Review · Learning
Brainscape review
A spaced repetition flashcard app that rates your confidence on each card from 1 to 5 and can build cards from notes, PDFs and images with AI.
By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 12, 2026
- Performance (40%)
- 8.3
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
- Value (35%)
- 8.6
Brainscape suits students preparing for a big standardized or professional exam. After each card you rate your confidence from 1 to 5, and the app uses that rating to decide when you see the card again, so weak cards come back more often. Its AI builds cards from notes, PDFs, images, documents and typed text. On the free Basic plan you can type unlimited cards, import existing ones, use AI to make hundreds of flashcards, share decks and study 2,500 pre-loaded cards. Pro, listed at $7.99 per month on the yearly plan, makes AI card creation unlimited and opens every Brainscape-Certified deck, which covers exams such as the MCAT, NCLEX, MBE and Series 7. Some basics sit behind Pro: images and sounds on cards, reverse study and private decks all need a subscription. Anyone studying diagrams or language audio will hit that wall quickly, and RemNote's image occlusion or Anki's free media support may serve them better.
Who it is for
exam and certification candidates who want expert-made decks
Price
Free plan; Pro is $7.99 per month on the yearly plan.
$7.99/mo Year Get Started with Pro
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.
Key features
- AI creates flashcards from notes, PDFs, images, documents and text
- Confidence rating from 1 to 5 sets the spaced repetition schedule
- Brainscape-Certified decks for MCAT, NCLEX, bar exam, GRE and more
- Free plan: AI makes hundreds of flashcards, Pro: unlimited
- Study reminders and progress tracking
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Creating, sharing and studying your own text cards is free
- Strength: Free plan includes 2,500 pre-loaded flashcards
- Strength: Pro unlocks unlimited Certified decks for professional exams
- Weakness: Images and sounds on cards need Pro
- Weakness: Reverse flashcards are a Pro feature
- Weakness: Private decks require Pro
Key facts
- Free plan: Yes, unlimited cards you make
- Paid from: $7.99 per month on the yearly plan
- AI cards on Free: 100s of flashcards
- Rating scale: Confidence from 1 to 5
- Platforms: Web, iOS and Android
Where it ranks
Brainscape is No. 3 in our Best AI Flashcard Makers verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit brainscape.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org