Anki
Anki is a spaced-repetition flashcard engine: you (or a shared deck) write cards, then review them on a schedule.
OUR TAKE
Pick Anki for learners who will write or import a deck and review daily. You build the cards.
Good fit
Learners who will write or import a deck and review daily.
Poor fit
People who want a locked kanji path (WaniKani) or an AI speaking partner (Langua).
Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux) · AnkiMobile (iOS) $24.99
USD, before tax · Checked 2026-10-28 · apps.ankiweb.net
Compare:
OUR TAKE
Pick Anki for learners who will write or import a deck and review daily. You build the cards. (or trust a shared deck). There is no curriculum.
Good fit
Learners who will write or import a deck and review daily.
Poor fit
People who want a locked kanji path (WaniKani) or an AI speaking partner (Langua).
Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux) · AnkiMobile (iOS) $24.99
USD, before tax · Checked 2026-10-28 · apps.ankiweb.net
Compare:
What it costs
USD, before tax · Checked 2026-10-28 · apps.ankiweb.net
Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux)
AGPL-3.0
$0
AnkiWeb
sync + shared decks
$0
AnkiDroid
on Play (community)
$0
AnkiMobile (iOS)
one-time on the US App Store (AnkiMobile). Supports the desktop project
Lowest paid
$24.99
Checked 2026-10-28·apps.ankiweb.net
Before you pay
Good fit
Learners who will write or import a deck and review daily.
Poor fit
People who want a locked kanji path (WaniKani) or an AI speaking partner (Langua).
Watch out
You build the cards. (or trust a shared deck). There is no curriculum.
Instead, try
Knowt if notes + cards from a lecture file when you do not want to write Anki cards; WaniKani if a finished kanji path when you do not want to maintain a deck
Compare Anki with
Limits, in full
- 01
You build the cards. (or trust a shared deck). There is no curriculum.
- 02
iPhone is the paid surface. Desktop stays free.
- 03
Shared Decks chrome is sparse. it is still the official catalog.
If Anki isn't it
Why: a finished kanji path when you do not want to maintain a deck.
Free· paid from$9
Free ends at level 4Limits & alternatives3 limits · Knowt, WaniKani instead
Limits, in full
- 01
You build the cards. (or trust a shared deck). There is no curriculum.
- 02
iPhone is the paid surface. Desktop stays free.
- 03
Shared Decks chrome is sparse. it is still the official catalog.
If Anki isn't it
Why: a finished kanji path when you do not want to maintain a deck.
Free· paid from$9
Free ends at level 4