Inku vs WaniKani
Inku vs WaniKani for Japanese
WaniKani is a 2,000+ kanji-focused SRS. Inku is Japanese flashcards with kana, vocabulary, phrases, and 400+ kanji with guided lessons.
How does Inku compare to WaniKani?
Both apps teach kanji. Inku teaches 400+ kanji with guided lessons (readings, meanings, memory cues, sample words) that flow into the same flashcard review as your kana and vocabulary. WaniKani is a radical-based, kanji-focused path through 2,000+ kanji, and it also teaches vocabulary on that path. Choose by mix and scale.
When is Inku the better pick?
- You still need hiragana and katakana. Inku teaches all 92 core kana. WaniKani is a kanji course; its docs say you will need hiragana within a few days.
- You want vocabulary and phrases with kanji. Inku includes JLPT vocabulary, phrases, and 400+ kanji with guided lessons. WaniKani teaches vocabulary as part of its kanji path.
- You want an iPhone flashcard app. Inku is a native iPhone app. WaniKani is web-first, with third-party mobile clients.
When is WaniKani the better pick?
- You want a larger structured kanji path. WaniKani covers 2,000+ kanji across 60 levels. Inku includes 400+ kanji with guided lessons across N5-N3.
- You want radicals and a level ladder. WaniKani's 60 levels are a kanji-focused progression that also teaches vocabulary. Inku's kanji lessons sit beside kana and vocab review.
Feature-by-feature
Sources and pricing
Pricing last checked: April 28, 2026. Prices can vary by country, platform, checkout, tax, and promotion.
| Feature | Inku | WaniKani | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiragana/katakana | All 92 core characters | Needed soon after you start | |
| Kanji | 400+ kanji with guided lessons, N5-N3 | 2,000+ structured curriculum | |
| Vocabulary and phrases | JLPT N5-N1 plus phrases | Tied to the kanji path | |
| Audio | Pronunciation audio for words and phrases | Official audio on the site | |
| Mobile | Native iPhone app | Web or third-party apps | |
| Free start | Free to download; Pro unlocks the library | Free through level 3 |
Inku's favor · WaniKani's favor · roughly even
The honest take
Inku is the broader Japanese flashcard app, including 400+ kanji with guided lessons. WaniKani is the larger kanji-focused curriculum. Use the one that matches the job, or both if you want extra kanji runway.
Verdict
Use WaniKani if your main job is a 2,000+ kanji-focused radical course. Use Inku if you want kana, vocabulary, phrases, and 400+ kanji with guided lessons in one iPhone app.
Start with Inku if you want the full mix. Add WaniKani when you want a larger kanji-focused runway.
How we research this
Every comparison here draws on public product pages, app store listings, and help docs, linked under each section and dated where pricing is involved (last checked April 28, 2026). For full transparency: Inku audio is professionally synthesized rather than human recorded, and we never publish fabricated reviews or ratings. Found an error? Email app@inkujapanese.com and we will fix it.
Common questions
Do WaniKani and Inku overlap?+
Both teach kanji and vocabulary. Inku also teaches kana, JLPT vocabulary, and phrases, with 400+ kanji with guided lessons across N5-N3. WaniKani is the 2,000+ kanji-focused course.
Is Inku a free WaniKani alternative?+
WaniKani is free through level 3. Inku is free to download; Inku Pro unlocks the full library and kanji lessons. US prices are $49.99/year or $3.99/week, with a 7-day trial on the yearly plan where Apple offers it. Confirm the price and any trial in Apple's in-app subscription offer before you subscribe.
Related comparisons
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