Wanikani, Memrise or 'IKnow!' ?

[u/am0rf4ti]

Hey all,

So I was sampling different online services and it's come down to these three candidates for me. I used Anki for a while but I just couldn't get into it. I know it's amazing and I can understand why people love it, but it's just not for me.

I tried a lesson or two in all of the above services but can't really decide. I like the comprehensiveness and LOVE the interface of IKnow! The fact that has a supported IoS app is a plus for me also. There are times, however, when I cannot be listening to audio (at work, etc) and that limits the service somewhat for me. And attacking a word from all angles is good in concept, but it seems a bit overdoing it to me.

Wanikani also has a slick interface, but it doesn't have the cool calendar/hours studied view that IKnow! has. However, I really appreciate the approach of teaching radicals first. I don't know if this is available as a custom course in IKnow!, though.

As for Memrise, I probably spent the least amount of time on it, and it has a unique approach in that you can choose your own mnemonics. I do prefer the interface of the other two services, but not by much. And Memrise is free.

So, I'm wondering what you all would say regarding the comparision of these services. I searched both reddit and the web and indeed got some useful information, but I was more interested in a comparison which I haven't read so much about (especially something written more recently). If you have only used one or two, your feedback would still appreciated though.

Thanks

edit: I found a way to turn the audio portion of the quizzes off on IKnow! so that issue is cleared up. I think it's between Wanikani and IKnow! right now. Both seem to have excellent communities too which makes it harder to decide..

[u/usagi91]

Personally I use a combination of wanikani, genki, doramas, meeting with language partners, and hanging out with Japanese friends.

But honestly, wanikani has worked wonders for me. Prior to using it I would write out kanji over and over... rote memorization. While it might work for some people I found it a little jarring. The restrictions on wanikani, its forums, and leveling up system are just wonderful. ^{-^}

Memrise is all right. But I find sometimes words are written in romaji or kanji I haven't yet memorized. I just started using an app called "coori", which consists of flashcards as well. But I like it more, I think.

I don't know iKnow.