Collection
Study apps for students that are free to start
Students need apps for 4 jobs: memorizing, taking notes in class, reading PDFs and keeping research in order. Every pick here handles 1 of those jobs and is free to start, so nothing needs a subscription on day 1.
10 apps10 free to startMac, iPhone, iPad
What gets an app in: An app gets in when it helps with studying through flashcards, class notes, PDFs, ebooks or languages and is free to start; paid only apps stay out.
- 1
AnkiShows each card right before you forget it, which is what exam memorizing needs, free on Mac.Free, open source - 2
SkimBuilt for reading long papers, with every highlight collected into notes you can export for an essay.Free, open source - 3
LogseqFree with no paid tier, and its flashcards and PDF notes sit right beside your class notes.Free, open source - 4
NotabilitySyncs lecture audio to your handwriting, so you can replay what was said at any line.Free to start - 5
GoodnotesLets you test handwritten class notes on iPad with 3 free notebooks before paying anything.Free to start - 6
PDF ExpertFills and signs the forms every school sends, free on Mac, iPhone and iPad.Free to start - 7
ObsidianKeeps years of course notes as plain files you still own after you graduate.Free to start - 8
MindNodeMaps out an essay or a chapter before you write it, free for basic mind maps.Free to start - 9
DuolingoA light way to keep a language requirement going between classes, free with ads.Free to start - 10
calibreKeeps course ebooks and free classics in one library and converts them for your Kindle or other reader.Free, open source
