Here’s a comparison of three flashcard / spaced-repetition tools — SuperMemo, Anki, and Flashrecall — showing what each does well, and why Flashrecall might be the easiest to pick up.

Here’s a comparison of three flashcard / spaced-repetition tools — SuperMemo, Anki, and Flashrecall — showing what each does well, and why Flashrecall might be the easiest to pick up.

SuperMemo

SuperMemo is one of the oldest spaced-repetition systems (SRS) software tools. It originated in the late 1980s with the algorithm developed by Piotr Woźniak and has evolved through many versions (SM-2, SM-15, SM-18 etc). ([Wikipedia][1])

It supports very advanced features like incremental reading, high customisability of intervals, and is geared toward power users. ([Master How To Learn][2])

• Very fine-tuned interval algorithms and deep control over scheduling.
• Supports “incremental reading” (especially in Windows version) — you import large texts and gradually extract flashcards. ([Gingerjumble][3])
• Good for serious self-learners who want full control of how and when to review.

• Steep learning curve: many users feel it’s too complex. For example:

> “SuperMemo is really good for the hardcore user, but the simplicity of Anki is a really strong point.” ([Reddit][4])

• The interface and UX may feel outdated, especially on mobile (or less friendly).
• More manual setup may be required compared to newer tools.

Learners who are extremely disciplined, want full control, and don’t mind investing time in setting things up.

Anki

Anki is a free (open-source) flashcard program that uses spaced repetition and active recall. It has versions for desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux), mobile, web. ([Wikipedia][5])

It is based loosely on the SuperMemo algorithm SM2 but with modifications and lots of community add-ons. ([Wikipedia][5])

• Very flexible: support for text, images, audio, video, custom card types. ([Wikipedia][5])
• Huge community, many shared decks (especially for language and medical learners).
• Many add-ons to extend functionality (gamification, image occlusion, etc) ([Reddit][6])
• Good value: free desktop, mobile options exist.

• Setup can be time-consuming: you might spend more time organising than studying.
• Interface may feel technical and less “plug-and-play” for casual learners.
• Unless you tailor the settings, it can feel like review load builds up and becomes heavy. For example, someone wrote: “Burning Out in Anki … high review count made me tweak the Anki setting” when using it for Korean vocab. ([Master How To Learn][7])

Learners who are comfortable spending time on customisation, have lots of material, and want a moderate-to-high level of control.

Flashrecall

A newer mobile app designed to make creating and studying flashcards extremely easy. It emphasises instant flashcard creation from images, PDFs, YouTube links, audio, etc., and has built-in spaced repetition + active recall. ([App Store][8])

• Very fast flashcard creation: you can upload your notes/photos/PDFs and the app generates cards quickly. ([FlashRecall][9])
• Simple, modern UI designed for mobile (iPhone/iPad) — less fiddly.
• Built-in spaced repetition so you don’t have to adjust many settings manually.
• Great for learners who want to dive straight into studying rather than setting up.
• Free to start. ([App Store][8])

• Because it’s newer, the community and existing deck library may not be as vast as Anki’s.
• Less “power user” customisation compared to SuperMemo or Anki with many add-ons.
• If you are dealing with extremely complex study workflows, you might miss some advanced features.

Learners who want to spend less time creating and managing cards, and more time studying. If you want something fast, modern, mobile-friendly — this is a strong pick.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick summary to help you pick:

If you just want to study smarter now, without spending half your time configuring, go with Flashrecall.

If you foresee lots of material and want strong customisation and you’re willing to invest time, Anki is a great choice.

If you’re a “study nerd” and want full control and don’t mind complexity, SuperMemo could be worth exploring.

Why I Think Flashrecall Is The Easiest Win

Given all this, if I were speaking to a busy learner (say you with your schedule, kids, etc), I’d say:

• Flashrecall lets you make flashcards instantly (from notes, images, PDFs) so you don’t get bogged down in setup.
• It uses active recall + spaced repetition automatically, so you’re studying in the right way without planning.
• Because it’s mobile‐first and free to start, you can plug into study sessions in small pockets of time.

If you like, I can compare all three tools feature-by-feature (e.g., mobile support, content creation, scheduling algorithm, syncing) so you can pick exactly which one fits your style. Would that be helpful?

[1]: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuperMemo?utm_source=chatgpt.com "SuperMemo"

[2]: https://masterhowtolearn.wordpress.com/2018/11/25/this-guide-will-help-you-decide-whether-to-use-anki-or-supermemo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "This Guide Will Help You Decide Whether to Use Anki or ..."

[3]: https://gingerjumble.wordpress.com/2020/08/28/the-main-reason-you-should-switch-from-anki-to-supermemo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Main Reason You Should Switch from Anki to SuperMemo"

[4]: https://www.reddit.com/r/Anki/comments/18wh5qa/anki_vs_supermemo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Anki vs. Supermemo"

[5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anki_%28software%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Anki (software)"

[6]: https://www.reddit.com/r/medicalschoolanki/comments/1hdlqur/anki_users_what_features_are_you_dying_to_have/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Anki users, what features are you dying to have? Would ..."

[7]: https://www.masterhowtolearn.com/2018-10-28-why-i-switched-to-supermemo/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Why I Switched to SuperMemo After Using Anki for 5 Years ..."

[8]: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashrecall-study-flashcards/id6746757085?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Flashrecall: Study Flashcards - App Store - Apple"

[9]: https://flashrecall.app/blog/app-that-makes-flashcards-for-you-why-flashrecall-is-the-perfect-flashcard-maker?utm_source=chatgpt.com "**app that makes flashcards for you — why Flashrecall is the ..."

Related Articles

• Title: Anki Flashcard Maker – Why Flashrecall Is the Faster, Easier Way To Create Flashcards
• Title: Anki Flashcards Free – Why Flashrecall Is the Better Free Flashcard Tool You Should Use
• 2Anki – Flashrecall 2Anki App Lets You Make Flashcards From Images, Text, Prompts, Audio, PDF, YouTube Videos and More!
• Anki App Download – Flashrecall Lets You Make Flashcards From Images, Text, Prompts, Audio, PDF, YouTube Videos and More!
• Anki Cost – What You Need to Know and the Best Free Flashcard Alternative- Anki Guides Hub

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.