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Anki Review

Anki is an open-source spaced repetition flashcard program designed to help users remember information through customizable flashcards supporting rich media.

shipped Jul 28, 2026aifree

Why it matters

1Open-source spaced repetition flashcard program.

2Supports rich media including audio, images, and videos.

3Synchronizes flashcards across multiple devices via AnkiWeb.

4Accommodates large card decks, exceeding 100,000 cards.

Specs

API Docs

View Documentation →

GitHub

View Repository →

API Available

Yes, public API

overview

What is Anki?

Anki is a spaced repetition flashcard program developed by the Anki community that enables users to efficiently memorize information. It allows for the creation of customizable flashcards that support rich media, including audio, images, videos, and scientific markup. The software optimizes study time by focusing on challenging material, leveraging a sophisticated algorithm to schedule reviews. Users can synchronize their flashcards across multiple devices using the free AnkiWeb service, facilitating continuous learning. Anki supports large card decks, with capabilities for over 100,000 cards, and offers an extensive add-on ecosystem for extending its features and functionality, providing comprehensive tools for managing and reviewing educational content.

features

Key Features of Anki

Anki provides a robust set of features designed to enhance memory retention and study efficiency. Its core functionality revolves around a customizable spaced repetition system, allowing users to tailor their learning experience. The platform's support for diverse media types ensures comprehensive content creation, while its synchronization capabilities facilitate ubiquitous access to study materials.

Open-source spaced repetition flashcard program.
Customizable flashcards supporting rich media (audio, images, videos, scientific markup).
Optimizes study time by prioritizing challenging material based on recall performance.
Synchronizes flashcards across multiple devices using the free AnkiWeb service.
Supports large card decks, capable of managing over 100,000 cards.
Extensive add-on ecosystem for extending features and functionality.
Provides tools for managing and reviewing educational content.
API available for advanced customization and integration.

use cases

Who Should Use Anki?

Anki is utilized by a diverse range of individuals and institutions seeking to optimize information retention and learning processes. Its flexibility makes it suitable for various educational and professional contexts, from academic study to professional development.

Students and educators for managing and reviewing educational content across subjects.
Language learners for memorizing vocabulary, grammar, and phrases.
Medical students and professionals for retaining complex anatomical and pharmacological information.
Anyone needing to memorize large amounts of information efficiently and effectively.
Individuals preparing for standardized tests or professional certifications.

how to use

How to Use Anki

To begin using Anki, users typically download the desktop application, create or import flashcard decks, and then engage in daily review sessions. The software's algorithm automatically schedules cards for optimal review intervals.

1Download and install the Anki Desktop application from apps.ankiweb.net for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
2Create a new flashcard deck or import an existing deck from shared resources.
3Add new cards with front and back content, incorporating text, images, audio, or video.
4Review cards daily, rating recall difficulty (Again, Hard, Good, Easy) to inform the spaced repetition algorithm.
5Synchronize decks with AnkiWeb to access and study cards on AnkiDroid (Android) or AnkiMobile (iOS).
6Explore and install add-ons from the AnkiWeb add-on browser to extend functionality.

pricing

Anki Pricing & Plans

Anki operates on a freemium model, providing its core desktop application and synchronization service free of charge. Mobile applications vary in pricing, with the Android version being free and the iOS version requiring a one-time purchase.

Anki Desktop: Free – Full flashcard program for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including synchronization with AnkiWeb.
AnkiWeb: Free – Online synchronization service for decks and study progress across all devices.
AnkiDroid (Android): Free – Official mobile flashcard application for Android devices, with AnkiWeb synchronization.
AnkiMobile (iOS): Paid – Official iOS application for iPhone and iPad, requiring a one-time purchase for full functionality and AnkiWeb synchronization.

Pros

+Highly effective spaced repetition algorithm (FSRS) for long-term memory retention.
+Extensive customization options for flashcards, study settings, and scheduling.
+Open-source nature fosters a large community and a rich add-on ecosystem.
+Supports rich media (audio, images, videos, LaTeX) for comprehensive card creation.
+Free desktop and Android applications, with free AnkiWeb synchronization.
+Capable of managing very large card decks (100,000+ cards).

Cons

−Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive customization options.
−User interface may appear less modern or intuitive compared to some commercial alternatives.
−Official iOS application (AnkiMobile) requires a one-time purchase.
−Requires user discipline to consistently review cards for optimal results.
−Lack of pre-made, curated content compared to platforms like Memrise or Quizlet, requiring users to create their own.

Similar Tools

Anki vs Competitors

Anki distinguishes itself in the spaced repetition software market through its open-source nature, extensive customizability, and advanced algorithm. While several alternatives exist, Anki often provides a more granular control over the learning process.

Mnemosyne↗

It is a free, open-source flashcard tool that focuses on optimizing the learning process through a sophisticated spaced repetition algorithm and also functions as a research project into long-term memory.

Mnemosyne offers a similar core spaced repetition functionality to Anki but might have a less modern interface and a smaller add-on ecosystem.

QuizletOn Stork Compare

Offers various study modes beyond just flashcards, including games and tests, and provides access to a large library of user-generated content.

While Quizlet has a 'Learn' mode with spaced repetition, its algorithm is simpler and less customizable than Anki's, and many advanced study features are restricted to the paid tier.

MemriseOn Stork Compare

Primarily focused on language learning with a gamified approach, native speaker audio/video, and structured courses.

Memrise is more geared towards guided language courses with pre-made content, whereas Anki offers greater flexibility for creating custom flashcards for any subject and has a more advanced, customizable spaced repetition algorithm.

RemNoteOn Stork Compare

Integrates spaced repetition directly into a powerful note-taking and outlining tool, allowing users to seamlessly turn their notes into flashcards.

RemNote is a more comprehensive knowledge management system than just a flashcard app, which might be more than what users solely seeking flashcard functionality need; its spaced repetition algorithm is comparable to Anki's FSRS, but Anki offers more control over the raw flashcard experience.

See every Anki alternative, compared→

Visit Anki↗

Connect

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GitHubgithub.com/ankitects/anki