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Anki

Anki

Free, open-source spaced-repetition flashcard app used by millions of students

softwareStudy Toolsflashcardsspaced repetitionopen source
Our Verdict

Best for

Learners who want a free, highly customizable, proven spaced-repetition system for long-term retention

Skip if

You want a modern UI or built-in AI flashcard generation out of the box

What is Anki?

Anki is a flashcard application built around spaced repetition, using an algorithm to schedule reviews so learners spend more time on challenging material and less on cards they already know well. It is free and open source on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), with source code publicly available on GitHub and an extensible add-on ecosystem built by the community.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
api available❌ No

Key Features of Anki

Uses a spaced-repetition scheduling algorithm to decide when each card should be reviewed next.
Free and open source on desktop, with source code available on GitHub for community contributions.
Supports rich media cards including audio, images, video, and scientific/mathematical notation.
Handles very large decks, reportedly performing well even beyond 100,000 cards.
Syncs progress across devices through AnkiWeb.
Extensible through a large library of community-built add-ons.

Use Cases for Anki

1

Medical and professional exam prep

Students memorize large volumes of terminology using pre-built or custom Anki decks.

2

Language vocabulary learning

Learners build vocabulary decks with audio and images reviewed on a spaced schedule.

3

Long-term knowledge retention

Lifelong learners use Anki to retain technical or reference knowledge over years.

4

Custom study workflows via add-ons

Power users extend Anki's functionality with community add-ons for specialized study needs.

Pros & Cons of Anki

Pros

  • Completely free and open source on desktop and Android
  • Highly customizable via add-ons
  • Proven spaced-repetition algorithm with a long track record
  • Handles massive decks without performance issues

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve and dated UI compared to modern flashcard apps
  • AnkiMobile (iOS) requires a one-time paid purchase
  • No built-in AI content generation like some newer competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anki free?

Yes, Anki is free and open source on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android; the iOS app (AnkiMobile) requires a one-time paid purchase.

What algorithm does Anki use?

Anki is built around spaced-repetition scheduling, historically based on the SM-2 algorithm with modern refinements.

Can I sync Anki across devices?

Yes, AnkiWeb provides free syncing of decks and progress across desktop and mobile.

Is Anki's source code available?

Yes, Anki is open source and its code is publicly available on GitHub.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Free

Anki (Desktop/Android)

$0

AnkiMobile (iOS)

One-time purchase (paid)

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About the Product

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Target AudienceStudents, medical professionals, language learners, and lifelong learners who want systematic long-t

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Tags

flashcardsspaced repetitionopen sourceSM-2 algorithmstudy app

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