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Every time you hear two Cantonese speakers talk, the depth of the traditional Chinese characters draws you in. Most of the people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese. It is a popular language because of its cultural elegance, but It’s also a complex new language for newbies.
Cantonese vocabulary is similar to Mandarin Chinese but uses more traditional characters. Language apps today make the task of learning easier.
These are the best apps to learn Cantonese that will help you improve your listening skills and understand the Cantonese writing system through engaging games, quizzes, activities, dialogues, audio, and videos!
TOP 3 Best Cantonese Learning Apps
Best Overall App to Learn Cantonese
A compelling app with audio lessons
- Material: 345+ hours
- Price: $4 - $552
- Refund policy: 60-day money back guarantee
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best Cantonese App for Novices
A vibrant interface that will help you learn vocabulary quickly.
- Material: 300+ hours
- Price: $14.95 - $575
- Refund policy: 30-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best Cantonese App with Lifetime Access
Study with short and well-gamified lessons
- Material: 75+ hours
- Price: $8.99 - $149.99
- Refund policy: 30-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
Quicklist of the Best Apps to Learn Cantonese
- CantoneseClass101 – Best Application to Learn Cantonese with Audio
- Pimsleur – Best App to Learn Cantonese
- Ling App – Best Cantonese App with Lifetime Access
- Drops App – Best Cantonese App for Novices
- Glossika – Best App to Learn Cantonese with Spaced Repetition
- Preply – Best App to Learn Cantonese with Instructors
How to Choose the Best App to Learn Cantonese?
The language learning market is saturated, so finding the best app to learn Cantonese is time-consuming. It takes throughout research and testing to see what’s actually effective. Here at Lingomee, we’re all about making it easier for you. We benchmark all products through the same measures.
| ⭐ Rating | A sum of user experience, content quality, features, customer support, and value for money. |
| 🥇 Available languages | Most relevant for studying multiple languages. |
| 📈 Suits best for | Evaluations are based on ACTFL guidelines, but we also measure how fast you will move up a level. |
| 🛒 Payment options | Shows how flexible the pricing plans are and, in most cases, how much you can save. |
| 💵 Price range | A measure of much you should expect to spend on a language-learning apps. |
| 📚 Hours of study time | An approximate measure of how much language learning material there is for one language. |
| 🕒 Time commitment | Optimal daily dedication for the results. |
| 💻 Platforms | Where you can use the apps to learn Cantonese. |
| 🔄 Refund policy | A money-back guarantee is a safeguard for your money. |
| 🎁 Free Trial | Credit card to signup requirement. |
Comparison Of Cantonese Language Learning Apps
| Pimsleur | Drops App | Ling app | CantoneseClass101 | Glossika | Preply | LingQ | Italki | Clozemaster | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Review | Pimsleur review | Drops App review | Ling app review | CantoneseClass101 Review | Glossika Review | Preply Review | LingQ review | Italki review | Clozemaster Review |
| Rating | 9 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 8.4 |
| Available languages | 51 | 46 | 60 | 34 | 60+ | 45+ | 41 | 130+ | 71 |
| Suits best for | Intermediates | Intermediates | Novices | Intermediates | Intermediates / Advanced | Intermediates / Advanced | Novices / Intermediates | Intermediates / Advanced | Intermediates |
| Payment options | Monthly / Lifetime | Monthly/ Annually /Lifetime | Monthly / Annually / Lifetime | Monthly | Monthly / Annually | Per lesson / Monthly | Monthly / 6 months / Annually / 24 months | In-app currency | Monthly / Annually / Lifetime |
| Price | 14.95 – 575 $ | 13 – 159.99 $ | 8.99 – 149.99 $ | 4 – 552 $ | 13.33 – 30.99 $ | 3 – 40 $ | 7.99 – 34.99 $ | 4 – 50 $ per lesson | 8 – 140 $ |
| Hours of study time | 300+ | 250+ | 75+ | 345+ | 260+ | N/A | 400+ | Not applicable | 300+ |
| Time commitment | 30 min / day | 15 min / day | 10-20 min / day | 40 min / day | 20 min / day | Few hours a week | 30 min / day | Few hours a week | 15 – 30 min / day |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Refund policy | 30-day money-back guarantee | 14-day money-back guarantee | 30 Day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee | 14 or 90-day refunds | 90-day money-back guarantee | 100% satisfaction guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Free Trial | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Winner
Our Recommended 6 Best Apps to Learn Cantonese Language Quickly
CantoneseClass101
Best App to Learn Cantonese with Audio
Why we like CantoneseClass101
CantoneseClass101 provides an extensive collection of podcast-like language courses with the same high-quality standard in each. Listen to native speaker dialogues adjusted for your level and accessible at your own pace to learn Cantonese more effectively.
Best for – Audio Learning
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 40 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $4 – $552 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Pathways – learn with personalized lesson plans suiting your interests.
- Dialogues – follow native speaker conversations while making notes and recording yourself in app.
- Vocabulary – study each word separately with its pronunciation and translation.
- Lesson Notes – read comprehensive yet concise notes on the most crucial concepts of your target language.
The Good
- Plenty of audio content
- Teaches culture
- Affordable
The Bad
- Lacks grammar explanations
- Design feels outdated
Why CantoneseClass101 is Great for Audio Lessons
Cantonese Classic101 is readily available on the Apple app store to work on your Cantonese language skills. The app helps learners work on a new language with the help of an audio course. You get to learn Cantonese vocabulary in the context of real-world situations. Real Native speakers work on every audio course to provide authentic pronunciation.
The vast library contains many audios and videos to mimic native speakers. The app has additional resources, like smart flashcards and grammar explanations to teach Cantonese. You can progress from basic phrases to more complex sentences in a theme. These are actual lessons with cultural information about Hong Kong and Cantonese phrases.
Pricing
The basic plan of CantoneseClass101 starts from as low as $8 per month, while premium and premium+ costs $25 and $47. A lengthier subscription can lower the price by 60%. If you still have doubts, the free version provides the first three lessons for every pathway and new lessons every week!
Pimsleur
Best Overall App to Learn Cantonese
Why we like Pimsleur
Pimsleur app gets you conversational in a new language with interactive audio lessons and games. Native Cantonese speakers will walk you through basic vocabulary and the most important concepts for reading, grammar, and writing.
Best for – Overall Learning
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $14.95 – $575 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Learn Cantonse with downloadable audio lessons for offline use and easily control the app while driving.
- Build conversational skills, expand vocabulary, and get conversational in real-life settings.
- Advanced speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice.
- Memorize and translate words quickly with an interactive game.
The Good
- Simple audio lessons
- Perfect for learning to speak
- Interactive exercises
- 50+ languages and ESL courses
The Bad
- Costlier than alternatives
- Largely overlooks reading and writing
Why Pimsleur is The Best Cantonese Learning App Overall
Pimsleur is an excellent platform with a high-quality Pimsleur Cantonese course. Native speakers work to enrich the Pimsleur vocabulary lists and Cantonese phrases. Cantonese is a tonal language, so the Pimsleur Cantonese course focuses on your speaking practice. There are high-quality audio course recordings to help your listening skills. We think this is the best app to learn Cantonese.
You further have to mimic the audio tone to develop speaking rhythms. The lessons are in five levels. Each level has a couple of units to work on your grammar and Cantonese vocabulary. Your Cantonese language skills will skyrocket in no time with this app program. You can have an actual conversation the next time you visit Hong Kong
Pricing
Pimsleur offers affordable subscription options ranging from $14.95 monthly audio-only course to $150 for all-inclusive individual courses. Premium Pimsleur account provides access to all available languages and levels. The seven-day free trial is a great way to test Pimsleur app before purchasing.
Ling App
Best Cantonese App with Lifetime Access
Why we like Ling App
With many hard-to-find languages, the Ling app is an effective option for many language learners. Short and gamified lessons will provide the necessary background to make the first steps in understanding the Cantonese language.
Best for – Lifetime Access
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 10-20 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $8.99 – $149.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Ling lessons – spell, write, match, and choose the correct words directly from the app.
- Chatbot – start a dialogue in your target language with a helpful AI.
- Review – rehearse the learned vocabulary by answering questions from completed courses.
- Exam – test your knowledge in a timed exercise format.
The Good
- Less popular languages
- Affordable
- Native Speaker audio
The Bad
- Lacks grammar
- Formal language
Why The Ling App is The Best Cantonese App with Lifetime Access
The Ling app is one of the best apps because it will surely take your communication skills up a notch while learning Cantonese. The Cantonese lessons are fun and interactive, so you can memorize traditional Chinese characters.
There is gamification and spaced repetition to recall Cantonese vocabulary and improve your writing skills. Each app program unit enhances the difficulty as you move up the Cantonese lessons. Oh, and let’s not forget the excellent lifetime access feature.
You have to pay once, and Ling becomes a free app for your entire learning process. Now you can understand the Cantonese writing system at your own pace with all the resources. Everything is free after it, and you are all set to excel while learning Cantonese or any other foreign language.
Pricing
The Ling app provides monthly ($8.99) or annual ($79.99) payment plans. But those committed to long-term study of less popular languages will find the lifetime ($149.99) subscription of the best value. The Ling app also provides a seven-day free trial to test all of its features and languages.
Drops App
Best App to Learn Cantonese for Novices
Why we like Drops
Drops is a unique app with a focus on Cantonese language vocabulary building. It has brief lessons and a minimalistic interface that is easy to use. The Drops app will help you learn Cantonse words and phrases quickly.
Best for – Novices
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 15 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $13 – $159.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 14-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- 5 Minutes Lesson – quickly find and learn new words with their pronunciations in a game-like exercise.
- Track Your Progress – stay on your language learning plan with automatic reminders, statistics, and milestones for Cantonese learning.
- Tough Word Dojo – identify and practice words you struggle pronouncing or remembering with app.
- Premium features – many vocabulary topics, listening practice games, unlimited learning sessions, and much more at your fingertips.
The Good
- Extremely simple to use
- Large vocabulary
- Motivates to learn
- Game-like features
The Bad
- Solely emphasizes vocabulary
- Lacks audio and conversation exercises
Why Drops is Great Cantonese App for Novices
Drops is one of the best apps for learning Cantonese because it understands the importance of visual cues. You must visually see what each bit of Cantonese vocabulary means. Drops will teach Cantonese with visual graphics that you have to match to the meaning. It is similar to learning Chinese, but mastering Cantonese is all about ways to learn Cantonese vocabulary.
Drops is the best Cantonese learning app for newbies because it has audio by native speakers. They teach Cantonese pronunciation in the most authentic manner. Hear a sentence aloud and try to copy the tonal language. You can start with basic phrases and slowly move up the ladder.
Pricing
The Drops app costs $11 per month with access to all languages. But the lifetime subscription is an even better deal, as you get unlimited access to the Drops app for $150. The free version is limited to five minutes of daily use, but the seven days free trial does not have this restriction.
Glossika
Best App to Learn Cantonese with Spaced Repetition
Why we like Glossika
Glossika helps to overcome the Cantonese intermediate-level gap by exposing language learners to numerous native-speaker audio recordings. The listening and speaking exercises work with one of the best spaced repetition systems on the market, that comes in handy when you want to learn Cantonese.
Best for – Spaced Repetition
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 20 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $13.33 – $30.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Learn new items – use spaced repetition to remember new words and phrases.
- Review – constantly rehearse the words with an algorithm that remembers where you need more practice.
- Stories – read books with the help of native speaker recordings.
- My Skills – achieve more by knowing what you already learned and what lies ahead.
The Good
- Over sixty languages
- Native-speaker audio recordings
- A large dataset of sentences
- Good for listening comprehension and speaking skills
The Bad
- Can get monotonous
- Outdated user experience
- Lack of grammar explanations
Why We Like Glossika for Spaced Repetition
Due to spaced repetition, Glossika is one of the most sought-after language learning apps. It helps you in learning Cantonese by reinforcing traditional Chinese characters. Native Cantonese speakers work by providing extensive audio resources to help you with listening skills. Glossika app dramatically improves your speaking rhythms and enables you to master vocabulary lists in a short time.
You can also access their completely free sample content. Sentence-level learning is a great way to progress slowly while learning Cantonese. You can focus on traditional Chinese characters while studying Cantonese with Glossika.
Pricing
A basic plan of Glossika app covers one language and costs $16.99 per month, or just $13.33 if you pay annually. A Pro plan provides unlimited access to all languages and costs $30.99. You can take the seven-day free trial before committing to any of these plans.
Preply
Best App to Learn Cantonese with Instructors
Why we like Preply
A diverse selection of native-speaker teachers, flexible scheduling, and customized lessons make Preply stand out as an online tutoring platform. Their generous refund system guarantees you’ll find a live tutor for Cantonese on Preply.
Best for – Learning with Instructors / tutors
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | Few hours a week |
| 💵 Price: | $3 – $40 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 14 or 90-day refunds |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Thousands of Tutors – jump into foreign language learning with a native tutor for almost any language there is.
- One-on-one Lessons – personalize your language learning experience with a personal tutor.
- Preply Classrooms – utilize an interactive solution that allows your language teacher to share screens, show slides, record lessons, and much more.
- More than language learning – learn more than a language with courses on photography, business, graphic design, and much more.
The Good
- Over 32,000 expert tutors
- Trial lessons
- 100% money-back guarantee
The Bad
- Forces lesson packages
- Inaccurate placement test
Why Preply Is Great for Connecting with Instructors
If you want to enhance your communication skills by interacting with native Cantonese speakers, Preply is one of the best apps. It connects you to a Cantonese tutor who brushes up your speaking skills. They focus on teaching you traditional Chinese characters that make up new words used in countries like Hong Kong.
These native speakers have a firm grip over the language and make you review vocabulary every day. They also prepare a personalized learning plan for students who want to learn this popular language. That way, you can understand their native language at your pace and style. They polish your grammar and conversational Cantonese so you can receive optimum speaking practice.
Pricing
All lessons on Preply cost from $3 to $40 per hour. If unsatisfied with the first lesson, you can easily get another trial lesson without any additional costs. Preply also allows language learners to save money and reserve their favorite tutor with 6, 12, or 20-hour lesson packages.
How to Learn Cantonese: FAQ
What's the best way to learn Cantonese?
The best way for learning Cantonese language is to take immersive courses on language apps and interact with native speakers from Hong Kong. These language apps offer gamification and detailed vocabulary lists to guide you. Many also practice spaced repetition to improve recall.
Is Cantonese easy to learn?
Every language becomes easy to learn as you practice. It might be a Chinese branch, but it is much different than learning Chinese. You must develop a firm grip over traditional characters and tones of the Cantonese language to excel.
How fast can I learn Cantonese?
Get a solid routine in place for learning Cantonese quickly. It takes about 2200 hours to master the basic level of the Cantonese Language. You must allow at least 15 hours every week to practice if you are drawn to this cultural language of Hong Kong.
Can Chinese understand Cantonese?
It is true that both Chinese and Cantonese are tonal languages, but they are both very different. Learning Chinese means working with traditional tones and characters. Cantonese has more traditional characters, and some vocabulary words are completely different.
When it is better to learn Cantonese than Mandarin?
Learning Chinese or learning Cantonese depends on your future plans with the language. If you plan to settle in China or any other Chinese-speaking nation, go for the Chinese language. But if you want to settle in Hong Kong or have Cantonese-speaking clients in business, it makes learning Cantonese the better option.
Is Cantonese harder than Mandarin?
Learning Cantonese is slightly more challenging compared to learning Chinese. There are about nine different tones in the Cantonese language. Native speakers report only four tones in Mandarin Chinese language. There are many traditional characters in Cantonese, and it also has a different grammatical structure. The sentences are complex for newbies.
Best Apps To Learn Cantonese: Wrap-Up
Learning Cantonese seems a considerable challenge, mainly when it differs from Mandarin Chinese. Differences in traditional characters, simplified characters, tone differences, and grammar. You always have fantastic language apps to guide you. You can interact with native speakers, their courses, and pronunciation. So, get your hands on these language apps to learn Cantonese from the comfort of your home.
