JapanesePod101 vs Tobo
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comTobo
toboapp.comSide by side
| Figure | JapanesePod101 | Tobo |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 4 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 9.1 (#9) | 7.7 (#201) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | İzmir, Türkiye |
| Languages offered | 34 | 35 |
| Mobile apps | Yes | The homepage links to Tobo vocabulary apps for Android and iOS. |
| Personalized review | Yes | Yes |
| Progress sync | The app syncs lesson progress between the website and app; iCloud syncing is available on iOS but not Android. | Progress syncing across devices is a Premium feature. |
| Purpose | JapanesePod101 is an audio/video lesson-based program designed to get learners speaking Japanese from their first lesson. | Tobo teaches common vocabulary with games, flashcards, phrases and practice exercises. |
| Speech practice | Yes | No |
| Support | JapanesePod101 says its dedicated customer service team responds to email inquiries within 1 business day. | The terms page lists [email protected] for questions or suggestions. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
Tobo
- FreeFree
- Premium monthlyPrice not published
- Premium quarterlyPrice not published
- Premium yearlyPrice not published
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.