JapanesePod101 vs MaruMori
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comMaruMori
marumori.ioSide by side
| Figure | JapanesePod101 | MaruMori |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4/mo | $6.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 7 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 9.1 (#9) | 8.4 (#69) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Oosterhout, Netherlands |
| Languages offered | 34 | 1 |
| Mobile apps | Yes | MaruMori offers iOS and Android apps through the App Store and Google Play, and says the apps are available regardless of subscription status. |
| Personalized review | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | JapanesePod101 is an audio/video lesson-based program designed to get learners speaking Japanese from their first lesson. | MaruMori is an all-in-one platform for learning Japanese, with structured learning from beginner to advanced levels. |
| Paid from | 4 | 6.99 |
| Study tools | The service includes spaced repetition flashcards, vocabulary and phrase lists, voice recording tools, read-along notes, translations and daily motivational lessons. | Learners can create personal study lists or use curated lists, including JLPT lists and lists based on anime, games, novels, and manga. |
| Support | JapanesePod101 says its dedicated customer service team responds to email inquiries within 1 business day. | The knowledge base lists [email protected] as its contact email and also points users to the MaruMori Discord server. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
MaruMori
- Monthly$8.99 a month
- Yearly$83.88 a year
- Lifetime$349.99 a month
- Monthly$8.99 a month
- Kitsun Lifetime Add-on$49.99, paid once
- Yearly$83.88 a year
- Lifetime$349.99, paid once
In their own words
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.