Best revision apps for GCSE and A-Level students in 2026
Exam season is stressful enough without wasting time on ineffective study methods. Research consistently shows that active recall (testing yourself) combined with spaced repetition (reviewing at optimal intervals) is the most effective way to revise. Here are the best apps that use these techniques.
What makes a good revision app?
- Spaced repetition — automatically schedules reviews so you focus on what you're about to forget
- Works offline — study on the bus, in the library, anywhere without Wi-Fi
- Free or affordable — students shouldn't need expensive subscriptions to study
- Quick to set up — you want to study, not spend hours configuring an app
The best revision apps
1. sumi — best free flashcard app
Price: Free (pro from £0.99/mo)
sumi is a straightforward flashcard app with built-in spaced repetition. Create your own revision cards or import them from Anki (.apkg), CSV, or plain text. It works completely offline, needs no account, and the interface is clean and distraction-free. Set a daily revision goal and track your streak.
Best for: Students who want a simple, free way to revise with flashcards on iPhone.
2. Anki — most powerful (but complex)
Price: Free (desktop/Android), £24.99 (iOS)
Anki is the most powerful spaced repetition tool available. Huge community with shared decks for every GCSE and A-Level subject. The downside is the steep learning curve and the £24.99 iOS price. If you're on iPhone, you can import Anki decks into sumi for free.
Best for: Power users willing to invest time in setup.
3. Quizlet — easiest to start
Price: Free (Plus £7.99/mo)
Quizlet has millions of pre-made study sets for GCSE and A-Level topics. The Learn mode is quick and easy. However, the free tier now has ads and limited features, and the spaced repetition is basic compared to Anki or sumi.
Best for: Students who want pre-made content and don't mind ads.
4. Knowt — AI-powered
Price: Free
Knowt can generate flashcards from your notes using AI. It includes spaced repetition and practice tests. Good if you have typed notes and want to quickly turn them into revision cards.
Best for: Students who want AI to create flashcards from their notes.
Revision tips for GCSE and A-Levels
- Start early — begin making flashcards as you learn topics, not the week before exams
- Keep cards simple — one question, one answer. "What is osmosis?" not "Explain cell transport"
- Use cloze deletions — "Photosynthesis converts {{carbon dioxide}} and water into glucose" forces active recall
- Review daily — 15-20 minutes of spaced repetition each day is more effective than 3-hour cramming sessions
- Cover every subject — make separate decks for each subject and rotate through them
- Test yourself — don't just read your cards. Try to answer before flipping
How to get started today
Download a flashcard app, pick your weakest subject, and make 20 cards covering the key facts. Review them tomorrow. Then the next day. The spaced repetition algorithm will handle the scheduling — you just need to show up for 15 minutes a day.
Start revising smarter
Free flashcards with spaced repetition. No account, no ads, no distractions.