I have tested more than 20 apps for learning kanji. Most are mediocre: old interfaces, boring quizzes, non-existent SRS. These 7, however, are worth your time. Some are completely free, others have a generous free tier. For each you'll find pros, cons, and an honest verdict — no marketing, just facts.
Our Evaluation Criteria
- SRS (Spaced Repetition): does the app use an algorithm to optimize revisions?
- JLPT Coverage: Does it cover kanji organized by level N5-N1?
- Offline functionality: can you study offline?
- How much is really free: is the free tier enough to make real progress?
- User Experience: Is it enjoyable to use every day or does it make you want to give up?
Comparison Table
| App | Kanji | SRS | Offline | Languages | Free/Premium | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanjidon | 2,136 | SM-2 | Yes | 21 | Generous + Premium | 9.5/10 |
| Kanji Study | 2,136+ | Basic | Yes | 1 (EN) | Single purchase | 7.5/10 |
| Takoboto | ~2,000 | No | Yes | Multi | Free (with ads) | 7.0/10 |
| Jsho | ~2,000 | No | Yes | Multi | Completely free | 6.5/10 |
| Obenkyo | ~2,136 | No | Yes | Multi | Completely free | 6.5/10 |
| Kanji Tree | ~2,000 | Basic | Yes | Multi | Free + Premium | 6.0/10 |
| KanjiQ | ~1,000 | Basic | Partial | 1 (EN) | Free + Premium | 5.5/10 |
#1: Kanjidon (9.5/10)
Kanjidon is the app that best combines the science of learning and the pleasure of use. The SM-2 spaced repetition algorithm decides when to let you review each kanji, and 10 different quiz types avoid the boredom of traditional flashcards.
What Works
- Real SRS SM-2: not random quizzes, but an algorithm that optimizes each review
- 10 types of quizzes: multiple choice, sentence reorganization, readings, meanings and more
- Mnemonics in 21 languages: visual stories to remember every kanji, in your language
- Real-time PvP battles: studying becomes competition
- JLPT organization from N5 to N1: clear path
- Generous free tier: you can complete N5 and N4 without paying
- Modern design and native iOS/Android apps with offline
The Limits
- Mobile only: no web version for those who prefer to study on desktop
- Some advanced features require Premium
- It does not cover grammar: it specializes only in kanji (which however is its strong point)
Verdict: The best kanji app for the vast majority of students. The free tier is generous enough to allow real progress before deciding if the Premium is worth it.
#2: Kanji Study (7.5/10)
Kanji Study is more of an interactive kanji dictionary than a learning app. If you want to look up a kanji, see the stroke order, and look up readings and meanings, it's excellent. As a primary study tool, however, it has limitations.
What Works
- Complete and detailed kanji dictionary
- Very accurate stroke order animations
- One-time purchase (no subscription)
- Works offline
The Limits
- Android only: iPhone users excluded
- Very basic SRS
- No gamification or motivational elements
- Only in English
- Better as a reference tool than a main app
Verdict: Great as a complement to your main kanji app. If you need to look up a kanji quickly or see the stroke order, Kanji Study is perfect. But it is not enough on its own to learn.
#3: Takoboto (7.0/10)
Takoboto is a complete and free Japanese dictionary. Its strength is search: write a word in Italian, English or Japanese and you find everything. As an app for learning kanji systematically, however, it is not designed for that.
What Works
- Complete and free Japanese dictionary
- Quick search in multiple languages
- Works offline
- Reliable JMDict database
The Limits
- No SRS system
- No structured learning path
- And a dictionary, not a teacher
- Functional but dated interface
- Advertising in the free version
Verdict: Indispensable as a supporting dictionary, but not a replacement for a learning app. Install it next to your main kanji app.
#4: Jsho (6.5/10)
Jsho is another Japanese dictionary based on the JMDict database. It's minimal, fast and completely free. Perfect for quick reference, but has no learning functionality.
What Works
- Completely free without advertising
- Fast and light
- Kanji search for radicals
The Limits
- Zero learning features
- No quizzes, no SRS
- Consultation only
Verdict: good as a pocket dictionary. It's not an app for learning, it's an app for searching.
#5: Obenkyo (6.5/10)
Obenkyo is a veteran of free kanji apps. Covers hiragana, katakana and all joyo kanji. It's completely free, but the age shows.
What Works
- Completely free
- Covers kanji, hiragana and katakana
- Basic quizzes available
- Organization by JLPT level
The Limits
- Visually dated interface (looks like an app from 2012)
- No real SRS
- Very simple and repetitive quizzes
- Rare updates
- No mnemonics or memorization aids
Verdict: If your budget is absolute zero and you don't want advertising, Obenkyo does the job in a basic way. But in 2026, there are much better free options.
#6: Kanji Tree (6.0/10)
Kanji Tree is a simple and clean kanji app. It does the basics competently, but lacks everything that makes the study of kanji effective and enjoyable.
What Works
- Clean and modern interface
- Organization by JLPT level
- Free tier available
The Limits
- Very basic SRS
- Little variety in the quizzes
- No mnemonics
- Slow updates
- The free tier is rather limited
Verdict: Adequate for casual study, but serious students will quickly outgrow it.
#7: KanjiQ (5.5/10)
KanjiQ is a cute quiz app for absolute beginners. The problem: It only covers about 1,000 kanji, and the learning system is too simple to get you far.
What Works
- Nice and accessible quizzes for beginners
- Free for the first levels
The Limits
- Limited coverage (~1,000 kanji): You don't even get to N2
- Unsophisticated SRS
- Only in English
- Free content runs out quickly
Verdict: Nice to try, but you'll have to switch apps soon.
Which App Should You Choose?
It depends on what you're looking for:
- You want the full package (SRS + quizzes + mnemonics + gamification): Kanjidon
- Want a reference dictionary to look up kanji: Kanji Study (Android) or Takoboto
- You just want to look up words quickly: Jsho
- You have absolutely zero budget and all you need is the minimum: Obenkyo
The truth is that most students need two apps: one for learning (with SRS and quizzes) and one for consulting (a good dictionary). For the former, few apps combine real SRS with free full content. For the latter, Takoboto and Jsho are both excellent and free.
Final advice
Consistency matters more than the app. The perfect app you never open is worse than the mediocre app you use every day. That said, starting with the right tools can save you months. Choose an app with real SRS, start with N5 kanji, and don't give up for at least 30 days. After a month of daily study, the results will motivate you to continue. The best app and the one you use every day. Get started with Kanjidon for free and see if it's right for you.
