# Japanese Basic vs Sparky Learn Languages

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sparky Learn Languages at none against Japanese Basic's 1. Sparky Learn Languages also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months). Japanese Basic's advantage is iOS requirement (12.1 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Japanese Basic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Sparky Learn Languages asks for nothing beyond the download.

Japanese Basic ships an update every 3 months, Sparky Learn Languages every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Japanese Basic | Sparky Learn Languages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/japanese-basic-nihongo/id1525602347/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 117 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SHINGO MATSUO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1493414113) | [Luke Mclaughlin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893671036) |

## What reviewers say

### Japanese Basic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/japanese-basic-nihongo/id1525602347)

Learn basic Japanese vocabulary, characters, and phrases with this beginner-friendly app. It offers offline access, customizable pronunciation, and a red sheet function for effective memorization. Expand your learning with in-app purchases for additional words.

**Highlights:** Basic Japanese vocabulary and phrases, Hiragana and Katakana study, Offline access, Customizable pronunciation and audio speed, Red sheet memorization function, Verb conjugation guide, User vocabulary book

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Japanese Basic -Full Version- | $3.99 | one-time |


### Sparky Learn Languages

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparky-learn-languages/id6783108566)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Japanese Basic free?

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

### Is Sparky Learn Languages free?

Sparky Learn Languages is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Japanese Basic or Sparky Learn Languages have ads?

Japanese Basic shows ads; Sparky Learn Languages does not.

### Which is updated more often, Japanese Basic or Sparky Learn Languages?

Japanese Basic ships an update every 3 months, and Sparky Learn Languages every 10 days. Most recently, Japanese Basic was updated on June 11, 2026 and Sparky Learn Languages on September 9, 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.*