KanjiPad review
A free, cross-device kanji practice app with grading, JLPT paths, quizzes, and lookup tools.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
KanjiPad is a Japanese kanji learning and handwriting-practice app for beginners through advanced learners. Its core workflow combines brush-style tracing, real stroke-order guidance, and grading while the learner writes. The free app also includes spaced-repetition review, quizzes, JLPT N5–N1 guided paths, and reference information covering readings, meanings, stroke counts, and example words. It is available on iOS, Android, and macOS, with a browser-based drawing tool for kanji lookup.
Its strongest fit is structured handwriting practice across devices. Learners can follow a JLPT level path, review through spaced repetition, and monitor streaks and activity in the progress dashboard. Search by meaning, reading, or drawn kanji adds a useful reference layer when recognition is uncertain. Because stroke grading happens during writing, KanjiPad is more focused on producing kanji accurately than on passive flashcard review alone. The Free plan includes kanji handwriting practice, stroke-order guidance, spaced repetition, and quizzes, so the main study workflow does not depend on a paid tier.
KanjiPad is a good choice for learners who want a focused, free way to build written kanji recall while moving between iPhone, iPad, Android, and Mac. It should also suit students who prefer JLPT-organized progression and visible activity tracking. The narrower focus is its main trade-off: the feature set centers on kanji writing, review, quizzes, and reference lookup rather than presenting a complete Japanese course covering broader language skills. The browser drawing tool is useful for lookup, while the main practice experience is delivered through the listed apps. Choose KanjiPad for kanji handwriting and recognition; choose a broader learning product if you need a wider curriculum.
KanjiPad pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Stroke grading and real stroke-order guidance while writing
- JLPT N5–N1 paths with spaced repetition and quizzes
- Progress tracking and drawn-kanji search across three platforms
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on kanji rather than broader Japanese language skills
- Core practice is app-based rather than a full browser course
- JLPT paths may suit guided study better than fully custom curricula
KanjiPad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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