Free Chrome extension to learn Japanese from anime
Searching free Japanese anime extension usually lands you on dual-subtitle tools that assume you already read kana — or paid mining suites. AnimeVocab is free for the habit that matters: one useful word per line, in romaji, with spaced repetition, on the streams you already watch.
Install from GitHub / Chrome (no credit card). Watch Crunchyroll, Netflix, or YouTube. Save romaji-first cards. Review on a schedule. Optional Pro only if you want hosted Listening Mode without your own OpenAI key.
Free tools compared (honest 2026 map)
- AnimeVocab — romaji-first + built-in SRS + Crunchyroll Listening Mode. Best free pick for month-zero learners.
- Language Reactor — free dual subs on Netflix/YouTube if you can read Japanese text (comparison).
- asbplayer — free Anki mining if you bring Japanese subtitle files (comparison).
- Lexirise / ManabiDojo — free cores for readers on Crunchyroll; not romaji-first (vs Lexirise, vs ManabiDojo).
Why "free" rankings often miss beginners
Most 2026 listicles crown Language Reactor or Animelon without asking: Can you read the Japanese subtitle they require? and Are you on Crunchyroll? If either answer is painful, a free dual-sub tool still leaves you stuck. AnimeVocab exists for that gap — see the full best apps ranking and Crunchyroll guide.
Install in under two minutes
- Open the AnimeVocab GitHub repo / Chrome install path.
- Pin the extension. Open Crunchyroll, Netflix, or YouTube anime.
- Keep English subs if you want — save one romaji word per line.
- Review due cards before the next episode.
Deeper workflows: romaji-first learning, spaced repetition, free AI manga maker for output practice.