Quizlet vs Anki: which flashcard app is better?
Quizlet and Anki are the two most popular flashcard apps, but they take very different approaches to studying. Quizlet is easy and social. Anki is powerful and customisable. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Quizlet | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (Plus $7.99/mo) | Free (iOS $24.99) |
| Spaced repetition | Basic (Plus only) | Advanced (FSRS) |
| Shared decks | Millions | Thousands |
| Study modes | Learn, Test, Match, etc. | Review only |
| Offline | Plus only | Yes |
| Cloze deletions | No | Yes |
| Customisation | Limited | Extensive |
| Learning curve | Easy | Steep |
When Quizlet is better
- Quick study sessions — Quizlet's Learn mode is fast and requires no setup
- Shared decks — millions of user-created sets for almost any topic
- Multiple study modes — flashcards, tests, matching games, and more
- Group study — Quizlet Live and collaborative features
- Casual learners — if you're studying for a single test, Quizlet is simpler
When Anki is better
- Long-term retention — Anki's SRS algorithm is scientifically superior for memory
- Medical/law school — when you need to retain thousands of facts for years
- Language learning — cloze deletions and custom note types are essential
- Full control — customise intervals, card templates, and review settings
- Privacy — Anki works offline, Quizlet requires an account and collects data
The Quizlet pricing problem
Quizlet has moved many features behind its Plus paywall ($7.99/month or $79.99/year). Free users now get ads, limited practice tests, and no offline access. For students on a budget, this adds up quickly — $96/year for Quizlet Plus vs a one-time $24.99 for AnkiMobile, or free alternatives like sumi.
The Anki iOS price problem
Anki is free on desktop and Android, but the official iOS app costs $24.99. This funds Anki's development and AnkiWeb servers. If you're on iPhone and want Anki's core features without the price, sumi imports .apkg files and includes spaced repetition for free.
The verdict
Choose Quizlet if you want quick, easy study sessions with pre-made content and don't need long-term retention.
Choose Anki if you're serious about memorisation, studying for professional exams, or learning a language long-term.
Choose sumi if you want Anki's approach (SRS + .apkg import) in a free, modern iPhone app.
The best of both worlds
sumi combines Anki's spaced repetition with a clean, modern interface. Free on iPhone.