Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

AnkiApp

Free with in-app purchases

AnkiApp is a flashcard app that provides a simple, cross-platform solution for studying anything. It offers a wide range of features including image support, text-to-speech, and cloud synchronization.

Our take

Simple and effective flashcard study!

Alright, so AnkiApp is like this flashcard app that wants to make studying a bit less painful, or at least that's the idea. The first thing you'll notice is how it's all about the spaced repetition thing. It tries to make you remember stuff by showing you cards at intervals that supposedly align with how your brain works. It’s pretty clever, but it might take some getting used to. If you’re coming from old-school flashcards, the whole scheduling when you see cards again can seem a bit much at first.

The app is cross-platform, so you can use it on your phone, tablet, or computer, and they'll all sync up, which is nice if you're bouncing between devices. The syncing is usually pretty smooth, but there have been times when it’s a bit slow or just doesn’t happen right away. That can be frustrating if you’ve just spent a bunch of time setting up your cards on one device and they’re not showing up on another. It’s not a deal-breaker, but definitely something to keep in mind.

One of the cool things is the ability to customize your cards with text, images, and audio. So if you're a visual or auditory learner, you can really tailor the cards to what works for you. However, the interface for adding these elements can feel a bit clunky and outdated. It’s functional but not exactly intuitive, so you might spend some time figuring out how to make your cards look the way you want. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's pretty useful.

Now, let’s talk about the community decks. AnkiApp has a ton of shared decks you can grab, which can save you a bunch of time if somebody else has already put together a set on the topic you’re studying. But be warned: the quality of these decks can vary a lot. Some are super detailed and well-made, while others are kind of a mess with typos or misleading info. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, so you might need to do some vetting before you find a deck that’s really worth using.

The pricing is another thing to keep in mind. There’s a free version, but if you want all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at a subscription. If you’re serious about using it long-term, the subscription could be worth it, especially if you need those extra features. But if you’re just dabbling or only need it for a short time, the free version might be all you need. Overall, AnkiApp is a solid tool with some quirks, and if you’re willing to put in a little effort, it can definitely help you get better at memorizing whatever you’re trying to learn.