10 of the best study apps to enhance your learning
Turn your phone into the ultimate study buddy with these useful apps for students.
Smartphones are the perfect procrastination tool, especially when it comes to study. But the truth is, your phone doesn’t have to be a hindrance. It can be the tool that helps you stay on-track, focused, and more productive.
Whether you need a ruthless editor to whip your assessments into shape, struggle to stay focused, or could use some help prepping for an exam, there’s a slew of study apps designed to make your academic journey run smoother than an EV on an open road.
Here are some of our favourites:
Apps for editing and proofreading
1. Hemingway Editor
Clear and succinct writing is essential at university. Hemingway Editor helps keep your work concise and to the point. Just copy and paste your assignment into the tool, and it will highlight complex sentences and common errors to fix.
Where can you use it? Windows, Mac.
Cost: Free! Paid versions with extra features are also available.
2. ProWritingAid
ProWritingAid is an excellent alternative to the more well-known Grammarly. It’s perfect for budget savvy students looking for help with grammar in their writing, and to improve the readability of their work. You can integrate it with whatever program you use to write, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Choose from a collection of writing styles, like general writing or academic writing, and it will keep your word choices on point while enhancing the overall quality of your writing.
Where can you use it? Windows, Mac, Chrome extension, Google Docs, Microsoft Word.
Cost: Free, with word limits. Premium versions are available for $10 or $12 a month.
3. ChatGPT
As far as editing and proofreading ‘secret weapons’ go, ChatGPT is hard to beat. Harnessing the power of AI, you can upload any piece of writing—from a single paragraph to a few thousand words—and ask it to check your work for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and readability. It’s a great way to refine your writing, see where your work can improve on quality, and streamline the proofing stage of your written assessments. Just be mindful of your university’s policy on AI tools, and keep these dos and don’ts in mind.
Where can you use it? Windows, Mac, Chrome, Firefox.
Cost: Free, with limited access to GPT-4o, web browsing and uploads. Premium versions are available for $20(US) a month.
Also worth reading: Do universities check for AI plagiarism?
Distraction blockers
4. StayFocused
Crafted to enhance your productivity by eliminating distractions, StayFocused acts as an app usage tracker that helps you cut down on the procrastination browsing we're all prone to. It works by placing restrictions on app and website access, empowering you to regain control of your study sessions.
The result? Less time wasted on unproductive activities and more focused efforts towards earning your degree. It also promotes healthier digital habits, allowing you to manage overall phone usage and screen time effectively.
Where can you use it? Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.
Cost: Free.
5. AppBlock
Ever searched ‘apps that lock your phone while studying’? You’re not alone, which, helpfully, is why apps like AppBlock exist. As the name hints, this app is designed to block out distractions during dedicated study sessions set by you, so your phone won’t interrupt your focus.
Where can you use it? Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.
Cost: Free.
6. Habitica
Humans love to be rewarded for the hard work they do. That’s why apps that reward you for study can be an effective way to make studying a habit. Using gamification, Habitica makes productivity—and study—an engaging and fun activity. Each time you sit down to study and complete tasks, you can earn rewards and unlock achievements.
Where can you use it? Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.
Cost: Free.
Also worth reading: How to beat procrastination and become a more active learner
Apps for exam preparation
7. Quizlet
Prepping for exams can feel like the most arduous part of study, but Quizlet makes reviewing course material a breeze—dare we say fun. It allows you to collaborate with classmates, create flashcards and quizzes, and prep for exams with games. Quizlet also supports a variety of study modes, so no matter your learning style, you’ll get something out of it. Powered by AI, it boasts an adaptive learning algorithm that adjusts the difficulty of quiz questions based on performance.
Where can you use it? Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.
Cost: Free 7-day trial, then $3.99 a month.
8. Todoist
Todoist is one of the best task management apps for students who thrive on having a study planner. It allows you to create and organise tasks while keeping you on track with your academic responsibilities and goals.
Where can you use it? Android, iOS, Windows, Mac.
Cost: Free. Paid versions with extra features are also available.
Also worth reading: How to study effectively for your exams
Apps that encourage study
9. Forest
Forest is a popular distraction blocking app, but it’s also a fantastic way to track your study progress. A beautiful and unique way to complement learning, you plant a virtual tree that grows while you work. As your study session progresses your forest grows, a visual representation of your productivity—but, if you leave the app, your tree dies.
Where can you use it? Android, iOS, Chrome extension.
Cost: iOS: $3.99. Android: Free or $1.99 for the pro version.
10. Reminders (iOS)/ Google Keep (Android)
Sometimes all we need is a bit of encouragement, and a reminder to hit the books can be all it takes to encourage study. Both Reminders and Google Keep are in-built apps for smartphones where you can set reminders to study, schedule notifications, create to-do lists, and track your study schedule.
Where can you use it? iOS or Android.
Cost: Free.
Also worth reading: How do I choose a university tutoring service?
New to study, and want advice about setting yourself up for a successful term? Book a pre-study check-in call with one of our student advisors. Or read about the 8 things to do before class starts.
