Craving a dose of Chinese entertainment? We got you!
We’ve rounded up the best free Chinese streaming apps for Android & iOS you could try. These let you enjoy Asian dramas, films, and even news reports at any time.
Whether you’re a seasoned Mandarin speaker or just starting to learn, there’s an option for you. Most apps cover diverse subs and even have original shows you won’t find elsewhere. Let’s dive in!
Viki
This app boasts a massive library of Chinese dramas, all with Eng subs. That makes it a top contender for your next binge-watch.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Subtitle Superstar: Viki boasts subtitles in over 200 languages, making it a haven for language learners and those seeking diverse content.
- Content Buffet: Beyond Chinese dramas, Viki serves up a smorgasbord of Asian entertainment, including Korean dramas, Japanese movies, and Taiwanese shows.
- Freemium Fun: Enjoy a good chunk of Viki’s library for free, but you can get a pro pack to get rid of ads.
Pros:
- Tons of Chinese dramas with subs
- Regularly updated
- Versatile genres
- Has a free tier
- Subs in over 200 languages
Cons:
- Limited dubbed content
- No kid-friendly content
- Premium pack needed to remove ads
Who Should Think Twice:
- Kiddos and Parents: Viki’s content is primarily geared toward adults, so it might not be suitable for young children.
- Ad Averse Viewers: While the free tier exists, ads are a part of the experience. If you can’t stand interruptions, consider the premium membership.
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YOUKU
That’s a Chinese streaming giant with tons of shows to explore. If you’re eager to experience authentic Chinese shows and movies, this app lets you do that. And along with fun, it provides an immersive environment to practice your listening comprehension.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Versatile: It covers tons of Chinese content, including popular films and series.
- Free with limitations: Enjoy a good selection of shows and movies at no cost, but some content requires a subscription for access.
- Multiple device support: Resume watching on your phone, tablet, or computer seamlessly.
- Create your watchlist: Keep track of your favorite shows and movies easily.
Pros:
- Extensive lib
- Free tier
- Multi-device support
- Watchlist
- Nice for intermediate and advanced learners
Cons:
- Primarily in Chinese
- Limited sub-options
- No dubbed content
- Requires a sub-pack for access to more content
Who Should Think Twice:
- Beginners in Mandarin: The interface and content are entirely in Chinese, making it challenging to navigate and understand without some prior knowledge.
- Those seeking English subtitles: Youku offers limited subtitle options, primarily in Chinese.
- People who prefer dubbed content: You won’t find it here.
iQIYI
This app is often dubbed the “Chinese Netflix” so you can guess what to expect from it. If you’re looking for a deep dive into Chinese dramas, that’s a true gem.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Content king: iQIYI boasts a massive library of Chinese dramas, ranging from classic favorites to the latest hits, across various genres like romance, comedy, historical, and fantasy.
- Global reach: Enjoy iQIYI’s content internationally with its intuitive interface available in multiple languages.
- Originals galore: Over half of iQIYI’s content is their own productions, including popular shows like “Story of Yanxi Palace.”
Pros:
- Huge lib
- Intuitive UI in multiple languages
- iQIYI originals
- Free tier
Cons:
- Frequent and intrusive ads
- Limited sub
- Scarce dubbed content
- Lacks Taiwanese content
Who Should Think Twice:
- Those with a low tolerance for ads: The free tier bombards you with ads before, during, and after shows.
- People seeking dubbed content or diverse audio options: It primarily offers content in its original language with limited subtitle options.
FunTV
If you’re short on time but big on entertainment, give this app a try. It’s all about short dramas, all conveniently condensed into bite-sized episodes of around a minute.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Short and sweet: Craving a quick drama fix? FunTV offers thousands of hours of entertainment in short, easy-to-watch episodes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Always fresh: With frequent updates, you’ll always find new episodes and the latest content to keep you hooked.
- Subs included: Don’t worry about language barriers. FunTV provides carefully prepared English subtitles for most content.
Pros:
- Ideal for busy schedules
- Over 2000 hours of content
- English subs
- Regular updates
- Free tier
Cons:
- No long-form content
- Less variety
- Some content might require a subscription
Who Should Think Twice:
- Fans of long-form narratives: If you crave intricate plotlines and character development, FunTV’s short format might leave you wanting more.
- Traditional drama viewers: This app is solely focused on short dramas, so it may not be suitable for those seeking longer TV series or movies.
Check also: 11 Free Korean TV Apps
YouTube
Well, you might not expect it, but this app can be a solid contender on our list. Especially if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the occasional quirk. It covers tons of fan-uploaded Chinese dramas, so everyone could find smth to watch.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Vast library: It boasts lots of user-uploaded Chinese dramas, from classics to the latest releases. And often with multiple sub-options.
- Hidden gems: With so many users contributing, you might stumble upon rare gems and lesser-known titles not readily available elsewhere.
- Free (with a catch): Enjoy all this content for free, though you’ll have to deal with ads throughout.
Pros:
- Free
- Diverse selection
- Multiple subs
- Flexible search
Cons:
- Inconsistent video quality
- Shows might not be officially licensed
- Potential for inappropriate content
Who Should Think Twice:
- Quality seekers: Expect inconsistent video quality and potential buffering issues compared to dedicated streaming services.
- Those seeking official content: Fan-uploaded content might not be officially licensed, leading to potential copyright issues.
CATCHPLAY
This app covers enough Asian content, including Chinese dramas. Plus, it covers a lot of Taiwanese movies, so it’s a unique window into the island’s vibrant film scene. But there’s a catch to it.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Taiwanese content haven: Dive into a vast lib of Taiwanese movies, TV shows, and exclusive content. That includes Disney, WB, and local gems.
- Dubbed delights: IT offers a decent selection of Mandarin-dubbed movies, nice for learners.
Pros:
- Largest lib of Taiwanese films
- Extensive international film section
- Mandarin dubbing
Cons:
- VPN is needed for most users
- Has sub packs
- Limited free content
Who Should Think Twice:
- Those without a VPN: CatchPlay’s official availability is limited, and accessing it from other regions might require a VPN, which can be technically challenging.
- Those seeking extensive free content: It primarily offers paid content with limited free options.
WeTV
This app gives you a taste of Chinese entertainment. It covers tons of shows to enjoy, but you’ll have to pay to access most of them.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Originals galore: WeTV boasts a decent collection of their own original movies, providing unique content you won’t find elsewhere.
- Tencent’s treasure trove: It covers tons of options, particularly dramas, for you to enjoy.
- Multilingual support: Enjoy subtitles in various languages, including English, Spanish, and Korean, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Pros:
- WeTV originals
- Subts
- Tons of films
- Continue watching feature
- Adjustable vid quality
Cons:
- Limited free options
- Focuses on dramas (mostly)
Who Should Think Twice:
- Budget-conscious viewers: While WeTV offers some free content, most of its library requires a paid subscription.
- Fans of short-form content: WeTV’s content focuses on longer dramas and movies, no web-series.
Have a look at: 11 Free Dating Apps for Asian People
CGTN
This app is a different breed. It’s here to give you a new perspective on global news. It covers tons of vids and lets you watch TV shows as well.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Free access: Enjoy a diverse range of news content without any subscription fees or in-app purchases.
- Unique perspective: Get a different angle on global news.
- Multilingual options: The app supports five languages (English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian), making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Variety of content: Explore various news formats, from reports to in-depth stories.
Pros:
- New perspective on global news
- Multiple languages
- Covers breaking news, stories, and archives
- Free
Cons:
- State-owned media with potential bias
- Limited language options
- Less focus on in-depth analysis
Who Should Think Twice:
- Those seeking unbiased news: Be aware of potential biases here. It’s crucial to compare information with other news sources for a well-rounded understanding.
- Those seeking in-depth analysis: Its focus might be more on presenting news.
MangoTV
If you’re into dramas, this app is your cup of tea. It’s known for its original programming and international audience appeal. And it has dramas for every taste.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Targeting a global audience: With English subtitles and an interface promoting international accessibility, MangoTV aims to cater to viewers outside of China.
- Free Chinese dramas: Enjoy a selection of popular Chinese dramas.
- Original content: Explore a range of unique variety shows produced by MangoTV itself.
Pros:
- Free access to some popular Chinese dramas
- Original variety shows
- English subs
- HD video and smart recs
- Offline viewing
Cons:
- Limited free content
- Sub pack costs might not be ideal for heavy viewers
- Limited language options
Who Should Think Twice:
- Those seeking a vast free library: The free offerings might be limited compared to other streaming services.
- Heavy viewers: If you’re a frequent viewer, limited free content and subscription costs are ideal.
- Fans of specific shows: Access to specific dramas or earlier episodes might require a paid subscription.
HiTV
Here’s an app to dive into Asian movies with. It covers titles from Korea and China, and there are tons of options to try.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Global entertainment buffet: Explore a wide variety of content, from Korean dramas to Chinese classics, movies, and more, catering to diverse tastes.
- Multilingual magic: Enjoy the app in multiple languages and access content with subtitles, making it accessible to a global audience.
- Offline viewing: Download your favorite shows and movies to watch offline.
Pros:
- Mixed content
- Multilingual support
- Offline viewing
- Saves playlists and watch history
Cons:
- Potentially smaller lib
- May not have the latest releases
- Limited original content
Who Should Think Twice:
- Fans of deep libraries: Its lib might be smaller compared to other services.
- Limited original content: It’s about existing content, not original productions.
- Those seeking the latest releases: HiTV might not always have the newest releases readily available.
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KOCOWA+
This app covers versatile Asian content to enjoy. There are Chinese pieces, but the main focus lies on K-dramas.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Fast subtitles: Enjoy the latest episodes with subtitles available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
- High-quality streaming: Watch your favorite Korean content in high-quality streaming for a smooth viewing experience.
- Focus on the latest trends: It keeps its lib updated with the latest and most talked-about dramas and shows.
Pros:
- Extensive lib
- Multi-language subs
- Fast-paced subs for new episodes
- Special K-Pop content lib
Cons:
- Limited availability outside of Korea and America
- Relies on a subscription model
- No focus on Chinese content
Who Should Think Twice:
- Budget-conscious viewers: While offering some free content, KOCOWA primarily relies on a subscription model.
- Fans of original content: It focuses on existing content rather than offering original productions.
