I used to learn Chinese via Duolingo before coming across HelloChinese. In my opinion, HelloChinese provides a far better learning experience since it is tailored specifically to Chinese, and I feel it's just on a whole other level. It also provides much more different formats for learning; for example background information, short stories, native speaker videos, games, etc. on top of a format that is similar to Duolingo.
I really appreciate the huge effort the team behind the app has made, be it the drawings to make it easier to remember characters, be it the fact that (I think) all sentences are spoken by a human and not computer generated, the plethora of native speaker videos, the nice interface, the explanations, and, again, the variety of formats they provide. On that note, I feel that the app interface is very well tailored to language learners. One example is the possibility of hearing your own recording in speaking exercises, that really helps to improve one's pronunciation.
The way the app combines learning via repetition with explanations suits my personal style very well. The insightful explanations don't just concern grammar, but also the meaning behind the characters and how the language is used in every day life (I highly recommend the Teacher Talks). It gives me the feeling of better understanding the language and making sense of it (I love the explanations on the (components of) Chinese characters, that is so helpful!).
I think HelloChinese provides a really nice and holistic learning experience, and I have the impression that it is very well thought through. I love the app and I love learning Chinese with the app! I am grateful to the team behind the app for making it so enjoyable to learn a new language!
