Anki
User-authored language lessons become serious spaced-repetition cards with audio, images and progress history.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-10
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- AGPL-3.0+
- Hosting Model
- Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud)
- Platforms
- desktopwebone-click install
- Installation
- Use the Windows installer, macOS DMG or official Linux launcher
- Where Your Data Lives
- Local profile files including collection.anki2, collection.media and backups; exports use .apkg/.colpkg, with optional AnkiWeb sync
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Anki supplies no expert-authored curriculum, grammar path, dialogue practice or automatic pronunciation coaching; the learner must build or source the material.
Replaces 6 paid apps
up to $64.34/mo ($772/yr) in subscriptions
Anki FAQ
Common questions
Is Anki free and open source?+
Anki is an open-source tool licensed under AGPL-3.0+ that runs on local or hosted. User-authored language lessons become serious spaced-repetition cards with audio, images and progress history.
What paid software does Anki replace?+
Anki serves as a free replacement for 6 paid SaaS applications: Babbel, Busuu Premium, Duolingo Super, ELSA Speak, Pimsleur, Rosetta Stone, saving up to $64.34/month ($772/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Anki?+
Installation: Use the Windows installer, macOS DMG or official Linux launcher.
What is the catch or trade-off with Anki?+
Anki supplies no expert-authored curriculum, grammar path, dialogue practice or automatic pronunciation coaching; the learner must build or source the material.