Lute vs Readlang

Lute is a standalone web application installed on your computer for learning languages through reading. Users import or create texts, read them, and save definitions and associations that build a personal dictionary. The application lets users define languages and dictionaries, edit texts, and create single-word or multi-word terms while reading. Parent terms can share definitions with child terms, and sample sentences can include related terms. Readers can add images to words and use hotkeys to set statuses such as New, Learning, Well-known, or Ignore, including bulk updates. Lute supports 66 languages; its manual lists more than 50 predefined languages with sample stories and dictionaries, though some need plugins. Languages can use multiple term and sentence dictionaries, displayed embedded or in pop-up views. Lute can export terms to Anki note types, and AnkiConnect enables communication with Anki. Supported content includes text, TXT, EPUB, web pages, and book audio. Installation options are pip, Docker, or source code; Android use through Termux is also documented. Lute is free, uses the MIT license, and runs locally so users control their data.

Readlang is a reading tool for language learners who want to work with native content. Readers can select words or phrases in text and webpages to see translations, and contextual AI explanations help clarify them. Translated material can be turned into flashcards that use spaced repetition and prioritize useful words. Users can read articles and books, paste text, upload files, or bring webpages in through a browser extension or bookmarklets. The video player supports full transcriptions, including transcripts uploaded and synced to YouTube videos. A popup dictionary is available in the Web Reader, while the online eReader has a sidebar dictionary; collected words and phrases can also be exported to Anki. Readlang lists web, Android, iOS, and extension platforms, but says it has no native mobile apps. The web app can be added to a mobile device’s home screen. The Free plan is free and allows unlimited single-word translations, with 10 phrase translations and 10 contextual explanations per day. Premium is $6 a month, billed at $6 / month or $48 / year.