35 Best Apps for Learning Japanese in 2026

Want to apply for scholarships to study in Japan? Perhaps you are prepared for JLPT, like watching anime or J-movies without subtitles, or you are intrigued by cultural aspects.

Whatever your reasons for learning Japanese, you can be sure there’s an app to help you.

Among all options, learning Japanese through mobile apps is becoming more popular. Thanks to the growth of the digital era and easy smartphone access, hundreds are at your fingertips.

But choosing which one can be hard and requires a lot of time to shortlist.

Despite many promising apps, not all work for everyone or all learning styles. As a result, finding the right app to remain motivated and consistent during your Japanese studies is vital.

I’ve tested over 50 Japanese learning apps, so you don’t have to guess what they’re like or worry.

This is a curated list of top Japanese apps you can rely on. So, here are 35 of the best apps for learning Japanese.

But before…

Table of Contents

• Why learn the Japanese language through apps?
• Do apps really help you learn Japanese?
  • Can you learn Japanese with an app?
• 35 Top Apps for Studying Japanese
  • 1. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
  • 2. Duolingo — Most famous Japanese learning App
  • 3. JapanesePod 101 — Study through Audios and Videos
  • 4. LingoDeer — Online language app for Japanese
  • 5. HelloTalk — A language exchange app
  • 6. FluentU – Japanese immersion via Videos
  • 7. LingQ — interactive Japanese language app
  • 8. Renshuu — Nihongo learning Tool
  • 9. Obenkyo — Learn Japanese characters
  • 10. Takoboto — Japanese language dictionary
  • 11. Imiwa? – A free Japanese dictionary
  • 12. Busuu — All-in-one Japanese language app
  • 13. Waygo — Japanese Translator app
  • 14. Pimsleur — Learning through audio
  • 15. Pocket Colony — Learn Japanese through games
  • 16. iTalki — 1-to-1 Online Japanese teaching website
  • 17. Anki — A flashcard to practice Japanese words
  • 18. Memrise — A comprehensive flashcard app
  • 19. Kanji Senpai for vocabulary and Kanji
  • 20. Mondly — Learn Japanese Online
  • 21. Speechling — App to learn to speak Japanese
  • 22. Lingopie — Video Language Learning
  • 23. Language Drops — Visual Japanese Studies
  • 24. HiNative — Q&A Japanese language forum
  • 25. Beelinguapp — Japanese through audio
  • 26. Rosetta Stone — One-stop Japanese learning app
  • 27. LinGo Play — Learn by flashcards and Games
  • 28. uTalk — Learn Japanese through Visuals
  • 29. Learn Japanese — Beginners app and Translator
  • 30. Ameba — Immersion-based Japanese learning
  • 31. Easy Japanese News
  • 32. Japanese Kanji Tree App
  • 33. Preply for Japanese Tutors
  • 34. JA Sensei for Android
  • 35. Renzo — An app for Japanese example sentences
• Final Words: How to choose the best apps to learn Japanese

Why learn the Japanese language through apps?

As innovation, skill, and connectivity become increasingly vital in today’s world, being multilingual can enable you to live a quality life.

With so many benefits of learning Japanese, why not pick this language?

While most children learn a second language during school, it’s never too late to learn something new.

The number of adult language learners is significant. Still, most of them do not have time to attend regular classes. Even with a smaller time investment, you can lay a solid foundation for studying Japanese.

The Japanese language has been piquing the interest of people worldwide.

Because it differs from other languages, Japanese is often seen as mysterious. We also consider it one of the most challenging languages to learn.

Some market players have rightly identified the need to balance time and ongoing learning in a complex language. They have smartly developed apps, software, and SaaS platforms for learning Japanese.

Do apps really help you learn Japanese?

Using an app lets you control your pace based on your schedule and learning style.

On a busy or off-day, you do not have an obligation to attend a class and end up not actually learning anything productively. The choice of when and how much to study is in your hands.

Most apps offer short sessions you can fit into your schedule. Besides, their lesson plans will give you a choice to start with the basics, ranging from greetings to idioms, based on your needs.

It also benefits you by keeping you productive during the short intervals between schedules.

Images, audio, and video can make a method more successful and compelling. Most mobile app suppliers use visualization, which may help memorize language or introductory statements.

Applications would likely provide you with a crossword puzzle, an MCQ, or a game to speed up your vocabulary review. Or even role-playing to immerse yourself in scenarios and dialogue.

It also includes speaking and listening exercises, which are more fruitful than learning to talk alone.

It is available to anybody with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. You do not need to enroll in a trainer or a language school.

The app costs less than online language classes or attending a language school.

Can you learn Japanese with an app?

The short answer is NO.

The best way to learn any language, including difficult Japanese, is through a teacher. You can do this face-to-face, either offline in the classroom or online.

Apps can, at best, supplement primary learning sources, such as classes with a tutor or at a language school.

Combining teachers with resources such as books, audio, and applications delivered the best results. Of course, this differs from person to person.

Learning a language requires speaking it, especially with native speakers or those who know it. That way, you understand where and how to use the proper terminology.

And how colloquial usage differs from the textbook version of the language most apps and even textbooks teach.

Mobile apps are impersonal compared to face-to-face lessons, online lessons, or in-person language institutes. You can only “communicate” with a laptop or smartphone, but can’t converse with it.

Also, unlike a live class or in-person interactions, there is no feedback for making a mistake with a term or with the use of language. So, applications can only be an option, not a roadmap to learning a language fluently.

No single app can provide everything you need to learn Japanese. Of course, you can learn many things from an app, but that won’t be enough to become fluent in Japanese.

This option is still worth exploring, provided you know which app to choose. Its features have significant advantages that help you learn the language effectively.

35 Top Apps for Studying Japanese

Japanese is one of the most popular languages taught worldwide, attracting learners from around the world.

That is why it offers many options and has a wealth of resources. Because of this, you can easily find learning apps and study materials to help you learn Japanese.

With so many Japanese language smartphone applications available, finding the right one can be challenging.

You’ll undoubtedly find your favorite Japanese learning app on this list of the best apps.

Additionally, there are many specialized resources to help you learn Japanese. This list includes free, freemium, and paid options. Let’s take a closer look!

1. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese

Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese is one of the best apps for studying Japanese vocabulary and grammar.

You can learn everything about Japanese grammar with this app, a mobile version of the renowned online grammar guide. Advanced students can also review more tough lessons or what they’ve already mastered.

The program offers extensive lessons to help you learn and master the language. It starts with the Japanese writing system and progresses to the entire Japanese grammar, unique expressions, and advanced topics.

This is not a complete Japanese course; it is a grammar guide. While it won’t teach you the language on its own, it’s a handy reference tool if you’re studying Japanese elsewhere.

Pricing: Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese is 100% free.

2. Duolingo — Most famous Japanese learning App

If you have thought about language learning out loud, Duolingo would have been the first name you heard.

This is the best-known language app for learning Japanese at a beginner level. You can do this by taking a few minutes away from your busy schedule while on the move.

It has perfected the gamified teaching technique with 100s of modules and lessons. From writing systems and pronunciation to vocabulary and sentence structure, you can complete many short studies to understand the basics of Japanese.

It is well-suited for studying Japanese words, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji through flashcard-style quizzes and MCQs. Still, is does not provide much in its grammatical courses.

Pricing: Duolingo is 100% free, but it works on the freemium model. The Plus plan allows unlimited mistakes, offline lessons, and progress tracking. It costs $6.99/month, but it’s not worth it.

You can check my full Duolingo review.

3. JapanesePod 101 — Study through Audios and Videos

JapanesePod101 by Innovative Language is undoubtedly one of the most fantastic apps for learning Japanese. Content is abundant for Japanese learners.

It teaches grammar, pronunciation, and reading through podcast-styled audio sessions. Plus, vocabulary through flashcards.

Each course features real-life Japanese discussions with native speakers. The hosts then deconstruct the conversation’s syntax and vocabulary (including any applicable slang).

Audio transcripts and cultural information are also supplied, so you may read along or study afterward.

Pricing: In addition to a free plan, you have basic, premium, and premium+. The fundamental difference between the two premium options is that 1-on-1 learning is through a teacher. The price ranges from $8 to $47. If you choose a longer duration, such as 6, 12, or 24 months, you can save 20% to 60%.

4. LingoDeer — Online language app for Japanese

Available on Android, iOS, and the Web, LingoDeer’s meticulously designed Japanese courses include vocabulary lessons, detailed explanations of grammar, and contextual conversations.

This resource, for beginners through advanced students, teaches Japanese language and grammar in a step-by-step format that builds on your knowledge.

While the heart of LingoDeer is a series of lessons, the app also includes flashcards, stories, phrasebooks, and other learning tools. The HD audio and engaging stories are extra perks. 

An extension of LingoDeer is LingoDeer+. Using interactive games, you learn grammar rules and unknown terms. Detailed answers also enhanced LingoDeer+.

Pricing: It has a generous free plan with Katakana, Hiragana, and 1000s of common phrases. If you want more, try Premium, which has all the N5-N3 grammar and vocabulary lessons. It costs $14.99/Mo, $39.99/3 months, and $79.99/year. You can also buy a lifetime membership for $159.99.

5. HelloTalk — A language exchange app

In contrast to other language learning apps, HelloTalk, a China-based app, specializes in language exchange. With 150 languages and 30 million members, it is the most widespread language interaction app. 

HelloTalk functions similarly to social networking sites: You create a profile and select the language you’re learning and your level.

After that, you may look for native Japanese speakers worldwide! You can practice Japanese by talking to people who will correct your mistakes, advise you, and help you with your pronunciation.

Many tools are available, including learner search, corrections, translation, transliteration, and text-to-speech. They all contribute to your learning success.

HelloTalk is worth your time, but it doesn’t teach you a language, and you’re also at the mercy of others. 

Pricing: The free plan is ok for most learners. For more features, upgrade to VIP, which I don’t recommend. It is $6.99/month, $45.99/year, and $175/lifetime. Costs vary by location, and discounts are available at all times.

Here is my complete HelloTalk review.

6. FluentU – Japanese immersion via Videos

In FluentU, real-world videos combine with interactive subtitles to create an immersive learning experience. As a result, it helps you improve your target language, including Japanese.

Japanese music videos, advertisements, movie trailers, news, and more. The videos feature Japanese subtitles and English translations.

After watching each video, you can take a quiz to practice and make personalized flashcards. The program emphasizes vocabulary learning in context and experiential learning.

The FluentU video app is available for iOS, Android, and the web and delivers videos in nine languages. The content is for all levels; you can use audio dialogues or download them for offline use.

Pricing: You can select $29.99/month or $239.99/year. Before purchasing the paid plan, you can take a 14-day free trial.

7. LingQ — interactive Japanese language app

It is also worth considering LingQ as a Japanese learning app. With this program, you will listen to audio and read the text in Japanese.

LingQ lets you learn Japanese by listening, watching, and reading content you are interested in. This strategy helps you stay in context and remember what you’ve learned.

For future study, you can mark terms you don’t know yet as you advance through lessons. We can save these to your flashcard deck for later review.

You can select various hobbies and subjects, and LingQ will convert them into interactive courses. After you’ve chosen your ability level, you may browse their library of podcasts, stories, and other content.

Pricing: The free LingQ includes basic lessons and features. Premium and Premium Plus are the two paid membership tiers. Depending on the selected plan and period, the cost ranges from $7.99 to $39.99 for one month.

8. Renshuu — Nihongo learning Tool

The Renshuu app is quite fascinating. You can measure your progress by looking at detailed explanations of grammar, phrases, words, kanji, and other topics.

Renshuu’s primary advantage is its variety. To keep things interesting, you can change the settings on your flashcards or do a crossword problem. 

This Japanese app offers dozens of practical learning lists, but you may create your own. You can even play various games, including crossword puzzles!

Pricing: Renshuu’s free version is complete. They also offer a Pro subscription plan, including a one-month plan for $6.99, a one-year plan for $49.99, and a lifetime plan for $109.99. 

9. Obenkyo — Learn Japanese characters

Obenkyo offers easy, well-organized courses that cover the fundamentals of Japanese. You have everything from Hiragana and Katakana to vocabulary and particles.

It covers Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana for students of various levels, starting with the beginner Japanese proficiency test.

Obenkyo uses multiple-choice quizzes and handwriting exams to assess your writing abilities. It also boasts a powerful handwriting and drawing recognition system that not only corrects your form but also evaluates the order of your strokes.

Pricing: Obenkyo is 100% free, though it shows ads.

10. Takoboto — Japanese language dictionary

Using Takoboto, you can discover the Japanese language through a Japanese/English dictionary and vice versa. They have various categories based on topics, difficulty, and JLPT levels.

Takoboto’s offline capability lets you search for Japanese terms anytime and anywhere. It includes nearly 200,000 entries, all of which are translated into English.

You may use kana, kanji, romaji, the English alphabet, or even your voice to search for words. There are additional examples of phrases, sentences, and conjugated forms.

You can check not only individual words but also phrases and grammar rules.

Pricing: In addition to the free version, they offer a paid option. It costs USD 3.90/month, USD 29/year, and USD 99/lifetime for a one-time fee.

11. Imiwa? – A free Japanese dictionary

Imiwa? is a robust dictionary with over 170,000 Japanese entries and related English translations. It allows you to search using kanji, kana, or romaji.

Many of these entries have French, German, and Russian translations. The app also suggests conjugations and allows you to switch between neutral and polite forms quickly.

You can access all kinds of sentences and understand the context. You can also track your recent activities and build your vocabulary lists.

What is the crucial element of Imiwa? Yet, it has extensive kanji information and practice. Currently, it only supports iPhone & iPad.

Pricing: Imiwa? is a 100% free Japanese dictionary app for Apple.

12. Busuu — All-in-one Japanese language app

Busuu’s Japanese lessons are organized, complete, and efficient. This makes it one of the most user-friendly apps for learning Japanese.

This includes lessons on reading and writing Hiragana and Katakana, as well as teaching new words, grammar rules, and sentence formation. It begins with the basics and continues to more advanced levels.

Busuu’s Japanese classes are systematized and tailored to your specific needs. It’s worth checking out the function of the conversation. It offers interactive lessons to help you improve your speaking and listening skills.

The effective AI-based grammar review, social community, exciting lessons, and well-customized Japanese courses are worth trying.

Pricing: Bussu’s free plan has only a few features and lessons. For an annual payment, there are two subscriptions—€5.83/month (premium) and €6.66/month (premium plus). The cost will fluctuate depending on whether you pay monthly or biannually.

Here is my full Busuu review.

13. Waygo — Japanese Translator app

It becomes your go-to app as you learn to read and write Japanese. It instantly translates from Japanese to English.

First, take a picture of any characters you don’t recognize on your phone, such as food items and traffic signs. Then, use the app to look up the English equivalent.

You can then listen to the pronunciation and learn the word or alphabet. Are you planning a vacation in Japan? Then, it will come in handy for translating menus, signage, and anything else you could see while there.

Pricing: Waygo is a 100% app on Android and iOS.

14. Pimsleur — Learning through audio

Pimsleur is not like any other Japanese language-learning app. Instead, it is a time-tested, practical approach to teaching you the language of your choice through audio.

The audio and other tools support speaking and listening, the two most critical language skills. You hear unfamiliar words, phrases, and sentences at growing intervals. And they recall again and again, longer than last time.

The 30-minute audio in the Japanese course helps you think and speak in Japanese. The method also allows you to listen and practice by repeating sentences and answering questions vocally.

Learners start with basic daily salutations, words, and sentences. Then they gradually progress to the intermediate and lower-advanced speaking and listening sections. The course also includes Kana and Kanji reading tasks.

Pricing: Two options are available: audio-only and premium, which includes audio and additional features. For $150, you have 30 Japanese lessons; for $575, you get all 5 levels (150 tracks). There is also a monthly option of $14.95. The cost is a little complex and pricey, but totally worth it!

Here is my complete Pimsleur review.

15. Pocket Colony — Learn Japanese through games

Pocket Colony is a game where you build little avatars known as “Pockatars” that dwell in virtual worlds.

It is trendy in Japan. In the virtual world, you go on adventures, play games, dress the characters, and even create your own house. You can learn many Kanji and how they sound in real life.

It’s an effective way to immerse yourself in the language without feeling locked in a classroom. The Japanese interface will also help you improve your reading abilities.

Pricing: The Pocket Colony app is free to download, play, and use.

16. iTalki — 1-to-1 Online Japanese teaching website

iTalki is one of the most well-known websites to teach language online. It is a great place to learn Japanese, with thousands of 1-to-1 Japanese teachers and tutors.

You can learn Japanese anywhere and at any time, and you can save a lot of time and money.

The fees are reasonable as an incentive. Hence, finding many educators within your budget is much easier. Even so, there are still high-charging, experienced teachers out there.

There are various Japanese classes to choose from. It includes JLPT preparation, conversational skills, and tailoring to your specific needs. You can also interact with learners worldwide on the website.

Pricing: Unlike other online tutoring sites, iTalki does not have a set price. Trainers can charge hourly fees based on their profile, expertise, and assignments. Typically, the cost ranges between $8 and $30 per hour.

17. Anki — A flashcard to practice Japanese words

Anki is open-source, free flashcard software with many features to help you learn Japanese on any device with Anki installed.

Anki allows you to categorize your vocabulary lists, grammar, and even kanji into various flashcard decks. It ranges from standard flip-and-reveal to filling in the gaps with the proper answer.

Thousands of high-quality and flexible Japanese flashcard decks are available in the app. In addition, you can download any user-created decks to take your Japanese to a higher level.

It uses a Spaced Repetition System to estimate your knowledge of a word. This process ensures that our minds permanently encode vocabulary.

Pricing: You can use Anki Desktop, AnkiWeb, and AnkiMobile Android flashcards for free, but iOS requires is paid subscription at $25.

18. Memrise — A comprehensive flashcard app

Memrise is an innovative and widely used language-learning platform that offers courses in diverse languages, including Japanese. It is an ideal app for elementary-level and casual learners.

The UI is incredibly user-friendly. All users can access the app’s essential functions and science-based learning tools.

While there are no grammar lessons, you have 100s of courses and 1000s of words, phrases, and native audio and video clips. All this ensures you have enough on your plate to explore the Japanese language in depth.

The Memrise app tracks your study time and how often you answer correctly or incorrectly. Then it uses an SRS (spaced repetition system) to ask questions that help you practice and retain what you have studied.

Pricing: Memrise offers most features for free. Try Pro for extra bonuses, including ad removal, full access, and a vast video library of native speakers. It costs $8.49/month, $29.99/annual, and $119.99 for lifetime use. Does it really pay off? Since free is enough, I believe not.

Check out my complete Memrise review.

19. Kanji Senpai for vocabulary and Kanji

You can learn Japanese words and Kanji with the Kanji Senpai app. This covers the reading, writing, and listening parts of the language.

Kanji Senpai includes characters that appear on all JLPT levels (N5-N1) and on the NAT examinations Q1-Q5). It also provides a variety of strategies for understanding them.

Because of the app’s SRS technique, the characters will reappear later in the course. This guarantees that you don’t forget what you’ve learned.

You can create daily objectives and track how much and how often you study with the app’s fascinating statistics. It also checks the stroke for its rightness. Currently, it is only available on Android, not on Apple devices.

Pricing: The vocabulary list is free, but audio packs are required to access some extra features. They cost a few US dollars.

20. Mondly — Learn Japanese Online

With Mondly, you can learn how to read and write Japanese in a fun way.

It teaches hundreds of small lessons through gamification. Greetings, everyday phrases, and complex sentences are all included.

Japanese, a character-based language, requires significant attention and interest. Thankfully, Mondly enables learners to practice without being bored.

Pricing: Mondly has a free plan with limited lessons. One language costs $9.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Sometimes, they offer lifetime memberships for all 41 languages for $50 to $100.

21. Speechling — App to learn to speak Japanese

With Speechling, users can improve their grammar, word choice, and accent with the help of native speakers. The app’s primary goal is natural conversation fluency.

Before recording your own repeat of a word or phrase, you can listen to the native speaker articulate it.

Speechling helps you improve your Japanese listening and speaking skills. You can track your improvement and practice, and even get free feedback on your pronunciation from certified trainers.

Pricing: You can access the entire curriculum and other features at no cost. Buy Speechling Unlimited for $19.99/1 month for 1-on-1 tutoring, language switching, audio journals, and offline study materials.

22. Lingopie — Video Language Learning

Do you want to watch movies to learn Japanese?

And why not? After all, what is a better way to learn Japanese than watching entertaining cinema, dramas, anime, and documentaries?

This is possible thanks to Lingopie. The website offers many entertaining videos to help you learn to speak authentic Japanese.

You can find videos on a range of topics and difficulty levels across many groups. For example, there are binge-worthy shows, top 10 lists, new releases, food, short films, beginner-friendly dramas, anime, Japanese culture, and art.

The first step is to create a user account and choose a movie or TV show from among the thousands available. Then, you watch and learn Japanese with dual subtitles. Clicking on an unfamiliar word will also feed instant translations.

Finally, you can turn these collected vocabulary words into a game using various language-learning tools, flashcards, and word plays. Plus, viewing videos can help you improve your speaking and listening skills.

Pricing: The cost is $12/month. An annual subscription costs $67, which is $5.6 per month. Although Lingopie does not offer a free plan, you can always try its 7-day full-access free trial.

Check out my full review of Lingopie.

23. Language Drops — Visual Japanese Studies

Language Drops features a visual, interactive UI to teach you over 2,000 Japanese words.

With just five to ten minutes per day, Drops helps you learn Japanese through beautifully designed, enjoyable, and lively lessons. It follows the Pareto principle, focusing on the 20% to achieve 80% of the results.

The Language Drops app allows you to select the words you want to focus on and personalize your learning experience. It also offers quick correction and instant feedback.

Pricing: It costs $13.00/month, $69.99/year, and $159.99 for a lifetime membership. You can also try a 7-day free demo before paying.

24. HiNative — Q&A Japanese language forum

Students can use HiNative’s question-and-answer platform to ask questions and receive answers from native speakers. This app allows users to ask any questions related to Japan and the Japanese language.

It is possible to gain deep fluency in natural conversational practices by learning a complex language like Japanese from local speakers. But things aren’t always organized and book-based.

Pricing: The primary features are free for everyone. You can choose one month for $5.68/month or one year for $59.63, which equals $4.96/month.

25. Beelinguapp — Japanese through audio

With Beelinguapp, you can read and listen to audiobooks and music in two languages while viewing the text on screen. As you read, the Japanese language appears next to the English text.

You don’t have to memorize vocabulary with Beelinguapp. Instead, read short stories, novels, popular kids’ books, and other works in your native tongue and Japanese.

This reading app makes cross-referencing easy and helps confirm your understanding of the text. This is one of the best Japanese reading apps available.

Pricing: For free, you can listen, read, and practice words with flashcards and a glossary. $5-$7 is for a month. Annual and lifetime are reasonable.

26. Rosetta Stone — One-stop Japanese learning app

Language learning apps such as Rosetta Stone are popular. They use an old conversational approach to help users practice speaking the language.

They cover a range of vocabulary, grammar, and other aspects of the language through bite-sized lessons, inspiring you to immerse yourself in real-life situations.

In addition to practicing listening and characters, Rosetta Stone for Japanese provides instant feedback to improve pronunciation. 

Pricing: Rosetta Stone requires subscriptions. The price for 3 months is $35.97, and for 6 months, it is $95.88. If you want all the languages for your life, it costs $179.

27. LinGo Play — Learn by flashcards and Games

Language learning through games is the focus of LinGo Play. You can study grammar and vocabulary from novice to advanced with interactive flashcards for learning Japanese.

The app introduces thousands of new Japanese words and phrases. In the end, you can make hundreds of sentences in diverse scenarios. The leaderboards also allow you to track your headway. 

Pricing: LinGo Play offers several plans, including a free 7-day trial, a 1-month paid trial, a monthly subscription, and a half-yearly subscription.

28. uTalk — Learn Japanese through Visuals

Another app for learning Japanese is uTalk. It offers thousands of words and phrases across many topics to help you learn or use Japanese in daily life.

You can also practice speaking and compare your pronunciation with native speakers. You can also play intuitive games in the uTalk app to enhance your learning experience.

Pricing: uTalk is inexpensive. The cost is $5 for one month, $18 for six months, and $25 for one year. The charges also vary by country.

29. Learn Japanese — Beginners app and Translator

The Learn Japanese Phrases app has thousands of well-known words and terms for beginner learners. They divided the vocabulary into several categories, such as eating, holidays, and movies.

You do not need to guess how it sounds; it lets you hear the exact pronunciation. You can also slow it down to listen more closely.

Audio lessons feature native Japanese speakers for a real learning experience and even provide feedback on how accurate you are.

Pricing: While the Learn Japanese app is free, an In-App purchase is $4.99 for the full version.

30. Ameba — Immersion-based Japanese learning

Ameba is a well-known Japanese blogging site. This app keeps you up to date on your favorite J-pop, celebrities, fashion idols, and video games.

The entire Ameba interface is in Japanese. Therefore, you can improve your language skills by exploring everything in Japanese. Further, since you aren’t a native, you can ask others to help you correct your mistakes. All this can help if you seek opportunities to teach English in Japan.

You can read, write, listen, interact, share, discuss, make friends, and learn — everything in Japanese. You will also learn various dialects and informal Japanese.

Pricing: Ameba is 100% free on Android and iOS, but some advanced blogging-related features are paid.

31. Easy Japanese News

The Easy Japanese News app is one of the best apps for learning Japanese. To make reading more accessible, it uses simple Japanese with Furigana. 

NHK, CNN, TBS, and Asahi are among the top news sources aggregated in this single app. As a result, staying up to date on current Japanese events is easier.

The app also helps Japanese learners. For example, you can search for the meaning with a click, listen to podcasts, and watch videos. This is helpful if you plan to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, as it provides clear guidance and support.

Pricing: As you’d expect, Easy Japanese News is free to use.

32. Japanese Kanji Tree App

This is probably the best Japanese app for learning Kanji. It also offers features such as sound effects, speech, and tools to improve recognition.

Upgrading to Pro lets you create user-defined study lists by difficulty and JLPT level. The app also explains and illustrates Kanji stroke orders, making them easy to understand.

You can also decide the speed. Learning new material or revisiting existing material via reading and writing is also a plus for the Japanese Kanji Tree.

Pricing: It is free to use. However, you can purchase the Pro version for $5.49 to unlock additional features.

33. Preply for Japanese Tutors

Preply is a leading app for learning Japanese. It provides a fun, personalized experience for learners at all levels, from beginners to those seeking to become confident in the language.

Since its launch in 2012, Preply has connected students with over 3,200 expert Japanese tutors. Each tutor has their own experience and teaching style.

Preply focuses on one-on-one lessons that match your goals, pace, and interests. After you sign up, the app suggests tutors based on your schedule, budget, and even regional dialects.

You can customize your lessons to prepare for the JLPT exams, learn business Japanese, or practice travel phrases. Tutors use interactive whiteboards, conversation practice, and cultural insights to help you understand real-life Japanese.

Preply also provides tools for reviewing vocabulary, progress, and practicing exercises. If you want to learn quickly, speak naturally, and enjoy studying Japanese, Preply makes it flexible and efficient.

Check out my review on Preply — Is Preply any good?

Pricing: Prices vary by tutor experience, starting at $5-$10 per hour for beginners. More experienced or certified tutors may charge between $20 to $40 per hour. With some time and research, you can find inexpensive tutoring options!

34. JA Sensei for Android

JA Sensei is an all-inclusive Japanese app for beginners and intermediate levels. It covers all four aspects of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

The app helps you learn hiragana, katakana, kanji, grammar, and words. You can also track and improve your Japanese language skills with intelligent progress tracking.

The content on Japan’s culture and customs is just the icing on the cake.

Pricing: It is free to use, with optional features available via in-app purchases.

35. Renzo — An app for Japanese example sentences

With Renzo, you can search for over 175,000 Japanese terms and 58,000 example sentences. The app features advanced features such as handwriting recognition, text-to-speech, and conjugation search.

It offers a range of tools to help you learn Japanese, including easy-to-understand flashcards, text-to-speech for pronunciation practice, and support for JLPT preparation.

When you search for anything, you see relevant and valuable results. It is available on both the Google Play Store and the App Store, though the iOS version is more feature-rich.

Pricing: Renzo is 100% Free

Final Words: How to choose the best apps to learn Japanese

Selecting the best Japanese learning app depends on the individual.

Suppose you want to learn basic conversation skills before visiting Japan. In that case, a basic vocabulary and phrasebook app might be all you need.

What if you want to learn Japanese for careers? Or perhaps we can divide everything in Japan deeply?

Then, you need apps that can help you reach an advanced level or prepare for higher-level JLPTs such as N2. Apps that enter immersion mode cover all aspects of communication, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

While I have listed many free, freemium, and paid-only platforms, you can start with a few free ones. Then, check if it is available on your devices, such as Apple Mac, Laptop, Android, or iOS.

Once you like an app and have a positive experience, you may feel you need additional features. Then, you can consider upgrading to a subscription-based service for your chosen apps.

And remember, no single app can replace an experienced Japanese tutor or language school. At best, it can supplement your efforts to achieve fluency in Japanese.

There is an endless list of the best language-learning apps to choose from. Yet the one above is good and has often worked for most. Please select the option that best suits you.

Do you have any suggestions for valuable apps that were missed for learning Japanese, or any questions? Share your thoughts in the comments.