Comparison

Nihondex vs NihongoCue

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

Head to head
About

Nihondex

Master Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and kanji with a structured learning path. Utilizes spaced repetition for efficient memorization and includes interactive games and reading practice. Offers detailed progress tracking and social features to enhance your learning journey.

Highlights
  • Spaced repetition system (SRS)
  • Kana games
  • Conjugation practice
  • Reading comprehension
  • Island Builder game
  • Progress tracking
Features
Read full description

Master Japanese from zero to fluent, at your own pace. Nihondex is a structured Japanese learning app that takes you from absolute beginner to advanced level. No fluff, no endless loops just steady, measurable progress built around proven spaced repetition science. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • 7,500+ vocabulary words organized by JLPT level (N5 to N1) • 800+ grammar patterns with interactive exercises and real examples • 4,000+ kanji characters with stroke order and readings • All 92 hiragana and katakana characters through fun, interactive games • Japanese conjugation: plain, polite, negative, past, te-form and more • Reading comprehension with graded stories from N5 to N1 HOW IT WORKS Every day you learn a batch of new vocabulary and grammar points. Nihondex's spaced repetition system (SRS) then schedules your reviews at the perfect moment right before you forget. This daily loop is how real progress is built. KEY FEATURES • Smart SRS reviews that adapt to your learning pace • Kana games combining memory, writing, and speed drills • Conjugation practice with all major verb forms • Reading practice with tap-to-look-up vocabulary • Island Builder earn coins and decorations as you progress, build and customize your own Japanese island • Detailed progress tracking and statistics • Daily goals to keep your streak alive • Leaderboards and social features to learn with friends Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

NihongoCue

Features
Read full description

Learn Japanese throughout your day with NihongoCue. NihongoCue combines structured JLPT study with an iOS Lock Screen widget, helping Kanji and vocabulary stay visible even when you are away from the app. Choose your level from N5 through N1, set a manageable daily target, and follow a personalized learning plan built around Kanji, vocabulary, quizzes, and spaced review. Learn in context Explore more than 2,200 Kanji and 8,300 vocabulary entries across JLPT N5–N1. Kanji lessons include: - Contextual readings and meanings - On’yomi and Kun’yomi readings - Natural example sentences - Furigana and English translations - Stroke information and writing animations - Helpful mnemonics - Japanese pronunciation Learn from your Lock Screen Keep Japanese present throughout your day with the NihongoCue Lock Screen widget. Choose: - Kanji or vocabulary - A specific JLPT level or mixed levels - How frequently the content changes - Reference mode to show the answer - Recall mode to test yourself before revealing it Tap supported widget content to continue learning inside the app. Practice at your own pace Create focused sessions using: - Kanji flashcards - Vocabulary flashcards - Mixed practice - Custom quizzes - Adjustable session lengths - Difficulty ratings that help prioritize future reviews Save useful Kanji and vocabulary to build your own review collection. Follow a clear daily plan NihongoCue organizes due and difficult items into a focused daily learning plan. Choose how many cards you want to study and continue practicing after reaching your target. See your progress Track: - Daily learning progress - Current and longest streaks - Recent study activity - Kanji and vocabulary mastery - Quiz performance - Items that need more attention Premium access NihongoCue Premium unlocks the complete JLPT N5–N1 learning library, quizzes, flashcards, Japanese audio, stroke-order practice, bookmarks, progress tools, notifications, and Lock Screen learning. Eligible annual subscriptions may include a 7-day free trial. The exact price, trial availability, renewal period, and billing terms are displayed before purchase. Subscriptions can be managed or cancelled through your Apple ID settings. Make Japanese part of the moments already in your day—with NihongoCue. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://nihongocue.pythonanywhere.com/privacy/

Screenshots

Nihondex4 screens
NihongoCue4 screens

Verdict

The call

Nihondex and NihongoCue are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Nihondex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month and NihongoCue sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Nihondex versus NihongoCue: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNihondexNihongoCue
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (30 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings30 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB109 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas MauranBijen Duwal

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Nihondex

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$7.991 Month
  • Yearly$71.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime$129.00
3 purchases

NihongoCue

Subscriptions2
  • NihongoCue Monthly Premium$3.991 Month
  • NihongoCue Annual Premium7 Days trial$79.991 Year
One-time1
  • NihongoCue Lifetime Premium$147.99

Questions

Is Nihondex free?
Nihondex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is NihongoCue free?
NihongoCue is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Nihondex or NihongoCue have ads?
Neither Nihondex nor NihongoCue shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Nihondex or NihongoCue?
Nihondex ships an update weekly, and NihongoCue weekly. Most recently, Nihondex was updated on November 5, 2026 and NihongoCue on November 6, 2026.

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