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10 Best Language Learning Apps for Japanese of 2026
This list is for people studying Japanese on their phone, whether for a job with Japanese clients, a move to Japan or the JLPT. We compared documented features and published prices for ten apps: general course apps that teach Japanese alongside other languages, Japanese-only tools for kanji and grammar, and one tutor marketplace for live speaking. Japanese needs three writing systems, so check how each app handles kana and kanji, not just vocabulary. Most learners combine one course app with one kanji or grammar tool.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 12, 2026 · 10 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 12, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
LingoDeer is our top pick because its Japanese course was built for Asian scripts, explains grammar inside each lesson and works offline, which suits short sessions on a phone. Renshuu is the strongest Japanese-only app, with an unlimited free tier and study paths for textbooks and every JLPT level. Duolingo is the best free daily habit, Bunpro is the most focused grammar trainer at $5 a month, and WaniKani is the specialist for kanji. Add italki when you are ready to speak with a tutor.
Top picks
Best overall
LingoDeer
8.9 / 10
beginners who want a structured Japanese course on their phone
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LingoDeer | beginners who want a structured Japanese course on their phone | Subscription required for full access; starts at $14.99 a month on the US App Store, with annual and lifetime Multilingual Pass options | 8.9 |
| 2 |  Renshuu | self-studiers who want one free app for all of Japanese | Unlimited free version; Renshuu Pro listed at $49.99 for 1 year on the US App Store, with monthly and lifetime options | 8.8 |
| 3 |  Duolingo | casual learners who want a free daily habit | Every course is free; Super Duolingo removes ads with a 14-day free trial. See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.5 |
| 4 |  italki | learners who need live speaking practice | No subscription; teachers set their own rates, and a 30-minute Japanese lesson typically costs $3 to $10 | 8.5 |
| 5 |  Bunpro | JLPT candidates who need a grammar drill | Free plan with limited access; Premium $5 a month, Lifetime $150 one time; 30-day free trial with no credit card | 8.4 |
| 6 |  Busuu | learners who want native-speaker corrections | Free to download with limited features; Premium Membership required for full access. See vendor pricing (USD check pending) | 8.4 |
| 7 |  WaniKani | learners who want to read kanji | Free until Level 4; $9 a month, $89 a year or $299 lifetime | 8.2 |
| 8 |  Pimsleur | commuters who learn by listening | Free trial lesson; Japanese Premium listed at $19.99 and All Access at $20.99 on the US App Store | 8.1 |
| 9 |  Memrise | learners who want to hear real Japanese speakers | Free plan with limits; Monthly Language Learning Plan listed at $24.99 and Annual at $61.99 on the US App Store | 7.9 |
| 10 |  Rosetta Stone | learners who want immersion and pronunciation feedback | Rosetta Stone Sapphire listed at $19.99 on the US App Store; subscription covers all 25 languages | 7.9 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
LingoDeer
Course app built by language teachers, with a focus on Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
lingodeer.com8.9
out of 10
Best for: beginners who want a structured Japanese course on their phone
LingoDeer describes itself as an app for learning Asian languages, and its Japanese course shows it. Lessons start with the writing system, are written by language teachers and include grammar tips and notes, so you learn why a sentence is built the way it is instead of guessing from drills. Native speakers record the audio in a studio, and Character Drill adds writing practice for kanji.
For phone learners, the 5-minute lessons and offline mode are the main draws, and the Fluent module adds real-life conversations for the Japanese course. Flashcards, quizzes and target training review weak spots. The trade-off is cost: a subscription is required for full access, starting at $14.99 a month, with annual, six-month and lifetime Multilingual Pass plans that cover every language. There are no tutors or community corrections, and serious kanji study will still need a tool like WaniKani or Renshuu.
Standout feature
LingoDeer is the best choice for phone learners new to Japanese because its course is customized for languages with their own alphabet.
Use cases
Commuters
Finish a 5-minute Japanese lesson offline on a train
Outcome: Steady daily progress without a data connection
Complete beginners
Learn hiragana and katakana before grammar
Outcome: A solid base for reading
Key features
- Courses in 20 languages, with Japanese taught from the alphabet up
- Character Drill writing practice for Japanese kanji
- Grammar tips and notes inside each lesson
- Studio-recorded audio from native speakers
- Offline lessons, flashcards, quizzes and mini stories
Pros
- Built for languages with their own scripts, such as Japanese
- Fluent conversation module is available for the Japanese course
- 5-minute lessons fit into a commute
Cons
- Full access needs a subscription that starts at $14.99 a month
- No live tutor or community feedback
- Kanji coverage is narrower than a dedicated tool such as WaniKani
Rank 2 · Runner-up
Renshuu
Japanese-only study app for vocabulary, kanji, grammar and sentences, run by a two-person company.
renshuu.org8.8
out of 10
Best for: self-studiers who want one free app for all of Japanese
Renshuu covers vocabulary, kanji, grammar and sentences in one Japanese-only app, built around a central dictionary that tracks what you know. The App Store listing lists over 15,000 native-recorded audio files, 160,000 example sentences, 12,000+ kanji with over 2,000 mnemonics, and over 800 grammar expressions with diagrams, audio and quiz questions. Its spaced repetition system breaks each item into parts rather than treating it as a flashcard.
The free version is unlimited, which makes Renshuu the strongest free choice for serious learners. Learning paths follow the JLPT, Kanji Kentei and textbooks such as Genki, Tobira and Minna no Nihongo, and the community has added over 10,000 lessons. Renshuu Pro is listed at $49.99 a year in the US App Store, with $3.99 and $6.99 subscription options and lifetime access. The depth comes with many settings, so beginners may prefer a guided course first, and there is no tutor or speaking partner.
Standout feature
Renshuu is the best free Japanese app because its free version has no time limit and covers 12,000+ kanji.
Use cases
University students
Follow the Genki textbook path alongside class
Outcome: Reviews that match the class syllabus
JLPT candidates
Study the JLPT N3 or N2 path
Outcome: Focused practice on test material
Key features
- 12,000+ kanji with over 2,000 mnemonics
- Over 800 grammar expressions with model sentences, audio and 7,500 quiz questions
- 160,000 example sentences and 15,000 native-recorded audio files
- Learning paths for textbooks, the JLPT and Kanji Kentei
- Over 10,000 user-made lessons
Pros
- The free version has no time limit
- Ad-free, according to the App Store listing
- Answer by multiple choice, typing or handwriting
Cons
- Only teaches Japanese
- Many settings and paths can overwhelm a first-time user
- No live speaking practice with people
Rank 3 · Also great
Duolingo
Free, game-style language app with a Japanese course among 40+ languages.
duolingo.com8.5
out of 10
Best for: casual learners who want a free daily habit
Duolingo teaches Japanese through short, game-like lessons covering speaking, reading, listening and writing, and every course is free. Streaks, leaderboards and rewards keep people coming back, which is why it works well as a daily habit next to a more structured resource. The same app teaches 40+ languages plus math, music and chess.
The free tier has ads and limits that Super Duolingo removes, and Super comes with a 14-day free trial. The App Store lists several Super Duolingo prices, but we could not tie each to a plan length on Duolingo's own pages from our location, so check pricing before you subscribe. For Japanese specifically, Duolingo explains less grammar than LingoDeer and does not go as deep into kanji as WaniKani or Renshuu, so learners aiming for the JLPT or work use will need a second tool.
Standout feature
Duolingo is the best choice for learners who want to pay nothing because every course, Japanese included, is free.
Use cases
Travelers
Build basic phrases before a trip to Japan
Outcome: Greetings and survival vocabulary at no cost
Busy learners
Keep a daily streak in a few minutes
Outcome: A consistent study habit
Key features
- Japanese course is free, like every Duolingo course
- Bite-sized lessons for speaking, reading, listening and writing
- Leaderboards, streaks and achievements
- Super Duolingo removes ads and adds Unlimited Energy
- 14-day free trial of Super Duolingo
Pros
- No payment needed to finish the Japanese course
- Game elements help with daily consistency
- Same app also teaches 40+ other languages
Cons
- Less grammar explanation than LingoDeer or Bunpro
- Free tier shows ads
- USD subscription price could not be matched to a plan length on the vendor's pages
Rank 4
italki
Marketplace for booking private online lessons with Japanese teachers and community tutors.
italki.com8.5
out of 10
Best for: learners who need live speaking practice
italki is not a course app but a marketplace where you book private online lessons with Japanese teachers. It offers professional teachers and community tutors, so you can pick structured instruction or relaxed conversation practice, and it also runs group classes. Each teacher sets their own price.
According to italki's Japanese teachers page, a 30-minute Japanese lesson typically costs between $3 and $10, and online Japanese lessons typically range from $15 to $60 per hour depending on experience and format. That makes one short weekly session affordable next to a self-study app. The trade-offs are that results depend on the tutor you choose, costs add up if you book often, and you still need an app or textbook between lessons for kanji and vocabulary review.
Standout feature
italki is the best choice for speaking practice because a 30-minute Japanese lesson typically costs between $3 and $10.
Use cases
Professionals with Japanese clients
Book a weekly conversation lesson on business topics
Outcome: Practice for real meetings
App learners
Test what they learned with a community tutor
Outcome: Speaking confidence
Key features
- Private 1-on-1 Japanese lessons with professional teachers and community tutors
- Group classes
- Pay per lesson with no subscription
- Mobile app for booking and lessons
- Filter teachers by goals and budget
Pros
- Real conversation practice that apps cannot replace
- Pay only for lessons you book
- Short 30-minute lessons fit a busy week
Cons
- Cost rises with weekly lessons
- Lesson quality depends on the teacher you choose
- Not a self-study course
Rank 5
Bunpro
Japanese grammar and vocabulary trainer built on spaced repetition, made in Osaka.
bunpro.jp8.4
out of 10
Best for: JLPT candidates who need a grammar drill
Bunpro focuses on Japanese grammar, which is where many app learners get stuck after the basics. It has write-ups for over 900 grammar items, more than 10,000 example sentences with native audio, references to textbook page numbers, and 120+ graded reading passages. Spaced repetition reviews show new sentences each time, and a Ghost feature brings back items you got wrong.
Pricing is simple: Bunpro Free lets you read grammar and vocabulary pages, Premium is $5 a month and Lifetime is a one-time $150. Every new account gets a 30-day free trial of Premium without a credit card. For JLPT candidates, the progress breakdown by JLPT category is useful, and WaniKani users can sync furigana and known vocabulary. Bunpro is not a full course, though, and it assumes you can read kana, so pair it with LingoDeer or Renshuu if you are starting from zero.
Standout feature
Bunpro is the best choice for grammar because it covers over 900 grammar items for $5 a month.
Use cases
JLPT candidates
Review grammar for their target level
Outcome: Progress tracked by JLPT category
WaniKani users
Add grammar reviews matched to their kanji level
Outcome: Grammar and kanji study in sync
Key features
- Write-ups and structures for over 900 grammar items
- Over 10,000 grammar example sentences with native audio
- 120+ graded reading passages
- Progress breakdown by JLPT category
- WaniKani integration for furigana and known vocabulary
Pros
- Premium at $5 a month is the cheapest paid plan here
- 30-day free trial of Premium with no credit card
- Apps on the App Store and Google Play
Cons
- Not a full beginner course
- SRS reviews need a Premium plan
- Interface assumes you can already read kana
Rank 6
Busuu
Course app that pairs expert-written lessons with feedback from native speakers.
busuu.com8.4
out of 10
Best for: learners who want native-speaker corrections
Busuu offers a complete Japanese course among its 14 languages, with bite-sized lessons written by language experts. Its distinctive feature is the community: native speakers review your exercises and give tips, and you can help learners of your own language in return. A personalized Study Plan asks when and how long you want to study and sends reminders, and Smart Review collects the grammar and vocabulary you have covered.
Busuu also issues its own certificates, which can show progress but are not a substitute for the JLPT. Full access requires a Premium Membership. The US App Store lists several Premium Membership prices, but we could not match each one to a plan length on Busuu's own pages, so check the price in the app. For Japanese, Busuu is a balanced course with a social layer; kanji and grammar depth are lighter than in Japanese-only tools such as Renshuu or Bunpro.
Standout feature
Busuu is the best choice for native-speaker feedback because its community of native speakers corrects your exercises.
Use cases
Self-learners
Submit a written Japanese exercise for native review
Outcome: Corrections from real speakers
Busy employees
Follow a Study Plan with set reminders
Outcome: Regular practice around work
Key features
- Complete Japanese course among 14 languages
- Feedback from a community of native speakers
- Personalized Study Plan with reminders
- Smart Review for grammar and vocabulary
- Official Busuu language certificates
Pros
- Native Japanese speakers can correct your exercises
- Study Plan sends reminders at your chosen time
- Video flashcards feature real people
Cons
- Full access needs Premium Membership
- Busuu certificates are not a JLPT result
- USD plan prices could not be matched to plan lengths on Busuu's pages
Rank 7
WaniKani
Kanji and vocabulary trainer from Tofugu that uses mnemonics and spaced repetition.
wanikani.com8.2
out of 10
Best for: learners who want to read kanji
WaniKani, from Tofugu, does one thing: it teaches you to read kanji. It covers over 2,000 kanji and over 6,000 vocabulary words in a fixed order, teaches each radical, kanji and word with a mnemonic, and schedules reviews per item with its spaced repetition system. WaniKani says its first three free levels give you around 55% of the kanji needed for JLPT N5.
Paid plans cost $9 a month, $89 a year or $299 for a lifetime account, in USD with tax possibly added. Paying unlocks all content but you still progress level by level. For phone learners, note that WaniKani is built as a website, and its pages we checked do not describe an official mobile app, so confirm how you will study on the go. It teaches no grammar or speaking, which is why many learners pair it with Bunpro, which integrates with WaniKani.
Standout feature
WaniKani is the best choice for kanji because it teaches over 2,000 kanji and 6,000 words with a mnemonic for each.
Use cases
Residents of Japan
Learn kanji for signs, forms and websites
Outcome: Everyday reading
Professionals
Build kanji to read Japanese reports
Outcome: Faster access to source documents
Key features
- Over 2,000 kanji in a set order
- Over 6,000 vocabulary words checked by a human
- Mnemonics for every radical, kanji and vocabulary word
- SRS that times each review per item
- First three levels free
Pros
- Clear path through 2,000 kanji
- Free levels cover around 55% of JLPT N5 kanji, per WaniKani
- Annual plan at $89 is about two months free
Cons
- Kanji and vocabulary only, no grammar or speaking
- Paying does not let you skip levels
- Built as a website; check mobile options before you subscribe
Rank 8
Pimsleur
Audio-first course app with 30-minute conversational lessons in 50+ languages.
pimsleur.com8.1
out of 10
Best for: commuters who learn by listening
Pimsleur teaches through 30-minute audio lessons that focus on vocabulary, pronunciation and speaking rather than grammar tables. Hands-free mode and offline downloads make it a fit for commutes and workouts, and the app adds reading lessons, flashcards and quick games, with progress synced across devices and no ads.
Japanese Premium is listed at $19.99 on the US App Store, and All Access, which covers every language, at $20.99, with annual All Access options also listed. A complimentary lesson is available in 51 languages. Pimsleur's AI conversation role-play is listed as available for Spanish learners for now, so Japanese learners get the audio method without it. Because it teaches little writing, Pimsleur works best for speaking and listening alongside a kanji or grammar tool.
Standout feature
Pimsleur is the best choice for screen-free study because its 30-minute Japanese lessons run hands-free and offline.
Use cases
Drivers
Play a Japanese lesson hands-free on the way to work
Outcome: Listening and speaking practice without a screen
Travelers
Download lessons before a flight to Japan
Outcome: Conversation basics offline
Key features
- 30-minute conversational audio lessons
- Hands-free mode and offline lessons
- Reading lessons alongside audio
- Flashcards, Quick Match and Speed Rounds
- Progress sync across devices
Pros
- Learn while driving, cooking or at the gym
- No ads
- Complimentary lesson in 51 languages
Cons
- Japanese Premium costs $19.99 on the App Store
- AI conversation role-play is listed for Spanish learners only
- Light on kanji study
Rank 9
Memrise
Vocabulary and listening app built around native-speaker videos and AI conversation partners.
memrise.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: learners who want to hear real Japanese speakers
Memrise teaches vocabulary, listening and speaking through native-speaker videos, then lets you practice with AI Buddies, its personalized conversation bots. It offers both a Japanese course and a Japanese (no script) course, which suits learners who want to speak before tackling kana and kanji. Hundreds of real-life scenarios frame the lessons.
The free plan limits vocab lessons, videos and conversations and includes ads. Memrise Pro unlocks all vocab lessons and native-speaker videos plus unlimited speaking practice. On the US App Store, the Monthly Language Learning Plan is listed at $24.99 and the Annual plan at $61.99, so the yearly plan is much cheaper per month. Memrise is a good listening supplement, but it does not teach Japanese grammar or kanji in depth.
Standout feature
Memrise is the best choice for hearing real Japanese because its lessons are built around native-speaker videos.
Use cases
Anime and drama fans
Train their ear with native-speaker clips
Outcome: Better listening comprehension
Speaking-first learners
Use the Japanese (no script) course
Outcome: Conversation before writing
Key features
- Japanese and Japanese (no script) courses
- Native-speaker videos for listening
- AI Buddies for speaking practice
- Hundreds of real-life scenarios
- Pro unlocks all vocab lessons and unlimited speaking practice
Pros
- Japanese (no script) option for speaking-first learners
- Real native-speaker video instead of synthetic audio
- Free plan to try it
Cons
- Monthly plan at $24.99 is the priciest monthly option here
- Free plan limits lessons and shows ads
- Little grammar or kanji instruction
Rank 10
Rosetta Stone
Immersion course app with speech recognition and 25 languages in one subscription.
rosettastone.com7.9
out of 10
Best for: learners who want immersion and pronunciation feedback
Rosetta Stone Sapphire is the company's current app, and new learners should use it rather than the Classic app, which is limited to existing subscribers. Lessons as short as 5 minutes use the Dynamic Immersion method, teaching through pictures and context instead of translation, and TruAccent speech recognition compares your voice with native speakers for instant feedback. Chat Missions add conversation practice in scenarios such as ordering at a restaurant.
One subscription unlocks all 25 languages, Japanese included, plus the web platform. Rosetta Stone Sapphire is listed at $19.99 on the US App Store. For Japanese, the immersion approach helps listening and pronunciation, but it explains less grammar than LingoDeer and the listing does not describe a dedicated kanji drill, so learners aiming to read will want a second tool.
Standout feature
Rosetta Stone is the best choice for pronunciation practice because TruAccent gives instant feedback against native speakers.
Use cases
Multilingual learners
Study Japanese and another language on one plan
Outcome: One subscription for both
Speakers worried about accent
Repeat phrases with TruAccent feedback
Outcome: Clearer pronunciation
Key features
- Dynamic Immersion lessons as short as 5 minutes
- TruAccent speech recognition with instant pronunciation feedback
- All 25 languages, Japanese included, in one subscription
- Chat Missions for real-life conversation scenarios
- Web platform included with the app
Pros
- Pronunciation feedback from day one
- One subscription covers every language
- Short lessons suit phone use
Cons
- Immersion method gives few grammar explanations
- No dedicated kanji drill described in the app listing
- The older Classic app is only for existing subscribers
Frequently asked questions
+Which is the best Japanese language learning app?
LingoDeer is the best Japanese learning app for most phone learners in 2026. Its teacher-built course starts from the alphabet, explains grammar in each lesson and adds kanji writing practice, with subscriptions from $14.99 a month on the US App Store.
+What is the best free app to learn Japanese?
Renshuu is the best free app for serious study because its free version has no time limit. Duolingo is the easiest free option, since every Duolingo course, Japanese included, is free.
+What is the best app for learning kanji?
WaniKani is the best dedicated kanji app. It teaches over 2,000 kanji and over 6,000 vocabulary words with mnemonics, the first three levels are free, and paid plans cost $9 a month or $89 a year.
+Which app is best for the JLPT?
Use Bunpro for grammar and Renshuu or WaniKani for kanji. Bunpro breaks down your progress by JLPT category for $5 a month, and Renshuu keeps learning paths for every JLPT level.
+Is Duolingo good for learning Japanese?
Yes, as a free daily habit, but not on its own. Duolingo's Japanese course is free, but it explains less grammar than LingoDeer and covers less kanji than WaniKani or Renshuu.
+Does Babbel teach Japanese?
No. Babbel's App Store listing names 14 languages, and Japanese is not one of them, so Babbel is not on this list.
+How much do Japanese tutors cost on italki?
A 30-minute Japanese lesson on italki typically costs between $3 and $10. italki says online Japanese lessons typically range from $15 to $60 per hour, depending on the tutor's experience and lesson format.
About this list
Updated November 12, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
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