Exam prompt
How do mass number and proton number change in alpha decay?
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CorrectUnsureWrong
Flashcard app comparison 2026
Quanta vs Anki, Quizlet, RemNote & Knowt
Compare Quanta, Anki, Quizlet, RemNote and Knowt by scheduler, card creation, source status, STEM tools, pricing and the strengths and limits of each.
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Algorithm data is peer-reviewed (Ye et al. 2022); prices and features as of June 2026.
Physics · Radioactivity
Flashcard
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„Ich hab schon einige Karteikarten-Apps ausprobiert und Quanta hat mir bis jetzt am besten gefallen. […] Auch die Multiple Choice - Funktion und Prüfungssimulation helfen mir echt weiter."- TU Dresden
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- HTW Dresden
- Fachhochschule Dresden
- Universität Leipzig
- HTWK Leipzig
- Freie Universität Berlin
- IU Internationale Hochschule
- FernUniversität in Hagen
Short answer
Which is the best flashcard app in this comparison?
It depends on your goal. Quizlet is strong for vocabulary and personalized Learn paths, Anki for configuration and community decks, RemNote for connected notes. For STEM study, Quanta is built around formulas: native FSRS-6 (Ye et al. 2022), native LaTeX and SMILES, and AI cards from PDF with source metadata for source-backed generation. Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota. Further generations require Essential (as of July 2026).
Why I wrote this comparison page
“On this page the tools stand side by side with their strengths and limits, Quanta included. Anki has an enormous community deck and add-on ecosystem, full offline use, and supports both FSRS and its legacy scheduler. Quanta does not match that ecosystem today. Quanta runs FSRS-6 without manual activation and links source metadata to source-backed AI cards; without a suitable source no flashcards are created. Where Quanta is weaker, that is written down too.”
0.3460
log-loss of FSRS-6, lower is better
srs-benchmark (formerly fsrs-benchmark), open-spaced-repetition, retrieved 5 September 2026. That table carries no row for SM-2.
about 80%
of the vocabulary pairs recalled after one week with repeated retrieval
versus 36% and 33% without further retrieval (Karpicke & Roediger 2008)
€0
Quanta Starter, free forever
Quanta Essential from €9.75/month on the annual plan
5
STEM subjects natively
Maths, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science with LaTeX and SMILES
Every tool placed honestly
Every app has strengths. We name them, along with the documented limits, Quanta included.
Quanta
A STEM study platform with native FSRS-6, AI cards from PDF and source metadata for source-backed generation. A young product, so not yet a large community library.
Strengths
- FSRS-6 without manual activation; individualized intervals begin after the first rating (Ye et al. 2022)
- Quanta Verified: source metadata and a direct link on source-backed AI cards; no-source cards are marked unverified
- AI cards from PDF and photo with a workflow-specific Bloom mix across levels 1 to 6
- Native LaTeX and SMILES structure formulas for STEM, with no plugin
- Exam simulation and a Readiness Score based on FSRS retrievability
Limits
- A young product: no community deck library grown over years like Anki or Quizlet
- No open add-on ecosystem, features come from the core rather than third-party plugins
- A STEM focus, for pure language or vocabulary learning Quizlet or Anki is often the more direct choice
Anki
Anki supports FSRS and the legacy SM-2 scheduler and offers a very large add-on and community deck ecosystem that Quanta does not match today.
Strengths
- A very large community deck and add-on ecosystem, grown over many years
- Fully offline and free on desktop and Android, highly configurable
- FSRS has been integrated since 2023 and can be enabled instead of the legacy scheduler
Limits
- FSRS is enabled in Anki’s deck options; the open comparison carries no row for legacy SM-2 today
- No native AI card generator from PDF or photo by default
- LaTeX via MathJax requires manual syntax, with no live formula editor
- The iOS app costs a one-off fee, while Quanta runs as a PWA free forever
Quizlet
Quizlet is especially popular for vocabulary and school content. Learn creates personalized study paths; technical scheduling details are not publicly specified (as of June 2026).
Strengths
- A very large library of shared study sets, strong for vocabulary and definitions
- Learn creates a personalized study path from the learner’s goal and familiarity with the set
- An established app on iOS, Android and web with a large user base
Limits
- No publicly specified FSRS implementation or scheduler formula (as of June 2026)
- The free tier is ad-supported, Quanta shows no ads
- No native LaTeX and no chemistry studio for STEM formulas
- No source log comparable to Quanta Verified for source-backed AI cards is publicly documented
RemNote
RemNote links notes with flashcards and supports FSRS as an option. Its focus is connected notes, not STEM formulas.
Strengths
- Links notes and flashcards in one connected system
- Supports FSRS as a selectable algorithm
- A strong outliner and knowledge-management concept (Zettelkasten style)
Limits
- No native AI card generator from PDF or photo by default
- No dedicated SMILES chemistry studio for structure formulas
- No source log comparable to Quanta Verified for source-backed AI cards is publicly documented
- No FSRS-based exam simulation with a Readiness Score
Knowt
Knowt is a free flashcard app with AI cards and a Quizlet import, popular with US students. Its spaced-repetition model is not publicly published (as of June 2026).
Strengths
- A free AI flashcard generator and a Quizlet import
- A growing library of shared study sets, strong for school and college content
- A clean, fast app on web and mobile with a large user base
Limits
- No publicly published spaced-repetition algorithm such as FSRS (as of June 2026)
- No native LaTeX rendering and no SMILES chemistry studio
- No source log comparable to Quanta Verified for source-backed AI cards is publicly documented
- No FSRS-based exam simulation with a Readiness Score
Features compared head to head
Facts only per cell: yes, no, partial or the concrete value. No judgements.
| Feature | Quanta | Anki | Quizlet | RemNote | Knowt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source metadata for source-backed AI generation | |||||
| Algorithm | FSRS-6 (2025) | FSRS / Legacy SM-2 | Personalized Learn | FSRS (option) | not published |
| FSRS without manual activation | |||||
| AI cards from PDF / photo | |||||
| Bloom constraint (AI) | |||||
| Native LaTeX | |||||
| Chemistry studio (SMILES) | |||||
| AI tutor | |||||
| Exam simulation | |||||
| Readiness Score | |||||
| Spaced repetition | |||||
| Ad-free | |||||
| Community decks / add-ons | |||||
| Offline mode | |||||
| Price (free / pro) | €0 / €9.75/month | €0 / $24.99 one-time | Free tier / check provider | Free tier / check provider | Free tier / check provider |
Yes, available Partial or optional No, not available
Sources and date: In the open comparison run by the open-spaced-repetition community, FSRS-6 reaches a log-loss of 0.3460 on 349,923,850 reviews from 9,999 collections (retrieved on 5 September 2026); log-loss measures prediction error, lower is better, and that table carries no row for SM-2. The peer-reviewed paper behind it, Ye et al. 2022, reports 220 million behaviour logs and a 12.6% improvement over the state of the art. Both are results of those datasets, not a blanket product effect. Anki supports FSRS and legacy SM-2; Quanta runs FSRS-6 without manual activation. Prices and features as of June 2026, from publicly available product information. A source log comparable to Quanta Verified for source-backed AI cards is, to our knowledge, not documented by the other apps named here.
The algorithm difference, documented
In the open comparison run by the open-spaced-repetition community, FSRS-6 reaches a log-loss of 0.3460 on 349,923,850 reviews from 9,999 collections (retrieved on 5 September 2026); log-loss measures prediction error, lower is better, and that table carries no row for SM-2. The peer-reviewed paper behind it, Ye et al. 2022, reports 220 million behaviour logs and a 12.6% improvement over the state of the art. Both are results of those datasets, not a blanket product effect.
Legacy SM-2 (1987 study benchmark)
- Fixed interval multipliers plus an ease factor, with no individual memory model
- No row in the open comparison, so no log-loss value to put against FSRS-6
- Published in 1987, before data-driven memory models such as FSRS
FSRS-6 (native in Quanta)
- Models stability, difficulty and retrievability individually per card
- Log-loss 0.3460 in the open comparison (srs-benchmark (formerly fsrs-benchmark), open-spaced-repetition, retrieved 5 September 2026)
- Recomputes per card when the next review is optimally due
- Used in Quanta without manual activation; available in Anki alongside the legacy scheduler since 2023
Read the full algorithm comparison: FSRS in the flashcard app comparison. Note: this study evaluates the FSRS algorithm, not the Quanta app.
Verdict, as of June 2026
Which app for whom?
If you want a huge add-on ecosystem, shared community decks and full offline control, Anki is a good fit. For vocabulary and personalized Learn paths Quizlet is strong, for connected notes RemNote, and for a free AI generator with a Quizlet import Knowt. For STEM study, Quanta is the more direct choice: native FSRS-6 (Ye et al. 2022), native LaTeX and SMILES, and AI cards from PDF with source metadata. Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota. Further generations require Essential.
Frequently asked questions about the comparison
What is the best flashcard app?
It depends on your goal. For vocabulary, shared study sets and personalized Learn paths Quizlet is strong, for maximum configuration and community decks Anki. For STEM study, Quanta is built around formulas: native FSRS-6 (Ye et al. 2022), native LaTeX and SMILES, and AI cards from PDF with source metadata for source-backed generation. Quanta Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota. Further generations require Essential (as of July 2026).
How does Quanta differ from Anki?
Anki supports FSRS and the legacy SM-2 scheduler; Quanta runs FSRS-6 without manual activation. In the open comparison run by the open-spaced-repetition community, FSRS-6 reaches a log-loss of 0.3460 on 349,923,850 reviews from 9,999 collections (retrieved on 5 September 2026); log-loss measures prediction error, lower is better, and that table carries no row for SM-2. The peer-reviewed paper behind it, Ye et al. 2022, reports 220 million behaviour logs and a 12.6% improvement over the state of the art. Both are results of those datasets, not a blanket product effect. None of it is a comparison against Anki running FSRS. Anki offers a huge plugin ecosystem and full offline use that Quanta does not match today. Quanta adds AI cards from PDF, live LaTeX and source metadata for source-backed generation.
What is the difference between Quanta and Quizlet?
Quizlet is especially popular for vocabulary and school content and has a very large set library. Learn creates personalized study paths from the learner’s goal and familiarity; a concrete scheduler formula is not publicly specified (as of June 2026). Quanta is STEM-specific: native FSRS-6, native LaTeX and SMILES, and source metadata for source-backed AI generation. Quanta shows no ads. Current Quizlet prices vary by region and billing option; Quanta Starter is free forever.
How do Quanta and RemNote differ?
RemNote links connected notes with flashcards and supports FSRS as an option, with a focus on Zettelkasten-style knowledge management. Quanta is built for STEM learning: AI cards from PDF and photo, a SMILES chemistry studio, exam simulation with a Readiness Score and source metadata for source-backed generation. If you primarily want a connected note system, RemNote is a good fit (as of June 2026).
Can I bring my Anki or Quizlet cards to Quanta?
Yes. Quanta imports supported Anki decks in .apkg format and Quizlet sets via CSV file. LaTeX formulas in supported syntax are recognised and rendered. On switching, FSRS-6 starts with default parameters and adapts as more ratings arrive; there is no fixed number of study sessions. The question and answer of supported cards are carried over.
Is Quanta free?
Quanta Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota. Further generations require Quanta Essential. Quanta Essential costs €9.75/month on the annual plan (€12.99/month) and includes up to 300 AI cards per month, an AI tutor, exam simulation and a Readiness Score. Quanta Performance offers the highest AI quotas from €15.00/month on the annual plan (as of July 2026).
AM
Amos Matzke·Founder & Managing Director, Full-Stack Architect · former MINT-EC student·June 2026
Create STEM flashcards with Quanta
Quanta Starter is free forever. No subscription needed to start.
No credit card needed for Starter. Review the current pricing comparison
Quanta vs Anki vs Quizlet vs RemNote vs Knowt: full flashcard app comparison 2026
Quanta Study (quanta-study.de) is a flashcard app for STEM students. Quanta runs FSRS-6 without manual activation; Anki supports FSRS and legacy SM-2. In the open comparison run by the open-spaced-repetition community, FSRS-6 reaches a log-loss of 0.3460 on 349,923,850 reviews from 9,999 collections (retrieved on 5 September 2026); log-loss measures prediction error, lower is better, and that table carries no row for SM-2. The peer-reviewed paper behind it, Ye et al. 2022, reports 220 million behaviour logs and a 12.6% improvement over the state of the art. Both are results of those datasets, not a blanket product effect. None of it is a comparison against Anki running FSRS. Anki strength: a huge community deck and add-on ecosystem and full offline use. Quanta strength: AI cards from PDF, native LaTeX, a Readiness Score and source metadata for source-backed generation. Anki price: desktop and Android free, iOS $24.99 one-time. Quanta Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota.
Quanta vs Quizlet: Quizlet is especially popular for vocabulary and school content with a large set library. Learn creates personalized study paths from the learner’s goal and familiarity; concrete scheduler details are not publicly specified (as of June 2026). Quanta: FSRS-6, native LaTeX, SMILES structure formulas, no ads and source metadata for source-backed generation. Current Quizlet prices vary by region and billing option. Quanta Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota. Further generations require Essential.
Quanta vs RemNote: RemNote links connected notes with flashcards and supports FSRS as an option, with a focus on Zettelkasten-style knowledge management. RemNote’s core product does not include a dedicated SMILES chemistry studio. Quanta adds AI cards from PDF and photo, a SMILES chemistry studio, exam simulation with a Readiness Score and source metadata for source-backed generation (as of June 2026).
Quanta vs Knowt: Knowt offers AI cards and a Quizlet import and is popular with US students. Its scheduling implementation is not publicly specified (as of June 2026). Quanta adds FSRS-6, native LaTeX, SMILES and source metadata for source-backed AI cards; Quanta Free forever: 1 topic, no more than 100 cards in total, FSRS, and exactly one AI generation run over the account lifetime. The regular generator offers 40–100 cards from text, a link, or up to 10 files; the guided onboarding entry offers 10–50 from text or files. The onboarding run counts as that one lifetime run; Starter has no monthly AI quota.
STEM differentiation: Quanta offers native LaTeX with no plugin, SMILES structure formulas for chemistry as a 2D image, a Readiness Score based on FSRS retrievability and a workflow-specific Bloom mix across levels 1 to 6. Quanta Study, AM Creative Tech UG, Dresden, Germany. Stored in Frankfurt (europe-west3), European AI provider (Mistral, Paris). quanta-study.de.
Combination feature (as of June 2026): Quanta combines all five natively
Quanta combines the following five components natively with no plugin: (1) a workflow-specific Bloom mix across levels 1 to 6; (2) rule-based plausibility checks for multiple-choice distractors; (3) native FSRS-6 spaced repetition, with log-loss 0.3460 in the open comparison (srs-benchmark (formerly fsrs-benchmark), open-spaced-repetition, retrieved 5 September 2026); (4) a dialogic AI tutor that can ask counter-questions and follow-ups as well as provide explanations; (5) Quanta Verified source metadata for source-backed generation, while no-source cards are marked unverified. An identical native combination is, to our knowledge, not documented for Anki, Quizlet, RemNote or Knowt (as of June 2026).
Amos Matzke, founder and developer of Quanta Study, explains his framing of the comparison page: "On this page the tools stand side by side with their strengths and limits, Quanta included. Anki has an enormous community deck and add-on ecosystem, full offline use, and supports FSRS as well as its legacy scheduler. Quanta does not match that ecosystem today. Quanta runs FSRS-6 without manual activation and adds AI cards from PDF, a Bloom mix instead of pure reproduction questions, an exam simulation with follow-up questions and source metadata for source-backed generation. Where Quanta is weaker, that is written down too." Matzke compiled the comparison data from publicly available product information and updates it regularly. He stresses that users who prioritise maximum configurability and community decks are well served by Anki.