I probably don’t have to tell you that learning vocabulary is one of the fundamental aspects of mastering a new language. And we both know it can be hard. After all, one way or another, you have to memorize thousands of words!
The good news is there’s a science-backed method that can really help: Spaced repetition.
In this post, you’ll learn what this technique is all about and discover 8 of the best spaced repetition apps for vocabulary. This way, you’ll be able to use this method to learn and actually remember the words!
The Struggles Of Learning Vocabulary Effectively
As I said, learning vocabulary can be hard. Especially if your target language is very different from your native tongue. It’s one thing to learn French if you speak English, as you’ll find several similar words, but learning Thai or Japanese? A bit more of a challenge.
One of the main struggles of learning vocabulary is actually remembering it. You can repeat the words over and over, but what use is that if they don’t stick in your mind? The idea is to remember all that vocabulary in the long term, not just for a couple of days.
What’s more, traditional vocabulary-learning methods can get quite boring sometimes. Repeating long lists of words over and over? Not so fun. This can lead to losing motivation and, in the end, it might not be very effective.
Another issue is the huge number of tools and methods out there for learning vocabulary. Who wants to try 10 apps before finding the one that actually works? Plus, some of them don’t come cheap.
And the same goes for trying all the different methods scientists and experts have developed for learning vocabulary. Of course, if you have the time, do it! It will certainly be worth it. But sometimes you need results, and you need them fast.
That’s why in this post we’re listing the best spaced repetition apps for vocabulary learning, so you can get a quick overview, find the ones you think will work for you, and then try out two or three.
But first, what actually is spaced repetition?
The Science Behind Spaced Repetition
If you’re a language learner, you’ve probably seen the term “spaced repetition” a good number of times. You might already know what it is. That’s because several language learning apps (and even just learning apps in general) have seen the benefits of this technique and implemented it in their courses.
So, what is “spaced repetition”?
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that essentially shows words at different intervals. If they’re difficult or new, you’ll see them more often; if they’re easier or you’ve already learned them, you’ll see them less.
But it’s not just for vocabulary. It’s usually implemented with flashcards and can help you learn all kinds of things. That said, we are here to learn vocabulary, so that’s what we’ll focus on.
The spaced repetition technique has been scientifically proven to help with learning. That’s because it exploits something called the “spacing effect,” the idea that when study sessions are spaced out, learning is more effective.
So, before you start cramming for your next test, maybe listen to science and give this method a try!
Seeing the benefits this can have for language learning, and vocabulary specifically, language apps have implemented algorithms that rely on spaced repetition. The main idea is to show you the word again just when you’re most likely to forget it.
Let’s see some apps that do just that.
The Best Spaced Repetition Apps For Vocabulary
So, want to give spaced repetition a try? Here are some of the best apps that put this method to good use.
1. Ling
Ling is a language-learning app designed to make mastering a new language easy and fun. And that includes vocabulary.
In this app, the spaced repetition technique is built into the lessons to reinforce words and sentences you’ve learned just when you’re about to forget them.
But it’s not only about vocabulary, the Ling app focuses on all language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. That said, if you want to stick to words and phrases, just skip all the non-vocabulary features!
Main Features
- Built-in spaced repetition system to make sure you remember what you’ve learned.
- Personalized “My Vocabulary” bank that lets you review words you’ve already learned at your own pace.
- Flashcards to practice all the vocabulary you’ve seen so far, with audio pronunciations by native speakers.
- Statistics, streaks, and achievements that track your learning progress and keep you motivated.
- Short quizzes to test your skills and see how much you recall from previous lessons.
- A gamified approach that makes learning less stressful and much more fun.
2. Drops
Drops is an app designed specifically for vocabulary learning. Its short and interactive lessons teach you new words and phrases that you can use in real conversations, while relying on a spaced repetition algorithm and visuals to make sure they stick.
Main Features
- Gamified short lessons that are ideal for busy schedules.
- Around 5,000 practical words and phrases to learn.
- Words have an associated image to improve retention.
- User friendly interface.
- Free version limited to 5 minutes per day.
3. Anki
Anki isn’t really a language-learning app; it’s a flashcard app that you can use to learn anything. Still, it’s one of the best spaced repetition apps for vocabulary precisely because it has a really powerful spaced repetition algorithm, and because learners truly love it.
Main Features
- Option to create flashcards yourself or download shared decks with user generated content.
- Flashcards can include audio, images, and videos.
- Synchronization between multiple devices.
- Allows for flashcard decks with 100,000+ cards.
4. Quizlet
Similar to Anki, Quizlet is a flashcard app that improves retention by applying spaced repetition. You can create your own flashcards or download pre-made ones as well. Quizlet even has a feature that generates decks via AI based on your study materials.
Main Features
- Cards can be sorted into “know” and “still learning” categories.
- Flashcards can be turned into practice questions with different question types.
- Adapts to what you know and what needs more practice.
- Offline access to study anywhere.
5. Memrise
Memrise is another one of the best spaced repetition apps for vocabulary. It uses native speaker videos to teach you practical words and phrases, with the aim of allowing you to have basic conversations within 2 months. Also, like the Ling app, it’s an app with speech recognition, so you can practice your pronunciation as well.
Main Features
- Native speaker videos that let you hear local accents.
- Fill in the gaps exercises to improve understanding.
- AI conversation practice.
- “My words” memory bank to save words and review them later.
6. Lexilize Flashcards
Another flashcard app, Lexilize Flashcards also lets you make your own decks or download pre-made ones. The difference is that this one is actually designed with language-learning and vocabulary-building in mind, even when it lets you study multiple subjects. It actually covers more than 100 languages.
Main Features
- Auto translation for added words.
- Lets you import word lists from Excel.
- Flashcards can be turned into 5 different games to study.
- Words can be shared with friends.
7. Clozemaster
Clozemaster is another great app that relies on the spaced repetition feature to master vocabulary in over 50 languages. Unlike several apps on this list, Clozemaster doesn’t rely on flashcards. Instead, it uses a fill-in-the-blanks method with thousands of different sentences.
Main Features
- Sentences tailored to the user’s skill level.
- Improves listening skills by letting you listen to the sentence before you see it.
- Targeted practice modes and difficulty levels.
- ChatGPT sentence explanations.
8. Fluent Forever
Finally, Fluent Forever is a language-learning app that can be a great vocabulary builder. You may have heard of it as a book by Gabriel Wyner, who founded the app based on his method for learning multiple languages quickly. The app teaches vocabulary through images rather than translations, and relies on a spaced repetition system to make it stick.
Main Features
- Personalized, automated flashcards with a spaced repetition system.
- Focuses on frequently used words.
- Pronunciation lessons.
- Teaches grammar with story-based learning.
Why Ling Is Built For Serious Learners
As we’ve said, the Ling app is an excellent learning tool when it comes to vocabulary. But it’s way more than that; it’s a way to learn a foreign language and make the experience fun.
Its short, gamified lessons keep things entertaining while making sure you progress constantly. Its flashcards, personal vocabulary bank, and review features make sure you don’t forget what you’ve learned. And you’ll learn vocabulary in context with example sentences and dialogs to make sure you understand it.
Plus, the achievements and Banana Points keep you motivated, and the dialog feature makes sure you practice conversations in a safe environment. It even has grammar and culture notes for specific languages to give you a more well-rounded learning.
In addition, the Ling app is one of the best spaced repetition apps for vocabulary. That’s because it incorporates this technology to make sure you see words and phrases at ideal intervals, so you actually remember them.
But don’t take my word for it, let’s see what learners have to say.
Real Results From Real Learners
With 4.8 stars from 16.2K reviews on Google Play and 4.6 stars from 8.5K ratings on the App Store, the Ling app has made a good name for itself among language learners worldwide.
Here are some reviews taken directly from Google Play:
“Perfect for a quick lesson to stay on top of grammar and vocabulary. The ability to turn off Romanization really makes this app perfect for reading comprehension.”
★★★★★
Chaz
“I love this app from the start, it’s minimalistic design and simple yet effective lessons bring me with ease even after only 2 lessons to a sense of deep accomplishment, better understanding of the language and a confidence that even I could have a simple conversation with a native speaker, albeit about 2 simple subjects. but hey, the journey has just begun and this app helps me feel confident and excited about what’s on the horizon! To the creators of the app – thanks guys! xoxo”
★★★★★
Dita Saule
What You Can Learn In Just 7 Days
The best way to really know if one of the best spaced repetition apps for vocabulary works for your learning style is to try it out for a while. Luckily, the Ling app offers a free 7-day trial that you can use to get to know all of its features.
With that in mind, here’s what you’ll learn by using Ling for just one week.
| Day | What You Can Learn |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Basic words and phrases |
| Day 2 | Basic sentences |
| Day 3 | Numbers and family |
| Day 4 | Counting |
| Day 5 | Activities |
| Day 6 | Food and tastes |
| Day 7 | Vegetables and fruits |
And this is for learners who do one unit per day. If you have more time to spend using the app, you’ll learn much more!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spaced Repetition Apps For Vocabulary
How Can You Learn Vocabulary With Spaced Repetition?
Spaced repetition helps you learn vocabulary by making you review words at optimal intervals. You’ll see new or difficult words more often, and easier words, or those you’ve already learned, less frequently. You can use language apps like Ling to try this method, or flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet.
Does Spaced Repetition Have An App?
Several apps make use of the spaced repetition technique. The Ling app, for example, incorporates it into its lessons to make sure that what you’ve learned goes into your long term memory. Other learning apps, such as Anki, Quizlet, Memrise, and more, also incorporate this technique.
What Is The Most Effective Way To Memorize Vocabulary?
The best way to effectively memorize vocabulary is to use multiple techniques. Spaced repetition can help you review words at optimal intervals and recall them better. Learning new vocabulary in context can also help with long-term retention by making sure you understand what you’ve learning. Other tools, like keeping a journal and using mnemonic devices like word association or flashcards, can also help.
Start Your 7-Day Free Trial And Learn Vocabulary With Ling!
We’ve gone through 8 of the best spaced repetition apps for learning vocabulary today. The best way to find the right fit for you is to try a couple of them and see how they work.
I recommend you start with the Ling app. It’s built-in spaced repetition system ensures you’re seeing words and phrases at the right intervals, and its fun, bite-sized lessons help you stay on track and avoid losing motivation.
With features like flashcards, a personal vocabulary bank, and the review mode, you’ll find plenty of tools that will help you retain vocabulary long-term.
So what are you waiting for? Make use of the free 7-day trial and start your language learning journey today!
