Comparison
WordStudy vs Memrise: which is better for English vocabulary?
Quick comparison
| Feature | WordStudy | Memrise |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Open vocabulary from your sources | Structured courses + native-speaker clips |
| Words ready to learn | 84,633, CEFR-tagged, with translation and definition | Course-based vocabulary sets |
| YouTube subtitle import | Yes — your own videos | No (curated in-app clips) |
| Native-speaker video clips | No | Yes (signature feature) |
| CEFR level tagging (A1–C2) | Yes, every word | By course level |
| Spaced repetition | Yes — mastered words leave the queue | Yes |
| Offline | Yes | Limited / online-first |
| Pricing | Free tier; $6.49/mo, $39.99/yr, $99 lifetime | Subscription (no lifetime) |
Memrise details reflect its public app and pricing as of mid-2026 — verify current rates on memrise.com.
What WordStudy does that Memrise doesn't
- Learn from your own videos. Import any YouTube link; WordStudy turns the subtitles into level-appropriate words. Memrise's clips are curated in-app, not your choice of content.
- One large open dictionary. 84,633 words, CEFR-tagged, rather than fixed course sets.
- Mastered means done. Finished words leave the review queue for good.
- Offline daily study and a $99 one-time lifetime option instead of an ongoing subscription.
What Memrise does that WordStudy doesn't (honest)
- Native-speaker video clips showing real people saying words and phrases — strong for pronunciation and listening.
- Structured courses and curricula that guide beginners step by step.
- Multiple target languages beyond English.
- A phrase- and conversation-first feel for early learners.
When to choose WordStudy
- You want vocabulary depth and prefer to choose your own words.
- You'd rather learn from your own YouTube, articles, or books.
- You want CEFR levels on every word and a clear mastery cycle.
- You prefer a one-time price over a subscription.
When to choose Memrise
- You want a guided course rather than open vocabulary.
- You learn well from native-speaker video clips.
- You're earlier in your journey and want structure.
- You're studying a language other than English.
Pricing, honestly
WordStudy: a free tier (4 collections, 100 YouTube words per month, the level test, 2 exercise stages), then $6.49/month, $39.99/year, or a $99 one-time lifetime plan.
Memrise: subscription-based (Memrise Pro) with monthly and annual tiers; there is no one-time lifetime equivalent — check memrise.com for current rates.
FAQ
Is WordStudy better than Memrise for English vocabulary?
They aim at different things. Memrise teaches through structured courses and short native-speaker video clips, which is strong for phrases and listening. WordStudy is a vocabulary specialist: an 84,633-word CEFR dictionary where you add words from your own YouTube videos, text, or photos, each pre-loaded with translation, CEFR level and definition. Choose Memrise for guided courses with native clips; choose WordStudy to build vocabulary from your own material.
Does WordStudy have native-speaker videos like Memrise?
No. Memrise's signature is short clips of native speakers. WordStudy instead lets you import real YouTube videos you choose and turns their subtitles into study words, and includes a Context exercise that has you use each word in a real example sentence.
How much does WordStudy cost compared with Memrise?
WordStudy has a free tier (4 collections, 100 YouTube words/month, level test, 2 exercise stages) and paid plans at $6.49/month, $39.99/year, or a $99 one-time lifetime. Memrise is subscription-based (Memrise Pro); check their site for current rates, as there is no one-time lifetime equivalent.
Can WordStudy import words from YouTube?
Yes. Paste any YouTube link and WordStudy reads the subtitles, filters out words below your level, and gives you the new vocabulary as ready cards with translation, CEFR level and definition. Memrise does not import your own YouTube videos this way.
Does WordStudy work offline?
Yes. The dictionary and your word list are stored on your device, so daily study works without internet; sync runs when you reconnect.
Who should use Memrise instead of WordStudy?
Choose Memrise if you want a guided course structure, enjoy learning from short native-speaker video clips, or are early in a language and want a curriculum to follow. WordStudy is a vocabulary builder rather than a course: you grow vocabulary from your own sources, at any level from A1 to C2.
WordStudy today
WordStudy is out on the App Store and Google Play. The free tier covers the level test and 4 collections, so you can decide before paying.
Point your camera — opens App StoreRelated: WordStudy vs Anki · WordStudy vs LingQ · WordStudy FAQ · Pricing · Other comparisons
References: Memrise app and pricing pages (memrise.com); WordStudy product facts from wordsstudy.com. Verified mid-2026; competitor details can change.
