I never thought I’d spend hours on my phone actually learning something useful—until I started learning Japanese.
Like most people, my first exposure to Japanese came from anime. Naruto, to be specific. And while shouting “dattebayo!” was fun, I realized I couldn’t even order ramen in Tokyo without stumbling over simple words like “mizu” or “arigatou.”
So began my quest to find the best app to learn Japanese.
And let me tell you: I tried everything.
Why I Ditched Textbooks and Downloaded 8 Different Apps
I’m a busy person. Between work, commuting, and zoning out on TikTok, I didn’t have hours to sit with a textbook. I needed something fast, fun, and on-the-go.
But it wasn’t easy. Some apps felt like they were made in 2004. Others were just gamified fluff that didn’t help me remember anything. After trying more than 8 different apps (and wasting a few bucks), I’ve got thoughts—and real opinions—on which ones are actually worth your time.
Best App to Learn Japanese for Free
Let’s start with the million-dollar question: Is it even possible to learn Japanese for free using just apps?
Short answer: yes, but with trade-offs.
Duolingo is probably the first name that pops up. And yeah, it’s free. But… is it enough?
Honestly, Duolingo is great for getting started. I loved the bite-sized lessons, and the daily streak feature actually kept me going. The owl is weirdly motivating.
But after a few weeks, I hit a wall. The sentences got repetitive (“The cat is under the table”—cool, but not useful when I’m lost in Shibuya).
So I asked myself, what is better than Duolingo for Japanese?
That’s when I started exploring.
Human Japanese: The App That Felt Like a Real Teacher
One app that totally changed how I approached learning was Human Japanese.
This one’s different. It doesn’t just toss you random phrases. It explains the why behind the language. Sentence structure, pronunciation, cultural notes—it felt like a private tutor.
The interface is old-school, yeah, but don’t let that fool you. I found myself actually enjoying grammar (I know—wild). Plus, there’s a light humor throughout the lessons that makes it super human and digestible.
If you want something deeper than Duolingo without needing a full textbook setup, Human Japanese is 100% worth a shot.
Best App to Learn Japanese Vocabulary
Now let’s talk vocab.
Japanese has three scripts: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Vocabulary involves all of them. And if you’re like me, flashcards were a nightmare—until I met WaniKani.
WaniKani is basically SRS (Spaced Repetition System) on steroids. It focuses on kanji and vocabulary using mnemonics. And not the boring kind.
I still remember their ridiculous yet effective story for the kanji 火 (fire). Something about a fire-spitting turtle? It worked.
After a few weeks, I was recognizing kanji on signs and packaging in Japan. Felt like a cheat code.
Another great one is Anki—super customizable, totally free. But there’s a learning curve. If you’re into tech and tweaking decks, Anki’s great. If you want plug-and-play, WaniKani’s the better move.
Best App to Learn Japanese Hiragana (and Katakana)
If you’re just starting out, mastering hiragana and katakana is a must. These two phonetic scripts are the backbone of the language.
Enter Renshuu.
I didn’t expect much when I downloaded it, but wow—it’s packed. The app lets you practice everything from hiragana to keigo (formal Japanese), with customizable quizzes and study paths.
It also makes learning kana feel like a game, without being too childish.
I paired Renshuu with a simple hiragana app called Kana Town—great for drilling fast.
Tip: don’t move on to kanji until you can read and write hiragana and katakana without pausing. I learned that the hard way.
Best App to Learn Japanese for Travel
If your goal is just surviving your next trip to Japan, you don’t need 2000 kanji.
You need HeyJapan.
This app is built for travelers. The lessons focus on real-life phrases, pronunciation, and comprehension. Things like:
- How to order food
- How to ask for directions
- Polite phrases for shopping or hotels
Plus, it has audio from native speakers. I literally used the sentence “これはいくらですか?” (How much is this?) in Kyoto—felt like a win.
Combine it with Todai Easy Japanese News, and you’ll absorb both grammar and current events.
Best App to Learn Japanese Reddit Users Recommend
If you’re the type who scours Reddit before trying anything new (guilty), then you’ll see the same apps keep popping up.
I dug into threads like “best app to learn japanese reddit” and “best app to learn japanese for free reddit” and noticed a few fan favorites:
- WaniKani for kanji
- Renshuu for grammar and vocab
- Human Japanese for beginners
- HelloTalk for speaking practice
Reddit users are brutally honest, and if an app sucks, they’ll tell you. Their verdict? Combine 2–3 apps based on your goal.
That’s exactly what I did.
What App Makes You Fluent in Japanese?
Alright, let’s be real for a second.
No app by itself will make you fluent. Fluency comes from consistent practice, speaking, and sometimes embarrassing yourself in conversation.
BUT—some apps come close.
If I had to name one that helped me think in Japanese, it’s HelloTalk.
It connects you with native speakers. You can send voice notes, correct each other’s grammar, or just chat about life. I had a language partner from Osaka who taught me casual slang. Way more useful than textbook phrases.
There’s also Tandem, a similar app with a slightly different vibe.
Mixing these speaking apps with structured ones like LingoDeer or Renshuu creates a powerful combo.
Also read: LEARN JAPANESE WITH AUDIO AND FREE ONLINE CLASSES!
My Favorite Combo (After 9 Months of Trial and Error)
Here’s what I personally use now:
- WaniKani – 15 minutes/day for kanji + vocab
- Renshuu – Grammar + listening on commute
- HelloTalk – Casual speaking every weekend
- HeyJapan – For brushing up before trips
I ditched Duolingo, but I still recommend it for beginners. Especially if you’re just dipping your toes in.
My Frustrations (a.k.a. Things I Wish I Knew Sooner)
There were days I wanted to delete all these apps and just binge anime with subtitles.
Some lessons felt too slow. Others overwhelmed me with grammar I wasn’t ready for.
I also made the mistake of skipping kana. Trust me—if you’re asking, “Is it ok to learn Japanese on Duolingo?”—the answer is yes, but don’t stop there. Use it as a launchpad, not the whole journey.
Also read: THE BEST AND FASTEST WAY TO LEARN JAPANESE!
Practical Tips From Someone Who’s Been There
- Set a goal – Traveling? Want to read manga? Your goal shapes your tools.
- Stick with 2–3 apps – Don’t overwhelm yourself. Focus and rotate.
- Daily practice > marathon sessions – 15 minutes/day beats 2 hours on Sundays.
- Talk early – Use HelloTalk even if you’re scared. Mistakes = growth.
- Review old material – Apps with spaced repetition (like WaniKani, Anki) are game changers.
Final Thoughts on the Best App to Learn Japanese
There’s no one-size-fits-all app. But after a year of messing around, I’ve learned that the best app is the one you actually use.
Start with Duolingo or Human Japanese if you’re a beginner. Then level up with WaniKani, Renshuu, and HelloTalk. Each of these tools has helped me in different ways—some got me reading menus, others helped me survive real convos with locals.
And hey, if all else fails, just yell “sumimasen!” and smile. Works 90% of the time.
