Freemium Free on Android/desktop; iOS $25
Anki
Spaced repetition that makes vocabulary stick
Last verified: Jul 1, 2026
Anki is the gold standard for long-term vocabulary retention. Create your own flashcard decks or download shared HSK decks from the community. The spaced repetition algorithm schedules reviews right before you would forget a word, making study time efficient. The desktop and Android apps are free; iOS costs $25 one-time. Pair Anki with any reading app by adding words you encounter in context.
Pros
- ✓Best SRS algorithm
- ✓Massive shared deck library
- ✓Fully customizable
- ✓Syncs across devices
Cons
- −Steep learning curve
- −iOS costs money
- −UI is utilitarian