Pleco

Yes, the core Pleco application is entirely free to download and use on both iOS and Android, providing a highly robust Chinese-English dictionary out of the box. However, advanced features like optical character recognition (OCR) and advanced audio pronunciations require purchasing paid add-on packs.

Yes, Pleco includes a handwriting recognition feature that allows users to draw an unknown character directly on their screen. This is an incredibly useful tool for learners who encounter unfamiliar Chinese characters they do not know how to type.

Yes, Pleco is designed to function completely offline once the initial dictionaries and databases are downloaded to your mobile device. This means you can look up definitions and example sentences without needing an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

Yes, Pleco fully supports both simplified and traditional Chinese characters, making it suitable for users traveling to mainland China or Taiwan. Users can easily toggle between character sets in the app's settings.