Side by side
Learning with Texts vs Lector
Both stand on language immersion apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
LWT combines reading with vocabulary tracking and several practice modes, while leaving learners in control of the texts they use. Its local server requirement and Unicode limitation are important setup and content constraints.
Visit Learning with Texts
Free plan Open source APIiPhoneSelf-hosted+1
Lector combines imported reading and media with vocabulary tracking, practice, and Anki support. The free plan has stated limits, while self-hosted and paid cloud options serve different data and feature needs.
Visit LectorThe facts
| Learning with Texts | Lector | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Cloud: $5 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | hapepo23.github.io | lector.dev |
| On language immersion apps | #4 of 25 | #1 of 25 |
Learning with Texts: what it does well
- Free language-learning web app.
- Saved terms appear in later readings.
- Includes term, context, and cloze tests.
- Terms can be exported to Anki.
- Offline access and interactive practice are listed.
What to know first
- Requires a local web and database server with PHP.
- Audio is linked by URL; file upload is unavailable.
- Unicode characters above U+FFFF are unsupported.
- Software is provided as-is without warranty.
Lector: what it does well
- Imports EPUBs, web articles, pasted text, transcripts, and podcasts.
- Tracks known, learning, and new vocabulary.
- Cloze practice uses spaced repetition.
- Mined terms can be sent to Anki.
- Self-hosted option keeps reading data on the user’s hardware.
What to know first
- Free plan excludes podcast import.
- Free plan limits journal writing to 1,000 words per month.
- Free plan excludes managed AI requests.
- Cloud content may be sent to a translation provider.
Alternatives to Learning with Texts Alternatives to Lector The whole list