Anki review
Open-source flashcards powered by spaced repetition
- Damien Elmes and AnkiHub
- Free
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web
Does it deserve #3?
The verdict
Anki is the most effective flashcard tool you can use, if you are willing to put in the work. Its spaced repetition scheduler, including the newer FSRS option, shows each card just before you would forget it. It is free and open source everywhere except iPhone, where AnkiMobile is a one-time purchase. The catch: the interface is dated and setup takes effort. Ideal for med students and serious language learners.
- FSRS spaced repetition scheduler
- Free sync through AnkiWeb
- Shared community decks
- Desktop add-ons and custom templates
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Smart scheduling means less review time for the same recall
- Free and open source on desktop, Android and the web
- Fully customizable cards, decks and study settings
What could be better
- Dated interface with a steep learning curve
- The iPhone and iPad app, AnkiMobile, is a paid download
Med students, language learners and anyone memorizing large volumes of facts
you want a polished, guided app that tells you exactly what to study
Questions about Anki
Is Anki free?
Anki is free and open source on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android (as AnkiDroid) and the web. On iPhone and iPad, AnkiMobile is a one-time paid app with no subscription, and it helps fund development.
Does Anki sync between devices?
Yes. A free AnkiWeb account syncs your decks and review history across desktop, mobile and the browser.
What are the best alternatives to Anki?
The closest alternatives are Quizlet, Duolingo and Khan Academy. See all of them ranked on our Anki alternatives page.
Where does Anki rank?
Anki ranks #3 of 8 in our Learning ranking, with an overall score of 8.8 out of 10.