Best Flashcard App: A Review of Anki, Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, Cram, and Brainscape

Ed Tech Lab
29 Jun 202314:00

TLDRThis video reviews five flashcard apps: Anki, Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, Cram, and Brainscape. It evaluates their user experience, learning curve, customization, spaced repetition study capabilities, and pricing. Anki is powerful but has a steep learning curve. Quizlet is user-friendly and intuitive. Flashcard Lab is great for Google Sheets users. Cram is straightforward but less customizable. Brainscape has a unique learning system but some minor drawbacks. The review helps viewers choose the best app based on their study needs and willingness to invest time or money.

Takeaways

  • 📱 There are many flashcard apps available, and this review compares Anki, Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, Cram, and Brainscape.
  • 🔄 All apps function as digital flashcards, allowing users to create prompts and answers on each card.
  • 🧠 Anki is highly customizable and uses an advanced spaced repetition system but has a steep learning curve (1/5 for user experience).
  • 🎯 Quizlet is beginner-friendly, intuitive, and easy to use, earning a perfect 5/5 for user experience.
  • 📊 Flashcard Lab integrates with Google Sheets, making it familiar for spreadsheet users, and scores 4/5 for usability.
  • 📚 Cram is similar to Quizlet but has a slightly cluttered interface, earning a 4/5 rating for user experience.
  • 📝 Brainscape employs a unique spaced repetition system but has minor interface inconsistencies, receiving a 3.5/5 rating.
  • ⚙️ Anki offers the most customization, allowing HTML, CSS, media, and add-ons, while Cram has the least customization.
  • ⏳ Anki, Flashcard Lab, and Brainscape support spaced repetition systems, each with different levels of complexity.
  • 💰 Pricing varies: Anki is free on desktop but costs $24.99 on iOS, while other apps use freemium models with varying costs.

Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of the video?

    -The primary purpose of the video is to review and compare various flashcard apps, including Anki, Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, Cram, and Brainscape, to help viewers choose the best one for their study needs.

  • How does Anki's spaced repetition system work?

    -Anki's spaced repetition system uses a set of options with time intervals above them. Users choose one of these options after reviewing a flashcard to indicate how well they know the material. For example, 'again' means the card was difficult and needs to be reviewed soon, while 'easy' means the card is well-known and should be shown less frequently.

  • Why does the reviewer give Anki a low rating for user experience?

    -The reviewer gives Anki a low rating for user experience because it has a steep learning curve and a complex interface. It requires a significant amount of time and effort to learn how to use it effectively, and its options and settings can be difficult to understand.

  • What are the key features of Quizlet that make it user-friendly?

    -Quizlet's key features include an intuitive interface, simple navigation using buttons or keyboard arrows, and easy-to-understand options for studying. It also allows users to shuffle the deck and focus on specific cards, making it very beginner-friendly.

  • How does Flashcard Lab integrate with Google Sheets?

    -Flashcard Lab stores flashcard content in Google Sheets. Users can create and manage their flashcards directly within a spreadsheet and then review them using the Flashcard Lab interface. This integration makes it easy for users familiar with Google Sheets to create and study flashcards.

  • What is the main criticism of Cram's user experience?

    -The main criticism of Cram's user experience is that the flashcard display is small and slightly cluttered. While it is similar to Quizlet in terms of ease of use, the visual presentation of the flashcards is not as clean and can be a bit distracting.

  • How does Brainscape's spaced repetition system differ from Anki's?

    -Brainscape uses its own proprietary spaced repetition system, which is different from Anki's. Users rate their confidence in their answers on a scale of 1 to 5 after reviewing each flashcard. Brainscape then adjusts the frequency of card repetition based on this input.

  • What customization options does Anki offer?

    -Anki offers extensive customization options, including the ability to design flashcards using HTML and CSS, add images and audio, and use add-ons to enhance its functionality. Users can also customize the spaced repetition system to fit their specific study schedule and memorization needs.

  • Why does the reviewer rate Brainscape's user experience lower than Flashcard Lab and Cram?

    -The reviewer rates Brainscape's user experience lower due to its slightly more complex interface and the presence of checkpoints that interrupt the study session. Additionally, the inconsistency in editing interfaces and unnecessary features like a mobile card preview page contribute to a steeper learning curve.

  • What pricing models are available for the flashcard apps discussed?

    -Anki is free for the desktop version but costs $24.99 for the iOS app. Quizlet has a freemium model with a Plus version costing $3.74 per month annually or $9.99 per month monthly. Flashcard Lab charges a one-time fee of $10.99 for its premium version. Cram is free with ads, but removing ads and adding extra features costs $5 per month. Brainscape offers Pro features for $7.99 per month annually or $19.99 per month monthly.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Overview and User Experience of Flashcard Apps

This paragraph provides an introduction to the topic of flashcard apps and a detailed comparison of their user experience and learning curve. Anki is described as a powerful app with robust features but has a steep learning curve and complex interface. Quizlet is praised for its user-friendly and intuitive design, making it ideal for beginners. Flashcard Lab is noted for its simplicity and ease of use, especially for those familiar with Google Sheets. Cram.com is similar to Quizlet in ease of use but criticized for its small and cluttered flashcard display. Brainscape has a good user experience with a slight learning curve due to its unique learning system, though it has some minor drawbacks like checkpoint pop-ups and inconsistent interfaces. The author rates the user experience and learning curve of these apps on a scale of 1 to 5, with Anki receiving the lowest score (1) and Quizlet the highest (5).

05:02

🔍 Customization and Space Repetition Study

This paragraph delves into the customization capabilities and space repetition study (SRS) features of the flashcard apps. Anki is highlighted for its extensive customization options, including the ability to use HTML and CSS to design flashcards, add-ons to enhance functionality, and a highly customizable SRS system based on the SuperMemo 2 algorithm. Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, and Brainscape offer more limited customization compared to Anki, with Flashcard Lab allowing some flexibility in input fields and Brainscape featuring a user-friendly advanced card editor. Cram.com has the least customization options among the apps reviewed. The paragraph also discusses the SRS capabilities of Anki, Flashcard Lab (which uses a modified Leitner system), and Brainscape (with its proprietary SRS system). The author rates Anki's customization at 5 out of 5, while Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, and Brainscape receive a 3, and Cram gets a 2.5.

10:03

💰 Pricing and Final Thoughts

This paragraph summarizes the pricing models of the flashcard apps and provides concluding thoughts. Anki is free for the desktop version but costs $24.99 for the iOS app. Quizlet operates on a freemium model, charging for premium features like an ad-free experience, custom formatting, and media support. Flashcard Lab also follows a freemium model, with a one-time fee of $10.99 for premium features including unlimited flashcards, ad-free use, and advanced SRS. Cram.com is free with ads, but removing ads and accessing additional features costs $5 per month. Brainscape offers Pro features for $7.99 per month (billed annually) or $19.99 per month (billed monthly). The author concludes that Anki is the best system for long-term learning if one is willing to learn it, while Quizlet is recommended for those seeking a balance between cost and functionality. Flashcard Lab is highlighted as a good choice for users familiar with Google Sheets. The paragraph ends with a call to action for viewers to try Flashcard Lab and leave their thoughts in the comments.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Flashcard Apps

Flashcard apps are digital tools designed to help users study and memorize information through the use of virtual flashcards. These apps are central to the video's theme, as they are being reviewed and compared to determine which one is the best fit for different study needs. The video evaluates various flashcard apps like Anki, Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, Cram, and Brainscape, highlighting their features, user experiences, and customization options.

💡User Experience

User experience refers to the overall interaction a user has with a product, including its ease of use, intuitiveness, and satisfaction. In the context of the video, user experience is a critical factor in evaluating the flashcard apps. For example, Anki is described as having a steep learning curve and a complex interface, resulting in a lower user experience rating, while Quizlet is praised for its user-friendly and intuitive design, earning a high rating.

💡Customization

Customization is the ability to tailor a product to suit individual preferences and needs. In the video, customization is an important aspect when comparing flashcard apps. Anki is highlighted for its extensive customization capabilities, allowing users to design flashcards using HTML and CSS, add media, and modify the spaced repetition system. Other apps like Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, and Brainscape offer more limited customization options, while Cram has the least.

💡Spaced Repetition Study (SRS)

Spaced repetition study is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time to improve long-term retention. The video explains how SRS is implemented in different flashcard apps. Anki uses the SuperMemo 2 algorithm, which is highly customizable but complex. Flashcard Lab employs a simpler modified Leitner system, while Brainscape has its own proprietary SRS system. These systems help users review difficult cards more frequently and well-known cards less often.

💡Learning Curve

The learning curve represents the amount of time and effort required to become proficient in using a product. In the video, the learning curve is discussed in relation to each flashcard app. Anki has a steep learning curve due to its extensive features and complex interface, which requires a significant investment of time to master. In contrast, Quizlet and Flashcard Lab have more straightforward interfaces and easier learning curves, making them more accessible to beginners.

💡Anki

Anki is a powerful flashcard app known for its robust features and customizable spaced repetition system. The video describes Anki as having a steep learning curve and a complex interface, but it offers extensive customization options, including the ability to use HTML and CSS to design flashcards and add-ons to enhance functionality. Despite its complexity, Anki is considered one of the best systems for long-term learning.

💡Quizlet

Quizlet is a popular flashcard app with a user-friendly and intuitive interface. It is praised in the video for its simplicity and ease of use, making it suitable for beginners. While it offers basic customization options like adding media and limited formatting, it is not as customizable as Anki. Quizlet operates on a freemium model, with additional features available for a subscription fee.

💡Flashcard Lab

Flashcard Lab is a flashcard app that integrates with Google Sheets, making it easy to use for those familiar with spreadsheet programs. It offers a simple and clean interface similar to Quizlet and includes a basic spaced repetition system. The video rates Flashcard Lab highly for its user experience and learning curve, though it is not as customizable as Anki.

💡Cram

Cram is a flashcard app that is similar to Quizlet in terms of ease of use. It allows for straightforward flashcard study with features like shuffle mode and card flipping controls. However, the video notes that Cram's flashcard display is smaller and slightly more cluttered compared to other apps. Cram is free to use with ads, but additional features like removing ads and customizing flashcards require a subscription.

💡Brainscape

Brainscape is a flashcard app with its own proprietary spaced repetition system. It offers a good user experience but has a slight learning curve due to its unique features. The video mentions that Brainscape's interface includes a progress-tracking sidebar and a checkpoint system that can be annoying without a pro subscription. It also notes inconsistencies in the editing interfaces, which slightly steepen the learning curve.

Highlights

Comparison of five flashcard apps: Anki, Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, Cram, and Brainscape.

Anki is powerful but has a steep learning curve and complex interface.

Quizlet has a user-friendly and intuitive interface, ideal for beginners.

Flashcard Lab integrates with Google Sheets and offers a simple, clean interface.

Cram is similar to Quizlet but has a slightly more cluttered display.

Brainscape has a unique learning system but includes annoying checkpoints in free version.

Anki's spaced repetition system is highly customizable with extensive options.

Flashcard Lab uses a simpler spaced repetition system compared to Anki.

Quizlet, Flashcard Lab, and Brainscape offer limited customization compared to Anki.

Cram has the least customization options among the five apps.

Anki is free for desktop but costs $24.99 for iOS app.

Quizlet offers a freemium model with premium features for a monthly or annual fee.

Flashcard Lab charges a one-time fee of $10.99 for premium features.

Cram is free with ads, but costs $5 per month for ad removal and additional features.

Brainscape offers Pro features for $7.99 per month billed annually or $19.99 per month billed monthly.

Anki is recommended for long-term learning if users are willing to learn its system.

Quizlet is praised for its ease of use and value for money.

Flashcard Lab is highlighted as the best choice for those familiar with Google Sheets.

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