Bunpro vs WaniKani for JLPT Prep: Which One Do You Need?

Bunpro and WaniKani solve different problems. WaniKani teaches kanji and vocabulary through mnemonics, in its own order. Bunpro teaches grammar with example sentences and offers vocabulary decks by JLPT level. Many learners use both. If you can only pick one for JLPT prep, choose by your weakest area. Both tools use spaced repetition, so people often compare them as if they were rivals. They are closer to teammates. Here is what each does, how they differ, and which one fits a JLPT plan. What is WaniKani? WaniKani is a paid site that teaches kanji and the vocabulary built from them. It uses mnemonics and a fixed level system, and it unlocks content as you go. Learners describe it as strong at teaching kanji meanings, readings and recognition, but it does not teach grammar. What is Bunpro? Bunpro is a grammar-focused site with spaced repetition. Each grammar point comes with an explanation and example sentences, and you review by writing or choosing the right answer. Bunpro also has vocabulary decks organized by JLPT level. Learners report that its grammar pages are free to read, while the review system requires a subscription. Learners often say Bunpro's biggest strength is its example sentences, which put each point in context. How do they differ? Focus: WaniKani covers kanji and vocabulary. Bunpro covers grammar and JLPT vocabulary. Order: WaniKani follows its own order, based on kanji complexity, not JLPT levels. Bunpro lets you study in JLPT order. Skill trained: one learner sums it up as WaniKani for recognition and input, Bunpro for recall and output. Strength: another learner says WaniKani is better at teaching new things, while Bunpro is better at reinforcing them. Trial: learners report that both sites offer a free trial, so you can test them before you pay. Prices change, so check each site's current pricing before subscribing. Which is better for the JLPT? Because the JLPT tests vocabulary, grammar, reading and listening, a grammar tool covers a big part of the exam. Bunpro follows the JLPT structure directly. WaniKani is not built around the JLPT, so it teaches many words and kanji that the test does not ask for, and it can leave out words that do appear. One learner points out that kanji is a small part of the exam, and that grammar and vocabulary questions are mostly written in hiragana except for the specific kanji questions. That is a learner's observation, not an official statement, but it explains why many JLPT candidates give grammar more weight. Even so, WaniKani helps when kanji is your weak point. Reading is easier when you recognize the characters, which is why many learners add it at some stage. Which should I choose for N5? Match the tool to your weakest area: Grammar is your gap: start with Bunpro's N5 grammar. Pair it with a textbook or a course such as our JLPT N5 Grammar course , since some learners say Bunpro works best as reinforcement, not as your only source of explanations. Kanji is your gap: use WaniKani, or study a short list such as our N5 kanji list with free flashcards. N5 only needs a small set of kanji. Budget is tight: pick one paid tool and cover the other area with free material. Our comparison of WaniKani vs Anki shows a free option for kanji. Can I use both together? Yes, and many learners do. They report that you can link your WaniKani progress to Bunpro, so words you already know there count as known. One learner describes a daily routine of five WaniKani lessons, one Bunpro grammar point and five Bunpro vocabulary words, which keeps the load manageable. Another learner warns that running several reviews at once can feel like too much. If you use both, start small and add the second tool only when the first feels easy. How do I fit them into a daily routine? Keep review sessions short and put them at fixed times. For example, do your kanji reviews at lunch and one grammar lesson in the evening. Reviews pile up fast when you skip a day, so set a small daily cap for new items and s…