Comparison

Kanji Master vs JLPT Tango

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

Head to head
About

Kanji Master

This app teaches Japanese kanji by focusing on visual patterns and real-world word connections, rather than stroke memorization. It offers a streamlined learning experience with automatic review management and essential vocabulary for JLPT levels.

Highlights
  • Learn kanji as visual patterns
  • Connect kanji to real words
  • Automatic review management
  • Focus on recognition, not writing
  • Learn essential JLPT vocabulary
Features
Read full description

How do you recognize a stray cat you see every day? Do you count every stripe, every detail, every tiny feature? Of course not. You recognize the overall shape. The pattern. And you instantly know it's the same cat. ----- This is why most people struggle with kanji. Kanji works the same way. What matters is not every stroke or writing drill, but recognizing the overall shape quickly. The Cat Kanji Method trains you to grasp kanji as patterns - not fragments. Learn through visual stories, and connect kanji to real words you actually use. ----- Here's what you get: ・ No complicated menus Just tap "Start" and begin learning. ・ No writing drills Focus on recognition, patterns, and core words. ・ No manual planning The app manages your reviews automatically. ・ Save time No clutter, no busywork - just what matters. ・ Learn essential words through kanji Covering JLPT N5-N1 and real-world usage. ----- Reading Japanese gets easier when words and kanji connect in your mind. If kanji vocabulary is slowing you down, if your learning feels scattered, if you want to read faster with confidence, it's time to change your approach. Try the Cat Kanji Method. Learn smarter. Read faster. Understand more.

About

JLPT Tango

This app helps learners prepare for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) by providing organized vocabulary lists for all levels. It uses a unique learning queue system for spaced repetition, ensuring you focus on words you find difficult. Practice your knowledge with quiz mode and review essential Japanese writing systems.

Highlights
  • JLPT N5–N1 vocabulary by level
  • Cumulative decks with customizable sizes
  • Learning queue-based repetition
  • Continue study sessions where left off
  • Review count tracking
  • Hiragana and Katakana charts
  • Quiz mode for active recall
Features
Read full description

JLPT Tango is a basic Japanese vocabulary app for learners preparing for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). The word Tango in the app name comes from the Japanese word 単語(たんご), which means “word.” The moment you see the app name, you have already learned your first Japanese word. From the beginner N5 level to the advanced N1 level, you can study Japanese vocabulary organized by JLPT level, review words repeatedly, and test what you have learned with Quiz Mode. Rather than simply viewing words once and moving on, JLPT Tango uses a learning queue system. Words you have memorized are removed from the queue, while words you are unsure about are sent to the back of the queue. This allows you to naturally review the words you have not fully memorized yet. Key Features 1. JLPT N5–N1 Vocabulary by Level JLPT Tango provides vocabulary lists for all five JLPT levels: N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1. Whether you are just starting Japanese or preparing for advanced JLPT vocabulary, you can study words that match your current level. 2. Cumulative Decks with Customizable Sizes (Default Size: 20) Decks contain 20 words by default and are organized cumulatively. For example, Deck 1 includes words 1–20, Deck 2 includes words 1–40, and Deck 3 includes words 1–60. You can also customize the deck size in increments of 10 words, allowing you to learn new vocabulary while naturally reviewing previously studied words. 3. Learning Queue-Based Repetition Each time you start a new study session, the word order is shuffled. Words marked as “Memorized” are removed from the current learning queue, while words marked as “Not Memorized” are moved to the end of the queue. This helps you reduce words you already know and focus on repeatedly reviewing the words you still find difficult. 4. Continue Where You Left Off Even if you leave the app during a study session, your current learning queue is saved. When you open the app again, you can continue from where you left off, making it easy to study during short breaks, commutes, or school travel time. 5. Review Count Tracking JLPT Tango records how many times you complete each vocabulary list. You can check how many times you have reviewed each list and easily track your progress through review count badges. 6. Hiragana and Katakana Charts The app provides hiragana and katakana charts, helping you review the basic Japanese writing systems alongside vocabulary study. 7. Quiz Mode Test the vocabulary you have studied by solving quiz questions. Quiz Mode helps you check how well you remember each word and reinforce your vocabulary through active recall instead of simply reviewing words by sight. 8. Light / Dark / System Theme JLPT Tango supports Light Mode, Dark Mode, and System Theme. You can study Japanese vocabulary with a comfortable screen setting that matches your environment. 9. Data Reset The app provides a menu for resetting your study records and saved data. When you want to start studying from the beginning again, you can clear your learning progress. Recommended For * Learners preparing for JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2, or N1 * Learners who want to memorize Japanese vocabulary by JLPT level * Learners who want to separate memorized and unmemorized words for review * Learners who want to test their vocabulary with quizzes * Learners who want to study hiragana and katakana together * Learners who want to consistently review Japanese vocabulary in short study sessions Study Japanese vocabulary step by step with JLPT Tango, test what you have learned with quizzes, and remember words longer through repetition-based review.

Screenshots

Kanji Master4 screens
JLPT Tango4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: JLPT Tango at none against Kanji Master's 1. JLPT Tango also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 10 days). Kanji Master's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 91%). 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. Kanji Master sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. JLPT Tango asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Kanji Master ships an update every 10 days, JLPT Tango every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Kanji Master versus JLPT Tango: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterKanji MasterJLPT Tango
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better90.9% of reviews
Number of ratings1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size102 MB55 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperWONGU LEELocale Labs

Customer experience

Kanji Master

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

JLPT Tango

Written reviews11 reviews
Positive90.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative9.1%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Kanji Master

One-time1
  • Master Plan (Lifetime Access)$8.99
None

JLPT Tango

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Kanji Master free?
Kanji Master is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is JLPT Tango free?
JLPT Tango is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Kanji Master or JLPT Tango have ads?
Neither Kanji Master nor JLPT Tango shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Kanji Master or JLPT Tango?
Kanji Master ships an update every 10 days, and JLPT Tango every 4 days. Most recently, Kanji Master was updated on September 21, 2026 and JLPT Tango on September 17, 2026.

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