Best Apps for JLPT Prep (N5–N1, 2026 Guide)
The exact app stack passing students use for JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2 and N1 — covering kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening sections.
The JLPT tests five things: kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening. No single app does all five well. Here's the proven 2026 stack for each level.
Kanji — WaniKani (or InputDojo)
For pure kanji acquisition, WaniKani is still the leader. If you want kanji in context — actually used inside real Japanese sentences — InputDojo's JLPT kanji dictionary gives you every kanji from N5 to N1 with readings, meanings, and one-click study mode, free.
Vocabulary — Anki + JLPT decks
Community Anki decks for JLPT N5–N1 are free and battle-tested. Or use InputDojo's built-in SRS, which adds words automatically as you encounter them in real content.
Grammar — Bunpro + JLPT-organized grammar dictionary
Bunpro is the dedicated grammar SRS, covering all N5–N1 patterns. Complement it with InputDojo's free JLPT grammar dictionary for quick lookup of any point you encounter while reading.
Reading — native content, not textbooks
The JLPT reading section uses real news, essays, and emails — not textbook dialogues. The fastest way to train for it is to read real Japanese with a one-tap dictionary so you don't burn out:
- NHK News Web Easy for N5–N4
- NHK regular news, Aozora Bunko short stories for N3–N2
- Novels and essays for N1
Drop any of these into InputDojo to read with kanji furigana, vocabulary save, and grammar explanations.
Listening — YouTube + Japanese podcasts
The JLPT listening section is faster than learners expect. Train with:
- Nihongo con Teppei (free, all levels)
- Yuyu's Japanese Podcast (free)
- NHK Radio News (advanced)
Mock tests
In the final month before your test, take official past papers (free PDFs at jlpt.jp). Time yourself. The format matters as much as the content.
The minimum-viable JLPT stack by level
- N5 / N4: Genki + InputDojo JLPT track + Anki
- N3: Bunpro + WaniKani + InputDojo reader
- N2: Same as N3 + Shin Kanzen Master grammar book
- N1: Daily native reading (novels/news) via InputDojo + Shin Kanzen Master series + past papers
Frequently asked questions
What's the best app to pass JLPT N3?
Bunpro for grammar, WaniKani for kanji, and a reader like InputDojo for the reading and listening sections. That trio is what most N3 passers use.
Can I pass JLPT N1 with apps alone?
Apps will get you 80% of the way; the last 20% comes from heavy native reading (novels, essays) and timed mock papers.
Is WaniKani enough for JLPT kanji?
Yes for recognition. WaniKani covers all joyo kanji including every JLPT level. Pair it with reading practice to lock in the readings in context.
Stop reading about it. Start reading.
InputDojo turns any article, YouTube video or PDF into an interactive lesson with instant word lookup, SRS, and an AI tutor.
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