# CogniCards vs Nihongo Chat

The clearest difference is monetization model: CogniCards at free against Nihongo Chat's paid. Nihongo Chat's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 10 days). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for CogniCards against 5.0 for Nihongo Chat. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

CogniCards ships an update every 10 days, Nihongo Chat daily. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CogniCards | Nihongo Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognicards-study-flashcards/id6788159781/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-chat/id6789473488/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 12 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jan Paczkowski](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783297011) | [Tak Yan](https://appshunter.io/developer/6789473490) |

## What reviewers say

### CogniCards

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cognicards-study-flashcards/id6788159781)

This app uses spaced repetition and active recall to help you learn and remember information effectively. Organize your study material into decks, practice with quizzes, and track your progress with detailed statistics. It's designed for efficient learning across various subjects.

**Highlights:** Spaced repetition algorithm (FSRS), Active recall testing, Rich card formatting (Markdown, images, LaTeX), Deck and folder organization, Quiz and matching game practice modes, Import/export flashcard decks, Progress tracking and statistics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Nihongo Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nihongo-chat/id6789473488)

Master Japanese vocabulary and grammar for all JLPT levels with a spaced repetition system. Build custom decks from a comprehensive dictionary and track your learning progress with daily check-ins and review calendars. Enjoy a privacy-focused, offline experience.

**Highlights:** Spaced Repetition System (SRS), JLPT Level Selection (N5-N1), Built-in Japanese Dictionary, Custom Deck Building, Daily Reminders & Streaks, Offline Functionality, Multiple-Choice Quiz Mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CogniCards free?

CogniCards is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Nihongo Chat free?

Nihongo Chat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, CogniCards or Nihongo Chat?

CogniCards and Nihongo Chat are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do CogniCards or Nihongo Chat have ads?

Neither CogniCards nor Nihongo Chat shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CogniCards or Nihongo Chat?

CogniCards ships an update every 10 days, and Nihongo Chat daily. Most recently, CogniCards was updated on September 17, 2026 and Nihongo Chat on September 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*