Anki is a flashcard application built around spaced repetition, using an algorithm to schedule reviews so learners spend more time on challenging material and less on cards they already know well. It is free and open source on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), with source code publicly available on GitHub and an extensible add-on ecosystem built by the community.
RemNote combines note-taking, flashcard creation, PDF annotation, and AI-powered study tools into one app built around helping students retain what they learn, not just record it. Notes can be automatically or manually converted into flashcards, which are then reviewed using a spaced repetition algorithm that schedules reviews at optimal intervals for memory retention. Beyond flashcards, RemNote supports PDF and PowerPoint annotation, typed and handwritten notes, an AI tutor chat, and databases for organizing course material, positioning itself as a replacement for juggling separate tools like Quizlet, Anki, Notion, and Evernote.
- Completely free and open source on desktop and Android
- Highly customizable via add-ons
- Proven spaced-repetition algorithm with a long track record
- Handles massive decks without performance issues
- Combines note-taking and spaced-repetition studying in one app instead of two separate tools
- Generous free plan includes unlimited notes and flashcards
- PDF annotation and image occlusion are useful for STEM and visual subjects
- Offline mode with cross-device sync
- Steeper learning curve and dated UI compared to modern flashcard apps
- AnkiMobile (iOS) requires a one-time paid purchase
- No built-in AI content generation like some newer competitors
- Free plan caps PDF annotation, image occlusion cards, and handwritten documents fairly low
- Full AI feature set (lecture recorder, AI grading) requires the pricier Pro with AI tier
- Learning curve for students used to simpler flashcard-only tools like Quizlet
More alternatives & similar tools
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataRemNote bundles note‑taking, PDF annotation and AI‑assisted flashcards in a freemium app, while Anki is a free, open‑source flashcard‑only tool that excels with massive decks and community add‑ons.
Key differences
- •RemNote integrates note‑taking, PDF/PowerPoint annotation and AI tutoring; Anki focuses solely on flashcards.
- •Anki handles very large decks (100k+ cards) with proven SM‑2 algorithm; RemNote’s deck size limits aren’t specified.
- •RemNote’s free tier caps advanced features (PDF annotation, image occlusion); Anki is completely free on desktop and Android.
- •Anki offers extensive community add‑ons and open‑source code; RemNote has no API or open‑source components.
- •RemNote provides built‑in cross‑device sync and offline mode; Anki syncs via AnkiWeb and iOS app requires purchase.
Pricing & value
Anki is completely free on desktop and Android; RemNote’s free plan limits key features, full AI requires paid tier.
Ease of use / learning curve
RemNote combines notes and flashcards in one UI, easier for beginners; Anki has a steeper learning curve and dated UI.
Features & depth
RemNote includes AI tutor, PDF/PowerPoint annotation, image‑occlusion flashcards; Anki lacks built‑in AI and annotation.
Integrations & ecosystem
Anki supports a large library of community add‑ons and is open source; RemNote offers no API or third‑party integrations.
Scalability
Anki is proven to handle decks beyond 100,000 cards; RemNote’s performance with large decks isn’t specified.
Support
RemNote provides email and Help Center support; Anki lists no official support channels.
Choose Anki if…
Users who need a pure flashcard system, massive decks, and open‑source flexibility.
Choose RemNote if…
Students or lifelong learners who need integrated notes, PDF annotation, and AI‑generated study aids.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either app on all devices?
Anki is free on desktop and Android; iOS requires a one‑time purchase. RemNote’s core is free but advanced features need a paid Pro tier.
Can I annotate PDFs and create flashcards from them?
Yes, RemNote supports PDF (and PowerPoint) annotation and can turn highlights into flashcards; Anki has no built‑in PDF annotation.
What if I need to study a deck of 150,000 cards?
Anki is documented to handle decks beyond 100,000 cards without performance issues; RemNote’s capacity for such large decks is not specified.