Kaku vs JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Kaku
This app aids in learning Japanese with tools for translation, word lookup, and conjugation. It offers features like sentence translation, audio playback with text highlighting, and synced notes across devices. Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners seeking a comprehensive Japanese study aid.
- Live feedback sentence translator
- Word lookup via Jisho.org
- Verb, noun, and adjective conjugation
- Audio playback with text highlighting
- Synced notes across devices
- Auto-translate clipboard
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Kaku is a Japanese notebook designed for beginner-to-intermediate learners. Instead of jumping back and forth between a notes app, a dictionary, and a translator, you write in Japanese and all tools appear right where you're working: - Instant dictionary - highlight any word and matching entries appear above the keyboard, with readings, word types, and real example sentences. Powered by an offline dictionary, lookups are instant and work anywhere. - Write with training wheels - stuck on a word? Highlight the English word and insert the Japanese one in one tap, including the conjugated form you need. - Translate your notes - check your sentence structure by translating a whole note into your native language. 20 languages supported. - Read Aloud - Kaku reads your note out loud, highlighting each word as it's spoken, so you can shadow along. Choose from the best Japanese voices on your device. - Scan text with your camera - turn textbook pages, signs, and handwritten notes into editable text using built-in OCR. - Made for focus - a clean, paper-inspired design, folders to organize your study notes, and adjustable text size for comfortable reading. - Private by design - your notes live on your device. Kaku feels at home on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)
This Safari extension allows users to parse Japanese text on websites, access a dictionary, and identify unknown words. It also enables adding and reviewing flashcards, with unique 2D review modes for vocabulary learning at your own pace. Requires a JPDB.io account.
- Parse Japanese text on websites
- Access Japanese dictionary
- Identify unknown words
- Add and review flashcards
- 2D SRS vocabulary review
- Learn words at your own pace
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Everything that you know and love about the JPDBreader with just a little bit more! With this Safari extension, you can: - Parse Japanese you find on websites using your JPDB account. This means you can have easy access to a Japanese dictionary and can see at a glance which words you don't know yet. - Add new flashcards and review them straight from the popup - Lots of quality-of-life improvements aimed at touchscreen users - Review on JPDB.io in 2D! Introducing a new concept where all of your SRS vocabulary words are spread out on the screen, allowing you to review in your own order! - Learn new words at your own pace. Never again will you have to wait until all of your reviews are done Notes: This requires a JPDB.io account and the API key found in the settings page. Credit: This extension is built using Max-Kamp's original jpd-breader with additions/changes applied. Huge shoutout to him for his amazing work!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) at none against Kaku's 7. JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price 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. Kaku sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) asks for nothing beyond the download.
Kaku ships an update monthly, JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | Kaku | JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | — | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 170 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dittman Shum | Franklin Fanelli |
Customer experience
Kaku
JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)
In-app purchases
Kaku
- Premium Weekly Subscription$0.997 Days
- Premium Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
- Premium Annual Subscription$4.991 Year
- Modest Tip$0.99
- No Ads$0.99
- Premium Lifetime$14.99
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- Generous Tip$99.00
JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Kaku free?
Is JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) free?
Do Kaku or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) have ads?
Which is updated more often, Kaku or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)?
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