# Kaku vs JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Kaku | JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jpdbreader-plus-plus-alpha/id6738365000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 170 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dittman Shum](https://appshunter.io/developer/1492526802) | [Franklin Fanelli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1495259800) |

## What reviewers say

### Kaku

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kaku-japanese-study-notebook/id1515101339)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly Subscription | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly Subscription | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual Subscription | $4.99 | per year |
| Modest Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Premium Lifetime | $14.99 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $99.00 | one-time |


### JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jpdbreader-plus-plus-alpha/id6738365000)

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.

**Highlights:** 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

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Kaku free?

Kaku is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) free?

JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Kaku or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) have ads?

Kaku shows ads; JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) does not.

### Which is updated more often, Kaku or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)?

Kaku ships an update monthly, and JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) fortnightly. Most recently, Kaku was updated on October 24, 2026 and JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) on October 24, 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.*