Comparison

JLPT+ vs NihonGo

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

Head to head
About

JLPT+

This app provides grammar learning tools designed to help users prepare for and pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It focuses on developing the necessary skills for the exam.

Highlights
  • Grammar learning tools
  • JLPT exam preparation
  • Skill development for test
  • Japanese language learning
Features
Read full description

JLPT+ is a Japanese learning app offering grammar and kanji learning tools aimed at developing the skills required to pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Master JLPT grammar and kanji through interactive puzzles and quizzes — from N5 to N1. • Puzzle-based grammar practice for all JLPT levels • Kanji quizzes covering readings and meanings for all JLPT levels • Spaced repetition system (SRS) that tracks your progress • Review reminders so you never miss a study session 本アプリ「JLPT+」は、第三者による学習支援アプリです。 「JLPT+」の名称およびロゴは、日本国際教育支援協会様より使用についてご確認済みです。

About

NihonGo

Features
Read full description

Master Japanese step by step — from your first hiragana letter to real conversations. NihonGo isn't just a flashcard app. It's a complete Japanese course, built for the parts of the language generic apps skim over. Whether you're here for anime, manga, J-pop, JLPT prep, Tokyo travel, or heritage reasons — NihonGo meets you at your level and walks you through the tricky parts with clarity. A COMPLETE JAPANESE COURSE • Structured unit-by-unit curriculum — beginner to conversational • Four lesson types per unit: Recognize, Practice, Produce, Master • Per-unit guidebooks with grammar notes and culture tips • 100% offline — zero data use, learn on the train JAPANESE-SPECIFIC, NOT GENERIC • Kana explorer — hiragana + katakana with mnemonics and native audio • Kanji root explorer — high-frequency kanji + the words built from them • Keigo explorer — 敬語 in casual, polite, respectful, and humble side by side • Wasei-eigo gallery — Japan's English with origin stories (サラリーマン, マイペース, ドンマイ) • Grammar drills — particles, te-form, conjugation, keigo quick drills JLPT-READY • N5 + N4 vocabulary packs aligned to official exam ranges • Targeted drills for grammar + counters + mimetic words SIX WAYS TO PRACTICE • Flashcards with native Japanese audio on every word • Multiple-choice, word-matching, word-building • Listen-and-pick, listen-and-build, true/false • Spaced repetition (SRS) — cards return exactly when you'd forget • Themed sentence packs for real-life conversations • SmartPacks — curated vocab around anime, J-pop, business, news • Custom decks — build your own from any word you meet BUILT TO KEEP YOU GOING • Daily challenges — a fresh mini-goal every day • Streaks with Streak Freeze for sick days • 50 levels, XP rewards, and 40+ achievements • Celebratory session-complete moments • Smart reminders that adapt to your pace • Statistics that track every word, streak, and session LEARN IN YOUR LANGUAGE Interface in English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Malay, and Filipino. WHO IT'S FOR • Absolute beginners — start from こんにちは • Anime and manga fans — finally catch what's actually being said • Travelers — restaurant, train, and shopping phrases you'll use • JLPT N5 and N4 candidates • Heritage learners reconnecting with the language NihonGo is free to start. A Pro subscription unlocks JLPT packs, kanji roots, premium SmartPacks, and unlimited custom decks — but the core curriculum, kana, keigo, wasei-eigo, daily practice, and streak system stay free forever. 日本語、始めよう — let's begin. Terms of Use: https://app4a.github.io/learn-japanese/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://app4a.github.io/learn-japanese/privacy.html

Screenshots

JLPT+3 screens
NihonGo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JLPT+ at none against NihonGo's 3. JLPT+ also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. NihonGo sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. JLPT+ asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JLPT+ ships an update fortnightly, NihonGo every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
JLPT+ versus NihonGo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJLPT+NihonGo
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size74 MB86 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJun HosokawaNam Cho

In-app purchases

None

JLPT+

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

NihonGo

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$3.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$39.99

Questions

Is JLPT+ free?
JLPT+ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is NihonGo free?
NihonGo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do JLPT+ or NihonGo have ads?
Neither JLPT+ nor NihonGo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JLPT+ or NihonGo?
JLPT+ ships an update fortnightly, and NihonGo every 2 months. Most recently, JLPT+ was updated on August 27, 2026 and NihonGo on September 18, 2026.

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