CHOOSING AN APP · 2026-10-11
Japanese vocabulary apps: Aptenyo, MOJi and Migii
Looking up an unfamiliar word and remembering a familiar-looking one are different tasks. Start with the task rather than a word count or a checklist of common features.
Method and publisher disclosure
Published by Aptenyo, which has a commercial interest in its own apps. Competitor facts come from first-party websites and listings checked on 11 October 2026. This is desk research, not hands-on testing of competitors’ paid plans. Unmentioned is not absent. No unverified prices, comparative learning outcomes or rankings are claimed.
| Product / focus | What official materials describe | When to consider it first | What to confirm before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aptenyo JLPT Vocabulary | 10,291 level-organised illustrated cards, audio, examples, swipe-and-quiz practice, review and iPhone widgets. Free N5/kana; N4–N1 one-time purchase. | Ready-to-use level content with illustrations, low-friction practice and a defined one-time unlock. | Download media before offline use; progress is local. Not a full JLPT mock-test course. |
| MOJi Dictionary | Official documentation covers dictionary search, word-list study and translation functions. | Lookup and personal word lists are your primary workflow. | Which features belong to which MOJi product or membership. Do not treat its entire product family as one app. |
| Migii JLPT | Its official roadmap includes a proficiency test, practice, assessment and practice tests. | You want preparation spanning multiple exam skills. | Platform, course and free/paid scope; access requirements for the roadmap. |
Your first need is lookup
A dictionary-oriented tool such as MOJi is reasonable. It should not be dismissed as a tool that cannot teach vocabulary.
You want ready-made level practice
Try Aptenyo’s free N5 and kana to assess the picture, audio, swipe and quiz experience.
You need a complete exam workflow
Evaluate an integrated option such as Migii. Vocabulary cards alone do not replace listening, reading or full mocks.
You prefer not to subscribe
Aptenyo Vocabulary offers a one-time N4–N1 unlock. This is not a claim that every other product is subscription-only.