Coban vs Rakulingo
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Coban
This app offers comprehensive support for learning Japanese, covering everything from basic characters to advanced grammar and vocabulary. It includes audio pronunciations, diverse learning modes like flashcards and exercises, and content tailored for all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced.
- Hiragana, katakana, kanji, and vocabulary
- JLPT N5-N3 grammar coverage
- Audio pronunciation for all content
- Flashcards and practice exercises
- Shadowing and dictation exercises
- Japanese stories and cultural readings
- Advanced podcasts for N2/N1 learners
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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.
Rakulingo
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Your AI companion for understanding Japanese. Instantly understand any Japanese you meet. Watching anime, reading manga, playing a game, studying a textbook, or walking through Tokyo - Rakulingo explains it on the spot, in your language. STORIES Read short stories that begin in English and slowly turn Japanese. Every sentence is narrated, every word can be tapped, and each chapter teaches a few words you will meet again in the next one. A gentle way into real Japanese - no flashcards, just a story you want to finish. YOUR JAPANESE COMPANION, EVERYWHERE Rakulingo works with whatever you are doing. Studying a textbook? Get a deeper explanation. Watching Netflix? Understand every line. Reading manga? Decode every panel. Gaming on the couch? Snap a photo of the TV and understand the dialogue. Walking in Tokyo? Read every sign. One app, endless possibilities. CAPTURE JAPANESE FROM ANYWHERE • Screenshot subtitles, text, or anything on screen • Record audio from videos, podcasts, or conversations • Photograph books, signs, menus, or handwriting • Point your camera at a TV or console screen while you play • Browse Japanese websites with instant help • Open your own PDFs, ebooks, and videos JLPT N5 PRACTICE Practice every N5 question type, one question at a time — kanji readings, vocabulary, grammar, reading passages, and the full listening section. Listening questions come with real recorded audio and scene pictures: the practice material that is hardest to find on your own. Every answer gets a plain explanation of why it is right and why the others are not. Unofficial material written with AI assistance and reviewed; not affiliated with the JLPT organizers. GAME ROOM Play your own Japanese games and learn as you play. Bring a legal backup of a game you own — Hana sees the screen and explains it live: press Explain and the text breaks down word by word, with translations and readings one tap away. Works with a controller too. SPECIALIZED AI ASSISTANTS • Sentence Explainer - a complete breakdown of grammar, particles, and vocabulary • Translator - instant translation in both directions • Furigana - reading guides for any kanji • Japanese Teacher - ask anything, anytime • Speaking Buddy - practice conversations with an AI that answers naturally and suggests how to keep the conversation going • Web Browser - read Japanese sites with live help, screenshots, audio capture, and copy-paste • Reader - understand your own PDFs, ebooks, images, videos, and audio OFFLINE DICTIONARY Tap any word in a reply or a story to look it up. Once downloaded, it works without internet. PERFECT FOR EVERY LEARNER • Beginners - understand from day one, with explanations in your language • Students - add instant, detailed explanations to your studies • Immersion learners - turn entertainment into practice • Advanced learners - tackle native content with nuanced support • Travelers - get around Japan with confidence • Casual users - quick translations whenever you need them WORKS IN YOUR LANGUAGE Explanations in 15 languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Dutch, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Turkish, and Thai. WHY RAKULINGO? Dictionaries translate; Rakulingo explains. Textbooks teach in isolation; Rakulingo works with real content. Classes end; Rakulingo is always with you. It is your personal Japanese expert in your pocket, ready for whatever Japanese you run into. FREE TO START Try every assistant with free credits and read the first story chapters for free. Subscribe when you want unlimited use. Understanding Japanese does not have to be hard. With Rakulingo, you are never alone on your Japanese journey. Download now and turn every encounter with Japanese into a chance to learn. By using Rakulingo, you agree to the Apple Standard Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Rakulingo at none against Coban's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Coban sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and Rakulingo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Coban ships an update weekly, Rakulingo every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Coban | Rakulingo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (621 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 621 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 2 weeks |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.5 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 661 MB | 160 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Akira NOGUCHI | Antonio Scandaroli |
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
Rakulingo
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Coban
- Premium User$6.991 Month
- Premium User$39.906 Months
- Premium User$59.991 Year
- Lifetime Upgrade$59.99
- Lifetime Access$99.99
Rakulingo
- Access to premium AI$3.997 Days
- Access to premium AI$9.991 Month
- Access to premium AI3 Days trial$95.991 Year









