People leave Anki for the same reasons: the interface feels dated, setup takes an evening, and on iPhone the official app is a paid purchase with a learning curve. They rarely leave because of the method. Spaced repetition works, and a good alternative should keep it. Here is a practical checklist for choosing one — and how to move your existing decks.

1. A modern scheduler: FSRS, not just "Quizlet-style" repetition

Spaced repetition schedules each card just before you would forget it. Older systems (SM-2, the classic Anki algorithm) use fixed rules. FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) models memory per card — stability, difficulty and retrievability — and tends to need fewer reviews for the same retention. Anki itself has adopted FSRS, so any serious alternative should offer it too, not a simplified "study mode". For the details, read FSRS vs SM-2: what changed and why it matters.

Also look for a desired-retention setting (for example 80–97%). Higher means more reviews and better recall; lower means a lighter workload.

2. Import that really works

Your decks are your investment. Check that the app can bring in:

  • Anki .apkg files, including notes and embedded media
  • CSV from spreadsheets
  • Quizlet exports (copy/paste)

Be wary of apps that require an account and upload your file to convert it. Local import is faster and keeps your material private.

3. Card types you'll actually use

Basic, Basic + Reverse, and Cloze (fill-in-the-blank) cover most needs: vocabulary, medical facts, definitions, code snippets. Good card design matters more than the app — see how to write flashcards that actually stick.

4. A study loop that's quick

You will do this daily, so friction compounds. You want: tap to reveal, four grades (Again / Hard / Good / Easy) with the next interval shown on each button, and an undo for mis-taps. Daily limits for new and review cards prevent the pile-up that makes people quit — more on that in how to keep up with flashcard reviews without burning out.

5. Honest pricing and no ads

Check what the free tier really includes. Some apps lock the scheduler, import or stats behind a subscription, or interrupt reviews with ads. Compare lifetime and annual prices against what you'd pay over a degree or a certification course.

6. Privacy and offline use

Flashcards are often study notes, medical or legal material, or language practice you'd rather not hand over to a social platform. Offline-first with no account is a feature when you're on a train or a plane.

How to switch from Anki in 10 minutes

  1. In Anki desktop, choose File → Export, format Anki Deck Package (.apkg), tick "include media".
  2. Save the file to iCloud Drive or AirDrop it to your iPhone.
  3. In the new app, open the import sheet and pick the file.
  4. Spot-check a few cloze cards and any images or audio.
  5. Keep your Anki collection as a backup until you're confident.

Scheduling history may not carry over exactly between apps, so expect a short period where cards you already know come up once and then space out again.

Where Recall fits

Recall is an iPhone flashcard app built on FSRS: tap-to-reveal study, four grades with predicted intervals, Basic / Reverse / Cloze cards, on-device import of Anki .apkg, CSV and pasted Quizlet decks, and a stats dashboard with retention, forecast and heatmap. It is offline, has no account and no ads. The free tier covers up to 3 decks / 300 cards with the full FSRS engine; Pro ($9.99/yr, or $19.99 lifetime) lifts the limits and adds image and audio cards, custom retention targets and CSV export. If you love Anki's power on desktop, keep using it there — Recall is for the phone-first routine.