Typing Hero App vs Ratatype — Feature Comparison
Ratatype is a long-established free typing tutor with certificate generation. Typing Hero App is a modern multi-language alternative. Both are free, both web-based, both teach touch typing. Here's the detailed feature comparison.
Quick comparison
| Aspect | Typing Hero App | Ratatype |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2024 | 2014 |
| Free | Yes (fully) | Yes (with optional paid) |
| Languages | 45 | ~13 |
| Layouts | 38 | Limited (QWERTY focus) |
| Certificate | No formal | Yes (free PDF) |
| Account | None | Required for certificate |
| Lessons | 19 per language | ~13 |
| Speed test | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile | Web-friendly | Web-friendly |
Typing Hero App overview
Key features
- Free, no signup
- 45 languages out of the box
- 38 keyboard layouts
- 19 structured lessons per language
- Modern web app (2024+ design)
- Privacy-first (no tracking)
Best for
- Multi-language typists
- Privacy-conscious users
- Adults wanting modern UX
- Layout-specific learning (QWERTZ, AZERTY, etc.)
Ratatype overview
Key features
- Free typing tutor since 2014
- Certificate generation (free PDF)
- English + ~12 other languages
- Group/team features
- Speed test included
Best for
- Certificate needs (resume use)
- English speakers primarily
- Group/classroom management
- Established platform with track record
Feature-by-feature comparison
Lesson structure
Typing Hero App:
- ✓ 19 lessons per language
- ✓ Progressive difficulty
- ✓ Layout-aware (each layout has own lessons)
- ✓ Per-language adapted content
Ratatype:
- ✓ ~13 lessons total
- ✓ Progressive difficulty
- ✓ English-optimized
- ✓ Standard QWERTY focus
Verdict: Typing Hero App has more lessons (per-language depth).
Multi-language support
Typing Hero App:
- 45 languages
- 38 keyboard layouts
- Hungarian, Polish, Russian, Bulgarian, Albanian, etc. supported
- Each language has dedicated lessons
Ratatype:
- ~13 languages
- Mostly QWERTY-based
- Major European languages covered
- Less coverage for niche languages
Verdict: Typing Hero App significantly broader language support.
Certificate
Typing Hero App:
- No formal certificate
- Take screenshots of WPM
- Use Monkeytype or Brainbench for certificates
Ratatype:
- ✓ Free certificate (PDF)
- ✓ Show WPM + date
- ✓ Resume-attachable
- ✓ Account required
Verdict: Ratatype wins for certificate users.
Account requirement
Typing Hero App:
- ✗ No signup required
- ✓ Progress stored locally
- ✓ Privacy-first
Ratatype:
- ✓ Account required for certificate
- ✓ Cloud progress sync
- ✗ Less private
Verdict: Typing Hero App for privacy. Ratatype for cross-device sync.
User interface
Typing Hero App:
- Modern 2024 web design
- Clean, minimal
- Mobile-responsive
- Fast loading
Ratatype:
- Functional older design
- Multiple sections
- Has classroom features
- Standard web look
Verdict: Subjective. Typing Hero App fresher.
Speed test
Typing Hero App:
- Built into lessons
- Various content
- Real-time WPM/accuracy
Ratatype:
- ✓ Dedicated speed test
- ✓ Various languages
- ✓ Saved test history
Verdict: Comparable; Ratatype more dedicated test feature.
Classroom features
Typing Hero App:
- ✗ Single-user focus
- ✗ No teacher/student management
Ratatype:
- ✓ Class/group accounts
- ✓ Teacher monitoring
- ✓ Bulk certificates
Verdict: Ratatype better for educators/classrooms.
When to use each
Use Typing Hero App if
- Multi-language learner (especially non-English native)
- Adult learner wanting modern UX
- Privacy preference
- Want layout-specific instruction (QWERTZ, AZERTY)
- No certificate need
Use Ratatype if
- Need certificate for resume
- English-primary typing
- Classroom teacher managing students
- Like established platforms
Use BOTH if
- Daily learning on Typing Hero App
- Take certificate test on Ratatype periodically
Honest assessment
Typing Hero App strengths
- Wider language/layout coverage
- No signup
- Modern UX
- Truly free
Ratatype strengths
- Certificate generation (free)
- Classroom management
- Longer track record
- Established community
Where both are comparable
- Free tier sufficient for most
- Web-based accessibility
- Basic learning curriculum
- Speed measurement
Specific use case recommendations
Hungarian learner
- Typing Hero App clearly better (full Hungarian + QWERTZ-HU)
- Ratatype has limited Hungarian support
Polish learner
- Typing Hero App better (Polish + QWERTY-PL)
- Ratatype Polish support limited
English-only adult
- Either works
- Ratatype if certificate needed
- Typing Hero App if privacy preferred
Teacher
- Ratatype for classroom features
- Or paid TypingClub Plus for more
Self-taught hobbyist
- Either — preference matters
Pricing comparison
Typing Hero App
- Free forever
- No premium tier
- No subscription
Ratatype
- Free for basic features
- Premium subscription for some advanced features ($5-15/month)
- Free certificate included
Verdict: Typing Hero App fully free. Ratatype freemium.
Migration between
From Ratatype to Typing Hero App
- No data export needed
- Just start using
- Layouts/languages may differ
From Typing Hero App to Ratatype
- Same — fresh start
- Account needed
- Mostly for certificate purpose
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more popular?
Ratatype has longer history. Typing Hero App newer but rapidly growing.
Is Ratatype certificate accepted by employers?
Some yes, depends on industry. Data entry positions often accept.
Best for beginners?
Both fine. Typing Hero App for non-English. Ratatype for English + certificate.
Mobile friendly?
Both web-based, work on mobile browsers.
Active development?
Both maintained. Typing Hero App actively expanding (modern dev).
Best free option?
Honest: depends on language. Multi-language: Typing Hero App. English certificate: Ratatype.
Try Typing Hero App
Typing Hero App — free, no signup, 45 languages. Modern alternative to Ratatype.
For more: Best free typing tutors in 2026, Typing Hero App vs Monkeytype, Touch typing certification.