Revu vs Anki
Anki is the gold standard for spaced repetition. Revu builds on that foundation with FSRS scheduling, AI deck generation, coverage tracking, and a modern study experience. Here's how they compare.
Setup complexity
Steep learning curve; add-ons needed for most workflows
Ready out of the box with sensible defaults
Scheduling algorithm
SM-2 by default, FSRS available as opt-in
FSRS native from day one
AI generation
Third-party add-ons required
Built-in: generate decks from PDFs and notes
Coverage tracking
None
Maps cards to course sections automatically
Daily planning
Manual — you decide what to study
Automatic daily review plan based on due cards and coverage
Price
Free desktop + US$25 iOS app (Android free)
Free tier + €6/mo Pro for AI features
Data storage
Local SQLite database
Local-first with optional cloud sync
UI / UX
Dated interface, highly customizable via add-ons
Modern, opinionated design with clean layout
When to choose Anki
Anki remains the right choice if you need maximum flexibility and a massive ecosystem. Its community is unmatched.
- You want total control over card templates and styling
- You rely on the massive add-on ecosystem (8,000+ add-ons)
- You need shared decks from the AnkiWeb community
- You prefer a free, open-source tool with decades of track record
When to choose Revu
Revu is built for students who want a complete study system, not just a flashcard app. It handles the decisions so you can focus on learning.
- You want AI to generate decks from your PDFs and notes
- You need coverage tracking that maps cards to course sections
- You prefer a daily review plan built automatically
- You want FSRS scheduling without configuration
- You need exams, study guides, and flashcards in one place
Ready to try a different approach?
Revu imports your existing Anki decks. Try it risk-free and see if a study OS fits your workflow better than a flashcard app.
Join the waitlist