AnkiWeb

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to AnkiWeb

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to AnkiWeb.

AnkiWeb provides cloud sync and a browser-based interface for Anki spaced-repetition flashcards. It stores decks, synchronizes study progress across devices, allows creating and reviewing cards in a browser, and supports deck backup and sharing.

Alternatives List

#1
LinguaCafe

LinguaCafe

Self-hosted assisted reading app for language learners with built-in dictionaries, vocabulary tracking, and review workflows, including Anki integration.

LinguaCafe screenshot

LinguaCafe is a self-hosted web application that helps language learners read foreign-language content while building vocabulary. It combines an in-browser reader with fast word lookup, vocabulary tracking, and review tools designed to reduce friction during extensive reading.

Key Features

  • Text reader optimized for assisted reading with inline word lookups
  • Built-in dictionary resources with multi-language support
  • Vocabulary management: save unknown words and track learning status
  • Review workflow for revisiting saved vocabulary
  • Integrations for exporting/reviewing, including Anki connectivity
  • Optional integrations with external services such as translation and media servers

Use Cases

  • Reading articles, ebooks, or pasted texts while collecting new vocabulary
  • Building an incremental vocabulary list for a specific language or topic
  • Exporting gathered vocabulary into spaced-repetition workflows

Limitations and Considerations

  • Single user/server setup only (no multi-user support)
  • Active development status; users may encounter bugs
  • Not currently compatible with many ARMv8 devices (for example, Raspberry Pi 3+)
  • Memory usage can exceed 2 GB when many languages are enabled

LinguaCafe is best suited for learners who want an integrated, self-controlled reading and vocabulary workflow. It focuses on minimizing interruptions during reading while keeping review and vocabulary organization in one place.

1.3kstars
55forks
View Details
#2
Lute

Lute

Python/Flask reading-based language learning app that turns texts into interactive lessons, with term management, plugins, audio and Anki export.

Lute is a reading-centered language-learning web application that helps learners convert texts into interactive learning material. It is implemented in Python using the Flask web framework and is distributed as the lute3 package for local installation. (github.com)

Key Features

  • Interactive reading interface where individual words are clickable to create/edit terms and view definitions. (luteorg.github.io)
  • Term and dictionary management with parent-term support, multi-word terms, and support for images attached to terms. (luteorg.github.io)
  • Plugin architecture and language parser plugins (e.g., Mandarin, Thai) to add specialized tokenizers/parsers for languages that need them. (luteorg.github.io)
  • Export and study integrations (Anki card creation/export workflows) plus keyboard shortcuts and progress tracking for reading sessions. (luteorg.github.io)
  • Typical Python web-stack packaging and deployment options (pip package, Docker support and project configuration files). (pypi.org)

Use Cases

  • Learners who want to learn vocabulary and grammar by reading graded or authentic texts with in-place term creation and review.
  • Teachers preparing reading lessons and exporting vocabulary lists or flashcards for students.
  • Language hobbyists building customized dictionaries, importing texts, and tracking reading progress across multiple languages. (luteorg.github.io)

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some language support requires external system tools (for example, Japanese installations require MeCab for morphological analysis). (pypi.org)

Lute is a focused tool for reading-driven language study with a mature feature set for term management, plugin extensibility, and export workflows. It is actively maintained on its repository and distributed via Python packaging for local deployment and customization. (github.com)

900stars
91forks
View Details

Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running