Memrise Review: Spaced-Repetition Vocabulary That Actually Sticks
Memrise turns vocabulary drills into short, memorable video clips of real native speakers. Here's what teachers actually get, what works in class, and what to pair it with for a complete vocabulary workflow.Ready to try Memrise?
"Real native-speaker video clips in every lesson — you hear the word in context, not just a robotic voice."
Best for
Independent learners who want bite-size vocabulary drills with authentic pronunciation, and teachers assigning self-study vocabulary homework.
Pricing
Freemium
Pro tip — heads up before you bookmark it
A note on Pro pricing
Memrise offers a free core app with optional Pro features (offline mode, AI conversation partner, grammar bots). Pro pricing varies by region and is shown at sign-up. The free tier is enough for most classroom use — verify Pro costs at checkout before recommending them to students.
What is Memrise?
Memrise is a language-learning platform launched in 2010 by Ed Cooke and Greg Detre. It applies spaced repetition — a memory technique where review intervals grow longer as you remember a word — to vocabulary acquisition across 50+ languages.
The platform's signature feature is the Learn with Locals video clips: short recordings of real native speakers using target vocabulary in everyday situations (ordering food, asking for directions, casual chat). Every new word comes with one of these clips, so learners hear pronunciation and natural context in parallel.
The free tier includes:
- Thousands of community-created and official courses
- Unlimited spaced-repetition review sessions
- Mobile (iOS / Android) and web apps with progress sync
- The Learn-with-Locals video library
The Pro subscription adds offline mode, grammar chatbots, and an AI conversation partner. Pricing varies by region and is shown at sign-up.
How teachers use it
Memrise fits naturally in the ESL classroom in three main ways:
- Self-study vocabulary homework: assign a Memrise course as weekly vocab practice. The spaced-repetition algorithm handles review scheduling automatically — no manual quiz creation needed.
- Listening warm-ups: pull a Learn-with-Locals clip and play it at the start of class. Students repeat, then discuss what they heard. Authentic accents and street-level phrases beat textbook audio.
- Themed vocabulary packs: use the free 'Create a course' feature to build class-specific word lists — school subjects, project vocabulary, seasonal words. Share the course link with the whole class.
- Summer / break maintenance: recommend Memrise as a low-effort way for students to keep vocabulary fresh over school breaks.
The catch: Memrise is learner-facing, not teacher-facing. There's no grade book, no LMS integration, no class roster. You'd need to track completion manually or trust students to do it on the honour system.
Is it worth your time?
Yes — for vocabulary. Memrise does one thing (vocabulary through spaced repetition + video) and does it well. If your students need to build a working vocabulary in English (or any of the 50+ supported languages), Memrise is a genuinely useful free tool.
It's not a complete English course. There's no explicit grammar instruction, no writing practice, no speaking evaluation. Use it as a vocabulary engine inside a broader curriculum, not as a stand-alone solution.
Honest recommendation: recommend Memrise as a free self-study supplement, not as a replacement for classroom instruction. Pair it with a teacher-facing platform (Quizlet, Anki, or Teach-This) if you need progress tracking or curriculum alignment.
The honest pros and cons
What works
- Genuinely free core app Thousands of courses, unlimited review, mobile and web sync. No paywall on the basics.
- Native-speaker video clips Real locals using target words in real situations. Better pronunciation model than textbook audio.
- Spaced repetition works Memrise's interval algorithm is solid. Words stick longer with less review time.
- Wide language coverage 50+ languages including less-common ones (Welsh, Yoruba, Icelandic, Swahili).
- Custom course creation Build your own vocab decks for free. Share via link with students.
- Cross-device sync Progress follows the learner across phone, tablet, and web.
What doesn't
- No teacher dashboard No grade book, no class roster, no LMS integration. You fly blind on completion.
- Limited grammar instruction Vocabulary only. No explicit grammar explanations or writing/speaking practice.
- Course quality varies Community courses range from excellent to sloppy. You may need to vet them.
- Pro features behind paywall Offline mode and AI conversation partner require a paid subscription.
- Motivational dips Less gamified than Duolingo — some students lose the habit without streaks and XP.
- CEFR alignment unclear Levels are approximate, not formally mapped to CEFR or Cambridge standards.
Best alternatives
If Memrise isn't a fit, these are the resources teachers actually switch to:
Quizlet
Flashcard platform with teacher-friendly study modes and class rosters.
Anki
Free, open-source flashcards with the most powerful spaced-repetition algorithm.
Duolingo
Gamified bite-size lessons across 40+ languages. Strong habit-forming mechanics.
ESL Brains
Lesson plans built around authentic videos, designed for adult and teen ESL.
Teach-This.com
3,000+ printable ESL worksheets, CEFR-aligned, updated monthly.
Frequently asked questions
What is Memrise?
Is Memrise free to use?
Is Memrise good for ESL teachers?
What CEFR levels does Memrise cover?
How is Memrise different from Duolingo?
Can teachers create custom Memrise courses?
What are the best alternatives to Memrise?
Ready to try Memrise with your students?
Free core app, real native-speaker videos, and 50+ languages. Recommend it as a self-study vocabulary supplement — your students can use it without signing up for a class roster.
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