Memly vs Anki: Which Should You Choose? A Complete Feature & Pricing Comparison

62% of users who have been using Anki for three or more years spend over half their study time creating cards -- this is a finding from a survey of flashcard learners. Much of the time you think you're "studying" may actually be spent on the task of making cards.

In this article, we conduct a thorough comparison of Anki, the long-standing classic with over 15 years of history, and Memly, which leverages the latest AI technology, across more than 10 categories including features, pricing, and ease of use. Rather than declaring which is better, our goal is to give you the information to determine which one is best for you.

Memly vs. Anki in 30 Seconds

Let's start with the bottom line. Here are the three key differences.

1. Card Creation: Anki requires users to manually create cards using text or HTML. Memly uses AI to auto-generate cards from PDFs, images, videos, and audio.
2. Review Algorithm: Anki uses SM-2 (a fixed-parameter system developed in 1987). Memly uses FSRS 6.0 (the latest algorithm that adapts to individual learning patterns).
3. Customizability: Anki offers limitless customization through add-ons. Memly provides a modern UI that requires no setup to get started immediately.

Detailed Comparison: Features, Pricing, and Usability

The table below compares both apps across 10 categories. Each item is evaluated fairly.

Anki's greatest strength is the add-on ecosystem and community scale that has been built up over more than 15 years. With thousands of add-ons, you can customize card templates, extend statistics, integrate with other services, and more. Meanwhile, Memly includes many of those capabilities out of the box, giving you a powerful learning environment without any setup.

How Flashcard Creation Differs

The card creation workflow is the biggest difference between the two apps. Let's compare the specific steps.

Creating Cards in Anki

1. Read your study material and identify the key points to memorize
2. Open Anki and select the target deck
3. Open the card editor via the "Add" button
4. Type the front (question) and back (answer) as text
5. Manually attach images or audio as needed
6. Adjust the card template HTML/CSS (optional)
7. Add tags for organization

Each card takes 1-3 minutes. Creating 100 cards requires 2-5 hours of work. However, this process does include the learning benefit of "extracting key points yourself." Research suggests that manually creating cards deepens understanding of the content.

Creating Cards in Memly

1. Upload your material (PDF, image, video, or audio)
2. AI analyzes the content and automatically extracts key points
3. Flashcards are generated automatically
4. Review the generated cards and edit as needed
5. Start studying immediately

100 cards are ready in minutes. The time you save can be invested in actual learning rather than card creation. The ability to generate cards from video and audio means lecture recordings and audio materials can be used directly as study resources -- a feature unique to Memly.

Memory Retention Algorithms: FSRS 6.0 vs. SM-2

The essence of any flashcard app lies in the algorithm that decides when you should review. This difference has a major impact on long-term retention rates.

SM-2 (Anki's Default Algorithm)

SM-2 is the spaced repetition algorithm developed by Piotr Wozniak in 1987. It uses a fixed-parameter approach that applies the same settings to all users, calculating the next review interval based on review ratings (Easy/Good/Hard/Again).

• Interval calculation based on a fixed Ease Factor
• Identical parameters applied to all users
• Simple and predictable behavior
• Over 30 years of proven reliability

Note: Anki allows switching to FSRS-based scheduling by installing the FSRS add-on (FSRS4Anki Helper). However, SM-2 is used by default.

FSRS 6.0 (Memly's Default Algorithm)

FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) 6.0 is the latest-generation algorithm released in 2025. It uses machine learning to study each user's personal forgetting curve and predict optimal review timing.

• 21 parameters optimized per individual user
• Power-function forgetting model that is more accurate than traditional exponential models
• Prediction accuracy improves the more you study
• Independently tracks memory Stability and Difficulty

SM-2 has a proven track record spanning over 30 years, and the fact that many learners have achieved results with this algorithm is undeniable. On the other hand, FSRS 6.0 adapts to individual learning patterns, making the efficiency gap especially noticeable in long-term, high-volume study scenarios. For more details, see our article on how FSRS 6.0 works.

Pricing Comparison

Cost is an important factor in your decision. Here's an accurate summary of both apps' pricing structures.

Anki Pricing

• Windows / Mac / Linux: Completely free (open source)
• Android (AnkiDroid): Completely free (open source)
• iOS (AnkiMobile): $25 (one-time purchase, lifetime access)
• AnkiWeb: Free (for syncing and basic web-based study)

For PC and Android users, Anki is the only fully free, full-featured spaced repetition app. This is one of Anki's biggest appeals and a major advantage for students and budget-conscious learners. The $25 iOS price tag, compared to monthly subscriptions, also offers excellent long-term value.

Memly Pricing

• Trial (Free): Experience basic features
• Plus ($5/month): AI auto-generation, FSRS 6.0, learning analytics, and more
• Pro ($10/month): All features, priority support

On pure pricing alone, Anki becomes more advantageous the longer you use it. However, Memly's monthly fee includes AI auto card generation and the FSRS 6.0 algorithm, so you need to consider the "total cost" including the time cost of card creation.

Who Anki Is For vs. Who Memly Is For

Both apps have distinct strengths. Choose based on your learning style and priorities.

Anki Is For You If...

• You want to customize card templates and designs to your exact preferences
• You enjoy fine-tuning your study environment with add-ons
• You mainly use PC or Android and want to keep costs at zero
• You already have a large Anki deck collection and want to leverage community shared decks
• You have HTML and CSS knowledge and want to create advanced card templates
• You're a long-time Anki user satisfied with your existing workflow
• You want to exchange tips with communities like r/Anki

Memly Is For You If...

• You want to spend your time learning, not creating cards
• You want to turn PDFs, images, videos, and audio directly into study materials
• You want efficient memory retention with the latest FSRS 6.0 algorithm
• You don't want to spend time on setup and configuration
• You prefer a modern, user-friendly interface
• You want a consistent learning experience across smartphone and PC
• You want to start with powerful features right away, even without technical expertise

If you'd like to compare with even more apps, see our 2026 Flashcard App Comparison and How to Choose an AI Flashcard App.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Anki decks to Memly?

Data migration from Anki is currently under development. In the meantime, you can keep using your existing Anki decks while creating new study materials in Memly -- a practical hybrid approach.

Which one is better for long-term retention?

FSRS 6.0 adapts to individual forgetting curves, so in theory it provides a more efficient review schedule than SM-2. However, SM-2 is also highly effective when used consistently. The most important thing is to keep reviewing daily with whichever app you choose.

Which is better for free long-term use?

If free usage is your top priority, Anki wins hands down. The PC and Android versions are completely free with no feature restrictions. Memly's free trial is limited to basic features, so for long-term free use, Anki is the rational choice.

Does Memly have add-ons (plugins) like Anki?

Memly does not have an add-on system like Anki's. However, many features that Anki users achieve through add-ons (detailed learning statistics, AI integration, advanced card templates, etc.) come built in as standard features in Memly. Conversely, some of Anki's more specialized add-ons (specific card layouts, external tool integrations, etc.) may not have equivalents in Memly.

Which is better for medical school or competitive exam prep?

Anki has a long track record in medical education, with established shared decks like AnKing. On the other hand, if you want to efficiently create cards from your own lecture notes or textbooks, Memly's AI auto-generation saves significant time. For fields where trusted shared decks already exist, Anki has the edge; for learning from your own materials, Memly is the better choice.

Can I use both apps at the same time?

Absolutely. For example, you can continue using your existing Anki decks while using Memly for new study materials. Leveraging the strengths of both is actually a practical option for many learners.

Which is better if I only study on my smartphone?

For a smartphone-only experience, Memly offers a smoother experience. Anki's mobile app is designed as a supplement to the PC version, with card creation assumed to be done on desktop. Memly lets you handle everything from material upload to card generation to studying -- all from your smartphone.

Conclusion: Start Today with the App That Fits You

Both Anki and Memly are excellent flashcard apps based on spaced repetition. Anki offers over 15 years of proven reliability, free usage, and unmatched customizability. Memly delivers cutting-edge AI technology and the FSRS 6.0 algorithm, letting you focus on learning itself.

What matters most is not which one you choose, but that you start learning today with the app you've chosen. Rather than spending time searching for the perfect tool, just start using one.

If Memly interests you, try it with the free trial. Just upload your study materials and the AI generates flashcards automatically. If it doesn't work out, you can always go back to Anki. There's zero risk.

For a broader look at memorization and learning, see What Is AI-Powered Memorization? A Complete Guide to How It Works, Its Effects, and the Best Tools. For a comparison with another AI-powered alternative, see Anki vs Gizmo.