8 iPhone Apps to Master Japanese Fast in 2025

I’ve tried way too many Japanese learning apps—some were amazing, some were just flashy distractions, and a few felt like they were designed to make me question my life choices.

But here’s the thing: the best apps aren’t always the ones you see in every “top 10” list.

So, I went down the rabbit hole—Reddit, Quora, language-learning forums—digging through real experiences, unearthing hidden gems, and separating hype from reality.

And what I found?

Some apps that actually make learning Japanese fun, intuitive, and dare I say… addictive.

If you’re serious about picking up Japanese, this list is worth your time.

1. Anki – I Like it the Most

What worked for me:

• Spaced repetition actually works – Anki shows you words just before you forget them, making vocabulary stick long-term.
• Completely customizable – You can create your own flashcards, add images, audio, mnemonics, or download shared decks.
• Perfect for kanji learning – Unlike other apps, Anki is amazing for memorizing thousands of kanji efficiently.
• Huge library of shared decks – You don’t have to start from scratch—there are pre-made decks with thousands of useful words.

What didn’t work for me:

• Interface feels outdated – It looks and feels clunky, especially compared to modern language apps.
• Takes time to set up – Creating and organizing decks isn’t as simple as just opening an app and learning.
• No built-in gamification – If you need streaks, points, or badges to stay motivated, Anki won’t provide that.
• Anki isn’t free on iOS – While Android users enjoy a free version, iPhone users have to buy the app.

Get it from – App Store

Anki has completely changed how I learn Japanese.

I used to struggle with remembering words.

I’d see a new kanji, repeat it a few times, feel confident… and then forget it the next day.

It was frustrating.

Then I found Anki.

And everything clicked.

Unlike other Japanese language learning apps that give you the same words over and over, Anki uses spaced repetition—which means it shows you words right before you’re about to forget them.

The result? The words actually stick.

At first, I won’t lie—it felt a bit intimidating.

The interface is outdated, and there’s no hand-holding.

But once I got the hang of it, I realized this is the most powerful app to learn Japanese vocabulary I’ve ever used.

The best part? It’s completely customizable.

You can create your own flashcards, add mnemonics, images, audio—whatever helps you remember best.

And if you don’t want to make your own decks, you don’t have to.

The community has already done the hard work.

I found an insanely good shared deck with over 6,000 kanji, all perfectly organized.

It saved me hours of effort.

Now, is it perfect?

Not exactly.

The UI is clunky, setting up decks takes time, and if you’re on iPhone, the app costs $24.99.

Also, if you’re the type who needs gamification and streaks to stay motivated, Anki won’t give you that.

But if you’re serious about learning Japanese and want an app that actually helps you remember what you learn, Anki is unbeatable.

It’s not just another app to learn Japanese—it’s the one that will actually rewire your brain to retain vocabulary long-term.

I’ve tried a lot of apps, but this is the one I keep coming back to.

If you’re tired of forgetting words, do yourself a favor and try Anki.

It just works.

Also read: Best Japanese language translation apps

2. Duolingo – Best for Beginners

What worked for me:

• Gamification keeps you hooked – The streaks, XP points, and those little animations make learning addictive.
• Perfect for beginners – Starts with the basics and slowly introduces new words and phrases.
• Short, easy lessons – You can finish a session in five minutes, making it easy to stay consistent.
• Listening and speaking practice – Helps with pronunciation and understanding natural speech.
• Free to use – You can learn a lot without spending anything.

What didn’t work for me:

• Lacks deep grammar explanations – You learn phrases, but sometimes you won’t fully understand why they work.
• Weak on kanji – Focuses more on hiragana and katakana, so reading skills don’t progress much.
• Some odd translations – A few sentences feel unnatural or aren’t useful in real life.
• Too much repetition – You’ll see the same words over and over, sometimes at the expense of new material.

Get it from – App Store

Duolingo is the most-downloaded language-learning app and easily one of the most popular.

However, during my research, as I dug into Reddit and Quora discussions, I noticed a pattern.

Most people love Duolingo, but only as a beginner.

If someone isn’t an absolute beginner, the common advice is to avoid it.

And honestly, I see why.

When I first downloaded Duolingo, I wasn’t expecting much.

Just a fun little app to mess around with.

But a few lessons in, I realized I was actually learning.

It didn’t feel like studying.

It felt like a game.

The short lessons made it so easy to stick with.

The best part is how effortless it feels.

Open the app, tap through a few exercises, and suddenly you’ve picked up a new word.

You don’t have to worry about grammar rules or complicated explanations—just follow along, and it all starts clicking.

That’s what makes it such a great starting point.

Now, will Duolingo make you fluent? No.

If you’re serious about learning, you’ll eventually need something more.

The lack of kanji and deeper grammar can hold you back.

But as a first step into Japanese, it’s honestly one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to start.

If you want to learn Japanese but don’t know where to begin, Duolingo is perfect.

It makes learning fun, simple, and—most importantly—something you’ll actually stick with.

3. Bunpo – It’s best for Grammar

What worked for me:

• Grammar made simple – Unlike many apps that just throw phrases at you, Bunpo actually teaches you how Japanese grammar works.
• Quick, structured lessons – The lessons are short but effective, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• Perfect for beginners – If you’re just starting out, the free beginner-level lessons cover a lot of ground.
• Offline mode – No Wi-Fi? No problem. You can still keep learning.

What didn’t work for me:

• No speaking practice – It’s great for reading and writing, but if you want to improve your speaking skills, you’ll need another app.
• Example sentences feel robotic – While they help you understand grammar, they don’t always sound like something a native speaker would say.

Get it from – App Store

I have a love-hate relationship with Japanese grammar.

It’s fascinating, but also incredibly confusing at times.

That’s why I appreciate Bunpo so much—it actually takes the time to explain things properly.

Instead of just memorizing words, you get a structured breakdown of how the language works.

I’ve tried other apps that claim to teach grammar, but they often feel too shallow.

Bunpo, on the other hand, dives deep into the details while keeping things easy to digest.

The app itself is super straightforward.

You open it, you learn, and you move on.

I also love that it works offline, which is a lifesaver when I’m traveling.

That alone makes it one of the best Japanese language apps for travel.

However, I do wish it had more natural example sentences.

Some of them feel a little too textbook-like, and I’d prefer more casual, real-world usage examples.

But all in all, if you want a Japanese learning app that actually teaches you grammar (and doesn’t just make you match words to pictures), Bunpo is a must-try.

Just be prepared to supplement it with other resources for speaking and listening practice.

4. Pimsleur – Learn by Listening

What worked for me:

• Audio-focused learning – You learn Japanese by listening and repeating, which feels more natural than just reading words on a screen.
• Perfect for busy people – Since lessons are audio-based, you can learn while driving, walking, or doing chores.
• Teaches full sentences – Instead of memorizing isolated words, you learn how to form proper sentences right away.
• Native speaker pronunciation – Helps you get the right accent and intonation from the start.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not much reading or writing practice – Since it’s all audio, you won’t get much exposure to kana or kanji.
• Repetitive lesson structure – The method works, but the slow, structured repetition may feel boring for some learners.
• Expensive compared to other apps – While it delivers quality content, the subscription price is higher than most competitors.

Get it from – App Store

I’ve always believed that the best way to learn a language is by actually hearing and speaking it, and Pimsleur is built around that idea.

Instead of tapping through word-matching exercises, you listen to a conversation, break it down, and repeat after native speakers.

The method forces you to think in Japanese rather than translating everything in your head, which is a huge plus.

One thing I liked is how it gets you speaking full sentences almost immediately.

A lot of apps start with individual vocabulary words, but Pimsleur makes sure you’re forming real, usable phrases.

It’s also perfect if you don’t have time to sit down and study—just pop in your earbuds and learn while you go about your day.

That said, Pimsleur isn’t a complete solution.

Since it focuses entirely on audio, you won’t get much exposure to reading or writing.

If you’re aiming for fluency in all areas, you’ll need another resource for kanji and grammar.

It’s also pricier than most apps, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

But all in all, Pimsleur is one of the best apps if you want to learn Japanese through listening and speaking.

5. Busuu – Interactive and Structured Learning

What worked for me:

• Well-structured courses – Lessons follow a clear progression, making it easy to build skills step by step.
• Native speaker feedback – You can submit exercises and get corrections from real Japanese speakers.
• Balanced learning approach – It covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking instead of focusing on just one skill.
• Short, manageable lessons – Lessons are bite-sized, so even a few minutes a day feels productive.
• Offline mode available – You can download lessons and study without an internet connection.

What didn’t work for me:

• Free version is limited – Without a premium subscription, you miss out on a lot of features, including native speaker feedback.
• Not much real conversation practice – While the app teaches useful phrases, you don’t get much interactive speaking practice.
• Grammar explanations could be better – Some explanations feel a bit too basic, which might leave you confused at times.

Get it from – App Store

You have to agree with me that learning a language requires balance—too much grammar can be boring, but too little structure can leave you lost.

Busuu finds a nice middle ground.

It’s structured enough to guide you through Japanese in a logical way, but it also includes real-world elements like native speaker corrections, which makes learning feel more interactive.

One of the standout features is the ability to get feedback from native Japanese speakers.

You complete exercises, submit them, and real people help correct your mistakes.

This makes learning feel less like a solo journey and more like a community-driven experience.

The lessons themselves are also well-organized, moving from beginner basics to more advanced topics at a steady pace.

That said, Busuu isn’t perfect.

While it does a good job covering different language skills, the actual speaking practice is limited.

You’ll learn phrases and pronunciation, but if you want real conversations, you’ll need to practice elsewhere.

Also, the free version is pretty restricted—you’ll get more value if you’re willing to pay for premium.

Overall, Busuu is great if you want a structured learning path with a social element.

It’s not a full replacement for speaking practice, but it’s a solid tool for building a strong foundation in Japanese.

6. Mango Languages – A Conversation-First Approach

What worked for me:

• Teaches through real conversations – Instead of isolated vocabulary drills, you learn phrases in the context of real dialogues.
• Good pronunciation practice – The app breaks down pronunciation syllable by syllable, helping you sound more natural.
• Grammar is explained naturally – Instead of dry grammar lessons, you learn the rules through example sentences.
• Cultural insights included – The app highlights cultural notes, which makes learning feel more immersive.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not ideal for advanced learners – Once you get past the basics, the content starts feeling a bit repetitive.
• Lack of writing practice – You won’t get much exposure to reading or writing in kana or kanji.
• The pace might feel slow – Since it focuses on gradual learning, some users might find it too slow-moving.

Get it from – App Store

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Mango Languages at first.

Some apps feel too gamified, while others are overly technical, but Mango strikes a nice balance.

The biggest selling point for me was how it integrates real-world conversations from the start.

Instead of memorizing random words, you immediately start working with practical phrases.

One of the best features is the pronunciation breakdown.

Japanese has sounds that don’t exist in English, and Mango does a great job of slowing things down, syllable by syllable, so you can hear the nuances.

I also appreciated the cultural notes sprinkled throughout.

Knowing when to use certain phrases and how context affects meaning is just as important as learning the words themselves.

That said, Mango isn’t for everyone.

It works great for beginners, but if you’re already at an intermediate or advanced level, you might not find enough depth here.

The lack of writing and kanji practice also means you’ll need to supplement it with another app if you’re serious about literacy.

Overall, Mango Languages is a solid pick if you want to learn Japanese in a conversational, natural way.

It’s not a complete language-learning tool, but it does a great job of building confidence in speaking and pronunciation.

7. Italki – Personalized Learning with Real Tutors

What worked for me:

• One-on-one lessons with real tutors – You’re not just learning from an app; you get actual human interaction.
• Flexible learning – You can choose tutors based on teaching style, experience, and price.
• Great for speaking practice – Unlike most apps, this one ensures you’re actually using Japanese in conversations.
• Diverse tutor options – Whether you want a professional teacher or a casual conversation partner, you’ll find someone who fits.
• Pay-per-lesson model – No subscriptions—just pay for the lessons you take.

What didn’t work for me:

• No structured curriculum – Since lessons depend on the tutor, you don’t get a guided course like in other apps.
• Quality varies by tutor – Some teachers are fantastic, while others might not match your learning style.
• Can get expensive – If you take regular lessons, the costs add up quickly compared to traditional language apps.

Get it from – App Store

Most apps focus on self-study, but Italki flips the script by connecting you with real tutors.

Instead of clicking through exercises or listening to pre-recorded phrases, you’re speaking with an actual person, which makes a huge difference in learning Japanese.

I’ve always believed that conversation practice is the fastest way to improve, and Italki is one of the best platforms for that.

What makes it stand out is flexibility.

You pick your own tutor, decide how often you take lessons, and even set your own learning goals.

Want a structured lesson plan? Some tutors provide that.

Prefer casual conversation practice? You can find someone for that too.

There’s also a huge range of tutors—from certified professionals to community tutors who are just there for a friendly chat.

However, Italki isn’t a complete language-learning tool.

Since there’s no set curriculum, it works best when combined with other resources.

The quality of lessons depends entirely on the tutor, so you might have to try a few before finding the right match.

And while the pay-per-lesson model is great for flexibility, frequent sessions can get expensive.

That said, if you want to improve your Japanese speaking skills through real conversations, Italki is one of the best options out there.

8. YouTube – Free and Diverse Learning Resources

What worked for me:

• Huge variety of learning styles – Whether you prefer structured lessons, immersion, or casual conversations, there’s a channel for you.
• Completely free – Unlike paid apps, you can access high-quality lessons without spending a dime.
• Native speaker content – Many channels are run by Japanese natives, giving you authentic pronunciation and cultural insights.
• Real-world Japanese – You can learn casual speech, slang, and even regional dialects, which many apps don’t cover.
• Flexible learning – You can jump between beginner-friendly grammar videos and full-speed Japanese conversations whenever you want.

What didn’t work for me:

• No structured learning path – Since it’s not a course, you’ll need to organize your own learning plan.
• Quality varies – Some channels are fantastic, but others may have inaccurate or outdated information.
• No speaking practice – You can listen and learn, but there’s no interactive way to practice speaking like in tutor-based apps.

Get it from – App Store

If you’re learning Japanese on a budget, YouTube is hands down one of the best free resources available.

The range of content is unbeatable—you can start with beginner-friendly channels that walk you through grammar and vocabulary, then move on to real-life Japanese conversations, anime breakdowns, or even vlog-style videos to absorb the language naturally.

One of the biggest advantages is learning from native speakers.

Many YouTubers teach Japanese in a way that’s engaging and realistic, unlike some apps that feel too robotic or textbook-heavy.

You can also find channels that focus on specific aspects—whether it’s mastering pitch accent, improving listening skills, or understanding slang.

That said, YouTube isn’t a full replacement for structured courses.

Since there’s no set curriculum, you’ll need to be self-motivated and figure out what to study next.

The lack of speaking practice also means you’ll need to pair it with other resources like Italki if you want real conversation experience.

But overall, YouTube is a goldmine for learning Japanese, especially if you enjoy flexible, engaging lessons from a variety of teachers.

Just be ready to create your own study routine and double-check sources to make sure you’re learning accurate information.

Final Verdict – Which App is Best for Learning Japanese?

After diving deep into all these apps, one thing is clear—there’s no single “best” app, but there is a best app for YOU.

Each one has its own strengths, depending on your learning style, goals, and budget.

• If you’re a complete beginner, Duolingo makes learning feel effortless and fun.
• If you struggle with remembering words, Anki is hands down the best tool for long-term vocabulary retention.
• If you prefer a structured, grammar-focused approach, Bunpo is fantastic.
• If you learn best by listening and speaking, Pimsleur will immerse you in real conversations.
• If you like interactive learning with feedback, Busuu helps you practice with native speakers.
• If you want a more natural way to absorb Japanese, Mango Languages keeps things simple and intuitive.
• If speaking practice is your priority, Italki is the best way to get real conversations with tutors.
• If you’re on a budget and love video-based learning, YouTube has endless high-quality lessons for free.

So which one should you choose?

It depends on your goal.

• If you want a well-rounded approach, start with Bunpo for grammar, Anki for vocab, and Pimsleur for speaking.
• If you just want to dabble and have fun, Duolingo or YouTube are great free options.
• If you’re serious about fluency, Italki + Anki is a powerful combination for real-world progress.

At the end of the day, no app will make you fluent on its own—but the right app will make learning easier, more enjoyable, and something you actually stick with.

Instead of spending more time searching, pick one, start learning, and stay consistent.

Fluency comes from action, not just finding the “perfect” tool.

Now that you know the best options, it’s time to stop browsing and start learning.

You’ve got this.

I also recommend checking out my other guide, where I review the best apps for mastering Spanish.

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