Private study has always been pretty vital to help you as a student grasp the content you learn in class to better your grades. However, private study has not always been easy especially for students who are not self-motivated or those with short concentration spans.
Nevertheless, a tested and proven way to improve your private studying is the use of flashcards. A well-organized flashcard will help you learn and understand content faster, and retain the information better in the short-term and the long term.
Furthermore, flashcards are pretty convenient to use because you can study them at school, at home, over lunch, on the bus; basically everywhere.
After the introduction and spread of the internet, creating and studying flashcards have been simplified, thanks to the numerous flashcard-making programs. In this article, we review two of the most used and trusted flashcard platforms, Brainscape and Anki.
Therefore, we compareBrainscape vs. Anki. After reviewing and comparing the two flashcard platforms, you will be wiser to select the one that suits you best as a student.
Brainscape Vs. Anki
To compare the the two, we are going to examine features and factors such as the suitability of the user interface, cost, sources of content, the method of spaced repetition, and the ability to customize flashcards.
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The Suitability of User Interface
The Brainscape’s website design is one of the most comfortable to use and maneuver. The reason for this revelation is that its site is designed with colors that are bold enough for everyone. Its site, therefore, becomes pretty comfortable and enjoyable to maneuver. In addition, Brainscape’s website does not irritate you with disruptive ads within study sessions. Another vital feature about its interface is that it allows you to study several decks at a go.
Also see: Is anki worth it?
On the other hand, most of its users consider the design of Anki’s website as outdated. Users consider the site as simple to maneuver but not nice to look at. In addition, when using the Anki platform, you cannot study multiple decks at a go. Nevertheless, in the recent past, Anki has improved its interface allowing its users to create their themes.
Therefore, if the comfortability and suitability of the user interface and the design of the platform’s website is a major consideration for you, Brainscape is the flashcard platform to go to, between the two.
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The cost
If you are a Brainscape’s independent user, you can comfortably create a free account and create as many flashcards as you want without paying anything. However, there is an option for you to upgrade to the Brainscape pro when you exhaust the free content. In such a case, you will have to pay a $ 9.99 monthly subscription, $ 6.99 per month semester subscription, $ 4.99 per month yearly subscription, or a single time payment of $129.99 to cover for your lifetime’s Brainscape premium use.
Similarly, you pay nothing to create and study flashcards through the Anki flashcard program. Whether you are creating an Anki account or downloading its application for your Android device, you do so for free. The only time you have to pay for the Anki app is when you are downloading it for your iOS device, where you pay $ 25.
When you compare the two in terms of pricing, both platforms offer free versions. However, when it comes to the provision of premium products and services, Anki is way cheaper than Brainscape. Hence, if the subscription cost is an issue for you, Anki is the better flashcard program between the two.
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Source of Content
In Brainscape, three parties can create flashcards. First, you can create and manage your own flashcards through the Brainscape mobile app or the web browser. Secondly, you can find and utilize other users’ flashcards, created by other students or teachers worldwide. Lastly, Brainscape contacts experts and publishers to create certified flashcards that are both extensive and well-coordinated.
In Anki, users are the only ones who can create flashcards. Furthermore, as a student, you can view flashcards that have been created by other users, including those created by other students who are studying a similar subject as you.
Comparing the two in terms of the sources of their content, Brainscape stands out because some of the flashcards in it are created by experts and you can trust them. Flashcards created by students may contain mistakes from time to time.
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The Method of Spaced Repetition
Brainscape employs the five-bucket confidence-based repetition technique which is an open-ended mode of study. Through this mode, as a student, you have the liberty to study at a schedule and pace that is most convenient to you. Therefore, if you feel like studying for as little as ten minutes a day or four hours, that will be totally up to you.
Notwithstanding, Anki follows a different mode of spaced repetition. This platform employs the four-bucket Leitner method. Through this method, Anki sets a specific number of flashcards that you should study every day because you will be required to review a particular number of flashcards in a set number of days. This method allows you to set a goal that you have to review a specific number of cards each day.
Also see: Is using quizlet cheating?
On this feature, you may choose the platform of your choice according to your preferences. If you prefer an open-ended method of study, Brainscape is the platform to go for but if you prefer setting goals and studying a particular number of cards each day, select Anki.
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Ability to Customize Flashcards
Brainscape is not an open-source flashcards platform. In this platform, you will only find one open-canvas manner flashcard that will endorse any type of media. When looking for your decks, you are forced to scroll down your library to find the ones you need.
On the other hand, Anki flashcards are more customizable. As a user, you can customize the design of the cards and the Anki program. On these flashcards, you have the liberty to input images, audio, videos, and long sentences.
Conclusion
When you compare Brainscape vs. Anki, you will agree that both platforms are suitable and can be trusted in creating and studying flashcards. However, since they have their differences, as a student, choose the one that you are most comfortable with.