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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
Subscription, One Time Purchase
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.
Pimsleur uses a scientifically-backed method of 30-minute audio lessons to get you speaking and understanding a new language quickly. It is ideal for learning while commuting or exercising.
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.

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.

The Pimsleur method is a long-standing, highly-regarded audio program focused on developing conversational skills. Each 30-minute lesson uses a question-and-answer format that prompts the listener to recall and construct phrases, effectively building active recall. This audio-lingual approach is excellent for improving listening comprehension and pronunciation, quickly building confidence for speaking basic conversations. The program intentionally minimizes reading and writing to focus on the sounds of the language. While exceptionally effective for auditory learners, it must be supplemented with other resources for deep grammar knowledge and literacy skills.

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.

Features

Key Features
Spaced Repetition, Flashcards, Vocabulary Builder, User Generated, Offline Access, Adaptive
Audio Based, Audio Lingual, Communicative Approach, Speaking Practice, Listening Comprehension, Pronunciation Training, Structured Course, Spaced Repetition, Offline Access
Spaced Repetition, Flashcards, Vocabulary Builder, Video Based, User Generated, Listening Comprehension, Comprehensible Input, Offline Access

Limitations

Known Issues
Requires Self Direction, Limited Speaking Practice, Weak Grammar Explanation
Weak Grammar Explanation, Minimal Reading/Writing, Shallow Content
Weak Grammar Explanation, Limited Speaking Practice, Passive Learning Focus, Varies By Course

Core Methodology & Pedagogy

Comprehensible Input
Communicative Approach
Audio Lingual

Content & Material Type

Structured Course
Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Video Based
Audio Based
User Generated

Primary Skill Focus

Vocabulary Builder
Speaking Practice
Pronunciation Training
Listening Comprehension

Interaction & Technology

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