Looking for the best free apps to learn Japanese in 2026? We've tested and compared dozens of Japanese learning apps to bring you this comprehensive list of the top 10 completely free options. Whether you're a complete beginner or preparing for JLPT exams, there's an app here for you.

Our Criteria for Selection

We evaluated apps based on:

• ✅ Cost - Must be truly free (no paywalls for essential features)
• ✅ Content Quality - Accurate, comprehensive Japanese teaching
• ✅ User Experience - Intuitive, enjoyable interface
• ✅ Effectiveness - Proven results for learners
• ✅ Features - Training modes, progress tracking, etc.
• ✅ Accessibility - No account barriers, works offline

Top 10 Free Japanese Learning Apps (2026)

1. 🥇 KanaDojo - Best Overall

What It Is: A comprehensive, modern Japanese learning platform focused on writing systems and JLPT preparation.

Why It's #1:

• ✅ 100% Free Forever - No ads, no premium features, no catches
• ✅ Comprehensive Content - Hiragana, Katakana, 2000+ JLPT Kanji, thousands of vocabulary words
• ✅ JLPT-Organized - Content mapped to N5-N1 levels
• ✅ 6 Training Modes - Pick, Reverse-Pick, Input, Reverse-Input, Blitz, Gauntlet
• ✅ Beautiful Design - 100+ themes, 28 Japanese fonts
• ✅ No Account Needed - Start learning immediately
• ✅ Detailed Analytics - Comprehensive progress tracking and achievements

Best For:

• Complete beginners starting with Hiragana/Katakana
• JLPT exam preparation (any level)
• Learners who want systematic, focused study
• Anyone tired of apps with paywalls and ads

Pros:

• Completely free with no limitations
• Excellent for mastering writing systems
• JLPT-focused organization
• Multiple engaging training modes
• Works offline (PWA)
• No distracting gamification

Cons:

• Focuses on reading/writing (not speaking/listening)
• No grammar instruction (use complementary resources)

Try it: KanaDojo.com

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2. 🥈 Duolingo - Best for Beginners (Grammar)

What It Is: The world's most popular language learning app with gamified lessons.

Why It's Great:

• Free tier is substantial
• Good for absolute beginners
• Gamification keeps you engaged
• Teaches basic grammar and vocabulary

Limitations:

• Japanese course lacks depth
• Limited kanji coverage
• Slow progression
• Ads in free version
• Not optimized for JLPT

Best For: Absolute beginners who want guided grammar lessons and don't mind slow progression.

Pair with: KanaDojo for proper kanji/kana mastery

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3. 🥉 Anki - Best for Self-Directed Learners

What It Is: A powerful flashcard app with spaced repetition algorithm.

Why It's Great:

• Completely free and open-source
• Most effective SRS algorithm
• Unlimited customization
• Community-made decks for everything
• Works offline

Limitations:

• Steep learning curve
• Requires self-discipline
• No guided curriculum
• Can be overwhelming for beginners

Best For: Motivated learners who want maximum control and are comfortable creating their own study path.

Pro Tip: Download pre-made JLPT decks to get started faster.

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4. Lingodeer - Best Structured Lessons (Freemium)

What It Is: A comprehensive language app with structured courses designed specifically for Asian languages.

Why It's Good:

• Well-designed for Japanese (not adapted from European languages)
• Good grammar explanations
• Structured progression
• Quality audio from native speakers

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Many features behind paywall
• Free version is limited
• Can't access all content without premium

Best For: Learners willing to use limited free version or pay for full access.

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5. Tandem - Best for Language Exchange (Free)

What It Is: A language exchange app connecting you with native Japanese speakers.

Why It's Valuable:

• Practice with real native speakers
• Free conversations
• Text, voice, and video options
• Cultural exchange

Limitations:

• Requires foundation in Japanese first
• Quality varies by partner
• Not a structured learning tool
• Need confidence to start conversations

Best For: Intermediate+ learners ready for conversation practice.

Use after: Building foundation with KanaDojo and grammar resources.

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6. NHK World Easy Japanese - Best for Listening

What It Is: Free lessons from Japan's public broadcaster with audio and transcripts.

Why It's Great:

• Completely free
• Authentic Japanese from NHK
• Good for listening practice
• Cultural context included
• Downloadable lessons

Limitations:

• Limited interactivity
• Not comprehensive on its own
• Older interface
• Slow content updates

Best For: Listening practice and learning natural Japanese phrases.

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7. Tae Kim's Guide (Web App) - Best Free Grammar Resource

What It Is: A comprehensive, free web-based Japanese grammar guide.

Why It's Essential:

• Completely free
• Thorough grammar coverage
• Well-explained concepts
• No fluff approach
• Trusted by learners worldwide

Limitations:

• Web-based (not a native app)
• No interactive exercises
• Text-heavy
• Requires separate practice

Best For: Understanding Japanese grammar structure systematically.

Pair with: KanaDojo for vocabulary and kanji practice.

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8. HelloTalk - Best for Casual Practice

What It Is: A social network for language learners with built-in correction tools.

Why It's Fun:

• Free to use
• Social media-like experience
• Native speaker corrections
• Voice messages
• Moments/posts feature

Limitations:

• Can be distracting
• Quality varies
• Not structured learning
• Privacy concerns

Best For: Casual practice and making Japanese friends online.

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9. JapanesePod101 (Podcasts) - Best for Commuters

What It Is: Extensive library of Japanese learning podcasts.

Why It's Good:

• Free podcast episodes
• Various levels (beginner to advanced)
• Audio + transcripts available
• Cultural insights
• Perfect for commuting

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Best features require premium
• Can be scattered
• Requires Spotify or podcast app

Best For: Audio learners and people who commute.

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10. Memrise - Best for Vocabulary Building (Freemium)

What It Is: A vocabulary learning app with community courses and native speaker videos.

Why It's Useful:

• Good free tier
• Video clips of native speakers
• Community-made courses
• Gamified learning
• Mobile-friendly

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Many features behind paywall
• Less structured than alternatives
• Video quality varies

Best For: Vocabulary building and exposure to native speakers.

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Comparison Table

App	Cost	Kanji	Vocab	Grammar	JLPT	Ads	Account
KanaDojo	Free	2000+	✅	❌	✅ N5-N1	❌	❌
Duolingo	Freemium	Limited	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Anki	Free	✅*	✅*	✅*	✅*	❌	❌
Lingodeer	Freemium	⚠️	⚠️	✅	⚠️	❌	✅
Tandem	Free	❌	Practice	Practice	❌	Some	✅
NHK Easy	Free	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Tae Kim	Free	❌	❌	✅✅	⚠️	❌	❌
HelloTalk	Freemium	❌	Practice	Practice	❌	⚠️	✅
JapanesePod	Freemium	⚠️	✅	✅	⚠️	⚠️	⚠️
Memrise	Freemium	⚠️	✅	⚠️	❌	⚠️	✅

*Anki requires manual setup/deck downloads

How to Build Your Free Japanese Learning Stack

Don't rely on just one app! Combine free resources for comprehensive learning:

Ultimate Free Stack (Beginner):

Foundation (Months 1-2):

1. 01KanaDojo - Master Hiragana and Katakana
2. 02Tae Kim's Guide - Learn basic grammar
3. 03Anki - Vocabulary review (Core 2k deck)

Expansion (Months 3-6): 4. KanaDojo - Start JLPT N5 Kanji 5. Duolingo - Supplement grammar practice 6. NHK Easy - Listening practice

Practice (Months 6+): 7. Tandem/HelloTalk - Speaking practice 8. Native materials - Children's books, simple manga

JLPT Preparation Stack:

N5 Prep:

• KanaDojo - All N5 Kanji + Vocabulary
• Anki - JLPT N5 grammar deck
• Practice tests - Free online mock tests

N4-N1 Prep:

• KanaDojo - Respective JLPT level kanji/vocab
• Tae Kim + Bunpro (paid) - Grammar
• Native materials - Reading practice

Budget-Conscious Stack:

100% Free:

• KanaDojo
• Anki
• Tae Kim's Guide
• NHK Easy Japanese
• Free YouTube channels (JapanesePod101 samples, Cure Dolly)
• Library books

Total cost: $0

Tips for Choosing the Right App

Consider Your Goals:

Want to read manga/novels? → Focus on KanaDojo (kanji/vocabulary) + Anki

Want to pass JLPT? → KanaDojo + grammar resources + practice tests

Want to speak conversationally? → Foundation first (KanaDojo), then Tandem/HelloTalk

Want well-rounded skills? → Combine multiple apps covering different areas

Consider Your Learning Style:

Visual learner: → KanaDojo, Anki (image-based decks)

Audio learner: → JapanesePod101, NHK Easy, Pimsleur (paid)

Tactile learner: → Handwriting practice + KanaDojo

Social learner: → Tandem, HelloTalk, local meetups

Consider Your Schedule:

15 minutes/day: → KanaDojo daily review + one focused session

30 minutes/day: → KanaDojo + Anki reviews + grammar reading

1 hour/day: → Comprehensive routine covering all skills

2+ hours/day: → Intensive study + conversation practice + native materials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ App-Hopping

Problem: Constantly switching apps without giving any a fair chance. Solution: Commit to one primary app (like KanaDojo) for at least 3 months.

❌ Ignoring Writing Systems

Problem: Using only romaji or skipping kanji. Solution: Master Hiragana, Katakana, then Kanji systematically.

❌ Passive Consumption

Problem: Only reading/listening without active practice. Solution: Use active recall (typing, speaking, writing).

❌ No Speaking Practice

Problem: Only using apps, never speaking. Solution: Add language exchange after building foundation.

❌ Unrealistic Expectations

Problem: Expecting fluency in 3 months. Solution: Set realistic goals, celebrate small wins.

The Winner: KanaDojo + Complementary Tools

While each app has strengths, KanaDojo stands out as the best comprehensive free option for Japanese writing systems and JLPT preparation.

Why KanaDojo Wins:

• Truly 100% free (no hidden costs)
• Most comprehensive kanji coverage
• Excellent for JLPT preparation
• Multiple engaging practice modes
• Beautiful, customizable interface
• No ads or distractions
• Works offline
• No account barriers

Recommended Combination:

1. 01KanaDojo (primary) - Kana, Kanji, Vocabulary
2. 02Tae Kim's Guide - Grammar understanding
3. 03Anki (optional) - Supplementary review
4. 04Tandem (later) - Speaking practice

Start Your Japanese Journey Today

The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently. Start with KanaDojo for a solid foundation in Japanese writing systems, then add complementary tools as needed.

Ready to begin? Start learning with KanaDojo now - no account needed, no credit card, just start learning!

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Want more guidance? Check our:

• How to Learn Hiragana in One Week
• Complete JLPT N5 Kanji List
• FAQ for common questions

Questions about these apps? Most are available on their respective websites or app stores. KanaDojo works directly in your browser at kanadojo.com!