Anki Review 2026: Students who want a free, long-term spaced repetition tool and are willing to build or import their own decks.
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Our verdict
Anki is our top pick on value. The desktop app is free on Windows, macOS and Linux, AnkiDroid is free on Android, and AnkiWeb sync between devices is free; the official iOS app, AnkiMobile, is a one-time $24.99 purchase on the US App Store (as of 2026-10-02). It schedules reviews around what you find hard and supports audio, images, video and scientific markup on cards. The trade-offs are effort and polish: you build or import your own decks, there is no AI card maker or formal support plan on the official site, and the Android app comes from a separate contributor project.
Score breakdown
- Outcomes (30%)7.0/10
- Cost & Value (25%)9.0/10
- Academics (20%)6.0/10
- Support Services (15%)5.0/10
- Flexibility (10%)9.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Students who want a free, long-term spaced repetition tool and are willing to build or import their own decks..
Pricing
Free on Windows, macOS and Linux, free AnkiDroid on Android, free AnkiWeb sync; AnkiMobile for iOS $24.99 one-time on the US App Store (as of 2026-10-02)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anki desktop | Free (as of 2026-10-02) | Windows, macOS and Linux. |
| AnkiDroid (Android) | Free (as of 2026-10-02) | Developed by contributors; donations fund it. |
| AnkiWeb sync | Free (as of 2026-10-02) | Syncs cards across devices. |
| AnkiMobile (iOS) | $24.99 one-time, US App Store (as of 2026-10-02) | Official iOS app; purchases fund Anki development. |
What the evidence says
- Desktop version is free on all major platforms; AnkiWeb sync is free; AnkiMobile is the official iOS app and purchases fund development; AnkiDroid is free and built by contributors; media and scientific markup supported. (Anki: Official site)
- AnkiMobile Flashcards lists at $24.99 on the US App Store (as of 2026-10-02). (Apple App Store: AnkiMobile Flashcards)
Pros & cons
Pros
- Free on desktop and Android, with free AnkiWeb sync across devices (as of 2026-10-02)
- The iOS app is a one-time $24.99 purchase on the US App Store, not a subscription, and its sales fund Anki's development
- Schedules reviews so you spend more time on hard cards and less on ones you know
- Cards can hold audio, images, video and scientific markup
Cons & red flags
- You make or find your own cards; there is no built-in course content
- No AI card generation or paid support tier is listed on the official site
- AnkiDroid is developed by outside contributors, separate from the desktop and iOS apps
How it compares
Anki scores 7.2/10 in our study tools evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Study Tools of 2026.
- RemNote review — 6.4/10, students who want lecture notes and flashcards in one tool and will use pdf annotation or exam scheduling.
- Brainscape review — 6.1/10, students who want pre-made, exam-focused flashcard decks and are happy to pay for pro.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anki free?
Yes on desktop and Android, and AnkiWeb sync is free. The official iOS app, AnkiMobile, costs $24.99 once on the US App Store (as of 2026-10-02).
Does Anki have ready-made content?
The official site describes Anki as a flashcard program for your own cards; it does not list built-in courses.
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