Hirogaru vs JapanesePod101
Hirogaru
hirogaru-nihongo.jpf.go.jp
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comSide by side
| Figure | Hirogaru | JapanesePod101 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 7.2 (#256) | 9.1 (#9) |
| Founded | 1972 | 2005 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Languages offered | 1 | 34 |
| Purpose | Hirogaru is a website for learning about Japan and Japanese through topics that interest the learner. | JapanesePod101 is an audio/video lesson-based program designed to get learners speaking Japanese from their first lesson. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
In their own words
Hirogaru
Hirogaru has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101 teaches Japanese through short audio and video lessons designed to help learners speak from their first lesson. Sessions run 3 to 15 minutes and cover levels from Absolute Beginner through Advanced, with new lessons each week. The materials include pronunciation, listening comprehension, grammar explanations, reading notes, and cultural information approved through a certified Japanese teacher. Study tools include spaced-repetition flashcards, vocabulary and phrase lists, voice recording, translations, read-along notes, and daily lessons. The service has Android and iOS apps as well as a website; learners can download lessons for offline study and sync progress between the app and website. iCloud syncing is available on iOS but not Android. Premium PLUS adds access to a personal Japanese teacher, a personalized program, feedback, corrections, and private messaging. The free plan includes selected lessons and a seven-day Premium trial. Paid plans start at $4/mo (annual); plan prices are also listed in USD based on a 24-month subscription cost.