Head to head
Memrise vs Anki
Two popular ways to learn a language, side by side: how each teaches, where each is strong or weak, and who should pick which.
- Free forever plan
- No card needed
- 77 languages
Updated · by the 4ToSpeak team
Lesson preview
Step 4Estoy cansado.
I am tired.
- Order
- Translate
- Listen
- Speak
Say it out loud. Green landed, yellow was close.
Start freeMemrise
Memrise focuses on learning vocabulary and phrases with spaced repetition and clips of native speakers saying them. It is quick and useful for words in real voices.
Strengths
- Native-speaker video clips.
- Quick, practical phrases.
- Spaced repetition for vocabulary.
Weaknesses
- Focus is words and phrases, not deep grammar.
- Less structure for a full path.
- Speaking is mostly repeat-after-clip.
Best for: Picking up everyday phrases in real voices.
Cost model: Free with limits; subscription for the full app.
Anki
Anki is an open-source flashcard program that schedules reviews using spaced repetition. You build or download decks, so it is as strong as the cards you put in. It has no built-in speaking practice.
Strengths
- Powerful spaced repetition.
- Fully customisable and free on most platforms.
- Great for long-term vocabulary.
Weaknesses
- You build or find the decks yourself.
- No built-in speaking or lessons.
- A plain interface with a learning curve.
Best for: Self-directed learners who want to retain vocabulary.
Cost model: Free and open source on most platforms; some mobile versions are paid.
Which is better for what: Memrise or Anki?
| If you want | Pick |
|---|---|
| speaking practice | Neither is a main strength |
| beginners | Neither is a main strength |
| free learning | Anki |
| grammar | Neither is a main strength |
| vocabulary | Both are good fits |
| Japanese, Korean and Chinese | Neither is a main strength |
| conversation | Neither is a main strength |
| intermediate learners | Anki |
| travel | Memrise |
| commuting and hands-free | Neither is a main strength |
Where 4ToSpeak fits
If speaking is the skill you want to build, 4ToSpeak adds what neither of these leads with: every sentence ends with you saying it out loud, with word-by-word feedback, on a free plan with no card. Many learners use Memrise or Anki for what it does best and 4ToSpeak for daily speaking reps. 4ToSpeak vs Memrise · 4ToSpeak vs Anki
Product names are trademarks of their owners and are not affiliated with 4ToSpeak. This page describes general, publicly known traits, and features and pricing can change, so check each product’s own site for the latest.
Is Memrise better than Anki?
Neither is better for everyone. Memrise is best for picking up everyday phrases in real voices. Anki is best for self-directed learners who want to retain vocabulary. Choose by what you want to improve.
Which is better for speaking, Memrise or Anki?
Neither is mainly built around speaking. If speaking is your goal, a speaking-first app such as 4ToSpeak, or a tutor, will give you more practice than either.
Is Memrise or Anki better for beginners?
Anki is the more beginner-friendly of the two. The other is better once you have the basics.
Can I use Memrise and Anki together?
Yes. Many learners combine apps that cover different skills. Memrise for words in real voices, 4ToSpeak for putting them into sentences you say. A common pairing: Anki to retain vocabulary, 4ToSpeak to use that vocabulary in spoken sentences.
Related guides
Keep comparing
Free · no card · 77 languages
Want more speaking in your day?
Whichever you choose, add a daily speaking habit. Free to start, no card.