LanguageApps.info

Language App Comparison Tool

Compare different language learning apps side by side to find the best fit for your learning style and goals. Add up to 3 apps to see detailed feature comparisons.

Comparing 3 Apps

Basic Info

Cost
Free, One Time Purchase
Free, Subscription
Free, Subscription
TL;DR
Anki is a robust flashcard tool using spaced repetition to help you memorize anything. It is a blank slate, requiring users to create or find their own content.
Memrise uses spaced repetition flashcards and short video clips of native speakers to help users learn vocabulary effectively. It excels at building a large vocabulary and improving listening skills for real-world accents.
LingQ helps you learn by reading and listening to interesting content. It tracks your known words and lets you look up and save new vocabulary from context.

Description

Description

Anki is a powerful, open-source flashcard program renowned for its effective spaced repetition system (SRS). It isn't a language course itself, but a highly effective tool for memorizing vocabulary, phrases, or grammar rules that you input yourself or download from shared user-created decks. Its high degree of customization allows for rich cards with audio, images, and cloze deletions. While its interface can be unintuitive for new users, its effectiveness for long-term retention is largely considered unparalleled for dedicated learners.

Memrise excels as a vocabulary acquisition tool, centered around a spaced repetition system (SRS) to optimize memorization. Its standout feature is the integration of thousands of short video clips of native speakers, which provides crucial exposure to authentic pronunciation and colloquialisms. In addition to official courses, Memrise hosts a vast library of user-generated content for a wide array of languages and subjects. However, it provides minimal explicit grammar instruction and limited opportunities for sentence construction or speaking practice, making it an excellent supplementary tool for vocabulary and listening rather than a comprehensive course.

LingQ is a language learning platform built on the principle of comprehensible input. It provides a vast library of articles, podcasts, interviews, and books, often with accompanying audio. As users read and listen, they can instantly look up new words and save them as "LingQs" for later review with a built-in spaced repetition system. The app visually tracks vocabulary growth, allowing learners to choose content suited to their level. It's an excellent tool for intermediate to advanced learners looking to expand their vocabulary and improve comprehension through massive exposure to authentic material.

Features

Key Features
Spaced Repetition, Flashcards, Vocabulary Builder, User Generated, Offline Access, Adaptive
Spaced Repetition, Flashcards, Vocabulary Builder, Video Based, User Generated, Listening Comprehension, Comprehensible Input, Offline Access
Comprehensible Input, Immersion, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension, Article Based, Audio Based, Vocabulary Builder

Limitations

Known Issues
Requires Self Direction, Limited Speaking Practice, Weak Grammar Explanation
Weak Grammar Explanation, Limited Speaking Practice, Passive Learning Focus, Varies By Course
Limited Speaking Practice, Weak Grammar Explanation, Passive Learning Focus

Core Methodology & Pedagogy

Comprehensible Input
Immersion

Content & Material Type

Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Video Based
Audio Based
Article Based
User Generated

Primary Skill Focus

Vocabulary Builder
Listening Comprehension
Reading Comprehension

Interaction & Technology

Offline Access
Adaptive
Anki vs. Memrise vs. LingQ Comparison | LanguageApps.info | LanguageApps.info