Anki on iPhone: Free vs Paid – What You Need to Know
Anki on iPhone offers a paid app with powerful features like media support and syncing. You can also use the free web version, but it's limited.
How Flashrecall app helps you remember faster. It's free
What’s the deal with Anki on iPhone?
Anki is a top-tier flashcard tool using spaced repetition to help you remember information long-term.
Wikipedia
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Here are some facts:
On iOS the official app (AnkiMobile Flashcards) costs around USD 24.99.
App Store
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However, you can access Anki for free via the web version (AnkiWeb) in a browser on iPhone — you just don’t get the full feature set of the paid app.
Traverse
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The free desktop and Android versions exist and are full-featured, but the iOS version is what’s paid.
AnkiWeb
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So in short: yes, there is a free way to use Anki on iPhone (via web), but the app download version with full native features is paid.
Good things about Anki for iPhone
When you buy the app, you get the full power: large decks, media (images/audio), advanced spacing algorithms (SM-2 / FSRS) built-in.
App Store
Syncs with desktop and web versions, so you can build cards on a computer and review on your phone.
Flashrecall automatically keeps track and reminds you of the cards you don't remember well so you remember faster. Like this :
App Store
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Very flexible and widely used by serious learners (languages, medicine, etc).
The drawbacks (especially on iPhone)
Price: The iPhone app costs money, and not everyone is willing or able to pay that up-front.
Setup / complexity: Because it’s powerful and feature-rich, there’s a learning curve — note types, card layouts, syncing issues etc.
If you go the free web route on iPhone you lose some convenience of a native app (offline, full features) and may feel limited.
If you just want a quick, easy “flashcards on my phone” experience without spending or setting up a lot, it might feel heavier than necessary.
Why Flashrecall might be a better fit
If your priority is “start studying quickly on iPhone, minimal setup, good retention”, then Flashrecall is worth considering. Here’s why:
It supports fast card creation (upload documents, type topics, record audio) — making setup easier.
It automates spaced-repetition for you, so less manual fiddling.
Mobile-friendly and designed with ease in mind rather than full customisation labyrinth.
If you don’t want the full Anki ecosystem (desktop + mobile + custom add-ons) and just need a strong mobile study tool, Flashrecall offers a smoother path.
Summary comparison: Anki on iPhone (free/paid) vs Flashrecall
App Store
Typically more accessible / easier start
My verdict
If you’re already comfortable with the full Anki ecosystem and don’t mind paying for the iPhone version, Anki is excellent.
If you’re looking for something you can load up quickly on your iPhone, start studying right away, and focus more on reviewing than configuring, then Flashrecall is a very good alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anki good for studying?
Anki is powerful but requires manual card creation and has a steep learning curve. Flashrecall offers AI-powered card generation from your notes, images, PDFs, and videos, making it faster and easier to create effective flashcards.
What's the fastest way to create flashcards?
Manually typing cards works but takes time. Many students now use AI generators that turn notes into flashcards instantly. Flashrecall does this automatically from text, images, or PDFs.
How do I start spaced repetition?
You can manually schedule your reviews, but most people use apps that automate this. Flashrecall uses built-in spaced repetition so you review cards at the perfect time.
What is active recall and how does it work?
Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing it. Flashrecall forces proper active recall by making you think before revealing answers, then uses spaced repetition to optimize your review schedule.
How can I study more effectively for this test?
Effective exam prep combines active recall, spaced repetition, and regular practice. Flashrecall helps by automatically generating flashcards from your study materials and using spaced repetition to ensure you remember everything when exam day arrives.
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FlashRecall Team
FlashRecall Development Team
The FlashRecall Team is a group of working professionals and developers who are passionate about making effective study methods more accessible to students. We believe that evidence-based learning tec...
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