Anki can be used without paying: Free desktop program and AnkiWeb sync; AnkiMobile is the iOS app. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.

Yes. Anki publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0 license.

Which platforms does Anki support?

Anki is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.

What is Anki best for?

Open-source flashcards with full scheduling control. In our ranking of flashcard and spaced repetition apps it is number 1 of 6 with a score of 93.0.

What are the best alternatives to Anki?

The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are RemNote, Mochi, Brainscape, Knowt.

Anki Review, Pricing & Alternatives (2026)

93.0score

Ranked 1 of 6 in best flashcard and spaced repetition apps

An open-source program with the most scheduling control and free desktop use. Its interface is plainer than the rest, and its mobile apps are separate programs, which makes setup heavier than Cram or Knowt.

Best for Open-source flashcards with full scheduling control

About Anki

Anki shows each card again at an interval that lengthens as the learner answers correctly, which is the core of its spaced repetition scheduler. Cards can hold text, images, audio and formatted fields. AnkiWeb hosts shared decks that other people have made, and add-ons extend the program with new features.

The desktop program and AnkiWeb sync are free, and the source code is public under AGPL-3.0. Its interface is plainer than newer flashcard apps, and the mobile apps are separate programs with their own setup. Anki suits learners who want full control over their cards and scheduling, and who accept a plainer interface in return.

Strengths

Open source under AGPL-3.0
Free desktop program and AnkiWeb sync
Large library of shared decks and add-ons

Limits

Plainer interface than newer flashcard apps
Mobile apps are separate programs with their own setup

Where Anki ranks

List	Rank	Score	Best for
Best Flashcard and spaced repetition apps	1 of 6	93.0	Open-source flashcards with full scheduling control

Alternatives to Anki

All 5 alternatives

Compare Anki

Questions about Anki

Is Anki free?: Anki can be used without paying: Free desktop program and AnkiWeb sync; AnkiMobile is the iOS app. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
Is Anki open source?: Yes. Anki publishes its source code under the AGPL-3.0 license.
Which platforms does Anki support?: Anki is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
What is Anki best for?: Open-source flashcards with full scheduling control. In our ranking of flashcard and spaced repetition apps it is number 1 of 6 with a score of 93.0.
What are the best alternatives to Anki?: The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are RemNote, Mochi, Brainscape, Knowt.