Anki Pro vs AnkiDroid
Introduction
When you start studying with flashcards and spaced repetition, the chances are high that you meet these two well-known apps. Both AnkiDroid and Anki Pro share a common goal. They help you ditch mindless cramming and learn effectively. But how to choose the best flashcard app for your needs? Before deciding, it’s important to understand some key differences between AnkiDroid and Anki Pro. So, let the grand battle begin!
Key Diffenreces
Anki Pro
Anki Pro has a sleek, contemporary take on spaced repetition. The app allows to create online flashcards that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Its algorithm, as well as advanced learning features, makes study sessions effective and fun. Plus, Anki Pro is accessible across all your devices and even functions offline, eliminating any excuses to skip a study session.
AnkiDroid
AnkiDroid is a mobile app for Android devices made by Anki that has been around since 2006. A total veteran of online spaced repetition learning! It’s well-known and has a loyal user base. While it might lack the latest learning features and have a less polished aesthetic, it remains a tool that many learners continue to rely on. As an open-source project, Anki is currently maintained by volunteers.
Design: AnkiDroid vs Anki Pro
The user interface is a key factor when selecting a learning tool, as it significantly influences your overall experience and ease of use. It also contributes to developing the habit of daily learning. In fact, design is one of the first major distinctions you’ll encounter between these two apps. Although both are centered around flashcards and decks, their design philosophies differ considerably.
- In this aspect, Anki Pro clearly comes out on top. It’s designed to be minimalistic and easy to use, allowing newbies to start quickly without having to deal with complex menus or settings. The dashboard is simple and gives clear access to all features. There are a lot of features, but they’re not overwhelming.
- AnkiDroid has a somewhat outdated design. While it’s functional, it can be overwhelming for new users because of the many options and settings. Customizing Ankidroid Flashcards might take more effort and could involve spending a lot of time learning how everything works.
Flashcard Experience: AnkiDroid vs Anki Pro
In the Anki Pro mobile app, all the essential tools for making cards are simple to find and use. The rich editor lets you easily customize cards by adding multimedia elements or enabling learning features. You can quickly create “Fill-in-the-blank” cards, use Image Occlusion to make cards from images, or turn on the “Reverse cards” for learning in both directions.
AnkiDroid provides similar features, but they require more effort and offer a different user experience. For example, the editor feels different, using markdown for the “Cloze” feature (called “Fill-in-the-blank” in Anki Pro). To use features like “Reverse cards,” you must create a special template, which is only possible on the desktop version of Anki. These challenges can be intimidating for new users, but with some persistence, it’s usually possible to figure things out. Still, for Android users, the possibilities are limited.
When comparing the two, AnkiDroid has an outdated feel. Still, while it requires some basic coding knowledge and extra time, it allows for greater customization. Go for the more complicated option if you feel adventurous.
Spaced Repetition: AnkiDroid vs Anki Pro
Both AnkiDroid and Anki Pro operate on the SM-2 Spaced Repetition algorithm. We can even say that Anki Pro was inspired by the veteran Anki and took the best principles out of it.
At the same time, Anki Pro offers some alternative learning presets, allowing to customize the experience according to your goal. You can choose extra algorithm presents like “Study languages” and “Study medical material”.
AnkiDroid doesn’t offer preset options, so adjusting the algorithm to fit your needs takes more time and effort. Although Ankidroid Flashcards provide 20 different settings for more detailed customization, it requires significant knowledge and a readiness to experiment. You might face challenges during this process, as achieving the perfect setup often involves extensive testing.
Collaboration Features: AnkiDroid vs Anki Pro
AnkiDroid definitely lacks features for live collaboration around flashcard creation and learning. This is a significant drawback for uni students who have tons of learning material. When it comes to Ankidroid Flashcards, the sole method for collaborating with friends is to export your cards as a file and share it with them. Alternatively, you can engage in offline activities like quizzing each other to help prepare for exams.
Anki Pro stands out for its superior online collaboration capabilities. It includes advanced features typical of modern software, such as the ability to share decks through a simple link and manage different permission settings. Everything synchronizes effortlessly across all accounts, and you can even let others preview your decks, even if they don’t have Anki Pro.
The Final Comparison
Let’s sum up all the nuances in the table below. Pay attention to the criteria that are important for you to make your decision.
| Features |  Anki Pro |  AnkiDroid |
|---|---|---|
| User-friendly design |  |  |
| Spaced Repetition algorithm | | |
| Text-to-speech | | |
| Image occlusion | | |
| Offline mode | | |
| Algorithm presets | | |
| Advanced sharing options | | |
| Support | | |
| Beginner-friendly | | |
Pricing
Anki Pro follows a freemium model, where most of the app’s features are available at no cost, letting you use it without any payment. For those seeking access to the app’s full range of advanced features, a Premium subscription is offered.
The weakest point of Anki? You can use it on desktop for free, but the mobile app AnkiDroid costs $25. This might be a deal-breaker.
Final Thoughts
Let’s respect Anki for being almost-a-veteral in the world of online flashcards and spaced repetition. But hands down, Anki Pro stands out with its modern feel and stylish, minimalistic design. Although both apps can deliver comparable outcomes, Anki for Android requires more time, a greater understanding, and extra effort. Anki Pro, on the other hand, simplifies your focus on studying and collaborating with friends by offering motivating features such as streaks, statistics, and push notifications. It really does help to build a habit of daily flashcard reviews.
