Comparison

Kanji Step vs Nihongo Learn

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

Head to head
About

Kanji Step

Features
Read full description

[Japanese Kanji Dictionary - Learn Jōyō Kanji by JLPT Level] Kanji is the core of learning Japanese! This is the ultimate Kanji dictionary app designed to help you systematically master 2,974 Jōyō (standard) Kanji, organized by JLPT level. Recommended For • Learners preparing for the JLPT exam • Those who want to study Japanese Kanji systematically • People planning to travel or study abroad in Japan • Readers who want to enjoy Japanese books or Manga in the original language • Fans who want to watch Japanese dramas or Anime without subtitles Data Source This app is based on the KANJIDIC2 file provided by the Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group (EDRDG). We provide accurate Kanji information derived from this reliable and official data source.

About

Nihongo Learn

Master Japanese with interactive lessons covering kana, kanji, vocabulary, and grammar. Practice with AI conversation partners, mock exams, and spaced repetition. Offers guided paths from beginner to advanced levels.

Highlights
  • Interactive kana and kanji learning
  • 2,000+ kanji with stroke order
  • JLPT N5-N1 vocabulary and grammar
  • AI conversation practice
  • Spaced repetition system (SRS)
  • JLPT mock exams
  • Progress tracking and analytics
Features
Read full description

Learn Japanese the smart way — from your first hiragana to JLPT N1 mastery. Nihongo Learn is a comprehensive Japanese study app with 30+ interactive modes designed for every stage of your journey. Whether you're memorizing kana, drilling kanji stroke order, or preparing for the JLPT, everything you need is in one place. WRITING SYSTEMS • Hiragana & Katakana with stroke-by-stroke animation • 2,000+ Kanji with readings, meanings, and stroke order • Handwriting practice with trace and recall modes • Radical breakdown for systematic kanji learning VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR • N5 through N1 vocabulary with audio pronunciation • Complete grammar explanations for all JLPT levels • Example sentences with furigana and translations • Conjugation drills for every verb form QUIZZES & PRACTICE • Multiple choice, typing, matching, and speed drills • SRS spaced repetition to remember what you learn • Smart drills that target your weak points • JLPT mock exams to test your readiness IMMERSIVE LEARNING • AI conversation partners for real-world dialogue practice • Graded reading passages with tap-to-translate • Listening comprehension at every level • Pitch accent training for natural pronunciation • Cultural context lessons on politeness and etiquette STAY MOTIVATED • Guided lesson paths from beginner to advanced • Daily tasks and study streaks • Detailed analytics tracking your progress • Customizable avatars, themes, and collectible rewards • Study calendar to visualize your consistency FREE TO START Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji, N5-N4 content, all quiz types, conjugation drills, reading passages, and pitch accent training are completely free. PREMIUM Upgrade for AI conversation partners, full analytics, N3-N1 content, unlimited SRS cards, the immersion reader, and advanced listening practice. That's about 1,500 characters — well within the 4,000 character limit. Adjust any section as you see fit. Privacy Policy: https://digitalisapps.com/nihongo-privacy-policy/ Terms of Use: https://digitalisapps.com/nihongo-tos/

Screenshots

Kanji Step4 screens
Nihongo Learn4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Nihongo Learn at none against Kanji Step's shown. Kanji Step's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support 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. Kanji Step sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Nihongo Learn sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kanji Step ships an update every 2 days, Nihongo Learn monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Kanji Step versus Nihongo Learn: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKanji StepNihongo Learn
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 days — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB15 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperJIHUN JOStephen Dudley

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Kanji Step

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$2.99
2 purchases

Nihongo Learn

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription7 Days trial$19.991 Year

Questions

Is Kanji Step free?
Kanji Step is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Nihongo Learn free?
Nihongo Learn is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Kanji Step or Nihongo Learn have ads?
Kanji Step shows ads; Nihongo Learn does not.
Which is updated more often, Kanji Step or Nihongo Learn?
Kanji Step ships an update every 2 days, and Nihongo Learn monthly. Most recently, Kanji Step was updated on September 21, 2026 and Nihongo Learn on October 8, 2026.

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