RecallDeck vs Anki for interview prep
Both RecallDeck and Anki are spaced-repetition tools built on the same core idea: recall a card, grade yourself, and let an algorithm schedule the next review. The difference is what you start with. Anki is a powerful, general-purpose empty box — you build or import every deck. RecallDeck is a purpose-built interview-prep app that comes pre-loaded with curated questions, so you study on day one instead of assembling a deck.
At a glance
| RecallDeck | Anki | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tech interview prep, specifically | General-purpose memorization |
| Content included | Hundreds of curated interview cards across role tracks | None — you build or import decks |
| Setup to first study | Sign in, pick a track, go | Find or make a deck first |
| Scheduler | Anki-style SM-2 | SM-2 / FSRS |
| Platform | Web, keyboard-first | Desktop, mobile, web (AnkiWeb) |
| Customization | Curated; opinionated defaults | Near-unlimited (note types, add-ons) |
| Offline use | No (web app) | Yes (desktop/mobile) |
| Price | Free; Pro $5/mo or $29/yr | Free (iOS app is paid) |
Choose RecallDeck if…
- You want to prep for a tech interview without building a deck first.
- You'd rather study curated, interview-specific questions than assemble your own.
- You study at a computer and want a fast, keyboard-first loop.
- You want role tracks (Full-Stack, Backend, Data, QA, and more) with shared progress.
Choose Anki if…
- You want one tool for everything you memorize, not just interviews.
- You need heavy customization — custom note types, add-ons, media.
- Offline and mobile-first studying matter to you.
- You already have decks you love and a workflow that works.
The honest summary
Anki is the better tool if you want maximum control and one system for all your memorization. RecallDeck is the better tool if your goal is specifically a tech interview and you want to skip the deck-building entirely. Many people use both — Anki for their personal knowledge, RecallDeck for the interview grind. RecallDeck is free to start, so trying it costs nothing.
RecallDeck vs Anki — FAQ
Is RecallDeck a good Anki alternative for interview prep?
Yes, if your goal is specifically a tech interview. RecallDeck uses the same Anki-style SM-2 spaced repetition, but it comes pre-loaded with hundreds of curated interview questions across role tracks, so you skip the deck-building that Anki requires. Anki remains the better choice for general-purpose or heavily customized study.
Does RecallDeck use the same spaced-repetition algorithm as Anki?
RecallDeck uses an Anki-style SM-2 algorithm with learning steps, ease factors, and lapses — the same family of scheduling Anki is known for. Cards you know come back less often; shaky ones return sooner.
Can I import my Anki decks into RecallDeck?
No. RecallDeck is a curated interview-prep app, not a general deck manager — its value is the ready-made, role-specific question sets, so there's no deck import. If you want to bring your own decks, Anki is the right tool.
Is RecallDeck free like Anki?
Yes. RecallDeck's full app is free, including every track and the SM-2 scheduler, with 20 new cards a day. Anki is also free (except its paid iOS app). RecallDeck Pro ($5/month or $29/year) raises the daily budget and adds cram mode.