Flashcard apps compared: Lietner, Anki, Quizlet and Leitner box apps
By Ahmed Eltigani · Updated
How do Lietner, Anki, Quizlet and Leitner box apps compare?
In short: Anki is the most powerful and the most to learn. Quizlet is the most social and has the most study games, with ads unless you pay. Leitner box apps keep things simple but vary widely. Lietner is a free, ad-free Leitner box with no setup, text-only cards and no sharing.
This page isn't a ranking. Each tool is the right choice for someone, and the table is here to help you work out which one is right for you.
What does each app cost, and does it show ads?
| Lietner | Anki | Quizlet | Typical Leitner box apps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free on desktop, Android, web; AnkiMobile (iPhone) $24.99 US | Free plan; Plus $35.99/yr; Plus Unlimited $44.99/yr | Varies: free, paid or freemium |
| Ads | None | None | Yes, on the free plan | Varies |
| How it's funded | Donations | AnkiMobile sales fund development | Subscriptions and ads | Varies |
| Open source | Yes (MIT) | Yes | No | Varies |
How does each one schedule reviews?
| Lietner | Anki | Quizlet | Typical Leitner box apps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Leitner system, five boxes | SM-2, or FSRS if enabled (23.10+) | Study modes: Flashcards, Learn, Test, Match | Leitner system |
| Intervals | Fixed: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 days | Calculated per card | No box schedule | Fixed per box; count and intervals vary |
| Grading | Two buttons: Knew it, Missed | Four buttons: Again, Hard, Good, Easy | Depends on mode | Varies |
| Scheduling settings | None | Detailed deck presets | Not applicable | Varies |
If the difference between boxes and algorithms is new to you, the Leitner system explained covers it in plain language.
What can go on a card, and how do cards get in?
| Lietner | Anki | Quizlet | Typical Leitner box apps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card content | Plain text, any language or script, 1,000 characters a side | Text, images, audio, video, cloze, maths markup | Text and images | Varies |
| Import | CSV/TSV, Anki plain-text export, JSON cards from your own AI | Text files, .apkg decks | Import content on the website | Varies |
| Shared or public decks | None | AnkiWeb shared decks | Shared sets, classes | Varies |
Does it work offline, and do you need an account?
| Lietner | Anki | Quizlet | Typical Leitner box apps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offline | Yes: installable web app, works fully offline | Yes: native apps | Mobile apps only; listed as a subscription feature | Varies |
| Account | Optional, only to sync | Optional AnkiWeb account to sync | Free account | Varies |
| Platforms | Any modern browser: phone, tablet, computer | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone/iPad, Android, web | Web, iOS, Android | Varies |
| Where cards live | Your device; EU database only if you sign in | Your device; AnkiWeb if you sync | Quizlet's servers | Varies |
What should I check in a Leitner box app?
"Leitner box app" covers lots of small apps, so the last column can't be specific. Before you put months of cards into one, check:
- Can you get your cards out? Look for a CSV or text export. If the app closes, you want your deck back.
- Does it sync, and where? A phone-only app with no backup can lose everything with the phone.
- What happens when you miss a card? Classic Leitner sends it back to box 1. Some apps only move it down one box.
- Is the price clear? Look for subscriptions hidden behind a free download.
- Does it handle your language? Right-to-left scripts and accented letters can trip up some apps.
Which one should I pick?
- Pick Anki if you need images, audio or cloze cards, or a big shared deck for medicine or law, or you'll keep thousands of cards for years. More in Lietner as an Anki alternative.
- Pick Quizlet if your class or teacher uses it, or you like games and multiple choice. More in Lietner as a Quizlet alternative.
- Pick Lietner if you want the Leitner system with no ads, no account and no setup, on any device. Open Lietner to try it in a minute.
Where do these facts come from?
All checked on 19 October 2026.
- Lietner: the source code and README and the privacy policy.
- Anki: apps.ankiweb.net; the Anki manual pages on studying, deck options and getting started; the AnkiMobile App Store listing.
- Quizlet: the upgrade page and Quizlet Help articles on ads, offline studying, subscriptions and exporting, adding images, sharing sets and importing content.
- Leitner box apps: a general description, not any single app. Check each app's own listing.
Frequently asked questions
Which flashcard app is best?
It depends on what you study. Anki suits huge decks kept for years and cards with images or audio. Quizlet suits classes, shared sets and study games. Lietner suits students who want a free, ad-free Leitner box with no setup. This page sticks to facts so you can decide.
Which of these apps are completely free?
Lietner is free on every device. Anki is free on desktop, Android and the web, but AnkiMobile for iPhone costs $24.99 in the US. Quizlet has a free plan with ads and limits, plus paid plans from $35.99 a year. Leitner box apps vary.
Which of these use the Leitner system?
Lietner and Leitner box apps do. Anki uses per-card algorithms (SM-2, or FSRS if you turn it on). Quizlet uses its own study modes rather than boxes.