{"id":105690,"date":"2024-01-11T05:21:47","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T10:21:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/best-apps-for-learning-japanese\/"},"modified":"2025-06-17T07:31:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T11:31:03","slug":"best-apps-for-learning-japanese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/japanese\/best-apps-for-learning-japanese\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best Apps to Learn Japanese in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

For this post, I sifted through app stores and websites to find the best apps for learning Japanese<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I tested dozens of apps to see which were the most relevant and had the highest-quality learning materials.<\/p>\n

Below are six of my absolute favorite Japanese learning apps that will allow you to swipe and tap your way to greater Japanese fluency.<\/p>\n

Of course, the best app to learn Japanese for you<\/em> may depend on your circumstances\u2014so I’ve labeled each entry and included a shortlist of honorable mentions for specific language skills, too, so everyone can find what works best for them.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]
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1. Best for Short Lessons: Busuu<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Busuu-logo\"<\/a>Available for: <\/strong>iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> Free; subscriptions available<\/p>\n

Busuu is an all-around Japanese learning app with quick, daily lessons that emphasize speaking<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This app aims to teach you Japanese in just 10 minutes per day, so it’s easy to use if you’re crunched for time. It emphasizes vocabulary and even has a section dedicated to travel phrases<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Aside from vocab, it also teaches grammar, pronunciation, writing, reading and conversation skills. The app even helps you create a personalized study plan<\/strong> so you can maximize your study time.<\/p>\n

With Busuu, you can easily track how much progress you’ve made. The program is best suited for beginner and intermediate learners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

See our full review of Busuu here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Best for Immersive Learning: FluentU<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"FluentU<\/a><\/div>\n

Available for:<\/strong> iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> Subscription-based; free trial available<\/p>\n

Japanese Immersion from Your Device<\/h2>\r\n

I get it\u2013learning Japanese isn\u2019t always a walk in the park. But it doesn\u2019t have to be a boring, tedious, or hair-pulling experience either. In fact, making it fun is key to your success!<\/p>\r\n

With FluentU, you can learn Japanese naturally by turning any YouTube or Netflix video with subtitles<\/strong> into an interactive language lesson. I\u2019m talking about language immersion from the convenience of your device.<\/p>\r\n

\"FluentU-Japanese-video-on-youtube\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

You can even import your favorite YouTube videos into your FluentU account to learn from them using the app or website. Or browse our curated library of videos<\/strong> handpicked for beginners and intermediate learners. <\/p>\r\n

\r\n\"FluentU-Japanese-video-library\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

While you watch a video, FluentU\u2019s interactive subtitles<\/strong> let you tap on any word for an instant definition, example sentences, images, and audio. No more pausing and searching for translations\u2014everything you need is right there!<\/p>\r\n

\"FluentU-Japanese-video-with-interactive-subtitles\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

It's all built to help you learn how to use words in real contexts. And as you learn, you can add new words to your flaschards<\/strong> with just a click! For example, if I tap on the word \u4e88\u7d04, this is what pops up:\r\n

\r\n\"FluentU-Japanese-vocab\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Learn even faster with built-in quizzes<\/strong> that reinforce vocab from every video. FluentU tracks your progress, gives you extra practice with tricky words, and reminds you when it\u2019s time to review\u2014so your learning is always personalized and effective<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

\"FluentU-Japanese-vocab-quiz\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Try FluentU today on your computer or tablet, or download our app from the App Store<\/a> or Google Play<\/a>. Click here to take advantage of our current sale!<\/strong><\/a> (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/p>\n

3. Best for Structured Courses: LingoDeer<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"best<\/a><\/p>\n

Available for: <\/strong>iOS<\/a>\u00a0| Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> Free; subscriptions available<\/p>\n

This beginner- to intermediate-level resource teaches the Japanese language and grammar in a step-by-step manner<\/strong> that continuously builds on what you already know.<\/p>\n

LingoDeer’s Japanese courses are carefully structured to offer vocabulary lessons, detailed explanations on grammar points and contextual dialogues.<\/p>\n

You move through lessons compiled into units, though the app also has other learning options like flashcards, stories, phrasebooks and more<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The structured format of LingoDeer can take you from knowing nothing about Japanese to being able to form your own sentences at an intermediate level.<\/p>\n

See our full review of LingoDeer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

4. Best for Audio-based Lessons: Pimsleur<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Available for:<\/strong> iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> Subscription-based; free trial available<\/p>\n

Pimsleur’s teaching approach centers on audio-based lessons<\/strong>, leveraging spaced repetition to reinforce vocabulary, pronunciation and conversational skills.<\/p>\n

Lessons immerse learners in real-life scenarios, encouraging active participation by prompting users to listen, repeat and engage in interactive conversations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pimsleur’s portability allows for on-the-go learning, making it ideal for people with busy schedules or those who prefer auditory learning methods.<\/p>\n

The app’s structured lessons gradually build language skills, so it’s suitable for beginners as well as students seeking to enhance their speaking abilities.<\/p>\n

See our full review of Pimsleur here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5. Best for Long-term Learning: Rocket Languages<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Available for:<\/strong> iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> Subscription-based; free trial available<\/p>\n

If you’re really serious about studying Japanese, Rocket Languages can help you from beginner to intermediate to advanced levels.<\/p>\n

The holistic learning experience covers vocabulary, grammar, speaking, writing and listening skills<\/strong>. Its interactive lessons are designed to fit into your schedule, allowing flexible learning at your own pace.<\/p>\n

The app’s strength lies in its diverse array of learning tools, including interactive audio lessons, language and culture lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking features<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Rocket Languages offers an unlimited free trial, meaning you’ll get access to a small part of the Japanese course forever. If you decide to purchase the whole course, you get lifetime access.<\/p>\n

See our full review of Rocket Languages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

6. Best Gamified App: Duolingo<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Available on:<\/strong> iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

Price:<\/strong> Free; subscriptions available<\/p>\n

Who hasn’t heard of this popular language learning app? It’s well-known for a reason!<\/p>\n

Duolingo uses game-like features and fun challenges<\/strong> to encourage you to study and keep you motivated.<\/p>\n

The quick and immersive Japanese lessons are based on pictures and intuitive learning. The app also provides quizzes to help you remember vocabulary and kanji<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lessons are short and light, so you can study Japanese whenever you have a few free minutes throughout the day.<\/p>\n

See our full review of Duolingo here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Honorable Mentions: Japanese Apps for Specific Skills<\/h2>\n

Above are the best apps for learning all the Japanese language skills. If you’re looking to improve a certain area of your Japanese, however, one of these apps might suit your specific needs:<\/p>\n