Anki
Claim this toolMaster knowledge with smart, spaced-repetition flashcards
From $24.99/mo (free plan available)Visit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- From $24.99/mo (free plan available). Compare plans
Key facts
- Free spaced-repetition flashcard app on desktop, web, and Android
- Official iOS app (AnkiMobile) is a one-time paid purchase
- Supports decks over 100,000 cards with an add-on ecosystem
Pros
- Free and open on desktop, web, and Android
- Highly customizable via add-ons
- Proven spaced-repetition method for long-term retention
Cons
- Official iOS app requires a one-time paid purchase
- Interface is utilitarian and has a learning curve for new users
What is Anki?
Anki is a flashcard program that uses spaced-repetition scheduling to help users spend more study time on difficult material and less on what they already know. After reviewing a card, users rate how well they recalled it, and Anki's algorithm schedules the next review accordingly, aiming to show each card just before it would be forgotten. It supports media-rich cards with audio, images, video, and scientific notation, an add-on ecosystem for extending functionality, and decks that can scale to well over 100,000 cards. Anki is popular with students, language learners, and medical or professional-exam candidates who need to retain large volumes of material. The desktop apps (Windows, macOS, Linux), the AnkiWeb sync service, and AnkiDroid on Android are all free, while the official AnkiMobile app for iOS/iPadOS is a paid one-time purchase that funds ongoing development.
Key Features
- Spaced-repetition scheduling algorithm
- Media-rich cards (audio, images, video, LaTeX)
- Free AnkiWeb sync across devices
- Add-on ecosystem
- Customizable card layouts and review timing
- Handles very large decks (100,000+ cards)
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Sep 25, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux) | $0 |
|
| AnkiWeb | $0 |
|
| AnkiDroid (Android) | $0 |
|
| AnkiMobile (iOS) | $24.99/Custom |
|
Is Anki worth the price?
Great value
Anki's pricing is exceptionally generous: the desktop, web, and Android apps are completely free, while the iOS version costs a one-time $24.99.
This model is far fairer than most flashcard apps that rely on subscriptions, making it ideal for budget-conscious learners who want a powerful, ad-free spaced repetition system without ongoing payments.
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Anki FAQ
How does Anki help medical students or professional-exam candidates retain large volumes of material?
Anki uses spaced-repetition scheduling to show each flashcard just before it would be forgotten, which is ideal for memorizing large amounts of information. Users rate their recall after each review, and the algorithm adjusts future intervals so difficult cards appear more often. This method is popular with medical students and professional-exam candidates who need to retain thousands of facts over long periods.
How does Anki compare to Quizlet for long-term retention?
Anki uses a proven spaced-repetition algorithm that schedules reviews based on individual recall, while Quizlet primarily relies on traditional study modes like flashcards and games. Anki's system is designed for long-term retention of large volumes, making it more suitable for medical or language learners than Quizlet's simpler approach. Additionally, Anki is free on desktop, web, and Android, whereas Quizlet offers a free tier with paid plans for more features.
What trade-offs should users consider when choosing Anki?
The official AnkiMobile app for iOS and iPadOS requires a one-time paid purchase, while the desktop, web, and Android versions are free. Additionally, Anki's interface is utilitarian and has a learning curve for new users, which may be less intuitive than some competing flashcard apps.
What kind of user benefits most from Anki's approach?
Students, language learners, and medical or professional-exam candidates who need to retain large volumes of material benefit most from Anki. Its spaced-repetition system and ability to handle decks with over 100,000 cards make it ideal for anyone studying complex subjects over extended periods.
How is Anki priced across different platforms?
Anki's desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, the AnkiWeb sync service, and the AnkiDroid app for Android are all free. The official AnkiMobile app for iOS and iPadOS is a paid one-time purchase that funds ongoing development. There is no subscription required for the core functionality.
Can Anki support media-rich flashcards with audio, images, and video?
Yes, Anki supports cards with audio, images, video, and scientific notation, allowing users to create rich study materials. This makes it suitable for subjects that require visual or auditory learning, such as anatomy or language pronunciation.
How does Anki's algorithm determine when to show a card again?
After reviewing a card, users rate how well they recalled it, and Anki's algorithm schedules the next review based on that rating. The goal is to show each card just before it would be forgotten, so easier cards appear less frequently and harder cards appear more often.
Does Anki offer an add-on ecosystem to extend its functionality?
Yes, Anki has an add-on ecosystem that allows users to extend its functionality with community-created plugins. These add-ons can enhance features like card formatting, import/export, and study statistics.
Source: apps.ankiweb.net