LingQ vs OpenKoto

LingQ is a language-learning service built around reading and listening to real-world content, with new words learned in context. It offers 52 languages, a placement test, personalized review and offline lessons. Its browser importer can turn content from YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, Spotify, Apple TV, Disney+ and Amazon Prime into lessons. LingQ is available on the web, Android and iOS, with a browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge. The free membership allows 20 saved words and phrases, five lessons made from imported content and one audio playlist. Premium membership provides unlimited saved words and imported lessons, full sentence translations and offline access. Premium is listed at $215.76 per year, billed upfront for the selected duration and recurring until canceled; Premium Plus is $269.99 per year on the same billing basis. Paid membership is also noted from $8.99/mo (annual). Users can change or cancel plans at any time, and trial or subscription auto-renewal can be canceled.

OpenKoto is a language-learning app for turning content you choose into reading and study material. It imports URLs and PDF, EPUB, TXT, Word, and Markdown files, then provides automatic translation and vocabulary extraction. In the reader, learners can switch languages in real time, look up words, and parse grammar. An AI assistant offers contextual word explanations, grammar breakdowns, pronunciation guidance, and questions about highlighted text. The app supports learning and transcription in more than 100 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. The maker also describes video learning with synchronized subtitles and transcription. Desktop downloads are listed for Mac, Windows, and Linux; native iPhone and iPad apps include offline-first use, vocabulary review, and video subtitles. The maker says desktop data is processed locally and iOS learning data stays on the device, with API keys in the iOS Keychain. OpenKoto is free and open source under Apache 2.0. Its web version is being rebuilt, with vocabulary review, novels, and lyrics planned to sync across platforms.