# Brainscape vs Synap

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Brainscape at 82% against Synap's 47%. Brainscape also leads on chart position (#167 vs unranked) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). Synap's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Brainscape sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Synap asks for nothing beyond the download.

Brainscape ships an update every 3 weeks, Synap every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Brainscape | Synap |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (21K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainscape-study-flashcards/id442415567/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **21K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **82.1% of reviews** | 46.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#167** | — |
| Size | 42 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brainscape](https://appshunter.io/developer/380833754) | [Synap Learning Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/859343131) |

## What reviewers say

### Brainscape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainscape-study-flashcards/id442415567)

**Currently charting:** #167 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

This app uses AI and spaced repetition to help you learn faster and remember longer. Create your own multimedia flashcards or access a vast marketplace of expert-curated content for various subjects and exams. It's designed for serious learners who want to optimize their study time.

**Highlights:** AI-powered flashcard maker, Spaced repetition algorithm, Expert-curated flashcard marketplace, Create multimedia flashcards, Collaborative content creation, Active recall and self-assessment

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Brainscape Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| Brainscape Pro | $59.99 | per 6 months |
| Brainscape Pro | $95.99 | per year |
| Brainscape Pro Lifetime | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing flashcard app
- 👍 Great for studying and learning
- 👍 Helpful for passing exams and tests
- 👍 Convenient to use on mobile devices
- 👍 Effective spaced repetition algorithm

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and syncing issues
- 🔒 Limited functionality in free version
- 👎 Difficult to edit and organize cards
- 👎 Inaccuracies in some pre-made decks

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when switching between cards
- Syncing issues causing data loss
- Difficulty importing and organizing custom cards
- Inconsistent performance on different devices

**Requested features**

- Allow more customization of cards (e.g., adding images, audio)
- Improve search and browsing functionality
- Provide more detailed progress tracking and statistics
- Offer family/group subscription plans
- Add support for more languages


### Synap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synap/id1029982959)

This app utilizes a Spaced Repetition System to deliver daily quizzes tailored to your learning needs. It helps build knowledge and memory over time by focusing on areas requiring the most practice.

**Highlights:** Spaced Repetition System, Daily personalized quizzes, On-the-go portal access, Knowledge and memory building, Focused practice

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Brainscape free?

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

### Is Synap free?

Synap is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Brainscape or Synap have ads?

Neither Brainscape nor Synap shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Brainscape or Synap?

Brainscape ships an update every 3 weeks, and Synap every 6 weeks. Most recently, Brainscape was updated on September 25, 2026 and Synap on September 21, 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.*