin lessons. Jeff has no affiliation with ChinesePod. he simply considers it the single best self-study resource available for Mandarin learners at any stage.

Pleco. The Essential Chinese Dictionary App

Pleco is the dictionary app that virtually every serious Mandarin learner ends up installing. and for good reason. The core app is free and gives you instant access to multiple dictionaries, stroke-order animations, and example sentences. Paid add-ons unlock powerful features including an OCR camera reader (point your phone at any Chinese text and get an instant translation), a flashcard system, and advanced character lookup by radical or stroke count. If you only download one app when you start learning Mandarin, make it Pleco.

HelloChinese. Best Free Beginner App

HelloChinese is widely regarded as the best gamified Mandarin app for absolute beginners. Think of it as Duolingo, but built specifically for Chinese. with proper attention paid to tones, pinyin, and character recognition from day one. The bite-sized lessons make it easy to build a daily habit, which aligns directly with Jeff's advice to study consistently in short sessions rather than cramming. It is free to use at the core level, making it a low-risk starting point for anyone testing the waters.

Du Chinese. Graded Readers for Intermediate Learners

Once you have cleared the beginner stage, reading real Chinese becomes both your biggest challenge and your most powerful tool. Du Chinese solves this with a library of graded short stories narrated by native speakers. You can tap any word for an instant definition, adjust playback speed on the audio, and track your progress over time. The graded format means you are always reading material that is challenging but not overwhelming. exactly the right zone for building reading fluency. Pair Du Chinese with the vocabulary practice tips found on the GrandMaster Mandarin tips page for best results.

Anki / Skritter. Spaced-Repetition for Vocabulary & Characters

Vocabulary retention is where most learners struggle, and spaced-repetition software (SRS) is the most research-backed solution available. Anki is a free, fully customizable flashcard app that schedules reviews at precisely the right intervals to move vocabulary into long-term memory. Jeff recommends learning at least three new words a day. a pace that compounds to over 1,000 words in a single year. For learners focused on handwriting and character recognition, Skritter adds stroke-order practice on top of the SRS framework, making it ideal for anyone preparing for the HSK writing components.

Yoyo Chinese. Video Lessons with a Western-Friendly Approach

Yoyo Chinese, created by Yangyang Cheng, offers structured video lessons designed with the Western learner's perspective in mind. Grammar concepts are explained clearly in English before being demonstrated in Mandarin, which helps beginners and lower-intermediate students build a solid structural understanding of the language. The series covers everything from pinyin and tones through intermediate grammar patterns, and the teaching style is approachable and encouraging. a useful complement to one-on-one tutoring with Jeff for students who like to review concepts between sessions.

iTalki. Find a Tutor or Language Partner

iTalki is the largest online marketplace for finding Mandarin tutors and native-speaker language partners. It is a practical option for learners who want flexible, affordable conversation practice on demand. That said, the quality of instructors on iTalki varies widely. community tutors are inexpensive but typically unvetted, while professional teachers cost more and may or may not have formal training in language instruction. If your goal is structured, fundamentals-driven progress rather than casual conversation exchange, working with a dedicated instructor who knows what works. and what doesn't. will get you further, faster.

HSK Standard Course Series. Official Test Prep Materials

For learners preparing for the HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì), the official HSK Standard Course Series published by Beijing Language and Culture University Press is the most direct path to exam readiness. The series spans HSK levels 1 through 6 and covers all tested vocabulary, grammar structures, reading passages, and listening exercises in the exact format used on the official exam. Jeff passed HSK 6. at the time the highest level available. in 2012, and offers HSK-focused instruction for students targeting any level of the exam. Each textbook pairs well with Anki decks built from the official HSK vocabulary lists.

How to Choose the Right Resources

With so many options available, it is easy to bounce between apps and never develop real momentum. The most important thing is not which resource you choose. it is that you choose one, commit to it, and practice consistently. Here is how to keep it simple:

• Start with one app and stick to it. Switching tools every two weeks resets your progress and fragments your vocabulary. Pick Pleco and ChinesePod as your foundation and add other tools only once you have built a real routine.
• Prioritize consistency over long sessions. Jeff recommends studying no longer than one hour at a time, three to five days per week. Short, frequent sessions outperform occasional marathon study every time.
• Learn three new words a day, every day. It sounds modest, but at that pace you will cross 1,000 words in a year. enough to hold a basic conversation and read simple texts.
• Master the fundamentals before chasing advanced content. Tones, pinyin, and core vocabulary are the foundation everything else is built on. Review them constantly, even when the urge to move forward feels strong. As Jeff puts it: when you've mastered the basics, the rest will flow naturally.