Comparison
SparkMentor vs Anki: spaced repetition, with or without the work
Anki makes you write every card and keep the habit going yourself. SparkMentor drafts the cards from your lessons and mistakes, schedules them with spaced repetition and builds review into your daily plan.
Why SparkMentor wins
- You don't have time to write hundreds of cards
- You want review tied to what you learned and got wrong
- You also need a tutor for problem solving
Same question, two approaches
The difference is easiest to see on one problem.
Same question: Help me remember the chain rule.
Illustrative example written by us to show the two approaches. It is not a capture of Anki, which can also explain step by step when asked.
Side by side
| Feature | SparkMentor | Anki |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free to start (1,000 credits, then 300 a month). Standard $14.99/month (₹899), Pro $19.99/month (₹1,499) | Free on desktop, web and Android; AnkiMobile (iOS) about $24.99 one-time |
| What it is | AI tutor with spaced review | Spaced repetition flashcard app |
| Making cards | Drafted for you from your sessions | By hand, or from shared decks |
| Customisation | Simple: keep, edit or drop cards | Templates and add-ons you set up yourself |
| Teaching | Tutors the topic step by step | Review only |
In more detail
01
The hard part of Anki
Anki's scheduler is superb. The hard part is everything around it: deciding what to put on cards, writing good ones and keeping up. SparkMentor does the first two for you and builds reviews into your daily plan.
02
Price
Anki is free on desktop, the web and Android; the iOS app is a one-time purchase of about $24.99. SparkMentor's review is on every plan, including Free.
The features behind this comparison
Each has its own page with how it works and what it costs.
Questions
Does SparkMentor use spaced repetition like Anki?
Yes. Review cards return on a spaced schedule, adapting to how well you knew each one.
Is Anki free?
Anki is free on desktop, AnkiWeb and Android (AnkiDroid). AnkiMobile for iPhone and iPad is a one-time purchase of about $24.99 in the US.
Can I use both?
You can, but most students find they don't need to: SparkMentor drafts and schedules the cards for them.
More comparisons
See for yourself, free
1,000 free credits to start, plus 300 every month. No credit card.