Studying doesn’t have to be complicated. Plenty of students, professors, and professionals use index cards because they’re a great way to break down complicated topics into more manageable chunks of information.
And when you make the switch to digital index card apps, you can take advantage of the spaced repetition method — more on that soon — as well as collaborative features, AI assistants, and motivation-boosting incentives.
Comparison table
| App Name | Good for? | Price | Media support | Flash card database? | Spaced repetition? |
| Quizlet | Learning facts | Free, or $7.99 per month | ImagesAudio | ||
| Kahoot! | Fostering competition | Free, or $7.99 per month | ImagesAudio | ||
| AlgoApp Flashcards | Advanced spaced repetition method | Free, or $29.99 annually | ImagesAudio | ||
| Brainscape | Research-basedhacks | Free, or $19.99 per month | ImagesAudio | ||
| Flashcards by NKO | Audio recordings | Free, or $1.99 per month | ImagesAudio | ||
| Flashcards with Cram | Adding hints to flashcards | Free | None on iPad | ||
| Knowt | Comprehensive revision support for students | Free, or $19.99 per month | ImagesAudio |
Why use an index card app?
Index cards, also known as flashcards, are an ingenious way to recall information. They reformat information into much smaller chunks, cutting away all the background noise and focusing on the heart of the matter.
Fans of the spaced repetition revision method love flashcards. This strategy is simple enough — it involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals. Studies show that the spaced learning method improves long-term and even eidetic memory, a big win for college students.
Good to know: Loads of the best index card apps have a built-in spaced repetition feature — keep an eye out when you continue reading.
We’re not just talking about index cards here; we’re also discussing the benefits of an iPad app specifically designed to enhance information retention. Digital tools like brushes, highlighters, stickers, and color palettes make it easier than ever to create and personalize eye-catching flashcards.
If we had a big presentation or exam coming up, we’d download an index app in a flash. But which is the best index card app for iPads?
Quizlet
Best for: learning facts
Costs: Free version available or $7.99 per month
Platform: iOS and Android
Links: App Store
It’s one of the best-known index card apps, but does that make it the best?
Quizlet is packed with study materials and user-generated content. You can search through a large database to find your college and scroll through pre-made flashcards, outlines, and tests for specific classes.
The Scan feature allows you to upload documents, select images, import files, and paste text to create your very own study guide, complete with flashcards. The process is so seamless that you’ll wonder why you ever bothered writing your own notes.
In just a few moments, Quizlet generates an Outline of the information you provided, along with a Quick Reference section that covers Key Concepts and Reference Information. Scroll to the bottom of the Outline, and you’ll find pre-made flashcards with questions and answers, as well as three sections:
- Learn: Choose to a) cram for a test or b) memorize the information, and Quizlet will transform your flashcards into a multiple-choice quiz.
- Test: Personalize your test by choosing from a) true or false statements, b) multiple-choice answers, or c) written answers.
- Match: Pair terms with their definitions against the clock.
Unfortunately, the free version only offers a fraction of these features, with both Learn and Test mode being drastically limited. Free users also have to contend with ads, and can’t use Quizlet offline. Overall, those who are serious about studying with index cards might feel compelled to sign up for Quizlet Plus.
It’s worth mentioning that Quizlet discontinued its Long-Term Learning feature in 2020. And, although a spaced learning mechanism lives on in Learn mode, many users feel that it just isn’t the same.
Best features
- Collaborative: Simply press the Share icon on a set of flashcards or a folder, and send links to friends and colleagues. They can either view or edit your revision materials, and you can even password-protect sets for extra security.
- Versatile AI assistance: Within a few seconds, Quizlet transformed a PDF document into a comprehensive set of study materials.
- Gamification: Gamification is the next big thing in digital studying, and Quizlet has used the power of this popular approach to create fun, engaging, and interactive ways to improve information retention.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Paywall: It’s no secret that a few of Quizlet’s best features are hidden behind a paywall. A good example is the ability to work offline, something that could easily sway learners away from the app.
- User-generated content: Quizlet is flooded with content, and some of it could have come from your classmate! But user-generated content isn’t as reliable as it could be, which could lead your studies astray.
- Focuses on rote learning: Some users worry that Quizlet only promotes rote learning, rather than a thorough understanding of the topic.
Rock Paper Pencil: An essential iPad accessory
We recommend Rock Paper Pencil to anyone who uses an iPad for note-taking or studying. It’s an iPad accessory with a difference; the matte screen protector is fitted with microscopic textured nodes that replicate the feel and friction of a pencil and piece of paper.
Whether you’re taking notes or creating flashcards, you’ll get the most realistic experience possible.
Here are a few of the other benefits:
- Easy-to-use: The installation process is super simple, just place the screen protector on your iPad and peel it off once you’re finished.
- Cohesive: Two components engineered to work in perfect harmony.
- Precision engineered: Everything from the screen protector to the Apple Pencil replacement tips is designed to create a precise, consistent experience.
It’s also worth noting that writing instead of typing notes can massively enhance your learning. Studies show that the physical experience of writing produces more elaborate brain connectivity patterns, boosting information recall and recognition. This is especially great for students, who can recieve a 33% discount when they use this link.
For a realistic, satisfying, and altogether more effective handwriting experience, nothing beats Rock Paper Pencil.
Kahoot!
Best for: fostering competition between young adults
Costs: Free version available or $7.99 per month
Platform: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire tablets, and web browsers
Links: App Store
For some, the best index card app is, paradoxically, one that offers much more than just flashcards. That’s Kahoot! This app offers flashcards, games, and a collaborative game element.
On the home screen, you can choose from four account types: teacher, student, professional, or personal. Simply add your age, and you’re ready to go.
Kahoot! has a colorful dashboard where you can set your learning goals, join or create a study group, and try out the AI generator. You can either create your own Kahoot — the name for any study set — or search through a library of preexisting Kahoots. Every existing Kahoot has a set of flashcards attached.
You can create a Kahoot from scratch, use the AI assistant to generate a Kahoot, or browse through a bunch of helpful templates that cover:
- Interactive presentations
- True/false questions
- Games like Guess Who
Even though Kahoot! offers a varied range of learning formats, it focuses more on learning facts than understanding content. Because it lacks a certain level of complexity, Kahoot! is probably better suited to high school students than to college students.
Kahoot! has a bunch of premium plans, which can get confusing. Kahoot! Bronze costs $7.99 per month and gives you access to progress reports, live mode, and collective rewards in Kahootopia! — that’s the in-app virtual island that allows students to collect achievements through gameplay. Then there’s Kahoot! Silver, Gold, and + One, along with separate subscriptions and prices for teams, schools, and districts.
Best features
- Competitive environment: By creating a competitive online experience, Kahoot! encourages students to really engage with and retain key information.
- Gamification: Games capture our attention, so it makes sense to combine gaming and learning to create the ultimate revision experience.
- Real-time results: When you use Kahoot!, you never have to wait around. This app will give you instant feedback, a valuable feature for any conscientious student.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Favors quick recall: Kahoot! isn’t designed for professionals who want to have meaningful, multi-faceted discussions. Instead, it only helps people remember facts, which can feel restrictive.
- User-generated content: Users could create low-quality content that unintentionally misinforms their peers.
- Costly: Compared to our other picks for the best index card apps, Kahoot! is on the pricier side.
AlgoApp Flashcards
Best for: advanced spaced repetition
Costs: Free to use or $29.99 for a yearly subscription
Platform: iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows
Links: App Store
You’ve got to sign up, but once you’re over that hurdle, you’ll be faced with three options:
- Learn a language
- Study for school
- Study for a standardized test
Tell AlgoApp whether you’re pre-college, starting college, in college, or post-college, and list the main topics you want to study, and you’re ready to go. It’ll create flashcards based on your responses and give you a quick tutorial on how to use them.
Select OmniReview, and you can tweak the settings for your flashcards. You can up the number of cards per session, change the auto-flip timer, or adjust Review Mode.
Review Mode is one of the most important features, especially for learners who want to leverage the power of the spaced repetition method. AlgoApp claims to offer an advanced version of this method, called the Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler (FSRS). Supporters of this method say it’s more efficient than the default alternative, meaning you save time and energy. And if that’s not your bag, you can opt to review your index cards in random order or the order you created them.
Good to know: Speaking of methods, have you found your preferred note–taking method yet? To get you started, we’ve gathered all the best note-taking methods for students.
Like many of the best index card apps, AlgoApp takes a community-centered approach to learning. You can search through specific topics to find pre-existing user-generated decks on a bunch of topics. You can also create and join groups, adding a more competitive slant to your study session.
AlgoApp has a minimalist user interface that might appeal to some more than others. For us, it’s a bit stark, and it would be nice to have a few bright graphics to engage our brains and improve recall.
Best features
- FSRS system: You can review your flashcards via an advanced spaced repetition method, saving time and making your learning more effective.
- Personalized: From the jump, AlgoApp allows you to customize your experience.
- Versatile: AlgoApp caters to more than just students. You can improve your knowledge on any given subject, learn a new language, and more.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Stark interface: Visual learners might be disappointed to find that AlgoApp lacks eye-catching visuals.
- User-generated content: There are no rewards for learning incorrect information, and with the amount of user-generated content on AlgoApp, it’s easy to be led astray.
Brainscape
Best for: research-based learning methods
Costs: Free to use or $19.99 per month
Platform: iOS, Android, and web browser
Links: App Store
Brainscape has made it onto our list of the best index card apps because it’s grounded in research. The big brains behind the app are committed to helping you:
- Learn faster
- Stay motivated
- Build stronger study habits
They believe so strongly in their method (a variation of the spaced repetition method) that they’ve written a white paper on it.
The flashcards in Brainscape prompt active recall, which is the most engaging and effective way to retrieve information. Once you flip the index card, you rate your confidence from 1 to 5. According to Brainscape, this is a metacognition strategy designed to deepen your memory.
Brainscape uses your confidence ratings to inform its spaced repetition system, creating a truly personalized experience.
There are several other psychological hacks built into the app, like the daily streak counter on the dashboard and the metrics section. Basically, Brainscape is full of dopamine hits for curious learners.
You can browse through a bunch of Brainscape-certified user-generated flashcards, which are varied enough to include everything from foreign languages to entrance exams for skilled trades. User-generated content could still be a problem, but at least Brainscape has a certification system that highlights high-quality content.
In our opinion, the free version is effective enough for students, professors, and learners. But if you want access to unlimited flashcards, user-generated content, and an AI assistant that can make unlimited flashcards for you, you need to pay $7.99 per month.
Best features
- AI-generated flashcards: Brainscape Pro gives you access to an AI assistant that can create an unlimited number of flashcards.
- Based on psychology: Everything on Brainscape is carefully curated to hack your brain and enhance learning.
- Dopamine hits: This app has plenty of features that will spark your competitive side and keep you coming back for more.
- User-generated content: Loads of high-quality user-generated content to choose from.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Limited to flashcards: As one of the best index card apps, Brainscape goes a long way. However, learners might appreciate more variety, such as gamification.
- User-rating system: The effectiveness of the spaced repetition system depends on how honestly or accurately you rank your understanding of each card.
- Expensive: Brainscape is an impressive app, but it’s on the expensive side. That being said, you can bag a deal if you commit to a yearly payment instead of a monthly payment.
Flashcards by NKO
Best for: audio recordings
Costs: Free to use or $1.99 per month
Platform: iOS, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision
Links: App Store
Aimed at students and teachers, Flashcards by NKO is one of the best index card apps for audio learners. Press the audio symbol on the flashcard, and the app will read the text for you. You can also add audio recordings to your flashcards (provided you have the paid subscription).
There are a bunch of text-based tutorials, as well as one that explains the app’s spaced repetition system (SRS). Once you’ve finished reviewing a deck, you’ll be invited to rate your confidence, and your answer will inform the SRS.
One of the biggest downsides is the paywall. On the free version, you can only access Review and Quiz modes, leaving Explore, Scribble, Match, and a bunch of games unavailable. The monthly subscription costs $1.99, or you can save more by choosing the annual subscription for $9.99.
The flashcards themselves are detailed, with the option to add voice recordings, video, music, tags, and pictures. Some of these options are hidden behind the paywall.
Best features
- Gamification: With Words, Echo, Whack Attack, and Match games available, Flashcards by NKO is one of the most thoroughly gamified index card apps on iPad.
- Detailed: The flashcards are highly customizable, including features that can enhance information recall.
- Affordable: The most cost-effective option is the annual subscription, which costs just $9.99.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Paywall: Most of the most interesting features (like the games) are hidden behind a paywall.
- Stark appearance: Apart from the option to add photos to flashcards, Flashcards by NKO has very few visuals. The user interface is minimalist and simple, something that will appeal to some but not others.
Flashcards with Cram
Best for: adding hints to your flashcards
Costs: Free to use
Platform: Android, iOS, desktop, and web browser
Links: App Store
Before we get started, note that although Flashcards with Cram is available on iPad, it doesn’t have a native iPadOS app. Here’s what the Cram dashboard looks like on an iPad:
But if that doesn’t bother you, Cram is a simple, minimalist, and straightforward revision app that could be a great tool in your arsenal.
You might be wondering why Cram has made it onto our list of the best index card apps for iPad, and the answer is this: it’s one of the only apps that allows you to add hints to flashcards.
You can also choose from different study modes:
- Card Set: See both sides of your flashcards and the hint at the same time.
- Memorize: Traditional flashcards.
- Cram Mode: Traditional flashcards with a spaced repetition feature.
- Games: Make learning fun with Jewels of Wisdom or Stellar Spellar.
It’s by no means the most advanced index card app out there, but it gets the job done. And sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Besides, you can combine it with other apps like Rock Daily Planner or any of the 9 best to-do list apps for iPad.
Best features
- Add hints: Make complex questions more manageable with personalized hints.
- Minimalist user interface: Cram gets straight to the point, so you can focus on your goals without distractions.
- Several ways to study: You can switch between Card Set, Memorize, and Games to find something that works for you.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Bugs: According to users, Flashcards with Cram is no stranger to bugs. There seems to be a specific problem with pictures, as many users report that they disappear from their flashcards.
- No native app: The iPad app looks like an iPhone screen, making everything smaller and clunkier.
Try Rock Daily Planner
Even the best index card apps can feel a little bit simplistic. Take Flashcards with Cram for example. This app only focuses on flashcards, leaving students and professionals with little space to really explore their ideas.
That’s where Rock Daily Planner comes in. It’s a clutter-free, hassle-free, distraction-free app that allows you to:
- Plan by the hour
- Create daily to-do lists
- Sync your calendar
- Scroll through flexible notes templates
Basically, it’s a one-stop shop for people who want to stay organized and focus on a specific goal. We think flashcard fans will love Rock Daily Planner because it has a simple, streamlined user interface.
Did we mention that it’s completely free? Yet another reason to upgrade your iPad revision sessions with Rock Daily Planner.
Knowt
Best for: an all-in-one app for students
Costs: Free to use or $19.99 per month
Platform: iOS, Android, Chrome extension, and web browser
Links: App Store
Knowt was specifically designed for iPad and targets students and teachers. It boasts AI features, flashcards, notes, and Snap and Solve.
In this review, we’re looking at tools for students. Once you’re on the dashboard, you’ll find three main sections:
- Create: Upload a file, record a lecture, create flashcards, or create notes.
- Exams: Exam prep for every type of learner, whether in high school or college.
- Subjects: A vast collection of all kinds of subjects, from science to social studies.
Knowt has an impressive AI feature called Kai, which solves questions via the Scan and Solve feature. We can’t vouch for the accuracy of Kai, but it could be a good way to kick off your learning.
Creating flashcards is simple enough, and you can even add files and import existing content from Quizlet to get instant flashcards. Otherwise, you have to input the terms and definitions manually. You can also add photos, a nice touch for visual learners.
No other index card app does gamification quite like Knowt. It has a coin system that allows diligent learners to earn by creating and studying materials, completing quests, and keeping their daily streak. Coins can be redeemed for Knowt Ultra, Knowt-branded T-shirts and flip-flops, and app icons.
Speaking of Ultra, the premium membership will set you back $19.99 per month. The silver lining is that you can give yourself a 50% discount by paying an annual fee of $119.99.
Best features
- AI assistant: The AI assistant, Kai, offers a lot of support at every stage of the process. So, whether you’re writing flashcards or jotting notes, Kai has your back.
- Comprehensive tool: Knowt doesn’t just focus on flashcards, it provides a pretty fleshed-out set of features for students who want to improve their recall.
- Incentives: The coin-based system is a big incentive, offering both digital and real-world rewards.
Drawbacks and limitations
- Paywall: Some of the most impressive time-saving features are hidden behind a paywall.
- Target audience: Knowt is specifically designed for students and teachers, excluding a whole demographic of flashcard fans.
Other apps to consider
Getting flashcard fatigue? Don’t worry, there are plenty of other revision apps out there that feel like flashcards, but offer more complex and intriguing ways to revise information.
Goodnotes
It’s one of the most popular note-taking apps, but it also has built-in Study Sets that act as index cards. You can handwrite, type, or insert images to create questions and prompts. Then, Goodnotes’ Smart Learn feature will automatically filter your flashcards through its spaced repetition system for more effective information recall. Come to think of it, Goodnotes should have made it onto our list of the best index card apps!
Besides, Goodnotes has loads of other exceptional features, like an AI assistant that generates questions, summarizes notes, and explores topics with you. You can also combine your notes with multimedia to add visual cues and use the Tape Tool to cover and reveal answers.
Psst… If you love Goodnotes, you might like our top picks for the 11 best note-taking apps for iPad.
Study Smarter
This app has an extensive library of pre-existing study sets and flashcards, as well as a built-in spaced repetition system. Avid learners can also benefit from the smart to-do list and calendar, as well as the ability to share their study materials with friends and peers.
Notability
Like Goodnotes, Notability is a big hitter in the world of digital note-taking. Luckily for us, it’s also got a flashcard feature. The new AI-powered tool allows you to generate flashcards, summaries, and quizzes from PDFs, audio recordings, or your own handwriting.
Apart from that, Notability also has audio recordings and transcriptions for lecture reviews, favorite toolbars to streamline your workflows, and progress tracking for focused learners.
MindMeister
MindMeister helps you visualize complex information via mind maps. This type of structured, visual learning is ideal for people who want to try alternatives to traditional information recall methods.
Another plus point about MindMeister is that it has real-time collaboration features, allowing you and your team to quickly tweak presentations and exchange ideas.
Final thoughts
You’ve got a whole bunch of index card apps to choose from, and you don’t have to settle for static, boring features. There’s an option for every kind of learner, from solo creatives to competitive students.
With these flashcard apps by your side, there’s no reason you can’t aim for the stars. But before you go, it’s worth checking out our ultimate digital study workflow guide for college students. You never know, you might find something that revolutionizes your workflow!
And remember, even the best index card app is nothing without the right tools, and Rock Paper Pencil is the top of the line. This iPad accessory transforms your iPad screen and Apple Pencil into a piece of paper and a pencil, instantly streamlining the transition between traditional and digital study methods.
For an unbeatable pencil-on-paper experience, try Rock Paper Pencil.
FAQs
Are digital index card apps as effective as physical flashcards?
There’s a bit of debate about this, but most people conclude that physical and digital flashcards are just as effective.
Some even say that digital flashcards are more effective because their convenience makes learners more likely to study. Then there’s the spaced repetition method algorithm, which is baked into almost all the best index card apps on our list. It would be difficult to replicate the algorithm yourself, so it’s worth using a dedicated app instead.
Can I use Apple Pencil with flashcard apps?
Yes, you can use Apple Pencil to navigate through any app on iPad.
If we’re talking about handwriting flashcards, that’s a different story. Some apps support handwriting, whereas others don’t. It’s worth checking out before you pay for a subscription.
Do I need an internet connection to use index card apps?
Yes and no.
Some index card apps work offline, but this feature is often hidden behind a paywall.
Can I import flashcards from other platforms?
Many flashcard apps allow you to import cards and decks from other platforms. One example is Knowt. This app was created as a free alternative to Quizlet, and it allows users to import existing flashcards straight from the app.
Are these apps good for spaced repetition?
All the apps on this list have a spaced repetition feature; that’s what makes them the best index card apps for iPad!
