Comparison

Bubuling Nihongo vs HajimeNow

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

Head to head
About

Bubuling Nihongo

This app helps you learn Japanese vocabulary through curated paths and interactive quizzes. It offers features like word lookups, handwriting input, and progress tracking to make studying efficient and engaging.

Highlights
  • Curated vocabulary study paths
  • Instant word lookups
  • Multiple quiz modes
  • Handwriting input for kanji
  • Progress tracking
  • Study reminders
  • Cross-device progress sync
Features
Read full description

Bubuling makes Japanese vocabulary study clear, fast, and consistent. Build your wordbook with curated learning paths, look up words instantly, and practice with quiz modes that keep you engaged every day. What you can do in Bubuling: - Study curated vocabulary, including JLPT-focused sets and beginner-friendly lists - Search by kanji, kana, romaji, or meaning - Learn each word with readings, examples, related words, and conjugation support - Use handwriting input to find kanji when you can’t type it - Practice with multiple quiz modes: spelling, meaning, listening, and conjugation - Save words to My Words and track your learning progress - Sync your progress across devices when signed in - Get study reminders so you stay on pace Bubuling Pro: - Unlimited bookmarks in My Words - Access to current and future Pro features - Monthly, yearly, and lifetime purchase options available as in-app purchases Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

HajimeNow

Features
Read full description

HajimeNow is a focused, distraction-free Japanese study app designed around the JLPT curriculum — from your very first hiragana stroke to advanced N1 kanji. WHAT YOU'LL STUDY • Hiragana & Katakana — learn every kana with mnemonics, stroke order, and audio pronunciation • Kanji — N5 through N1 characters with meanings, readings, stroke order animations, and spaced repetition • Vocabulary — thousands of JLPT-graded words with example sentences and native audio • Grammar — structured grammar points for every JLPT level with clear explanations and examples • Reading — graded reading passages with comprehension questions • Listening & Dictation — train your ear with native Japanese text-to-speech • Writing Practice — trace and free-draw characters on a canvas with adjustable brush thickness and ink color; supports Apple Pencil HOW IT WORKS HajimeNow uses a built-in spaced repetition system (SRS) that surfaces the cards you need to review most — so your study time is always efficient. Your streak and progress are tracked automatically, and your data syncs seamlessly across all your Apple devices via iCloud. TRACK YOUR JLPT JOURNEY Choose your target JLPT level (N5–N1) and the app counts down to the next exam date. Every module shows your completion percentage so you always know where you stand. BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED Inspired by Japanese washi paper and traditional ink aesthetics. Supports dark mode, adjustable font size, furigana toggle, and TTS audio speed control. Designed for portrait use — clean, focused, and easy to navigate one-handed. NO SUBSCRIPTIONS. NO ACCOUNTS. Everything is included. No paywalls, no sign-in required. Your progress is yours.

Screenshots

Bubuling Nihongo3 screens
HajimeNow4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HajimeNow at none against Bubuling Nihongo's 3. Bubuling Nihongo's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 26.0). On price, ads 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. Bubuling Nihongo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. HajimeNow asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Bubuling Nihongo versus HajimeNow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBubuling NihongoHajimeNow
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size165 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCodingmiao PTE. LTD.Wylder Everett

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Bubuling Nihongo

Subscriptions2
  • Pro (1 Month)$0.991 Month
  • Pro (1 Year)7 Days trial$5.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro (Lifetime)$69.99
None

HajimeNow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Bubuling Nihongo free?
Bubuling Nihongo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is HajimeNow free?
HajimeNow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Bubuling Nihongo or HajimeNow have ads?
Neither Bubuling Nihongo nor HajimeNow shows ads.

Other comparisons