Comparison

Ichigo vs Chill Spark

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

Head to head
About

Ichigo

This app places Japanese vocabulary widgets on your home or lock screen, offering passive learning through daily exposure. Choose your JLPT level and see new words appear naturally in your routine, with options for hourly updates and offline access.

Highlights
  • Home and lock screen widgets
  • JLPT N5-N1 vocabulary
  • Customizable update frequency
  • Offline functionality
  • Word history browsing
  • Multiple widget styles
Features
Read full description

Ichigo (一語) means "one word." Most language apps want your full attention - lessons, streaks, notifications. Ichigo takes a different approach: it puts Japanese words where you already look. Add a widget to your home screen or lock screen, and every glance becomes a small moment of exposure. No pressure to study, no guilt for missing a day. Just words appearing naturally in your routine, building familiarity over time. How it works • Choose your JLPT level (N5 to N1) • Add Wanikani as vocabulary source • Add widgets to your home screen or lock screen • See a new word every day or every hour • Tap to explore readings, meanings, and examples Features • 5 widget styles for home screen and lock screen • Complete JLPT vocabulary from N5 to N1 • Track words you've seen per level • Browse your word history anytime • Fully offline - no account, no internet required Ichigo isn't about studying. It's about letting words find you.

About

Chill Spark

Features
Read full description

Spark turns spare moments into learning moments. Chill Spark delivers bite-sized video lessons and quick quizzes that fit into your day — no long lectures, no heavy commitment. EXPLORE COURSES Browse the course library and pick the topics that spark your curiosity. LEARN IN MINUTES Each lesson is a short, focused video followed by quick questions that check your understanding. A full session takes just a few minutes. QUIZZES THAT ADAPT Spark adjusts question difficulty to how you're doing, so you're always challenged but never overwhelmed. SET GOALS, BUILD A HABIT Set your own learning goals and let Spark keep you on track with well-timed reminders that fit around your routine. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Review your learning history and quiz results at a glance, and watch your streak grow. SMART, RESPECTFUL NUDGES Spark can use signals like motion and time of day to suggest learning at the moments that suit you best — always under your control in Settings. Chill Spark is free — no ads, no subscriptions. A free account keeps your progress in sync.

Screenshots

Ichigo4 screens
Chill Spark4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Chill Spark at none against Ichigo's 5. Chill Spark also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.6). On price, ads 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. Ichigo sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Chill Spark asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Ichigo ships an update weekly, Chill Spark every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Ichigo versus Chill Spark: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterIchigoChill Spark
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS18.615.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDominik FabisiewiczSuranga Nanayakkara

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Ichigo

One-time5
  • JLPT N3$2.99
  • JLPT N2$2.99
  • JLPT N1$2.99
Show 2 more
  • JLPT N4$2.99
  • All Levels Bundle$3.99
None

Chill Spark

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Ichigo free?
Ichigo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Chill Spark free?
Chill Spark is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Ichigo or Chill Spark have ads?
Neither Ichigo nor Chill Spark shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Ichigo or Chill Spark?
Ichigo ships an update weekly, and Chill Spark every 2 days. Most recently, Ichigo was updated on October 31, 2026 and Chill Spark on October 28, 2026.

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