Anki is the most powerful spaced repetition tool ever built. It's also one of the most frustrating to set up. Space Repeat was built for learners who want the same scheduling logic with a fraction of the friction. Here's how the two compare across the things that actually matter.
Try Space Repeat Free| Feature | Space Repeat | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, no conditions | Free on desktop/Android; $25 iOS app |
| Setup time | Ready in minutes | Hours of configuration |
| Spaced repetition | Built in, automatic | SM-2 algorithm, highly customisable |
| Interface | Clean and modern | Dated, dense |
| Mobile access | Any device via browser, free | iOS app costs $25 |
| Shared decks | Create your own | Massive community library |
| Image support | Yes | Yes, plus audio and video |
| Algorithm depth | Core scheduling logic | Fully configurable scheduling |
| Add-ons | No | Thousands of community add-ons |
Cost
Setup time
Spaced repetition
Interface
Mobile access
Shared decks
Image support
Algorithm depth
Add-ons
If you need the deepest algorithmic control available and are willing to invest time in setup, Anki is unmatched. If you want spaced repetition that works immediately without configuration, Space Repeat gets you there faster. For most learners, the scheduling algorithm matters more than the customisation depth. Both apps deliver that core value.
Choose Space Repeat if…
You want spaced repetition that works immediately, for free, on any device, without setup or configuration.
Choose Anki if…
You need the deepest algorithmic customisation available (fully configurable scheduling, thousands of community add-ons) and don't mind investing hours in setup to get there.
Yes. Anki has a steeper learning curve, with settings, add-ons, and deck options that take time to configure. Space Repeat is ready to use within minutes of signing up, with no setup required before your first review session.
No. Anki has a large library of shared, pre-made decks contributed by its community. Space Repeat is built around creating your own decks, which takes a bit more upfront work but keeps the content exactly matched to what you're studying.
Yes. Anki's iOS app costs $25, while Space Repeat works in any mobile browser at no cost, on iOS, Android, or desktop, with your review schedule staying in sync across devices.
Anki exports decks as .apkg files, which Space Repeat doesn't read directly. The practical path is exporting your Anki cards as plain text or CSV first (Anki supports this from the deck browser), then importing that file into Space Repeat as a new deck.
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