JapanesePod101 vs Sottaku
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comSottaku
sottaku.appSide by side
| Figure | JapanesePod101 | Sottaku |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 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 (#76) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Perkasie, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Languages offered | 34 | 15 |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Yes |
| Offline lessons | Yes | Yes |
| Personalized review | Yes | Yes |
| Placement test | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | JapanesePod101 is an audio/video lesson-based program designed to get learners speaking Japanese from their first lesson. | Sottaku is a language-learning app combining spaced repetition with games and tests to support vocabulary learning and progress tracking. |
| Support | JapanesePod101 says its dedicated customer service team responds to email inquiries within 1 business day. | The developer invites questions, comments, and feedback by email or through X. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
Sottaku
- FreeFree
- Sottaku ProPrice not published
- Sottaku Pro AnnualPrice not published
- Education (monthly)$8.99 a month
- Sottaku Pro (monthly)$12.99 a month
- Education (annual)$69.99 a year
- Sottaku Pro (annual)$99.99 a year
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.