Comparison

Coban vs ARC日本語学校

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Coban

Master Japanese grammar, kanji, and vocabulary from beginner to advanced levels. Learn in context with example sentences and audio, and reinforce your knowledge with review tools. Study offline and prepare for JLPT exams with comprehensive content.

Highlights
  • Structured lessons from N5 to N1
  • 7,500+ vocabulary words
  • 2,100+ kanji
  • 490+ grammar points
  • 12,000+ audio recordings
  • Offline study mode
  • SRS review system
Features
Read full description

Learn Japanese from hiragana to JLPT N1 with structured lessons for vocabulary, kanji, grammar, listening, reading, and review — all in one app. Coban is designed for learners who want to understand Japanese, not simply memorize it. Learn grammar and vocabulary in context, recognize patterns, and build the skills you need to understand and use Japanese naturally. — STUDY FROM N5 TO N1 Follow a structured learning path from beginner Japanese to advanced JLPT content. • 7,500+ vocabulary words • 2,100+ kanji • 490+ grammar points • 2,500+ example sentences • JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1 content — LEARN WITH AUDIO More than 12,000 audio recordings help you connect written Japanese with natural pronunciation. Listen to vocabulary and example sentences, practice shadowing, and strengthen your listening comprehension as you study. — REVIEW WHAT YOU LEARN Use quizzes and SRS review to reinforce vocabulary, kanji, and grammar and focus your study on what you need to remember. — STUDY JAPANESE OFFLINE Coban’s learning content is stored on your device, so you can continue studying even without an internet connection. — BUILT FOR REAL JAPANESE Coban goes beyond JLPT test preparation. Lessons are designed to help you see how Japanese works in context so you can apply what you learn to reading, listening, conversation, and everyday communication. Whether you are just starting Japanese or working toward JLPT N1, Coban gives you a complete Japanese study library you can keep using as your skills grow.

About

ARC日本語学校

Features
Read full description

Enjoy learning Japanese language and practice with questions based on levels and subjects from JLPT! Read the articles from the app blog and dive into Japanese culture, learn about living and studying in Japan, get precious info about higher education and work in Japan, and increase your language knowledge. Use the app specific feature to apply for the student visa with ARC Japanese Language School. If you are planning to come study abroad in Japan, check out this app and get the most out of it! ◆Learn Japanese Language! While playing the app you can practice and study with exercise from levels N5 to N1 of JLPT, and visit tourist spots all over Japan. Try each stage and have fun studying Japanese with Kanji, learning new vocabulary, preparing the grammar for the exams. ◆Test your ability with the Challenge Mode! Select the level, subject, and number of questions, and test your current Japanese proficiency in the Challenge Mode. You can also have a look at your past grades and review the wrong answers. ◆Discover more about Japan! Japanese but not only! You will find much more in the column articles written by ARC Japanese Language School staff and teachers: plenty of useful information for learning the language, know the country, its culture, and tips for international students. Articles will be posted on a regular basis, so keep checking the blog and deepen your knowledge about Japan. ◆Go to study in Japan! Through this app special feature, you can apply for study abroad in Japan. ARC is a Japanese language school group with a history of more than 35 years. Currently, we are accepting international students in our 3 campuses, in Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Kyoto. If you are interested in studying in Japan, please contact us on this app! *To complete the Study Abroad application, you need to install separately the app to study in Japan. Study Abroad Application App: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/wsdb%E5%AD%A6%E7%94%9F%E7%AE%A1%E7%90%86%E3%82%B7%E3%82%B9%E3%83%86%E3%83%A0/id1469165488 About ARC Japanese Language School: https://www.arc.ac.jp/

Screenshots

Coban4 screens
ARC日本語学校4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ARC日本語学校 at none against Coban's 5. ARC日本語学校 also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Coban sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. ARC日本語学校 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Coban ships an update weekly, ARC日本語学校 every 10 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Coban versus ARC日本語学校: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCobanARC日本語学校
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (621 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings621 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 10 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size705 MB56 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAkira NOGUCHIINCORPORATED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION ARC GAKUEN

Bugs and requests

Coban

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Drag and drop feature not working
  • Crashes after completing quizzes
  • Vocabulary lessons causing the app to freeze

Requested features

4 requests
  • Expand to higher JLPT levels (N3, N2, N1)
  • Add a placement test to determine user's level
  • Improve vocabulary practice and review options
  • Offer an ad-free version for a one-time purchase

ARC日本語学校

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Coban

Subscriptions3
  • Premium User$6.991 Month
  • Premium User$39.906 Months
  • Premium User$59.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime Upgrade$59.99
  • Lifetime Access$99.99
None

ARC日本語学校

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Coban free?
Coban is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ARC日本語学校 free?
ARC日本語学校 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Coban or ARC日本語学校 have ads?
Coban shows ads; ARC日本語学校 does not.
Which is updated more often, Coban or ARC日本語学校?
Coban ships an update weekly, and ARC日本語学校 every 10 days. Most recently, Coban was updated on November 3, 2026 and ARC日本語学校 on November 3, 2026.

Other comparisons