JapanesePod101 vs OptiLingo
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comOptiLingo
optilingo.comSide by side
| Figure | JapanesePod101 | OptiLingo |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4/mo | $0.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 6 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 9.1 (#9) | 8.5 (#56) |
| Founded | 2005 | 2019 |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Languages offered | 34 | 20 |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Yes |
| Offline lessons | Yes | No |
| Personalized review | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | JapanesePod101 is an audio/video lesson-based program designed to get learners speaking Japanese from their first lesson. | OptiLingo teaches conversational language skills using a low-stress listen-and-repeat method. |
| Speech practice | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 4 | 5.99 |
| Support | JapanesePod101 says its dedicated customer service team responds to email inquiries within 1 business day. | The contact page invites users to submit a support form and says the team will get back to them ASAP. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
OptiLingo
- Annual$5.99 a year
- Quarterly$7.99 a month
- Monthly$9.99 a month
- Annual Plan$5.99 a year
- Quarterly Plan$7.99 a month
- Monthly Plan$9.99 a month
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.