# KanaWords vs ZensNote

The clearest difference is update cadence: KanaWords at every 3 days against ZensNote's every 2 months. ZensNote's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. KanaWords sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ZensNote sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

KanaWords ships an update every 3 days, ZensNote every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KanaWords | ZensNote |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanawords/id6744795805/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 7 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [志颖 吴](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793009529) | [Study Note AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1874959157) |

## What reviewers say

### KanaWords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanawords/id6744795805)

This app is designed for beginners learning Japanese vocabulary. It offers systematic learning with textbook synchronization, Romanization support, and audio playback to enhance listening and pronunciation skills.

**Highlights:** Textbook synchronization, Romanization support, Audio pronunciation playback, Listen and learn mode, Systematic learning experience

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 新标日中高级单词及功能解锁 | $1.99 | one-time |


### ZensNote

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zensnote-ai-study-note-taker/id6758782007)

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Learning Tools: Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Smart Notebook: Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Knowledge Suite: Annual | $79.99 | per year |
| ZensNote Premium — Yearly | $79.99 | per year |
| 250 Study Credits | $5.99 | one-time |
| 1,000 Study Credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| 3,000 Study Credits | $49.99 | one-time |
| 7,000 Study Credits | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KanaWords free?

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

### Is ZensNote free?

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

### Do KanaWords or ZensNote have ads?

Neither KanaWords nor ZensNote shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KanaWords or ZensNote?

KanaWords ships an update every 3 days, and ZensNote every 2 months. Most recently, KanaWords was updated on October 2, 2026 and ZensNote on October 17, 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.*