Inku vs Drops for Japanese
Drops teaches vocabulary through illustrated games. Inku teaches Japanese vocabulary, phrases, kana and kanji with spaced review.
Short answer
- Category:
- Illustrated vocabulary game
- Pricing:
- Free download with in-app purchases (App Store, October 16, 2026)
On this page
How does Inku compare to Drops?
Inku publishes this comparison. Drops' App Store listing describes game-like vocabulary lessons with a custom illustration for each word, a curated list of more than 3,000 words and phrases per language, recordings by professional voice artists, and 55+ languages. Inku uses flashcards with readings, meanings and audio, and schedules each item with FSRS.
When is Inku the better choice?
- You want JLPT vocabulary and kanji. Inku has vocabulary decks for every JLPT level from N5 to N1 and a kanji course (960 kanji from N5 to N1).
- You want review driven by your own answers. Inku schedules each word with FSRS, so words you miss return sooner and words you know return later.
When is Drops the better choice?
- You remember pictures better than text. Drops gives each word a custom illustration. Inku's cards are text and audio.
- You want short games. Drops is built around quick vocabulary games. Inku uses flashcards.
- You learn several languages. Drops covers 55+ languages. Inku is Japanese only.
Inku and Drops side by side
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Criterion | Inku | Drops |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Flashcards with spaced review | Illustrated word games |
| Japanese vocabulary | JLPT N5–N1 and topic decks | 3,000+ words and phrases (per listing) |
| Kanji course | 960, N5–N1 | Not a separate course |
| Languages | Japanese only | 55+ |
Our take
Drops makes vocabulary feel light and visual. Inku asks for more recall and goes further into JLPT vocabulary and kanji.
Verdict
Choose Drops for illustrated, game-like vocabulary practice. Choose Inku for JLPT vocabulary, kana and kanji with spaced review.
If you enjoy Drops but want to move toward JLPT levels and kanji, Inku is a natural next step.
How we research this
Inku publishes this comparison, so it is not neutral. We check competitor claims against their official websites, help pages and App Store listings (last checked October 16, 2026), and Inku claims against the current iPhone listing and web app. Inku's pronunciation audio is synthesized speech, not human recordings. Found an error? Email hello@inkujapanese.com and we will correct it.
Common questions
Does Drops teach kanji?
Drops' listing says it teaches reading characters and scripts, including Japanese. It does not describe a separate kanji course like Inku's.
Related comparisons
Looking at this as a switch rather than a head-to-head? See the best Drops alternative for Japanese.
Other Inku comparisons worth a look:
Or zoom out: the best Japanese flashcard apps roundup, all comparisons, and all alternatives. New to Japanese? Start with the full learning roadmap.
Sources and pricing
Pricing last checked: October 16, 2026. Prices can vary by country, platform, checkout, tax, and promotion.
