Wondering which Japanese learning program to go with?
Both are similar the learning approach (audio-based learning)….
But there are some distinct differences.
So, this JapanesePod101 vs Rocket Japanese comparison lines up both so you can take your pick.
Also, if you’re not fully familiar, you can read my JapanesePod101 review.
Pricing Comparison
First thing’s first, everyone wants to know the pricing.
| Overview | JapanesePod101 | Rocket Japanese |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Subscription-based from $8 (1 month 3, 6, 12, 24-month plans) | One-time payment per level ($149-$449 per level). |
| Free Trial? | Yes, free account with 7-day Premium trial – full access to the Premium plan for 7 days. | Yes, limited trial – no full access. |
| Value for Money? | More affordable. | Good if you prefer a one-time purchase and can afford to pay more upfront. |
Keep in mind that there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a discount. The prices above are full prices.
Program Comparison
Both programs teach through dialogues and then explain everything after.
| Overview | JapanesePod101 | Rocket Japanese |
|---|---|---|
| Main Types of Lessons | Mostly dialogue based Audio and Video lessons by native speakers. There are also audio/video lessons also cover writing, culture, reading, listening, etc. Assessments after every few lessons to test you on the Japanese you’ve learned. | Audio lessons with native speakers. Cultural lessons – mostly text Writing lessons – video |
| Teaching Style | Listen to & learn from conversations – podcast style | Listen to & learn from conversations – podcast style |
| Length of Lesson | 3-15 minutes – first you hear a conversation – then again with translations – then the teachers explain all the words and grammar – finally you hear it one last time | 20-30 minutes – most of those 20/30 minutes are the English explanations |
| Structured? | Yes. | Yes. |
| Total # of Lessons | 630+ hours of Japanese lessons and conversations | 451 hours |
Both programs contain various study tools…
But seeing as how those tools are there to reinforce the Japanese you learn in the lesson, they’re not the main attraction and are fairly similar.
So…
The biggest difference here is the time you’ll need to invest into each lesson. With JapanesePod101, it’s around 3-15 min. whereas it can be up to 30 minutes to complete one lesson.
Both of these numbers don’t include the extra exercises you’d want to do within that lesson.
I think the conversations are a lot more dynamic and varied on JapanesePod101, where you’ll have different characters, story-lines, and teachers — plus the videos are better if you’re a visual learner. The teachers/hosts are native and bilingual Japanese speakers
With Rocket Japanese, you hear one guy discuss everything after the Japanese speakers have their dialogue.
The Extra Cherries on Top
Unlike Rocket Japanese, JapanesePod101 does include various extra features that go above and beyond their core program. Things like access to a teacher, classes, and PDF freebies.
| Feature | JapanesePod101 | Rocket Japanese |
|---|---|---|
| Access to a Japanese Teacher | Yes | No |
| Live Japanese Classes | Yes | No |
| Freebie Bonus Resources (PDFS) | Yes | No |
Access to a Japanese Teacher
You can get access with the Premium PLUS plan – a teacher whom you can chat/correspond with via MyTeacher messenger.
Note, this is not live video chat but messenger and depends on their availability. But you can practice, send messages, send recordings, get feedback/corrections as you learn with their program. Useful if this your cup of tea — some people love it, some people don’t.
- You can learn more about the PLUS plan here: JapanesePod101 Basic vs Premium vs Premium PLUS
Live Japanese Classes
Now, if you want an actual live Japanese teacher and weekly live classes, you can either get…
- Live Group Classes (learn alongside 4 other learners and a native teacher)
- or
- Live Private Classes (learn with just a native teacher)
Both are separate products of their own but also include Premium PLUS access for the duration you sign up for.
Ongoing Bonuses: PDFs & Resources
JapanesePod101 occasionally sends new special freebies to help you out — PDF workbooks, cheat sheets, calendars, and so on. One such example is the Japanese Kana PDF Writing Workbook which you can see for yourself here — click here for the PDF workbook.
Conclusion
There’s a lot more we can go into with JapanesePod101 vs Rocket Japanese.
Like, the extra tools and stuff.
However, I don’t think it’s worth comparing every little tool…
The most important part is the core learning approach, which should be compared. Because that’s how you’ll be learning.
- Both programs are audio based
- Though JapanesePod101 includes more videos lessons as well nowadays
- JapanesePod101’s lessons are shorter – 3-15. Rocket’s vary from 20 to 30 minutes.
- Rocket has way more English talking than Japanese, which can be good or bad depending on what you want.
- JapanesePod101’s more affordable (subscription) in the short term and Rocket requires an upfront payment (one time) — really up to you and how much you’re willing to invest.
- JapanesePod101’s free trial let’s you try out EVERYTHING for 7 days whereas Rocket’s triall is limited to the first few lessons.
So, whichever one you go with…
Now you know what makes each one different.
What about you? Any thoughts or preferences? Leave a comment.