More than half of all college students use flashcards as a study tool. And it’s easy to understand why–studies suggest that flashcards can increase retention by up to 100%!

So it’s no surprise that Flashcard Apps have become more popular. But which one is best for you? From spaced repetition systems to built-in customization settings, our guide is sure to have the right app to fit your study strategy.

Whether preparing for an exam or just trying to save a little time studying, let’s find you the perfect Learning tool to maximize your time and efficiency this year!

1. Anki

Best For:

• Serious students that prefer high levels of customization and control
• Learners that prefer to create their own decks
• PC and Laptop Computer user (though it does have apps)

The undisputed king of flashcard apps, Anki is an extremely powerful (albeit nuanced) learning tool for the modern student.

A pioneer of the spaced repetition system, Anki’s algorithm optimizes your flashcard review schedule to maximize retention and minimize wasted time. By labeling particular cards as easy or hard, Anki will prioritize difficult cards to appear more frequently, and easier cards to appear just as you’re likely about to forget them.

Not much of a text-based learner, but feeling pressured to cram for study sessions? Anki has you covered. With the ability to add images and audio to your cards, you can create more engaging flashcards tailored to your personal learning style. 

AnkiMobile even lets you snap and upload pictures from your phone–possibly useful for converting physical cards to the digital realm, or associating locations/people with the concepts you’re learning.

And while it’s a little clunkier than some other apps, the capability to share your decks and download others also allows for a measure of collaboration.

Cons: 

Anki is a bit more complex than some other flashcard apps, so it may take some time to learn all of its features. We found it pretty difficult to setup, and many of the YouTube tutorials have you using third-party tools to make your flashcards better.

The mobile companion application is also a whopping $25, which might seem a bit steep for a single app (the desktop and Android versions are free to use if you want to try it, though).

TL;DR - With the option to add pictures, upload audio, add bookmarks, and customize your personal spaced repetition learning experience, Anki has the potential to be your one-stop shop for flashcard learning.

2. Memrise

Best For:

• Language learners
• Mnemonic learners
• Students looking for something different from standard flashcards

A personal favorite in my language learning studies, Memrise offers an interactive experience unique from other flashcard apps.

Through its combination of flashcards, video, audio, and community-fueled mnemonics, Memrise does a fantastic job of creating an engaging (dare I say “fun”?) learning experience. And as studies show, enjoying the learning process is proven to increase retention.

Memrise also offers a wide range of learning materials–courses in all kinds of languages and subjects created by teachers and native speakers. In fact, you’ll find a large variety even within the same language or subject, meaning you can always find a course to match your level and style of learning. 

Certain courses also offer community-created mnemonics that have helped others memorize that particular card, some of which are ridiculous enough to still stick in my mind today. (Sometimes I still mentally run through “Nitchze Gets Callous Suavely Mocking Kinsman Dogma” when trying to remember the days of the week in Japanese.)

With study modes such as multiple-choice, matching, and fill-in-the-blank, Memrise offers great alternatives to the standard flashcard self-study methods. 

Cons: 

Memrise courses tend to focus on language learning. So if you’re studying other subjects and can’t seem to find any good decks, you may want to explore other options.

TL;DR - While it primarily targets language learners, Memrise is a very unique take on the classic formula that might be just what you need to keep your motivation high.

3. Quizlet

Best For:

• Learners looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use flashcard experience

Whereas platforms like Anki and BrainScape rely on spaced repetition systems, Quizlet aims for maximum simplicity. With hundreds of pre-made decks utilizing common coursebooks, you can potentially sign up and get started practicing within minutes. Combined with the platform’s straightforward layout, Quizlet was once one of the most popular flashcard apps in the digital space.

We say “was” because in recent months, the app has undergone significant changes. Many features, previously free for subscribers, are now locked behind a paywall–even basic ones such as offline access and ad-free studying. 

If all you’re looking for is a quick and easy flashcard app, Quizlet still might serve you well. Otherwise, we really only put it here to save you the time of checking it out yourself, as it remains one of the top-rated flashcard applications despite these recent changes.

Cons: 

Most features are barred behind a subscription service, such as offline access and ad removal.

The free version of Quizlet has other severe limitations, such as the number of flashcards that can be created per set and the number of classes that can be created.

TL;DR - Unless the app undergoes another significant overhaul, we wouldn’t recommend Quizlet. But if you just want a quick and easy app, and you know that your textbook is available there, it may be worth it for its simplicity.

4. Brainscape

Best For:

• Collaborative learners
• Syncing between multiple devices
• Learning deeper concepts outside of single words or dates

The silent Anki killer, Brainscape features certainly give other flashcard apps a run for their money. 

Great for collaborating with others, Brainscape simplifies deck sharing, and unlike Anki, anyone that’s part of the deck can edit and contribute to it.

Rather than limiting your flashcards to one or two-word clippings, Brainscape offers a “canvas” to build off of, letting you customize and memorize deeper concepts–more so than isolated, single-word answers. You can further sort individual flashcards into decks, and decks into classes, creating an experience that’s organized specifically for your learning needs.

Combined with the ability to sync between the mobile and PC apps, this makes Brainscape a great option for students that are continually on the go–letting you start a study session from your desktop and pick it up again later from your phone. 

Cons: 

Adding images and sounds to flashcards requires a pro subscription plan. Android app is reported as being “clunkier” than its iOS sibling. Free version has limited access to certain pre-made, “premium” decks.

TL;DR - With a clean user interface, powerful free options, and scientifically-backed spaced repetition learning systems, Brainscape is a strong contender for serious students seeking to level up their study game.

Which Flashcard App Is Best For Me?

The idea behind flashcard apps is pretty simple, so there are a lot of choices out there. That can be overwhelming, especially if you’re anxious about sinking a lot of time into creating your own decks.

Don’t worry–we’ve been there. Our curated list can help you make an informed decision so you’ll be ready to crush your study goals this year.

While flashcards are powerful, keep in mind they’re just one tool in your study arsenal. And even though repetition is effective, nothing beats classic critical thinking skills and a solid comprehension of your subject.