Anki
An app that shows each flashcard right before you'd forget it.
What Anki does
Anki is a flashcard tool many serious language learners rely on. It uses spaced repetition to show each card right before you'd forget it, so reviews take less time. It's free on computers, the web and Android (AnkiDroid). The iPhone and iPad app, AnkiMobile, is a one-time $24.99 that funds development.
Anki isn't a course. You make your own cards or download decks shared by others, then review a little every day. The scheduler decides when each card comes back, and you can add audio, images and fill-in-the-blank cards, which is great for vocabulary, kanji or verb forms.
Your cards and progress sync for free across your phone, tablet and computer. Some advanced tasks, like changing card types or using add-ons, still need the desktop version. The Android app is made by a separate open-source team and is free.
The learning curve is real: the screens are plain and there are lots of settings. But if you want vocabulary to stick for years and you're willing to review daily, Anki is hard to beat. Pair it with a course or tutor for grammar and speaking.
Alternatives to Anki
Who it's for
Skip it if: Beginners who want lessons that teach the language for them.
Pricing
Free planAnki is free on Android (AnkiDroid), the web and computers. The iPhone and iPad app, AnkiMobile, is a one-time $24.99 with no subscription. Sync between devices is free.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Free on most platforms
- Very effective for long-term memory
- Highly customizable
- No subscription, even on iPhone
Watch out for
- Plain design and a steep learning curve
- iPhone app costs $24.99
- Not a course, so you need other materials
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Questions people ask
Is Anki free?
Yes on Android, the web and computers. The iPhone and iPad app costs $24.99 once.
Is Anki good for learning a language?
It's excellent for vocabulary and characters. It doesn't teach grammar or conversation, so pair it with a course or tutor.
What is spaced repetition?
A review system that shows you each card right before you'd forget it, so you spend less time on what you already know.
Is AnkiDroid the same as Anki?
It's the free Android version, made by a separate open-source team, and it syncs with Anki.