JapanesePod101 vs Varnamala
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comVarnamala
varnamala.orgSide by side
| Figure | JapanesePod101 | Varnamala |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $4/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 0 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 9.1 (#9) | 7.8 (#167) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Languages offered | 34 | 13 |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Yes |
| Offline lessons | Yes | Yes |
| Personalized review | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | Innovative Language Learning says its privacy policy covers how it collects, uses, stores, discloses and processes personal information and describes access, correction and update choices. | The README says leaderboards show a handle and generated avatar, and that a learner’s real name and email are not visible to other learners. |
| Purpose | JapanesePod101 is an audio/video lesson-based program designed to get learners speaking Japanese from their first lesson. | Varnamala describes itself as a personal app for learning languages, in a Duolingo-style format. |
| Speech practice | Yes | No |
| Support | JapanesePod101 says its dedicated customer service team responds to email inquiries within 1 business day. | The project says donations help pay for servers and keep the app free, and that contributing a course is welcome. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 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.