# OpenU vs SmartWord

The clearest difference is rating: SmartWord at 5.0 against OpenU's 4.0. SmartWord also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months). OpenU's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SmartWord sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. OpenU asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartWord holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

OpenU ships an update every 5 months, SmartWord every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenU | SmartWord |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openu/id451404537/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartword-learn-languages/id1497868688/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 60 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Open University of Israel](https://appshunter.io/developer/451404540) | [Ram Tahor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1497868687) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenU

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openu/id451404537)

Access all your academic information in one place. View your schedule, assignments, grades, and important announcements. Connect with faculty and the university easily.

**Highlights:** View class schedule, Track assignments and grades, Receive important announcements, Access faculty contact information, Check payment balance, Contact the university

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### SmartWord

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartword-learn-languages/id1497868688)

This app offers an engaging way to learn new vocabulary across multiple languages. It uses a unique memorization method, interactive exercises, and personalized learning options to help users build and retain words effectively. Users can also track their progress and share custom word lists.

**Highlights:** Unique word memorization method, Interactive 'fill in the missing word' exercises, Personalized learning with custom categories, Daily learning goal setting and reminders, Shareable custom word categories, Dark theme support, Progress tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ram Test | $0.99 | per month |
| SmartWord Plus | $4.99 | per month |
| SmartWord Plus | $11.99 | per 3 months |
| SmartWord Plus | $35.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenU free?

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

### Is SmartWord free?

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

### Which has better reviews, OpenU or SmartWord?

SmartWord is rated higher. OpenU averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while SmartWord averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do OpenU or SmartWord have ads?

SmartWord shows ads; OpenU does not.

### Which is updated more often, OpenU or SmartWord?

OpenU ships an update every 5 months, and SmartWord every 2 weeks. Most recently, OpenU was updated on June 5, 2026 and SmartWord on September 19, 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.*