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SentenceLab vs HackChinese: Compare Features, Pricing & Learning Methods (2025 Comparison)

Hi there! If you're currently looking for online tools to support your language learning, you're in the right place. In this post I'm going to take a look at SentenceLab and HackChinese, to help you evaluate which tool best suits your needs.

In this comparison, I'll break down:

  • What each app does best
  • Who each app is designed for
  • Key differences in approach and pricing
  • Which one might work better for your learning goals

Quick takeaway: Both apps use spaced repetition for long-term retention. SentenceLab applies it to active sentence creation with feedback, while HackChinese applies it to character recognition through flashcards.

What is SentenceLab?

SentenceLab is designed specifically for intermediate Chinese learners (HSK4-6 level) who already know a lot of words but find it difficult to use them naturally in conversation or writing.

Core approach: Create sentences using vocabulary you want to master, and get feedback on correctness and naturalness. The spaced repetition system brings words back at optimal intervals for active sentence practice.

Key features:

  • AI-powered sentence feedback (grammar, naturalness, context)
  • Pre-built HSK graded lists (HSK 1-5), or custom vocabulary lists
  • Spaced repetition system for long-term retention
  • Focus on active production rather than passive recognition
  • Built for the "intermediate plateau" problem

Best for: Learners who can recognize lots of characters but struggle to put this knowledge into practice.

→ Try SentenceLab free for 7 days

What is HackChinese?

HackChinese is a comprehensive vocabulary learning platform that helps you systematically build and retain Chinese vocabulary through spaced repetition flashcards.

Core approach: Study pre-made vocabulary lists (HSK, textbooks, or custom) using flashcards with rich context including example sentences, breakdowns, and audio.

Key features:

  • Extensive pre-made vocabulary lists (HSK 1-6, popular textbooks)
  • Detailed character breakdowns and stroke order
  • Multiple study modes to best suit your goals
  • Progress tracking and analytics
  • Integration with Chinese reading apps
  • Dictionary and sentence mining tools

Best for: Learners who want a systematic approach to building vocabulary from beginner through advanced levels.

Key Differences

Feature SentenceLab HackChinese
Primary Focus Active sentence production Character/vocabulary recognition
Learning Method Write sentences, get AI feedback Flashcard-based spaced repetition
Target Level Intermediate (HSK4-6) All levels (HSK1-6)
Content Library HSK 1-5 graded lists + custom Extensive pre-made lists + textbooks
Feedback Type AI-powered grammar & naturalness Self-graded flashcards
Best For Output practice (speaking/writing) Input practice (reading/recognition)

Pricing Comparison

SentenceLab:

  • USD $8/month or USD $5/month for an annual subscription (billed annually at USD $60)
  • 7-day free trial available

HackChinese:

  • USD $18/month or USD $12/month for an annual subscription (billed annually at USD $144)
  • 21-day free trial available

The Real Difference: Recognition vs Production

The fundamental difference isn't just features, it's about what skill you're actually practicing.

HackChinese trains recognition: You see a character or word and recall its meaning, pronunciation, or usage. This is incredibly valuable for reading comprehension and building your passive vocabulary. You're exposed to lots of example sentences and contexts, which helps you understand how words are used.

SentenceLab trains production: You actively create sentences, forcing your brain to retrieve words and construct grammatically correct, natural-sounding Chinese. This directly practices the skill you need for speaking and writing.

Both apps use spaced repetition—the proven method for long-term retention—but they apply it to different skills. HackChinese optimizes when you review flashcards. SentenceLab optimizes when you practice producing sentences. The methodology is the same, but the application is different.

Pros and Cons

SentenceLab Pros:

  • Directly practices the output skills you need for speaking and writing
  • Feedback helps you learn correct usage and what sounds natural
  • Addresses the intermediate plateau specifically
  • No self-grading needed—evaluates automatically

SentenceLab Cons:

  • Newer platform with less content library
  • Requires more active effort (writing vs. recognizing)
  • Focused on intermediate learners (not ideal for beginners)

HackChinese Pros:

  • Extensive library of pre-made content
  • Excellent character breakdowns and learning tools
  • Strong progress tracking and analytics
  • Works great for all levels (HSK1-6)
  • Integration with reading apps

HackChinese Cons:

  • Primarily recognition practice (passive, not active)
  • Self-grading can be inconsistent
  • May not address the output gap for intermediate learners

Who Should Choose What?

Choose SentenceLab if:

  • You're intermediate (HSK4-6) and know words but can't use them confidently
  • You want structured output practice with feedback on vocab usage and naturalness
  • You're preparing for real conversations or writing in Chinese
  • You learn best by creating rather than just recognizing

→ Start your free 7-day trial

Choose HackChinese if:

  • You want to systematically build vocabulary from beginner to advanced
  • You need pre-made lists aligned with your textbook
  • You're motivated by detailed progress tracking and analytics
  • You want integration with Chinese reading apps

Or use both:

Some learners use HackChinese to build their vocabulary base through recognition, then use SentenceLab to practice actually using those words in sentences. They complement each other well, HackChinese for input and recognition, SentenceLab for output and production.

Final Thoughts

Both tools solve different problems in Chinese learning. HackChinese is excellent in helping you efficiently memorize and retain a large vocabulary through spaced repetition. It's comprehensive and has years of development behind it.

SentenceLab tackles a different challenge: the gap between knowing words and being able to use them naturally. If you've ever felt like you "know" thousands of characters but still struggle to write or speak, that's exactly what SentenceLab was built for.

The right choice depends on where you are in your learning journey and what your current challenge is. If you're building vocabulary from scratch, HackChinese is hard to beat. If you already have vocabulary but can't use it naturally, SentenceLab might be exactly what you need.

For intermediate learners struggling with output:
Try SentenceLab free for 7 days →