RoboKana review
A focused iOS app for practicing Japanese writing, with audio and offline study.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RoboKana is an iPhone and iPad app for learners who want to build Japanese reading and writing skills through character practice. It covers hiragana and katakana, including dakuten and handakuten, as well as 668 kanji across JLPT N5, N4, and N3 and more than 2,200 words. Handwriting exercises check stroke order and direction, and learners can write with a finger or Apple Pencil. Native-recorded pronunciation audio and reading and matching exercises add practice beyond copying characters, making the app a fit for individual learners focused on written Japanese.
Its scope goes beyond a fixed sequence of drills: learners can create custom character sets, configure practice sessions, and review learning statistics and progress. Most learning features work offline, while progress synchronization uses iCloud. That combination suits learners who want flexible character review and offline access on Apple devices. The product is mobile-only, so it is not a fit for someone seeking a desktop or cross-platform study app.
RoboKana is free to download with a limited free tier and non-consumable in-app purchases. The published purchase options unlock hiragana and katakana, kanji for JLPT N5, N4, and N3, or all app content; the US App Store prices may vary by storefront currency. Buyers should compare the unlocks with the writing and character content they want. Choose RoboKana for focused handwriting practice and structured character study on iOS; look elsewhere if you need a broader platform choice or a different study focus. Support channels include email and documentation.
RoboKana pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Checks handwriting stroke order and direction
- Pairs kanji readings, meanings, radicals, and compounds with native audio
- Offers custom practice, progress tracking, iCloud sync, and offline learning
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS
- The free tier has limited content
- Kanji coverage centers on JLPT N5, N4, and N3
RoboKana fact sheet, pricing and score →
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