3 Best Apps to Learn Japanese Grammar (2025 Guide)

This blog is an in-depth comparison of the top grammar apps for learners who want to understand and use real Japanese.

If you've ever searched for the best app to learn Japanese, you’ve probably run into dozens of lists that look the same. Most of them barely scratch the surface—or worse, they rank apps based on affiliate payouts, not real value to learners.

That’s not this.

This guide is written by the team at KaiwaBloom, a grammar-focused Japanese learning app. Yes, we’ll be including our own app in this list—but this isn’t a promotion piece. It’s a thorough, transparent comparison of the three top grammar apps in 2025:

• KaiwaBloom – focused on conversation-ready grammar with real-life examples

• Bunpo – structured, JLPT-level-based grammar review

• Bunpro – integrated SRS-based grammar and vocab drills

  
  

Whether you're preparing for a JLPT exam, learning to speak naturally, or reviewing key grammar points, this guide will help you decide which app fits your learning style and goals.

What Makes a Great Japanese Grammar App?

Before diving into the apps, let’s define what matters when learning grammar effectively.

A great grammar app should:

• Explain how grammar is used, not just what it means

• Include natural example sentences, not awkward textbook lines

• Offer native audio, not robotic TTS voices

• Support review and long-term retention through features like spaced repetition

• Encourage output—not just passive recognition

• Match your level and learning style

• Be clear about its strengths (and weaknesses)

We’ve used these factors to evaluate each app below—honestly.

🔍 Icons used in comparison table: ◎ = Excellent ◯ = Good △ = Limited or Missing

Comparison Table: KaiwaBloom vs Bunpo vs Bunpro

App Breakdown: Who They’re Best For

KaiwaBloom

Best for:

• Learners who want to understand and use Japanese grammar in real-life conversations

• Beginners to intermediate learners (N5–N3) looking to build a strong foundation

• Audio-driven learners who want to train listening and speaking rhythm

• People frustrated by dry, overly academic explanations or robotic example sentences

  
  

What It Does Best:

KaiwaBloom is designed specifically to help learners go beyond memorization and actually internalize how grammar works in natural Japanese.

• Each grammar point is broken down by real-life use cases—so you don’t just learn what it means, but how and when to use it.

• Every entry includes 8 natural, native-recorded example sentences that reflect how the grammar is used in casual and polite speech.

• The built-in Spaced Repetition Review (Today’s Review) makes it easy to revisit grammar naturally over time, based on sentence context—not just isolated rules.

• With the “My List” feature, users can create and save their own example sentences using the grammar they’re studying—perfect for building confidence and personalizing the learning journey.

• The experience is organized around frequency-based learning, so you start with the grammar you’ll actually hear and use the most in daily life.

Where It’s Limited:

• Currently, the app includes just one grammar book: 200 Essential Verb Grammar Points for Conversations. While this covers the most common and practical grammar used in everyday conversation, it means that more advanced, formal, or rare grammar points aren’t yet available.

• The team is actively working on expanding the library—new grammar books (including non-verb patterns and advanced constructions) are coming soon.

• KaiwaBloom does not offer JLPT-style test prep, multiple-choice quizzes, or kanji/vocabulary modules—it's laser-focused on foundational grammar and real communication.

Download it for free on the App Store and Google Play

Bunpo

Best for:

• Learners preparing for the JLPT (N5–N1) who want a structured, level-based grammar curriculum

• People who prefer short, bite-sized study sessions on mobile

• Beginners who benefit from visual progress tracking, gamified motivation, and quizzes

What It Does Best: Bunpo is designed for fast, structured grammar study with a JLPT-aligned path. Its clean and accessible interface makes it easy to sit down, study for 10 minutes, and pick up where you left off.

• Grammar is organized by JLPT levels, making it perfect for learners who want to track their progress toward test goals.

• Each grammar point comes with a short explanation, a couple of example sentences, and multiple-choice quizzes to reinforce learning immediately.

• The app features gamified learning, including XP, levels, streaks, and a polished UI that feels modern and motivating.

Where It’s Limited:

• Explanations are often brief and rule-focused, without much depth or exploration of real-life usage or nuance.

• Audio examples are mostly robotic, and not every sentence includes audio. This makes it less ideal for learners looking to train natural rhythm or tone.

• You can’t easily write or save your own example sentences.

• There’s less flexibility in how grammar is organized—it’s locked into the JLPT level system, with no frequency-based or situational flow.

• While excellent for review, Bunpo may not offer enough context or depth for learners who want to understand grammar beyond just test prep.

Bunpro

Best for:

• Self-directed learners who enjoy intensive drilling and long-term review

• People focused on JLPT prep and building both grammar and vocabulary in a unified system

• Learners who want to customize their learning paths and use Spaced Repetition (SRS) for long-term retention

What It Does Best: Bunpro blends grammar and vocabulary into a robust SRS platform that’s especially appealing to highly organized learners.

• Offers full JLPT-aligned grammar paths (N5–N1) with clearly tracked progress, allowing you to see what you’ve studied and what’s next.

• Each grammar point includes several example sentences, which you review through an input-based SRS system (similar to Anki or WaniKani).

• Vocabulary decks are integrated into the platform, making it possible to study vocab and grammar side-by-side.

• You can bookmark, flag, or revisit grammar points, and customize review settings to match your pace.

Where It’s Limited:

• Explanations are often minimal or link out to external sites like Tae Kim’s Guide or Imabi—helpful, but it breaks the in-app learning flow.

• Audio is available for many sentences, but quality and consistency vary, and it’s often robotic or limited to select decks.

• The interface can feel overwhelming or academic, especially for beginners.

• There’s little emphasis on conversational context—the examples often feel grammar-focused rather than natural or situational.

Which Grammar App Is Right for You?

Still unsure which app to go with? Let’s break it down based on your goals, learning style, and current level.

Choose KaiwaBloom if you…

• Want to learn grammar in context, not as isolated rules

• Prefer grammar explained through real-life use cases

• Care about natural native audio and practical, conversation-ready examples

• Are at a beginner to intermediate level (N5–N3) and want to build a strong grammar foundation

• Prefer a frequency-based progression over strict JLPT levels

• Want to create your own example sentences and actively use the grammar

• Appreciate a structured but simple learning path (like Today’s Learning + SRS review)

Choose Bunpo if you...

• Are focused on passing the JLPT (N5–N1)

• Prefer bite-sized grammar study sessions with quick explanations and quizzes

• Enjoy gamified progress tracking, streaks, XP, and motivational UI

• Study offline or often learn in short bursts on mobile

• Like seeing your grammar neatly organized by level

Choose Bunpro if you...

• Like drilling grammar repeatedly to reinforce memory

• Prefer self-directed study and aren’t afraid of a more technical interface

• Are prepping for JLPT and want to cover all grammar levels thoroughly

• Don’t mind reading external explanations (e.g., Tae Kim, Imabi)

Can you use more than one?

Absolutely. Many learners use KaiwaBloom for deep understanding, and Bunpro or Bunpo for extra drilling or test prep.

Here’s a sample combo:

Final Verdict

There’s no one-size-fits-all app when it comes to learning Japanese grammar—but there is a best app for your specific goals.

Each of the three apps we’ve reviewed—KaiwaBloom, Bunpo, and Bunpro—has its own strengths, and which one you choose depends on how you learn best and what you’re aiming for.

Our recommendation:

If you’re just starting out or want to truly use grammar in speaking, start with KaiwaBloom. You’ll build the kind of grammar understanding that translates into real conversations.

Then, pair it with Bunpo or Bunpro for more structured test prep or long-term drilling.

If you're also unsure about how to learn Japanese Grammar?

Read the ultimate guide "The best way to learn Japanese grammar".