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KanjiKanji Modern vs. Anki
Anki is a generic, supremely flexible SRS tool. KanjiKanji Modern is a kanji-specific learning app with a curated JLPT curriculum and on-device handwriting practice. Both are good products — for different kinds of learners.
| Feature | Anki | KanjiKanji Modern |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Generic SRS flashcard tool | Kanji-specific learning app |
| Platform | Desktop (free), iOS ($24.99 one-time), Android (free), web | Native iOS (iPhone + iPad) |
| Curriculum Anki has popular community kanji decks (Core 2k/6k, RTK), but quality and currency vary. | DIY — bring or build your own deck | Curated JLPT N5–N1, frequency-ordered |
| SRS algorithm | SM-2 variant; FSRS available in newer versions | Adaptive, four-level (Again / Hard / Good / Easy) |
| Handwriting practice | Not built-in | Premium — on-device recognition |
| Stroke order | Only if your deck includes it | Animated (KanjiVG), built-in for every kanji |
| Setup time to first review | 30–90 minutes (install, find a deck, configure) | <2 minutes (install, take placement quiz) |
| Customization depth | Total control — card templates, scheduling, plugins | Curated experience; less customization |
| iOS pricing | AnkiMobile $24.99 (one-time) | Free tier + $9.99/mo, $79.99/yr, or $199.99 lifetime |
| Sync | AnkiWeb (free) | iCloud across iPhone + iPad |
| Offline | Yes | Yes |
| Accessibility (VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, WCAG AA) | Varies by deck and platform | First-class |
What it is
- Anki
- Generic SRS flashcard tool
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Kanji-specific learning app
Platform
- Anki
- Desktop (free), iOS ($24.99 one-time), Android (free), web
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Native iOS (iPhone + iPad)
Curriculum
Anki has popular community kanji decks (Core 2k/6k, RTK), but quality and currency vary.
- Anki
- DIY — bring or build your own deck
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Curated JLPT N5–N1, frequency-ordered
SRS algorithm
- Anki
- SM-2 variant; FSRS available in newer versions
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Adaptive, four-level (Again / Hard / Good / Easy)
Handwriting practice
- Anki
- Not built-in
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Premium — on-device recognition
Stroke order
- Anki
- Only if your deck includes it
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Animated (KanjiVG), built-in for every kanji
Setup time to first review
- Anki
- 30–90 minutes (install, find a deck, configure)
- KanjiKanji Modern
- <2 minutes (install, take placement quiz)
Customization depth
- Anki
- Total control — card templates, scheduling, plugins
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Curated experience; less customization
iOS pricing
- Anki
- AnkiMobile $24.99 (one-time)
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Free tier + $9.99/mo, $79.99/yr, or $199.99 lifetime
Sync
- Anki
- AnkiWeb (free)
- KanjiKanji Modern
- iCloud across iPhone + iPad
Offline
- Anki
- Yes
- KanjiKanji Modern
- Yes
Accessibility (VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, WCAG AA)
- Anki
- Varies by deck and platform
- KanjiKanji Modern
- First-class
Last verified against public Anki / AnkiMobile documentation on 2026-05-16.
When to choose which
Choose Anki if…
- You want total control over card templates and scheduling.
- You already have a deck workflow that works for you.
- You're studying for purposes beyond kanji — vocab, grammar, anything flashcard-able.
- You prefer one-time iOS pricing ($24.99) over recurring subscriptions.
Choose KanjiKanji Modern if…
Curated. Kanji-focused. Less setup, more practice.
- You want to start studying tonight, not after a deck-hunting weekend.
- You're targeting a specific JLPT level and want a curriculum that maps to it.
- You want handwriting recognition without rigging up plugins.
- You want accessibility (VoiceOver, Dynamic Type) as a first-class feature.
See also: vs. WaniKani · vs. Kanji Study
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