Anki iOS vs Android vs Desktop: Why the $25 Price Gap Exists and Which Version You Should Use
Anki is free on desktop and Android but costs $24.99 on iOS. This article explains the deliberate pricing strategy, compares features across all four official versions, and helps cost-conscious students decide which platform(s) to invest in.
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The Anki Pricing Paradox: Free Everywhere Except iOS
If you have ever searched for anki app download, you have likely run into a confusing wall: the desktop version for Windows, macOS, and Linux is completely free. The Android version (AnkiDroid) is also free. But the iOS app — AnkiMobile — costs $24.99 as a one-time purchase on the US App Store. That price makes it one of the most expensive education apps on the platform, yet it consistently ranks among the top ten paid iOS apps in the United States, generating an estimated $700,000 per month according to Sensor Tower data.
This asymmetry is not a glitch or a regional pricing oddity. It is a deliberate design choice that keeps the entire Anki ecosystem sustainable. The iOS purchase directly funds the development of the free desktop and Android versions, the AnkiWeb sync servers, and the lead developer's salary. Understanding this trade-off is the key to deciding whether you should pay, skip, or mix platforms.
Feature Comparison: All Four Official Anki Versions Side by Side
Before weighing the cost, you need to know exactly what each version delivers. The table below compares the four official Anki clients across the dimensions that matter most for daily study.
| Feature | Desktop (Free) | AnkiMobile ($24.99) | AnkiDroid (Free) | AnkiWeb (Free) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (open-source AGPLv3) | $24.99 one-time (US price) | Free (open-source GPLv3) | Free |
| Offline study | Full offline | Full offline with local media | Full offline | Requires internet connection |
| Native app speed | Native desktop app | Native iOS app | Native Android app | Browser-based (slower with large decks) |
| Full card creation | Yes (all card types, fields, templates) | Yes (basic card creation) | Yes (basic card creation) | Limited (basic editing only) |
| FSRS scheduling | Yes (since 23.10, optional) | Yes (native since v25.07.1) | Yes (recently added) | Yes (via desktop sync) |
| Add-on support | 1,600+ add-ons available | No add-on support | Limited (community add-ons) | No add-on support |
| Image occlusion creation | Yes (via add-on) | Yes (native) | Yes (via add-on) | No |
| Sync with AnkiWeb | Yes (free) | Yes (free) | Yes (free) | N/A (it is AnkiWeb) |
| Max deck size | 100,000+ cards | 100,000+ cards | 100,000+ cards | Slows with very large decks |
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