Best Japanese learning app
Our expert team of linguists have spent over 70 hours thoroughly testing, researching, and reviewing the 7 best apps to learn Japanese. Each app has been scored against 5 key criteria and 21 sub criteria which are a careful mix of factors proven to make language learning effective. Ultimately, the best app to learn Japanese will depend on you, your goals, and your current skill level. Our list is sorted by the app's overall score. You can filter it by goal (whether you’re looking to learn Japanese for travel, to improve your grammar or fluency, etc), skill level (from beginner to advanced), and value for money. The overall winner is: Mondly with a score of 9.34.
- You can tailor your learning according to your goals and interests
- Engaging and fun - short sharp lessons and gamification to make learning fun and motivating
- Augmented reality and Interactive chatbot conversations provide an immersive way to practice your Japanese skills
- You can tailor your learning according to your goals and interests
- Engaging and fun - short sharp lessons and gamification to make learning fun and motivating
- Augmented reality and Interactive chatbot conversations provide an immersive way to practice your Japanese skills
- $4.99 per month
- Fun to use, easy to navigate, interactive and engaging
- Native Japanese speakers provide feedback on written and spoken work
- AI powered Smart Reviews revisit content at the right time based on individual performance
- Fun to use, easy to navigate, interactive and engaging
- Native Japanese speakers provide feedback on written and spoken work
- AI powered Smart Reviews revisit content at the right time based on individual performance
- $6.95 per month
- Uses MosaLearning®, a scientifically researched method that optimizes memory
- MosaChat AI gives you 24/7 access to a personal Japanese eTutor that learns your interests and needs
- You can target your weaknesses and add materials to your flashcards to help you memorize that content
- Uses MosaLearning®, a scientifically researched method that optimizes memory
- MosaChat AI gives you 24/7 access to a personal Japanese eTutor that learns your interests and needs
- You can target your weaknesses and add materials to your flashcards to help you memorize that content
- $4.99 per month
- 1-1 live tuition enables lessons to be fully tailored to your needs
- Comprehensive - with varied content and lessons plans for all levels
- Free Preply blog and Q&A community
- 1-1 live tuition enables lessons to be fully tailored to your needs
- Comprehensive - with varied content and lessons plans for all levels
- Free Preply blog and Q&A community
- $15 per hour
- Fully immersive, you see, hear and read only in Japanese in true to life scenarios
- Speech technology to fine tune your Japanese accent and object recognition which allows you to point at an object with your phone camera to identify it and have a conversation about it in Japanese
- Allows you to personalize your language goals and, with Lifetime Plus, receive live tutorials with native speakers
- Fully immersive, you see, hear and read only in Japanese in true to life scenarios
- Speech technology to fine tune your Japanese accent and object recognition which allows you to point at an object with your phone camera to identify it and have a conversation about it in Japanese
- Allows you to personalize your language goals and, with Lifetime Plus, receive live tutorials with native speakers
- $7.99 per month
- Scientifically proven "Pimsleur Method" structured to help you learn fast and retain information
- Speech recognition technology with feedback to hone your Japanese pronunciation
- Flexible learning across all devices, with hands free for on the go learning
- Scientifically proven "Pimsleur Method" structured to help you learn fast and retain information
- Speech recognition technology with feedback to hone your Japanese pronunciation
- Flexible learning across all devices, with hands free for on the go learning
- $14.99 per month
- Effective at teaching Japanese vocabulary in a fun way that really sticks
- Clean and easy to navigate interface
- Review activities including Review Quiz and Review dojo
- Effective at teaching Japanese vocabulary in a fun way that really sticks
- Clean and easy to navigate interface
- Review activities including Review Quiz and Review dojo
- $7.50 per month
Best Japanese apps for:
Mondly Japanese
Mondly is a language learning platform with 80 million learners. It offers 42 languages and enables you to learn Japanese anywhere on any device. It targets all aspects of Japanese communication: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Mondly provides you with a gamified, interactive learning experience via memory exercises, a very intuitive interface and AR and chatbot technology.
Pros:
- Effective and comprehensive covering Japanese speaking, listening, reading and writing
- You can tailor your learning according to your goals and interests
- Engaging and fun - short sharp lessons and gamification to make learning fun and motivating
- Learn Japanese anywhere, anytime on any device
- Great user experience with a user friendly, polished interface
- Augmented reality and Interactive chatbot conversations provide an immersive way to practice your Japanese skills
Cons:
- Less to offer more advanced learners or those wanting a strong conversational focus
- You always have to start at the basic level
- Bite-sized lessons may be too short for those preferring a more in-depth approach
- Free version is limited
Best for: Anyone who is looking to learn Japanese as a beginner or has a limited grasp and wants to improve. Those who love fun, gamified, interactive apps and are intrigued by AR and like to engage with new technological experiences. Overall, Mondly is for those of you who consider themselves to be self-guided learners and would benefit from daily, weekly, and monthly lessons and goals
Price: There are a variety of subscription options but premium membership is available from $4.99 per month (billed annually).
Overall: Mondly is an incredibly popular platform that has over 80 million users. Having used the platform for the past couple of weeks it's easy to see why. Lessons are comprehensive and immensely fun and I found it a really effective way to learn Japanese . I was very impressed by how easy it was to use and how fast I was able to introduce myself in Japanese.
Busuu Japanese
Busuu is a language learning app with 120+ million learners. It targets all aspects of communication: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Lessons are interactive and fun and your written and spoken Japanese work can be submitted for feedback from native speakers. An AI tool tracks your progress and revisits content you need to work on more closely.
Pros:
- Comprehensive - Covers speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural tips
- Fun to use, easy to navigate, interactive and engaging
- Native Japanese speakers provide feedback on written and spoken work
- AI powered Smart Reviews revisit content at the right time based on individual performance (Premium membership only)
- You can personalize your language goals
- Lessons cover useful and relevant topics and content is regularly updated
- Available free (with ads)
Cons:
- Free version ads are distracting and intrusive
- Fewer languages offered than its competitors
- Completion certificates are not accredited
- Quality depends on the language you choose
Best for: Anyone from a beginner to intermediate ability in Japanese as there's a range of levels. And if you're not sure of your level, you can take Busuu's placement test. It's also great wherever you want to learn, either on the go or on a desktop.
Price: From $6.95 per month for an annual subscription (billed annually)
Overall: A fun, comprehensive app that effectively develops all areas of Japanese language communication. When you join you become part of the community of Busuu users and can submit written and spoken work to native Japanese speakers for feedback. I found Busuu to be very effective and started listening, reading and understanding right away. It's priced competitively and for what's on offer, it's good value.
MosaLingua Japanese
MosaLingua is a language learning program offering Japanese courses based on the MosaLearning® method. This is scientifically proven to help with language learning and to commit new knowledge to long term memory. It has features such as 24/7 access to a virtual tutor that learns your needs and interests, and Hands-Free learning which make it possible to practice your Japanese whenever and wherever suits you
Pros:
- Uses MosaLearning®, a scientifically researched method that optimizes memory
- Comes with a lot of course content and incorporates all of the elements of Japanese such as vocabulary, speaking, listening, grammar, reading
- MosaChat AI gives you 24/7 access to a personal Japanese eTutor
- You can target your weaknesses and add materials to your flashcards to help you memorize that content
- Connects you to their active team of native Japanese speaking teachers
- Web and app based so you can learn on the go
- Lessons cover useful and relevant topics and content is regularly updated
Cons:
- Only 9 languages available
- Navigation is not as intuitive as I'd like it to be
Best for: Anyone who wants to learn Japanese from scratch or wants to improve their existing skills. It's great for those with busy schedules looking for a flexible, self-directed language learning resource packed with high-quality content.
Price: There are various purchase options. MosaLingua premium which gives you access to all the languages available on the platform is $4.99 per month billed annually.
Overall: The MosaLarning® system is backed by scientific research and the platform focuses on all the elements you need to masterJapanese. The Hands-Free element and the massive library of content maDe it worth the investment for me. And, of course, the introduction of MosaChat AI gives you 24/7 access to real-time feedback from a personal ‘tutor' that constantly adjusts to your level and learns about your needs and interests. I would recommend taking the 15 day free trial to see if it suits you.
Preply Japanese
Preply is a language learning platform that connects you to Japanese tutors based on your needs and schedule. It's highly user oriented: you choose your teacher, how many lessons you take and whether to learn 1-1 or in groups. You pay for lessons in blocks of hours and can connect with other learners via the community.
Pros:
- Live tutoring from native Japanese speakers with real time feedback
- 1-1 tuition enables lessons to be fully tailored to your needs
- Learn what, when and where you want at your own pace and with no subscription on desktop or device
- Immersive due to live teaching
- Comprehensive - with varied content and lessons plans for all levels
- Free Preply blog and Q&A community
- 1-1 or group lessons available
- Placement test based on Common European Framework (CEFR) levels and structured curriculum
Cons:
- No free trial - though trial lessons are heavily discounted and you can get a refund if you are dissatisfied with a lesson
- Classroom software can be glitchy
- Complex pricing system and you may lose unused hours
Best for: Anyone wanting to receive live, individual one to one Japanese tuition. Whether this is to learn from scratch or improve on existing Japanese skills. Also, those not wanting to commit to an annual subscription who want to learn on-the-go and by their own schedule.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the tutor. Average hourly rates are around $15-$20. That said, you can filter tutors according to your budget. There are discounted trial lessons to help you find the right teacher. Once you settle on someone to take lessons with, you take out a monthly subscription in which you commit to a certain number of hours per week.
Overall: Preply develops your Japanese vocab and fluency by connecting you with tutors 1-1. By doing this, you can speed up your learning and get on track with a personalized program. Preply stands out by allowing you to select from a huge pool and filter lessons by availability. Do remember to cancel auto renew if you decide you don't want any more lessons
Rosetta Stone Japanese
Rosetta Stone is one of the oldest and most tried and tested solutions for language learning. It immerses you in interactive core lessons conducted entirely in Japanese and provides speech technology to get you speaking Japanese language quickly and correctly. Rosetta Stone lets you choose both your level and your reasons for pursuing Japanese and if you purchase Lifetime Plus, you can access regular small group lessons with a live tutor.
Pros:
- Very immersive, you see, hear and read only in Japanese in true to life scenarios
- Speech technology to fine tune your Japanese accent and object recognition which allows you to point at an object with your phone camera to identify it and have a conversation about it in Japanese
- Allows you to personalize your language goals
- Provides In depth progress reports
- Flexible - available in desktop and device versions
- Regular small group lessons with live tutors for Lifetime Plus subscribers
- Good user experience
Cons:
- Can feel rather repetitive
- Not great for grammar, writing or cultural context
- No placement test
- Full immersion in Japanese may be off putting for some
Best for: Those looking to learn Japanese from scratch or seeking to improve their speaking and pronunciation. Most suitable for those happy to learn purely in Japanese and to learn intuitively rather than in a structured analytical way.
Price: Prices vary depending on your package. A 3-month subscription will cost you $36 and a 12-month subscription $98.
Overall: Rosetta Stone propels your language-learning forward by adapting a program of courses to suit your learning aims. It immerses you in Japanese (combined with visual and audio clues) so you can learn instinctively and without relying on translations. It also stands out by offering additional features such as voice and object recognition.
Pimsleur Japanese
Pimsleur is one of the most established names in language learning with 5+ decades of experience behind them. Their scientifically backed Pimsleur Method helps you absorb new Japanese vocabulary and phrases and commit them to memory efficiently and fast. There's a big emphasis on learning by listening and repeating. Games, quizzes and speech recognition technology add variety to what is a very systematic approach to learning Japanese.
Pros:
- Scientifically proven "Pimsleur Method" structured to help you learn fast and retain information
- Speech recognition technology with feedback to hone your Japanese pronunciation
- Flexible learning across all devices, with hands free for on the go learning
- Easy to use with fun review activities including match quizzes, voice coach, and speed rounds
- Strong focus on core Japanese vocabulary and structures in practical, real-life conversations
Cons:
- Basic subscription is audio only
- Core lessons can seem monotonous and repetitive
- No placement test
- Not ideal for teaching Japanese grammar and writing
Best for: Beginners and those with limited knowledge of Japanese who want to get talking straight away. Especially suited to those who learn by listening who enjoy a structured approach to their learning. Also great for people who want to brush up on basic "survival skills" -- those key phrases you'll need on vacation or travelling.
Cost: Subscriptions are available from $14.99 - $20.95 per month or you can make a one time purchase of an entire course for around $500
Overall: A structured and efficient way to learn Japanese that gets you speaking more intuitively and understanding quickly in a way that really sticks.
Drops Japanese
Drops is a slick, game based vocabulary app. It introduces new Japanese words and phrases with audio recordings and images and then helps you commit them to memory through game play. Games involve matching, sorting and true/false challenges. Drops also lets you track your progress, provides extra practice for words you're struggling with and earn badges for various achievements.
Pros:
- Effective at teaching Japanese vocabulary in a fun way that really sticks
- Clean and easy to navigate interface
- Review activities including Review Quiz and Review dojo
- Adaptable with ability to skip learned content
- Wide range of topics covered
Cons
- Free version has a daily 5 minute limit
- Does not teach sentences or grammar - but does have a travel talk category for Japanese phrases
- No voice recognition software for Japanese pronunciation practice
- Desktop version can be a little glitchy
Best for: Those who want to learn Japanese from scratch and would like a head start by mastering some basic vocabulary. Also anyone who wants to supplement another more comprehensive method of learning with a reliable and effective vocabulary app. Especially suitable for people who learn through game play
Price: pricing from $7.50 per month
Overall: Drops is great at what it claims to do. That is, teach Japanese vocabulary through game play in short daily sessions. It's upfront about not teaching Japanese grammar and sentences and as long as you understand what it is and isn't for, it represents good value. The free version gives you a good feel for what the app is like so you have nothing to lose by trying it out.
Methodology: how we reviewed the best Japanese learning apps
First, we consulted with language experts to identify the factors needed to make online language learning effective.
From this we identified 5 overall criteria: effectiveness, user experience, features, value for money and goals.
These, in turn, are underpinned by sub criteria. Some directly related to language learning such as vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. Others influencing learning success more generally. Such as using a mix of methods, fun activities and the ability to personalize your learning.
One of our language learning specialists will then spend around 10 hours, usually over the course of two weeks, testing each Japanese app, before awarding scores.
Finally, our editorial team checks each review to make sure that the scoring system has been applied consistently.
We believe that this is the best way to objectively evaluate apps with different feature sets. It also means that you, the reader, can tailor your search to your own needs.
Buyers guide: what to look for in a Japanese learning app
The best app to learn Japanese for one person may not be the best app for another for three reasons: your goals, current skill level and budget:
- Goals - are you looking to learn Japanese for a holiday, to pass an exam, to become conversational or even fully fluent? Your goal will have the biggest impact on your choice of app as each app has its own strengths and weaknesses.
- Skill level - where you are on your Japanese learning journey will have a big influence on your choice. Some apps are more tailored toward beginners than intermediates or vice versa. We generally find that apps with live lessons are a good option for intermediate to advanced speakers because they give you the most control over your learning.
- Budget - some apps are free to use, but have limited feature sets. Others charge a monthly subscription, have a pay per lesson model, and some even have a one time purchase fee. Knowing what you're prepared to pay is important: but remember that learning a language is a skill for life, and value for money is as important as the amount you'll actually pay. You want to make sure you're not losing time and money on an app that's not very effective at meeting your needs.
We've made things easy for you by letting you filter our list based on the above.
Why you should use an app to learn Japanese
A language learning app can be one of the best ways to learn Japanese. While each provider is different, the general benefits are that you:
- Can learn at your own pace
- Benefit from scientifically proven methods
- Learn whenever it suits you
- Learn anywhere and on any device
- Can have more fun than in a traditional classroom
How to use an app
Using an app is straightforward and you can often get setup and start learning in a matter of minutes. Each app will be slightly different, but the steps are generally the same:
- Find and download the app
- Create an account - usually using either your email, Facebook or Google account
- Choose which language you want to learn
- Start learning, stay motivated and keep going
Remember that apps only work if you do. Often they'll come with practice guides, so its important you stay disciplined to achieve your goals.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to learn Japanese there are plenty of apps to choose from.
Having spent over 70 hours reviewing the best 7 Japanese apps, our conclusion is that the overall winner is Mondly with a score of 9.34. Coming in at a close second is Busuu with a score of 9.03.
That said, if you’re looking to learn Japanese to achieve a specific goal, at a particular skill level, or within a fixed budget, head on up to the top of our comparison table and filter based on that.
Whatever choice you make, a large part of your success in learning Japanese will depend on the work you put in!
We’ve put in a lot of hard work and effort to help you find the best app for you to learn Japanese. Now it’s over to you.
Good luck!