The Best Babbel Alternative for Japanese
A Japanese-only alternative to Babbel for learners who want vocabulary, kana and kanji with spaced review.
Learners who use a general course for Japanese sometimes want more focus on the script and on vocabulary. Inku is built only for Japanese and concentrates on those two needs.
Why you are probably searching this
The usual path to looking for a Babbel alternative goes through at least one of these:
- You want an app made only for Japanese
- You want hiragana, katakana and kanji taught as their own lessons
- You want vocabulary organized by JLPT level
What a good alternative looks like
A Japanese-first alternative should teach the writing system, organize vocabulary by level and review each item on a schedule.
How Inku is different
- Hiragana and katakana with audio, vocabulary decks for every JLPT level from N5 to N1, everyday topic decks such as food, travel and shopping, three phrase packs (casual, polite and travel), and a kanji course with 960 kanji from N5 to N1.
- Each lesson introduces five items with the reading, meaning and pronunciation audio, then asks you to recall them. FSRS schedules every item for review, and you answer Again, Got it or Too easy.
- Inku is a paid app. Studying needs an Inku Pro subscription, bought through the App Store on iPhone or through checkout on the web, and you can try an introductory lesson in your browser first.
Common questions
Does Inku have grammar lessons?+
No. Inku's phrase packs show grammar in real sentences, but it does not explain grammar. Pair it with a grammar course or textbook.
Related alternatives and comparisons
- Duolingo alternative for Japanese
- Anki alternative for Japanese
- Rosetta Stone alternative for Japanese
- Pimsleur alternative for Japanese
- Best Japanese flashcard apps
- All Japanese app alternatives
Want a feature-by-feature breakdown? Browse all Inku comparisons.
