Comparison

HanaKata vs Sakura Tutor

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

Head to head
About

HanaKata

Features
Read full description

HanaKata is the simplest way to learn Hiragana and Katakana. Study each character with clear tips and native-like audio, then practice writing on a grid with optional stroke-order hints. Why you’ll like it Clean, focused design made for daily study Study mode: big character, romaji, tips and audio Writing mode: grid canvas, live drawing, optional hint overlay Quick practice and basic progress stats Works offline β€’ No account required Free app with banner ads only (no purchases) Privacy We use Google AdMob to show banner ads. The app requests ATT consent on iOS and uses Google’s UMP in the EEA. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

About

Sakura Tutor

Features
Read full description

Learn to actually SPEAK Japanese β€” not just memorize words. Sakura Sensei is an AI Japanese teacher that helps you build real speaking confidence through natural conversation. No more silent learning. Start speaking from day one. HOW IT WORKS: β€’ AI Conversation Practice β€” Talk to Sakura like a real teacher. Ask in English, learn to say it in Japanese, and get instant feedback. β€’ Pronunciation Scoring β€” Record your voice and get scored on accuracy. The AI analyzes your pronunciation and tells you exactly what to improve. β€’ Grammar Corrections β€” Real-time feedback on particles, verb conjugation, and keigo (honorifics). Sakura explains mistakes in clear English. β€’ Kana & Writing Practice β€” Master hiragana and katakana with interactive grid, stroke-by-stroke writing practice, and quizzes. β€’ JLPT Level System β€” Start at N5 and progress through N4, N3, N2, and N1. Every lesson adapts to your level. β€’ Audio Playback β€” Hear every phrase pronounced by a native Japanese speaker (Microsoft Nanami voice). β€’ Free Daily Lessons β€” Practice 5 conversations per day free. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited access. WHY LEARNERS LOVE IT: "Finally an app that actually teaches me to speak, not just tap flashcards" "It's like having a Japanese tutor in my pocket" "The pronunciation feedback is incredible β€” it caught my 'r' sound immediately" Whether you're planning a trip to Tokyo, studying for the JLPT, or just love Japanese culture β€” Sakura Sensei gets you speaking real Japanese. Download free and start your first lesson today. Terms of Use: https://cyan0914.github.io/ai-japanese-tutor/terms.html Terms of Use(EULA): apple.com/legal/itunes/appstore/dev/stdeula Privacy Policy: https://cyan0914.github.io/ai-japanese-tutor/privacy.html

Screenshots

HanaKata4 screens
Sakura Tutor4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HanaKata at none against Sakura Tutor's 3. Sakura Tutor's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Sakura Tutor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. HanaKata asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HanaKata ships an update every 4 months, Sakura Tutor every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
HanaKata versus Sakura Tutor: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHanaKataSakura Tutor
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 days β€” better
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS15.115.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size36 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIvan Rodriguezηš“ε˜‰ εΌ 

In-app purchases

None

HanaKata

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Sakura Tutor

Subscriptions3
  • Sakura Pro Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Sakura Tutor$19.993 Months
  • Sakura Tutor$49.991 Year

Questions

Is HanaKata free?
HanaKata is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sakura Tutor free?
Sakura Tutor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HanaKata or Sakura Tutor have ads?
HanaKata shows ads; Sakura Tutor does not.
Which is updated more often, HanaKata or Sakura Tutor?
HanaKata ships an update every 4 months, and Sakura Tutor every 3 days. Most recently, HanaKata was updated on October 30, 2026 and Sakura Tutor on October 31, 2026.

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