Generally speaking, I like Babbel’s courses. I think they do a good job of teaching languages in a relaxing manner that is effective and fairly priced.
Although I’ve used Babbel for other languages, I had never checked to see if they have a Mandarin course.
Since starting the website, I’ve tried out over 40 different resources for learning Chinese online. I decided that it’s finally time that I get around to writing an incredibly thorough and honest review of Babbel Chinese.
That’s when I realized – it doesn’t exist. Luckily, there are quite a few good alternatives, some of which are free.
Why doesn’t Babbel have a Chinese course?
I have no idea.
But, perhaps it’s a good thing that they don’t. Not long ago I tried Duolingo’s Chinese course and was caught off guard by just how bad it was.
Maybe Babbel looked into creating a Chinese course and realized that, in order to do it well, it would take an absurd amount of work.
It could be a good thing that they don’t offer a Chinese course. It’s better to do a good job with the languages you offer, then to put out garbage courses in every language.
Another possible reason that Babbel doesn’t have a Chinese course is that there are already a bunch of other options.
There are lots of good alternatives to Babbel
Since starting this website, I’ve been surprised to find that the resources for learning Chinese are much better than those for most other languages. Let’s take a look at some of the alternatives now.
Most similar to Babbel
The most unique app/course
It doesn’t follow as strict of a structure with the course content, sometime teaching less common words earlier. Doing this lets them craft a story and you’re provided lots of opportunities to practice every part of the language. Ninchanese may come across as a playful game but it might actually be the most in-depth and comprehensive course there is. Use the coupon code “ALR15OFF” to get 15% off any plan. My review of Ninchanese.
Some good courses that aren’t apps
If you were only interested in Babbel because it’s an app, then maybe these following three courses won’t be a good fit for you. But, they’re all very good and you can always use them on your phone’s browser anyway.
Chinese Zero to Hero! Isn’t the course with the most depth, but it does cover everything as it’s based off the HSK textbooks. The courses are also really affordable. Use the coupon code “ALR10” to get 10% off any course. My review of Chinese Zero to Hero!
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Great site, I have been searching some time for a good online Mandarin Chinese course, tried many, some were decent but just did not hit me as what I was really looking for/needed. Then thru your site I found Yoyo Chinese and after just a few lessons knew it was just what I had been searching for. I tried learning Mandarin with a tutor long ago but did not get very far. I don’t have a knack for languages, but what I learned from her was how essential learning the tones are with a tonal language like Chinese, how easily you can get things wrong/be misunderstood if you don’t get the tones right first. I am amazed at how many online courses will go through a lot of lessons to even complex phrases using pinyin but hardly even mention the tones. I was impressed that Yoyo taught tones and stressed their importance right off the bat. I like the video lessons, they are more immersive. I also love that they tell you each major segment of learning will take 3 to 6 months, not the come on you often get that “in three easy lessons or after just three weeks you can be carrying on conversations in Chinese”, such bull. Maybe if Spock mind melded with a Chinese person from Beijing he could do that, otherwise, give me a break. I also like that with the free trial they don’t hit you right off with a deluge of pay now for big discount e-mails. Thanks for steering me in the right direction — a great help.