Comparison

Synapse vs Polly

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

Head to head
About

Synapse

This app uses a science-based approach to language learning, focusing on auditory training and immersive stories. It helps users build vocabulary through real-life object recognition and understand grammar visually. The app also facilitates practice with native speakers and offers courses for various alphabets.

Highlights
  • Immersive story podcasts
  • Targeted ear training exercises
  • Alphabet courses from zero
  • Real-life object vocabulary learning
  • Visual grammar tables
  • Language exchange partnerships
Features
Read full description

You are not too old. The "critical period" is a myth: adult brains still rewire with intentional focus plus quality restful sleep. Synapse is a language learning app built on that science: train your ear first, make mistakes on purpose, and let each night of sleep lock in the day's practice. No streaks to protect, no guilt trips. STORY PODCASTS Follow a whole story in your new language on day 1. Short, immersive stories told slowly and clearly: read along word by word, tap anything to learn it instantly, and keep listening with the screen locked — a podcast that teaches. EAR TRAINING Hear the difference between words that used to sound identical. Your native language decides which sounds you can't hear yet; listening exercises built for your exact native/target pair train you to catch what native speakers hear effortlessly. Soundalike drills then tackle the words that trip learners up. ALPHABETS FROM ZERO Sound out real words in an alphabet that was pure noise to you last week. Letter-by-letter audio courses take you from zero, one sound at a time. (Rolling out language by language.) FLASHCARDS FROM YOUR LIFE Learn the words your own life is made of. Point your camera at anything with Language Lens and learn its name on the spot; spaced repetition then brings each word back right before you'd forget it, so it sticks for good. GRAMMAR YOU CAN SEE Say the right form without reciting a rule. Conjugations and cases as clear visual tables, linked to real example sentences — patterns instead of memorized rules. LEARN TOGETHER Trade your first real sentences with another person this week. Pair up with a partner and exchange short daily messages in each other's target language. Family kits (select language pairs) give parents and kids a shared track. 26 LANGUAGES Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Russian, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi and more — with the interface in your own language too. THE METHOD Free video lessons at synapseko.com explain the science behind it all. Your progress follows you to any device with a free account. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Polly

Features
Read full description

Master new languages one word at a time. Polly turns vocabulary learning into an addictive spelling game. See a word, type the translation, and watch your language skills grow. It's simple, fast, and actually fun. HOW IT WORKS - See a word in English - Spell it in your target language - Build streaks and earn points - Learn without even realizing it 7 LANGUAGES Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese Each with thousands of words across 20+ categories! LEARN WHAT YOU NEED From everyday greetings to travel essentials, food vocabulary to business terms. Pick categories that match your life. BUILT FOR BEGINNERS Training wheels mode pre-fills letters to help you get started. As you improve, challenge yourself with less help. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Your personal word tracker remembers what you've mastered and what needs more practice. POLLY PRO Unlock unlimited hearts, all word categories, practice mode, and your personal vocabulary tracker with a single lifetime purchase. Start learning today. One word at a time. Privacy: https://lizerd.ai/polly/privacy/ Terms: https://lizerd.ai/polly/terms/

Screenshots

Synapse4 screens
Polly4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Synapse at 3 against Polly's 1. Synapse also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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. Synapse sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Polly sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Synapse ships an update every 5 days, Polly weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Synapse versus Polly: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSynapsePolly
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size185 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe Synaptic Learning Company LLCPeter Minwegen

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Synapse

Subscriptions3
  • Full Access$9.997 Days
  • Full Access$29.991 Month
  • Full Access7 Days trial$199.991 Year
One-time1
  • 100 Tutor Messages$1.99
2 purchases

Polly

One-time2
  • Polly Pro (Welcome Offer)$9.99
  • Polly Pro (Lifetime)$19.99

Questions

Is Synapse free?
Synapse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Polly free?
Polly is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Synapse or Polly have ads?
Neither Synapse nor Polly shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Synapse or Polly?
Synapse ships an update every 5 days, and Polly weekly. Most recently, Synapse was updated on November 5, 2026 and Polly on November 9, 2026.

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