Is Anki Free on iOS? Discover Alternatives for Effective Study Apps
Learn about the limitations of Anki's free iOS version and explore simpler alternatives like Flashrecall for efficient studying with flashcards.
How Flashrecall app helps you remember faster. It's free
Anki App iOS Free — Is There Really a Free Option? (And a Better Alternative)
If you’re searching for “Anki app iOS free,” you’re probably hoping to use Anki on your iPhone without paying for the official app. Here’s the simple truth: the full Anki experience on iOS isn’t free, but there is a workaround — and there’s also a much easier alternative if you just want to study without the hassle.
Is Anki Free on iOS?
The official iOS app, AnkiMobile, is paid. It usually costs around USD $24.99 on the App Store. It’s a one-time purchase, not a subscription, but it’s still something many students try to avoid.
There is a “free option,” but it comes with limitations:
You can use AnkiWeb in Safari/Chrome on your iPhone.
It works, but it’s not smooth and lacks the full features of the app.
No offline mode, slower performance, and fewer conveniences.
If you’re serious about using Anki on your phone, most people end up paying for the real app.
Why People Look for a Free Alternative
Using the browser version feels clunky, and the full iOS app can feel expensive — especially if you’re a student who just wants a fast, simple flashcard tool.
Also, Anki itself has a steep learning curve. Setting up decks, note types, fields, templates, syncing — it’s powerful, but not exactly beginner-friendly.
A Simpler Option: Flashrecall
If your goal is to study faster and not deal with technical setup, Flashrecall
Flashrecall automatically keeps track and reminds you of the cards you don't remember well so you remember faster. Like this :
is a great alternative.
Here’s why many students prefer it:
Instant card creation — type a topic, upload notes, or record audio and it generates flashcards automatically.
Real spaced repetition without needing to tweak any settings.
Modern, clean design that’s easy to learn in minutes.
Mobile-first — built for fast studying on your phone.
Perfect for exams because it focuses heavily on active recall.
You get the benefits of Anki’s memory science without the complexity or the upfront cost barrier.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Anki on iOS (Free Options) | Flashrecall |
|---|---|---|
| Truly free native app | ❌ No | ✔️ Yes |
| Free browser option | ✔️ But limited | N/A |
| Setup required | High | Very low |
| Speed to start studying | Slow | Fast |
| Best for | Power users, big decks | Students who want simple + effective |
Final Take
If you want the full Anki experience on your iPhone, you’ll need to pay for the app. The “free iOS” route only works halfway through the browser and feels inconvenient.
But if you want an app that lets you start studying immediately, with AI-generated flashcards and spaced repetition done for you, then Flashrecall
is the smoother choice.
Give it one study session — you’ll feel the difference.
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.
What's the most effective study method?
Research consistently shows that active recall combined with spaced repetition is the most effective study method. Flashrecall automates both techniques, making it easy to study effectively without the manual work.
What should I know about Discover?
Is Anki Free on iOS? Discover Alternatives for Effective Study Apps covers essential information about Discover. To master this topic, use Flashrecall to create flashcards from your notes and study them with spaced repetition.
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