Optimem LogoOptimem
Optimem logovsAnki logo

Optimem vs Anki

Anki pioneered digital spaced repetition. Optimem builds on that foundation with modern design and zero-friction learning.

Free · No ads · No sign-up

Head-to-head comparison

Optimem logoOptimem
Anki logoAnki
Cost
Free
$25 on iOS
Setup time to start learning
< 30 seconds
20-30+ minutes
Modern, clean interface
Built-in high-quality contentAnki requires creating or importing decks
Simple review systemOptimem: 2 buttons, Anki: 4 buttons
Spaced repetition algorithm
Import existing Anki decks
Technical knowledge requiredPlugins, settings, card creation
Feature illustration

Start learning in 30 seconds, not 30 minutes.

While Anki requires extensive setup—creating an account, installing plugins, configuring settings, and building or importing decks—Optimem lets you start learning immediately.

No sign-up, no configuration, no complexity. Just tap a topic and begin your learning journey.

Anki's tradeoffs

Complex setup required

Requires learning plugins, settings, and card creation before you can start studying effectively.

Interface from another era

Small buttons, dense menus, and dated design add friction to every review session.

4-button decision fatigue

Four review options add mental overhead to every card, slowing your flow state.

No built-in content

You must create or find decks yourself, with quality varying widely.

Beautiful by design, powerful by nature.

Optimem combines aesthetic simplicity with powerful features. Every interaction is smooth, every screen is clean, every decision is obvious.

Our 2-button review system is scientifically optimal—providing the perfect balance between simplicity and the adaptive learning that makes spaced repetition effective.

Feature illustration

Why Optimem works better

Instant start

Download and start learning in seconds. No setup, plugins, or configuration needed.

Modern design

Clean interface that feels natural and minimizes cognitive friction during study sessions.

Anki-compatible

Import your existing Anki decks and keep all your progress and content.

What learners are saying

"This app is outstanding. I've never been able to use flashcards and this app is like nothing I've ever seen. It's amazing how much I've learned in a couple of days while it feels like a game."

— Discord Member

"Honestly, this app is the fastest way I've learned any sort of vocab"

— Oats Jenkins, YouTuber

"S-tier flashcards. Stunningly simple and pleasant UI, amazing learning capabilities."

— Google Play Reviewer

"This app just replaced all of my other learning apps"

— Google Play Reviewer

"I originally picked this up to learn Toki Pona, but I've also ended up learning stuff like the NATO Phonetic alphabet, Finnish vocab, and Minecraft Enchantment Language."

— App Store Reviewer

"Don't let this app go mainstream"

— Discord Member

"This app is amazing, has so many thoughtful features that makes it a smooth experience, and honestly just so refreshing to not have an app loaded full of ads!"

— App Store Reviewer

"Best language learning app I've used so far. Highly recommend, especially if you need to learn quickly."

— App Store Reviewer

Try a modern take on spaced repetition

Keep what works about Anki. Skip the complexity. Join thousands learning faster with Optimem.

Loading...