Comparison
WordStudy vs Anki: which is better for English vocabulary?
Quick comparison
| Feature | WordStudy | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | English vocabulary (B1+) | Any subject — general memory tool |
| Words ready to learn | 84,672, each with translation, CEFR level, definition, examples | None pre-built — you create cards |
| CEFR level tagging (A1–C2) | Yes, every word | No |
| YouTube subtitle import | Yes — paste a link | No (manual / add-ons) |
| Other ways to add words | Text, camera scan, 40 collections, typing | Manual entry, shared decks |
| Spaced repetition | Yes — mastered words leave the queue | Yes — fully tunable algorithm |
| Native-language support | 18 interface languages | Interface localized; content is yours |
| Offline | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | Desktop, Android, web free; iOS paid |
| Price | Free tier; $6.49/mo, $39.99/yr, $99 lifetime | Free (AnkiMobile iOS: one-time paid) |
Competitor details reflect Anki's public docs and store listings as of mid-2026 — verify current pricing on apps.ankiweb.net.
What WordStudy does that Anki doesn't
- Words arrive finished. You never write a card. Each of the 84,672 words already carries a translation, a CEFR level (A1–C2), a plain-English definition, and example sentences.
- Import from what you actually watch and read. Paste a YouTube link and WordStudy pulls the subtitles, drops words below your level, and hands you only the new vocabulary. Same for pasted text and camera scans.
- Level transparency. Every word is CEFR-tagged, so you can focus on your band — useful for IELTS/TOEFL prep.
- Mastered means done. Finish a word's 4-step cycle and it leaves the review queue for good, instead of cycling forever.
What Anki does that WordStudy doesn't (honest)
- Total flexibility. Any subject, any card format, custom fields, images, audio — Anki is a general memory tool, not just for English.
- Free and open-source on desktop, Android, and web, with full data ownership.
- A deep, tunable algorithm (including FSRS) and a large library of community shared decks.
- Cross-device sync via AnkiWeb and a huge ecosystem of add-ons.
When to choose WordStudy
- You want to grow English vocabulary without building cards.
- You learn from YouTube, articles, or books and want that turned into study material.
- You want CEFR levels on every word (e.g. for IELTS/TOEFL).
- Your native language is one of the 18 supported, and you want translations ready.
When to choose Anki
- You already have a card-making routine and like full control.
- You study more than English vocabulary (medicine, law, other languages).
- You want a free, open-source tool with your data fully portable.
- You want to fine-tune the scheduling algorithm or use community decks.
These tools can also coexist: some learners keep Anki for custom decks and use WordStudy for fast, curated English vocabulary from their own sources.
Pricing, honestly
WordStudy: a substantive free tier (4 collections, 100 YouTube words per month, the level test, 2 exercise stages, no card required), then $6.49/month, $39.99/year, or a $99 one-time lifetime plan.
Anki: free on desktop, Android, and web. The official AnkiMobile app for iOS is a one-time paid purchase that supports development; AnkiDroid (Android) is free.
FAQ
Is WordStudy better than Anki for learning English vocabulary?
For learners who want to start fast, WordStudy is more turnkey — words come pre-loaded and you import from YouTube or text. Anki is more flexible and free but you build every card. Different tools for different habits.
Can I import my Anki deck into WordStudy?
Not as an .apkg file today. WordStudy is built around its own curated dictionary; you add words by source or paste a list as text.
Does WordStudy have spaced repetition like Anki?
Yes — with the difference that mastered words leave the queue permanently instead of cycling, so you don't re-review words you already know.
Is Anki really free?
Yes on desktop, Android, and web. The iOS app (AnkiMobile) is a one-time paid purchase that funds the open-source project.
Try WordStudy
The free tier covers the 15-minute level test and starter collections, so you can see the curated dictionary and the 4-step cycle before paying anything. Get WordStudy for iOS or Android →
Related: WordStudy vs Memrise · WordStudy vs LingQ · WordStudy FAQ · Pricing
References: Anki manual and AnkiWeb (apps.ankiweb.net); WordStudy product facts from wordsstudy.com. Pricing verified mid-2026; competitor pricing can change — check their official pages.