# Nihongo 123 vs Challenge with Erin

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Challenge with Erin at 63% against Nihongo 123's 0%. Challenge with Erin also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.0) and ratings volume (16 vs 1). Nihongo 123's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (8.4 vs 12.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Challenge with Erin holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Challenge with Erin has 16 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Nihongo 123's written reviews are positive against 63% of Challenge with Erin's.

Nihongo 123 ships an update every 2 weeks, Challenge with Erin every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nihongo 123 | Challenge with Erin |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-123/id1097298003/reviews) | **[4.7 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/challenge-with-erin/id1290748939/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **16** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 7 MB | 290 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.4** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [University of Tsukuba](https://appshunter.io/developer/859802324) | [The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai](https://appshunter.io/developer/1023654861) |

## What reviewers say

### Nihongo 123

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-123/id1097298003)

This app helps users learn Japanese grammar through structured lessons. It offers video explanations, grammar notes, flashcards, listening exercises, and speaking practice. Lessons can be downloaded for offline use, excluding video and speaking features.

**Highlights:** Grammar-classified units, Video lessons with scripts, Flashcards for vocabulary, Listening comprehension quizzes, Speaking practice with voice recognition, Offline lesson downloads

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Challenge with Erin

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/challenge-with-erin/id1290748939)

This app offers interactive lessons and quizzes to help users learn Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and culture. It features engaging games, manga-based dialogues, and cultural trivia to make studying enjoyable and effective. Track your progress, earn certificates, and compete with others on leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Interactive vocabulary games, Manga-based dialogue practice, Japanese culture quizzes, Progress tracking and points system, Weekly tests with certificates, Mini dictionary with Romanization

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nihongo 123 free?

Nihongo 123 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Challenge with Erin free?

Challenge with Erin is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Nihongo 123 or Challenge with Erin?

Challenge with Erin is rated higher. Nihongo 123 averages 3.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Challenge with Erin averages 4.7 from 16 ratings.

### Do Nihongo 123 or Challenge with Erin have ads?

Neither Nihongo 123 nor Challenge with Erin shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nihongo 123 or Challenge with Erin?

Nihongo 123 ships an update every 2 weeks, and Challenge with Erin every 5 months. Most recently, Nihongo 123 was updated on September 26, 2026 and Challenge with Erin on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*