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DuoCards vs Anki: Using DuoCards or Anki to Learn Vocabulary

Last updated: February 1, 2026

duocards vs anki and how migaku is better than both for language learning - Banner

Many learners try to figure out whether DuoCards or Anki is the better flashcard app for learning languages. Here's the thing: both have their strengths, but they also have some pretty annoying limitations that make them less than ideal for actual language learning. I've spent way too much time testing both of these apps, and I'm going to break down exactly what works, what doesn't, and why there's actually a better option if you're serious about learning a language efficiently.

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What is Anki and why everyone talks about it

Anki has been the go-to flashcard app for language learners for years now. The name comes from the Japanese word anki () - memorization, which pretty much tells you what it does.

Anki uses a spaced repetition system (SRS) that schedules your flashcard reviews based on how well you remember each card. The algorithm increases the interval between reviews each time you get a card right, which theoretically optimizes your study time.

The big appeal of Anki is customization. You can create decks for literally anything, adjust the SRS algorithm settings, add images, audio, and even code your own card templates if you're into that. There are thousands of shared decks available, so you can download pre-made vocabulary lists for most languages without building everything from scratch.

But here's where Anki starts showing its age. The interface looks like it was designed in 2006 (because it basically was). The desktop version works fine once you figure it out, but the learning curve is steep. The mobile app situation is weird too: the iOS version costs $24.99, while Android is free. For a lot of learners, that price tag is a dealbreaker.

The problems with using Anki for language learning

I've used Anki for years, and while the spaced repetition algorithm is solid, the app has some fundamental issues for language learners.

  1. First, Anki shows you isolated words and sentences without context. You're basically memorizing flashcards in a vacuum. Sure, you can add example sentences to your cards, but you're still just drilling disconnected information. This works okay for concrete nouns, but good luck learning how particles work in Japanese or when to use the subjunctive mood in Spanish with this approach.
  2. Second, creating good cards takes forever. If you want quality decks with audio, images, and example sentences, you're looking at spending more time making cards than actually learning. Most people end up downloading shared decks, but the quality is all over the place. I've downloaded decks with wrong translations, terrible audio recordings, and cards that teach outdated or unnatural language.
  3. Third, the gamification is basically nonexistent. You open Anki, you see a number (Your new cards and reviews for the day), and you grind through them. There's no sense of progress beyond watching that number go down. For some people, this is fine, but a lot of learners burn out because the experience feels like homework.
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What is DuoCards and how it compares

DuoCards is a newer flashcard app that launched as an alternative to traditional SRS apps. The interface is way more modern than Anki, and it tries to make vocabulary learning more engaging with better visuals and a cleaner design.

DuoCards uses spaced repetition too, though their algorithm isn't as customizable as Anki's. The app focuses on pre-made decks for popular languages, and the cards usually include images and audio. The user experience is definitely smoother than Anki, especially on mobile.

Is DuoCards free or requiring subscription?

DuoCards offers a free version with limited features. You can access some decks and use basic spaced repetition, but you'll hit restrictions pretty quickly. The premium subscription unlocks all decks and features, and the pricing is around $66.99 per year.

Is DuoCards owned by Duolingo?

Nope, DuoCards is completely separate from Duolingo. The similar name causes confusion, but they're different companies with different approaches. Duolingo focuses on gamified lessons and exercises, while DuoCards is specifically a flashcard app using spaced repetition.

Are DuoCards any good?

DuoCards works fine for what it is. The app is easier to use than Anki, the cards look nicer, and the mobile experience is better. But you're still dealing with the same fundamental problem: you're learning vocabulary in isolation without real context.

The deck selection is more limited than Anki's massive library of shared decks. If you're learning a less common language or want specialized vocabulary, you might not find what you need. And while the interface is prettier, pretty doesn't necessarily mean effective for long-term retention.

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The core question: Flashcards usage in language learning

Here's what bugs me about the whole DuoCards versus Anki debate. People spend so much time arguing about which flashcard app is better, but they're missing the bigger picture. Both apps treat language learning as memorizing isolated words and sentences. That's useful for building initial vocabulary, but languages don't work that way in real life.

When you use Anki or DuoCards, you're basically training yourself to recognize words in a flashcard context. You might know that inu () - dog in Japanese when you see it on a card, but will you recognize it when you're reading a manga or watching an anime? Maybe, maybe not.

The transfer from flashcard knowledge to real-world comprehension is harder than most people think.

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Spaced repetition algorithms and their limitations

Both Anki and DuoCards rely on SRS algorithms to schedule reviews. The science behind spaced repetition is solid: reviewing information at increasing intervals helps move it into long-term memory.

Anki's algorithm is more sophisticated and customizable, letting you adjust ease factors, intervals, and graduation settings. DuoCards uses a simpler algorithm that works well enough but gives you less control.

But here's the catch. The algorithm only knows whether you clicked "again," "hard," "good," or "easy" on a card. It doesn't know if you actually understood the word in context, if you can use it in a sentence, or if you'd recognize it when someone says it quickly in conversation. You can game the system by clicking "good" on cards you sort of remember, and the algorithm will happily schedule them for later even if your knowledge is superficial.

I've seen people with Anki streaks of 500+ days who still struggle to understand basic conversations. They've memorized thousands of flashcards but can't actually use the language. That should tell you something about the limitations of flashcard-only learning.

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Export and import capabilities of Anki vs DuoCards

Anki's export and import system is robust. You can export decks as .apkg files and share them with anyone. The shared deck library has nearly 1,000 free decks for various languages, though quality varies wildly. You can also export to text files for backup or editing in spreadsheets.

DuoCards has more limited export options. You're mostly working within their ecosystem, which is fine if you're happy with the app but annoying if you want to switch to something else later. This is a common pattern with newer apps: they make it easy to get started but harder to leave.

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Why Migaku beats both DuoCards and Anki

Okay, so here's what actually works for language learning: immersion with support tools. You need to read, watch, and listen to real content in your target language, but you also need ways to quickly look up words and review vocabulary efficiently.

Generate flashcards from immersion learning

Migaku takes a completely different approach than traditional flashcard apps. Instead of drilling isolated words, you learn vocabulary from the actual content you're consuming.

  1. The browser extension lets you look up words instantly while watching Netflix, YouTube, or reading articles.
  2. You can create flashcards automatically from the sentences you encounter, which means you're learning words in context.
  3. The spaced repetition system in Migaku works similarly to Anki (It actually uses a modified version of the same algorithm), but the cards are generated from real content you care about. You're not memorizing random vocabulary lists. You're reviewing words from that anime episode you watched or that article you read about Japanese cooking.
  4. Migaku also handles the annoying parts of flashcard creation automatically. When you look up a word, it can grab audio from native speakers, add screenshots from the video you're watching, and include the full sentence for context. This takes seconds instead of the minutes you'd spend manually creating a good Anki card.
add new flashcards from media you like with migaku

Language-specific features that matter

Here's where Migaku really shines compared to generic flashcard apps. The tool understands how different languages work and adapts accordingly.

  1. For Japanese, it can show you kanji () - Chinese characters, readings, and automatically generate cards that test both recognition and recall.
  2. For languages with gendered nouns like German or Spanish, it can include the gender information automatically.

DuoCards and Anki can technically handle this stuff, but you have to set it up manually or hope someone else made a good deck. Migaku builds these features in because the developers actually use the tool for their own language learning.

create your own cards when reading with migaku

User interface and usability for actual humans

Anki's interface is rough. The desktop app looks outdated, the settings are overwhelming, and the mobile apps feel clunky. You can get used to it, but there's definitely a learning curve. DuoCards wins on visual design. The app is clean, modern, and intuitive. You can start using it immediately without reading the documentation.

Migaku finds a middle ground.

  1. The browser extension is straightforward to use (Hover over a word, click to see definition, click again to create a card).
  2. The web app for reviewing cards is clean but functional. You get modern design without sacrificing power-user features.

Migaku offers a 10-day free trial, then costs about $10 per month or less with annual billing. Compared to DuoCards, you're getting way more functionality for similar pricing. Compared to Anki, you're paying for ongoing development, cloud sync, and tools that actually integrate with your immersion learning.

Learn Languages with Migaku
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So what should you use: Anki, DuoCards, or Migaku

If you're committed to the traditional flashcard approach and want maximum customization, Anki is still the most powerful option. The learning curve is steep, but you can make it do basically anything. Just be aware that you're signing up for a lot of manual work and a dated interface.

If you want a prettier flashcard app with less complexity, DuoCards works fine. You'll pay a subscription fee and deal with a smaller deck library, but the user experience is smoother. Just don't expect it to magically make you fluent.

But if you want to start consuming real content, opt for Migaku. That's where immersion-based tools make a huge difference. Migaku's browser extension lets you learn vocabulary from the shows, videos, and articles you're already interested in.

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FAQs

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The most premium and effective way to learn a language

The most effective and "premium" way to study a new language is to pave the way yourself. Don't think about achieving fluency by relying on apps or textbooks, and hope that they can plan out the best solution for you. Take the initiative and organize the resources you have! If you are preparing for a language test, you can use Anki decks for test-specific vocab drills, and Migaku for long-term immersion and flashcards accumulation. In the end, it is what is fun and interesting that keeps you going.

If you consume media in the language you want to learn, and you understand at least some of the messages and sentences within that media, you will make progress. Period.

The best solution comes from your own plan!