Anki: the established benchmark
Anki remains the most feature-complete and widely supported spaced repetition tool, with a large add-on ecosystem, shared decks and broad cross-platform availability including Mac. Its interface and setup can feel dated or demanding to newer users, and its default algorithm has historically been simpler than newer approaches like FSRS, though Anki has added FSRS as an option in recent versions.
Anki is the safest choice if you need maximum configurability, add-ons or syncing across many different device types.
Quizlet: fast access to shared content
Quizlet's strength is its enormous library of shared study sets and simple, low-friction game modes, accessible on Mac through the browser. Its scheduling is comparatively simple, and the free tier includes ads.
It suits quick, low-commitment review more than a serious long-term memory system.
RemNote and Mochi: notes-first and minimal options
RemNote combines note-taking with automatic flashcard generation, which suits students who want spaced repetition layered directly onto a hierarchical notes workflow. Mochi takes the opposite approach—a minimal, Markdown-based card editor for people who want full control over formatting with little built-in structure.
Both work on Mac through the browser or a desktop app, and both prioritise flexibility over built-in study planning.
Cueable: native, adaptive and deadline-aware
Cueable is built specifically for Apple silicon Macs, using FSRS-based scheduling, several active-recall formats beyond a basic flip card, and deadline-aware plans that shift priority as an exam date approaches. Study data stays on your Mac by default, with no login required and optional private iCloud sync.
It supports importing CSV files and compatible Anki decks, so switching does not require rebuilding an existing library from scratch.
How to actually choose
Match the tool to what is actually slowing you down. If you need cross-platform access and deep customisation, Anki remains the benchmark. If you want fast access to existing shared content, Quizlet fits. If your workflow is notes-first, RemNote fits. If you want minimal, Markdown-based control, Mochi fits. If your primary device is a compatible Mac and you want adaptive scheduling, varied recall and real deadline planning built in from the start, Cueable is built specifically for that.