Lexpad
Anki
A free, open-source flashcard program with spaced repetition for any subject. You make the cards or download shared decks.
Checked on 20 October 2026: apps.ankiweb.net, AnkiMobile on the US App Store.
Vocabulary.com alternativesVocabulary.com alternatives
for your own words
Vocabulary.com is an English dictionary with an adaptive word game and ready lists for tests such as the SAT, GRE and TOEFL; it explains English words in English. The usual alternatives are Quizlet (sets and classes), Anki (free spaced repetition for anything), WordUp (an English vocabulary app that picks common words for you) and Lexpad (our own app), which keeps the words you meet in any of 81 languages with meanings in your own language.
By Reza Pirighadim, who makes Lexpad. Checked against the app on 20 October 2026.
- Checked
- 20 October 2026
- Order
- A to Z, not a ranking
- Tools
- Four, plus Vocabulary.com
- Ours
- Lexpad, marked as ours
What Vocabulary.com does
- A dictionary that teaches. Look up a word and read a friendly explanation with real example sentences; “Learn this word” adds it to your learning program (its App Store listing).
- Lists, including your own. Ready-made lists for tests and topics, and a list builder: type words, or paste a text and it suggests the most relevant words (Vocabulary.com help, creating a list).
- VocabTrainer. Adaptive questions that find your level and keep reinforcing words after you master them. Full access comes with a learner subscription, and test-prep programs (SAT/PSAT, TOEFL, ACT, GRE, each listed at $29.95) are included with any subscription (learner subscription page).
- The iPhone app on the US App Store is version 1.0.2, last updated on 22 September 2021 (US App Store).
Why people look for an alternative
- Meanings in their own language. Vocabulary.com explains English in English. A learner of English as a second language often wants the meaning in Persian, Turkish or Spanish next to the English definition.
- Another language. Vocabulary.com teaches English vocabulary.
- Their own words first. Its strength is ready lists and the words its game picks; some learners want the words from their own reading to come first.
- Price and apps. Full access needs a subscription, and its iPhone app has not been updated since 2021.
At a glance
Alphabetical, not a ranking. Vocabulary.com is included so you can compare.
| Tool | Whose words | Meanings in your language | Review | Price model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anki | Yours, or shared decks | If you write them | FSRS or SM-2 | Free (AnkiMobile paid) |
| Lexpad (ours) | Yours | Yes, written by AI, 81 languages | Leitner boxes, or Smart (FSRS-6, Beta) | Free plan; Pro optional |
| Quizlet | Yours, or sets made by others | If you write them | Study modes | Free; Quizlet Plus |
| Vocabulary.com | Its lists, its picks, or your lists | No: English definitions | Adaptive questions | Free account; learner subscription |
| WordUp | Its list of common English words, with your interests | Not stated on its listing | Spaced repetition | Free; Pro |
Four alternatives, A to Z
Every fact links to the page we read it on.
Lexpad
A vocabulary notebook with spaced repetition, made by the author of this page (who makes Lexpad). You add the words you meet; AI writes each card, with meanings in your own language, and five Leitner boxes or the optional Smart schedule bring each word back.
Our product. Facts from the feature pages.
Quizlet
Flashcard sets you make or find, with Learn mode, practice tests and games; widely used in schools.
Checked on 14 October 2026: Quizlet on the US App Store.
WordUp
An English vocabulary app that prioritises the most common English words for you, with spaced repetition, challenge types, an AI teacher chat and a Chrome extension.
Checked on 20 October 2026: WordUp on the US App Store (version 17.7).
How to choose
- Studying for the SAT, GRE or TOEFL with a fixed list? Vocabulary.com’s test programs or Quizlet sets are built for that.
- Learning English as a second language from your own reading? You want the meaning in your language and the sentence you met the word in: a vocabulary notebook, on paper or in an app such as Lexpad.
- Want the app to pick common words for you? WordUp does that for English.
- Want full control and no cost? Anki.
Sources, checked 20 October 2026
Each fact about another product was read on 20 October 2026 on that product’s own site, help page, blog or US App Store listing. Prices and features change; check the source before you buy.
Good to know
Questions
What is a free alternative to Vocabulary.com?
Anki is free on computers, Android and the web. Quizlet, WordUp and Lexpad (ours) have free plans. Lexpad’s free plan keeps unlimited words with AI-written cards every day within an allowance.
Is Vocabulary.com good for ESL learners?
Its explanations are clear, but they are in English only. Many learners of English as a second language also want the meaning in their own language, which apps like Lexpad write for you.
Can I make my own word list on Vocabulary.com?
Yes. Its list builder takes words you type, or a pasted text from which it suggests the most relevant words.
Is there a Vocabulary.com app for iPhone?
Yes; on the US App Store it is version 1.0.2, last updated on 22 September 2021 (checked 20 October 2026).
Why is Lexpad on this list if you make it?
Because keeping your own words, with meanings in your own language, is what it is for. It is marked as ours, the list is alphabetical, and the page says what it does not do.
Lexpad
Your next word is worth keeping.
Lexpad is free to start, on the web and on Android. Bring the words you meet.