MARLVEL

Obenkyo vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Obenkyo's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Obenkyo
This App
Learn Russian Vocabulary Words
Nemesis
Learn Norwegian Vocabulary
Contender
Spanish by Nemo
Contender
WordBit French (for English)
Contender
Learn Brazilian Portuguese
Contender
English Talk-Language Exchange
Peer
Learn Arabic (Beginners)
Peer
Fluently - AI English Tutor
Peer
Learn Japanese - Beginners
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperYuichi Kadokura (角倉 優一)Tobo LanguagesTobo LanguagesNemo Apps LLCWordBitTobo LanguagesHalicode Software SolutionsBNR LANGUAGES INC.Fluently, Inc.BNR Languages
CategoryEducationEducationEducationTravelEducationEducationCommunicationEducationEducationEducation
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOSAndroidAndroid, iOSAndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating5.0 / 53.0 / 55.0 / 54.7 / 54.3 / 50.0 / 53.4 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 54.8 / 5
Ratings Count3213,111902036,75594,58580
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateJan 9, 2019Sep 4, 2016Jun 26, 2024Jan 1, 2012Aug 16, 2019Feb 3, 2018Feb 15, 2017Jun 10, 2022Oct 28, 2024May 18, 2022
Last UpdatedJan 9, 2019May 27, 2017Jun 26, 2024Oct 10, 2024May 18, 2026Mar 4, 2024Apr 14, 2026May 14, 2026May 18, 2026May 14, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentexcellent------positivemixed-
Score85/100------85/10055/100-
Praises
  • Handwriting recognition and stroke order animations provide high value for Japanese language learners
  • Offline functionality and compact app size enable consistent study without constant internet connectivity
  • Comprehensive free content model avoids the subscription fatigue common in other language learning apps
------
  • Offline functionality
  • AI-driven conversation practice provides effective speaking confidence for English language learners
  • Real-time grammar and pronunciation feedback helps users identify errors during speaking sessions
-
Complaints
  • Handwriting recognition accuracy and interface navigation issues create friction during intensive study sessions
  • Technical instability including black screens and progress loss impacts reliability on modern hardware
  • Lack of audio support limits pronunciation practice for vocabulary and grammar lessons
------
  • Lack of cloud-save
  • Aggressive paywall barriers prevent meaningful usage of the application for free tier users
  • Mandatory lengthy onboarding questionnaires create significant friction for new users upon installation
-
Requests
  • Audio pronunciation support for vocabulary and grammar to improve overall language acquisition
  • Expanded kanji database covering higher proficiency levels for comprehensive JLPT preparation
------
  • Conversational AI
  • Implementation of a free trial period to evaluate the service before committing to subscriptions
-
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Offline-first architecture enables study in connectivity-constrained environments
  • Gamified badge system provides psychological reinforcement for daily study habits
  • Free-to-use model avoids subscription fatigue
---
  • Passive lock-screen delivery mechanism creates high-frequency micro-learning touchpoints
  • 10,000+ word library provides extensive content depth for A1-C2 levels
  • Minimalist UI minimizes user friction during daily phone usage
--
  • Offline-first architecture enables usage in low-connectivity travel segments
  • 100% free content model drives high-volume user acquisition
  • Real-time correction engine provides immediate utility
  • Professional-focused meeting integration differentiates from casual apps
-
Weaknesses
  • Handwriting recognition engine accuracy creates friction during intensive sessions
  • Interface navigation requires excessive scrolling
  • Lack of audio pronunciation limits language acquisition
---
  • Ad-supported model lacks IAP revenue diversification
  • No cloud-sync functionality for cross-device progress
  • 0.7★ rating gap between iOS and Android suggests platform-specific stability issues
--
  • Absence of cloud-save functionality causes multi-device churn
  • Lack of AI-driven voice feedback limits pedagogical depth
  • Aggressive paywall locks features too early
  • Mandatory onboarding surveys cause high churn
  • Deceptive billing reports erode brand trust
-
Pricingfreefreemiumfreemiumfreefreefreemiumfreefreefreemiumfree
MomentumZombie---Zombie--MaintenanceMaintenance-
Update Cadence2 versions, ~1690d avg---1 versions--2 versions, ~2d avg5 versions, ~14d avg-

Compare Obenkyo head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Obenkyo, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

See methodologyContact support

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0