The Best Japanese Learning Apps in 2026
Duolingo should be your starting point: its free Japanese path trains conversation, composition, comprehension and listening, then uses a placement check and tailored review to direct what you study next. Its mobile lessons can also include stories, radio segments, speech exercises and some offline use. It is the best free option listed, while Nazoru is the cheapest paid option at $3.99 a month. For learners preparing for everyday situations in Japan, IRODORI Japanese Online Course is a strong fit because its self-paced material mixes audio, video scenes, reading and writing tasks with vocabulary, kanji, grammar and progress checks. Marugoto Japanese Online Course suits students who want a teacher in the loop: you can combine independent work with live instruction and corrected assignments. If your priority is handwriting without a connection, Kanjiro scores stroke practice and keeps lessons, quizzes and progress on the device. The starting-price range is from $3.99 a month (Nazoru) to $29.99 a month (NativShark).
Our top picks
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Top ranked
Duolingo#1 of 639.4/10A broad free Japanese course with placement, personalized review, stories, and mobile access.
Free plan · 14-day trial
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Runner-up
IRODORI Japanese Online Course#2 of 639.3/10A free, self-paced Japanese course focused on everyday life and work in Japan.
Free plan
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Top-ranked free plan
Marugoto Japanese Online Course#3 of 639.2/10Interactive Japanese self-study with tutor-supported courses, live lessons, and assignment correction.
Free plan
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
The full ranking 63 tools, best first · page 1 of 2
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Best forLearners wanting a free, all-around course
A broad free Japanese course with placement, personalized review, stories, and mobile access.
Free plan · 14-day trial Our Duolingo verdict → Visit DuolingoFor vendors Sponsor this spot · #1 · $149/mo →9.4/10★★★★★Visit Duolingo -
Best forFree practical Japanese lessons
A free, self-paced Japanese course focused on everyday life and work in Japan.
9.3/10★★★★★Visit IRODORI -
Best forLearners who want tutor-supported Japanese
Interactive Japanese self-study with tutor-supported courses, live lessons, and assignment correction.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Marugoto -
Best forStructured study with feedback and certificates
A structured Japanese course with placement testing, practice tools, and certificates.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Busuu -
Best forAffordable Japanese audio lessons and feedback
A lesson-led Japanese course with offline study, pronunciation tools, and optional teacher feedback.
Free plan · 7-day trial Our JapanesePod101 verdict → Visit JapanesePod101For vendors Sponsor this spot · #5 · $59/mo →8.9/10★★★★☆Visit JapanesePod101 -
Best forImmersion-based study with tutoring options
A paid immersion-based course with pronunciation feedback, conversation practice, and tutoring.
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Rosetta Stone -
Best forLearners focused on spoken Japanese conversation
A conversation-focused Japanese course with offline lessons and speaking practice.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Pimsleur -
Best forConversation-led study across multiple languages
Mango Languages pairs conversation courses with review tools across 70+ languages.
8.7/10★★★★☆Try Mango Languages -
Best forGamified lessons with speech and AI practice
Mondly pairs gamified daily lessons with pronunciation, review, and conversation practice.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Mondly -
Best forVocabulary and native-speaker video practice
A varied Japanese study app built around vocabulary, video and speaking practice.
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Memrise -
Best forLearners who want Japanese lessons through authentic video
A video-led Japanese study app with interactive subtitles, vocabulary review, and speaking practice.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit FluentU -
Best forGrammar-focused structured course learners
A grammar-led course with native audio, speaking practice, and offline lessons.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit LingoDeer -
Best forGENKI textbook learners reviewing core material
A focused set of mobile companions for reviewing GENKI vocabulary, kanji, and conjugation.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit GENKI -
Best forTutor-supported courses with multilingual instructions
A web-based Japanese learning platform pairing broad courses with optional tutor support.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Minato -
Best forFree study across grammar, kanji, and vocabulary
A broad Japanese-learning toolkit with a free plan and structured review paths.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Renshuu -
Best forIntermediate learners building reading fluency
Story-led Japanese practice with annotations, native audio, and spaced-repetition review.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Satori Reader -
Best forLearners who want to read authentic material
A reading-led study app for learners who want to work with real-world content.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit LingQ -
Best forLow-cost grammar and JLPT practice
A focused Japanese study app with deep grammar and JLPT practice at a low monthly price.
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Bunpro -
Best forLearners seeking varied, adaptive Japanese practice
A broad Japanese study toolkit with adaptive exercises and spaced-repetition review.
- Speaking practice
- Writing practice
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Nihongo Gym -
Best forJLPT reading and conversation practice
A broad self-study course pairing N5–N1 reading with JLPT and AI speaking practice.
- Speaking practice
7.6/10★★★★☆Try Todaii Japanese -
Best forFree mobile and web study with handwriting
A broad, free Japanese study toolkit for learners who want handwriting practice and offline access.
- Offline access
- Writing practice
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit Kanjiro -
Best forGuided Japanese study with writing feedback
A web-based JLPT path pairs handwriting checks with tutor practice and writing feedback.
- Speaking practice
- Writing practice
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Naraio -
Best forMultiskill practice with AI conversation tools
A broad Japanese study app with adaptive lessons and AI conversation practice.
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit Kotrin -
Best forBilingual Japanese reading and listening practice
A mobile app for pairing Japanese reading with narrated audio and translation.
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Beelinguapp -
Best forJLPT learners wanting a structured grammar path
A focused Japanese course with grammar, spaced reviews, reading practice, and JLPT mock exams.
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit MaruMori -
Best forCustomizable flashcard-based Japanese study
A flexible flashcard study tool for Japanese, not a structured language course.
- Offline access
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Anki -
Best forFocused kanji and vocabulary study
A focused web app for Japanese reading practice, with spaced reviews and free starter levels.
6.8/10★★★☆☆Visit WaniKani -
Best forVideo-based listening and dictation practice
Build listening and dictation skills through native-speaker videos and interactive practice.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Yabla -
Best forSentence-based vocabulary review
A sentence-focused vocabulary tool with listening and spaced-repetition review.
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Clozemaster -
Best forAndroid learners focused on kanji literacy
A kanji-focused Android app with broad reference search and structured writing practice.
- Writing practice
6.4/10★★★☆☆Visit Kanji Study -
Best forOffline, JLPT-organized vocabulary and kanji study
A free, offline-capable study app with JLPT content, writing practice and Anki imports.
- Offline access
- Writing practice
6.3/10★★★☆☆Visit Origa -
Best forMobile learners building JLPT vocabulary and reading
A mobile Japanese study app for JLPT vocabulary, kanji writing, and leveled reading.
- Offline access
- Writing practice
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit Yomaru -
Best forFree browser-based kana, kanji, and vocabulary drills
A free browser-based practice tool for kana, JLPT kanji, and vocabulary drills.
- Offline access
6.1/10★★★☆☆Visit KanaDojo -
Best forFree browser-based drills with AI conversation
Broad Japanese drills and AI conversation practice, free in a browser.
- Speaking practice
6.0/10★★★☆☆Try Katsuyō Academy -
Best forMobile learners wanting broad JLPT review
Broad JLPT review with FSRS scheduling, audio examples and seven quiz types.
- Writing practice
5.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Amenokori -
Best forLearners wanting AI-supported story and writing practice
Voiced JLPT stories pair with AI writing feedback, speaking practice and adaptive review.
- Speaking practice
- Writing practice
5.8/10★★★☆☆Visit Nikki Nihongo -
Best forMobile learners seeking offline JLPT practice
A mobile self-study suite with offline lessons, speech practice and JLPT prep through N2.
5.7/10★★★☆☆Try Honki de Nihongo -
Best forBeginners seeking free Japanese audio and video lessons
A free, web-based beginner course built around practical conversation and listening practice.
- Speaking practice
- Offline access
- Writing practice
5.6/10★★★☆☆Visit site -
Best forLearners seeking short, vocabulary-focused sessions
A focused way to build Japanese vocabulary, but not to practice speaking.
5.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Drops -
Best forDedicated learners seeking a structured Japanese course
A focused Japanese course with native audio and personalized review, but no mobile apps or free plan.
5.4/10★★★☆☆Visit NativShark -
Best forAdult learners seeking guided lessons and AI conversation
A balanced Japanese course pairs structured practice with AI conversation and feedback.
- Speaking practice
5.3/10★★★☆☆Visit Bunbuku -
Best forFree learners targeting JLPT N5–N3 fundamentals
A free, multi-device course for JLPT N5–N3 study, with speaking, writing and review.
- Speaking practice
- Writing practice
5.2/10★★★☆☆Visit Hanasuka -
Best forMobile learners who prefer story-based JLPT study
Practical conversation stories pair with grammar, audio and JLPT N5–N2 exercises.
- Writing practice
5.1/10★★★☆☆Visit KURASHI STUDY -
Best forWeb learners seeking kanji, speaking and writing drills
A browser-based kanji study app with broad practice modes and a $9.99 one-time full-access purchase.
- Speaking practice
- Writing practice
5.0/10★★☆☆☆Visit Kanji Tree -
Best forWeb learners wanting structured lessons and study tools
A broad web-based Japanese study platform with a free tier and paid unlimited access.
4.9/10★★☆☆☆Visit Kanshudo -
Best foriOS learners preparing for JLPT exams
Mojiru pairs kana study with JLPT practice, speaking exercises, and offline review on iOS.
- Speaking practice
- Offline access
4.8/10★★☆☆☆Visit Mojiru -
Best forLearners practicing Japanese handwriting across devices
A focused tracing app with study paths, service sync, and offline practice.
4.7/10★★☆☆☆Visit Nazoru -
Best forMobile learners following a JLPT-aligned Japanese path
A mobile Japanese course with an N5–N1 path and progress-adapted reviews.
4.6/10★★☆☆☆Visit Nihonfren -
Best forJLPT learners seeking writing and pronunciation practice
A broad Japanese study app pairing JLPT reading with writing and pronunciation practice.
- Speaking practice
- Offline access
- Writing practice
4.5/10★★☆☆☆Visit Kaeru -
Best forVocabulary learners wanting adaptive review
A vocabulary-first app with adaptive review, custom decks, and web and mobile access.
4.4/10★★☆☆☆Visit Lingvist
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duolingo | Yes | 9.4 | |
| 2 | IRODORI Japanese Online Course | Yes | Free | 9.3 |
| 3 | Marugoto Japanese Online Course | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 4 | Busuu | Yes | 9.1 | |
| 5 | JapanesePod101 | Yes | $4/mo | 8.9 |
| 6 | Rosetta Stone | No | 8.9 | |
| 7 | Pimsleur | No | 8.8 | |
| 8 | Mango Languages | No | $10/user/mo | 8.7 |
| 9 | Mondly | Yes | 8.6 | |
| 10 | Memrise | Yes | €69.99/yr | 8.5 |
| 11 | FluentU | Yes | $11.99/user/mo | 8.1 |
| 12 | LingoDeer | Yes | $14.99/mo | 8.0 |
| 13 | GENKI Japanese Apps | No | 7.9 | |
| 14 | JF Japanese e-Learning Minato | Yes | €50 one-time | 7.9 |
| 15 | Renshuu | Yes | 7.9 | |
| 16 | Satori Reader | Yes | $89/yr | 7.9 |
| 17 | LingQ | Yes | $119.99/yr | 7.9 |
| 18 | Bunpro | Yes | $5/mo | 7.8 |
| 19 | Nihongo Gym | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 20 | Todaii Japanese | Yes | 7.6 | |
| 21 | Kanjiro | Yes | Free | 7.5 |
| 22 | Naraio | Yes | $4.99/mo | 7.4 |
| 23 | Kotrin | Yes | 7.3 | |
| 24 | Beelinguapp | Yes | 7.1 | |
| 25 | MaruMori | Yes | $6.99/mo | 7.0 |
| 26 | Anki | Yes | 6.9 | |
| 27 | WaniKani | Yes | $89/yr | 6.8 |
| 28 | Yabla | No | 6.6 | |
| 29 | Clozemaster | Yes | 6.5 | |
| 30 | Kanji Study | Yes | 6.4 | |
| 31 | Origa | Yes | Free | 6.3 |
| 32 | Yomaru | Yes | 6.2 | |
| 33 | KanaDojo | Yes | Free | 6.1 |
| 34 | Katsuyō Academy | Yes | Free | 6.0 |
| 35 | Amenokori | Yes | 5.9 | |
| 36 | Nikki Nihongo | No | 5.8 | |
| 37 | Honki de Nihongo | Yes | 5.7 | |
| 38 | NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese | Yes | Free | 5.6 |
| 39 | Drops | Yes | $69.99/yr | 5.5 |
| 40 | NativShark | No | $15.49/mo | 5.4 |
| 41 | Bunbuku | Yes | 5.3 | |
| 42 | Hanasuka | Yes | Free | 5.2 |
| 43 | KURASHI STUDY | Yes | 5.1 | |
| 44 | Kanji Tree | Yes | $9.99 one-time | 5.0 |
| 45 | Kanshudo | Yes | 4.9 | |
| 46 | Mojiru | Yes | 4.8 | |
| 47 | Nazoru | Yes | $39.99/yr | 4.7 |
| 48 | Nihonfren | Yes | 4.6 | |
| 49 | Kaeru | No | 4.5 | |
| 50 | Lingvist | No | 4.4 |
Head-to-head All 18 comparisons →
- Duolingo vs IRODORI Japanese Online Course
- Duolingo vs Marugoto Japanese Online Course
- Duolingo vs JapanesePod101
- IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs Marugoto Japanese Online Course
- IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs Busuu
- IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs JapanesePod101
- IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs Rosetta Stone
- IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs Pimsleur
- IRODORI Japanese Online Course vs Mango Languages
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How we rank japanese learning apps
Every tool on this page was researched by iTechGuides Editors from its official website — pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. We rank on how well each one does this category's core job, what the free or entry plan includes, and where it falls short. Where we have enough verified facts, the score out of 10 is a rubric — job fit, value and how much we could verify — shown with its breakdown on every tool's page; a tool we have not verified enough to score yet shows its rank without a number. Scores are re-checked when a product changes its plans. Read the full editorial policy, or submit a tool we missed.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update