# Busuu

> Busuu is a general language app that includes Japanese. Fit versus LingoDeer and Duolingo, and why a Japanese-first course is often better.

Canonical: https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/busuu
Last updated: 2026-08-14

A general language app. Fine as a habit. A Japanese-first course is usually a better spine.

Published: 2026-08-14

5 min read

beginner · freemium · easy · Course · iPhone, Android, Web

[Visit Busuu](https://studyjapanese101.com/go/busuu)

## Key facts

| Fact | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Best for | People already using Busuu for another language |
| Avoid if | You can use LingoDeer or Irodori instead |
| Pricing | Free limited; paid Premium |
| Platform | iPhone, Android, Web |
| Ease of use | easy |



## Pros

- People already using Busuu for another language
- Beginners who want an app habit
- Learners who will not open a textbook

## Cons

- You can use LingoDeer or Irodori instead
- You need deep Japanese grammar
- It would be a second app course

Busuu is a general language app with a Japanese course and some community corrections.

## Who it fits

It fits people who already use Busuu and will not switch apps.

## Limits

[LingoDeer](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/lingodeer) and [Irodori](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/irodori) are more Japanese-shaped. Do not stack Busuu with Duolingo and LingoDeer.

## Sources checked

Product details can change. Evidence pages and their individual check dates appear below. Profile reviewed 2026-08-14.

- [Busuu](https://www.busuu.com/) - official product · checked 2026-08-14 · Official product page used for the public description, platform, and current offering.

## Alternative tools

- [A Dictionary of Japanese Grammar](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/dictionary-of-japanese-grammar) - A three-volume grammar dictionary for looking up patterns you already met.
- [Bunpo](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/bunpo) - Multi-language grammar lessons with Japanese, SRS review, and paid Plus or Platinum plans.
- [Duolingo](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/duolingo) - A free habit app that can introduce Japanese, but not a complete course.

## Related

- [Japanese textbooks and courses](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/textbooks-courses) - A course is useful only if you finish lessons. Choose the format you will sit with.
- [Best Japanese Learning Apps for Beginners, by What You Need](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/japanese-learning-apps-for-beginners) - For a quick, game-like start, try Duolingo. Choose LingoDeer for grammar explanations, Renshuu for more control, or Irodori for a free structured course. Add reading and listening beyond the app.
- [Irodori](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/irodori) - Free Japan Foundation textbooks for daily-life Japanese, with audio.
- [LingoDeer](https://studyjapanese101.com/resources/lingodeer) - A structured Japanese app course with clearer grammar notes than most gamified apps.
- [5 Best Anki Alternatives for Japanese: Inku Is Our Pick](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/anki-alternatives-for-japanese) - We recommend Inku first for most Japanese learners who want prepared daily review on iPhone. Renshuu fits a broader Japanese study system, JPDB fits media vocabulary, WaniKani fits a fixed kanji path, and Bunpro fits grammar retrieval. Protect your Anki collection before testing a replacement.
- [Free Japanese Learning Resources: Build a Study Routine](https://studyjapanese101.com/best/free-japanese-learning-resources) - A complete free stack can start with Irodori for sequence, Tae Kim for explanation, Jisho for lookup, Renshuu for optional review, Tadoku for reading, and Nihongo con Teppei for audio. You do not need all six on day one.