Looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to learn Japanese through your smartphone? You’re in the right place! I have compiled a list of what I think are the top eight Japanese language apps available in the app store. I’ve personally tested each one over time to help you determine the best fit for your learning needs.
Let’s take a in-depth look at the pros and cons of each Japanese language app.
Bunpo: Mastering Japanese Grammar
- Average Rating: 4.9
- Focus on Japanese grammar
- Exam Preparation
- JLPT-oriented
- Variety of question types
As its name suggests, Bunpo is dedicated to improving your Japanese grammar in a systematic manner. It’s particularly useful for learners preparing for the JLPT exam, with a curriculum covering grammar from levels N5 to N1. Bunpo’s courses feature explanations and exercises using classic test-oriented teaching methods, including multiple-choice, sorting, and translation questions.
One of the key features of Bunpo is its comprehensive grammar guide, which covers a wide range of topics from basic sentence structure to more advanced grammar points. Each lesson includes clear explanations, examples, and practice exercises to help users understand and apply the grammar rules in context.
Bunpo has thousands of Japanese grammar quiz questions, all coming with English-Japanese translations. The app tracks users’ progress and provides feedback and recommendations for further study.
In addition to the grammar explanations, Bunpo offers a range of other features to support learning, including, flashcards, and audio files to help improve listening and pronunciation.
Pricing: Monthly $7.99, Annually $19.49, Lifetime $29.99
LingoDeer: A comprehensive Japanese language app
- App store ratings: 4.8
- Great value for money
- Structured curriculum
- Review flashcards
- Engaging XP leaderboard
LingoDeer is a top contender among serious Japanese language apps. It offers comprehensive courses in Asian languages, including Japanese and Korean. With over 10 million users, LingoDeer has gained a reputation for its structured curriculum, 100% authentic audio, and focus on improving listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Unique to LingoDeer is the combination of memory curve and flashcard functionality. This means the app automatically presents daily review content, saving you time and effort in planning review sessions.
The visually pleasing, ad-free design features a deer mascot that encourages daily engagement and leaderboard competition. Like Duolingo, you unlock LingoDeer lessons progressively as you complete your studies. The courses are organized in a clear, structured manner.
LingoDeer offers additional features such as the Travel Phrasebook, with collections of real-life Japanese phrases, and the Character Drill, designed to help learners master the 100 most common Kanji characters.
Pricing: Monthly $14.99, Annually $79.99
Download here: iOS | Android | web
Busuu: Social learning for Japanese enthusiasts
- App store ratings: 4.7
- Community interaction
- Connect with native speakers
- Real photos
- Excellent review function
Busuu stands out among Japanese language apps with its unique features, such as real-photo illustrations and a language community for interacting with native speakers. You can exchange help with Japanese speakers, though responses may not always be guaranteed.
Busuu courses are divided into chapters and must be unlocked progressively. The first four lessons are free, with premium membership required for subsequent lessons.
A standout feature is Busuu’s review function, which updates automatically after each lesson and categorizes vocabulary and grammar into “Weak,” “Medium,” and “Strong” collections, allowing you to focus on areas needing improvement.
Pricing: Monthly $7.49, Annually $89.99
Download here: iOS | Android | web
Duolingo: The crowd favorite for learning Japanese on the go
- App store ratings: 4.7
- Free to use
- Beautiful illustrations
- Reward system
- Language community
Duolingo is a well-known language learning app, offering free courses in 38 languages, including Japanese and lesser-known languages like Haitian Creole. It is available on computers and smartphones (Android and iOS), providing flexibility across platforms.
Duolingo Japanese has six units with multiple lessons, which must be unlocked through diligent study. The app’s adorable green owl mascot, Duo, and other characters accompany you throughout your learning journey.
The lessons focus on introducing basic vocabulary and enhancing sentence structure comprehension. Additionally, the app offers tips in the form of articles to teach grammar and cultural knowledge.
Duolingo’s reward system, which includes unlocking stories and participating in Monthly Challenges, can be highly motivating for learners.
Pricing: Free with ads (or $6.67/month without ads)
Download here: iOS | Android | web
Drops: Bite-size Japanese vocabulary exercises
- App store ratings: 4.8
- Vocabulary-focused
- Visual mnemonics
For those who have been learning Japanese for a while and want to boost their vocabulary, Drops is an excellent choice. This app is dedicated to learning vocabulary only, featuring thousands of Japanese words.
Drops uses visual mnemonics to help learners memorize words more effectively. With a limit of five minutes per session, the app encourages consistent, bite-sized learning. Doing the review for just 5 minutes a day can help improve the retention of new words.
Pricing: Monthly $9.99, Annually $69.99, Lifetime $159.99
Final verdict: Which app is best for you?
When choosing an app, consider the features that are most important to you. If you value structure, LingoDeer or Busuu may be the best option. If you want to interact with native speakers, Busuu may be ideal. If you want to improve your vocabulary, Drops is a good choice. If you are interested in Japanese grammar, Bunpo may be the best option. Duolingo is a good all-around option with its beautiful illustrations and reward system. Each app has its unique features, so it is essential to consider your learning goals and preferences when making a decision.
