Flash cards are an incredibly useful tool for helping you memorize anything. You should use them whether you're learning to code, studying for an exam, or even doing some public speaking.

You can jot facts and details onto the cards and use them as prompts. Or with double-sided cards, you can write a question on one side and the answer on the other, and you've got a ready-made pop quiz to test yourself at any time.

But you don't need to have an actual set of cards and a pen; your phone can do the job just as well. Let's take a look at the best flash card apps for Android.

1. Quizlet

Quizlet is the best all-around flash card app. It's got a clean, modern interface, and is easy to use. It also works on your phone, tablet, and laptop.

The service offers loads of downloadable card sets on almost any topic. You can use them in a range of tests, from a basic flash card mode to quizzes, and also a match game where you work against the clock to pair the two sides of each card. You can create your own flash card sets, too, of course.

It's also great for learning in class. Quizlet Live lets you join group quizzes hosted by your teacher by scanning a QR code or entering a passcode.

The downsides? Quizlet locks some features behind a subscription, including the ability to use the app offline and in night mode.

Download: Quizlet (Free, subscription available)

2. AnkiDroid Flashcards

AnkiDroid Flashcards has a less refined design, but packs in plenty of extra features that make it worth a look. Among these are an eye and battery-friendly night mode, plus some comprehensive statistics that let you track your learning.

The app also offers lots of downloadable card packs, on top of the ones you can make yourself.

AnkiDroid shows you cards in the form of the classic flash card system: you see the question on one side, then tap to flip it over and see the answer. To make it more powerful, the app uses the spaced repetition concept. Cards are repeated more or less frequently based on how well you understand the information it's giving you.

Download: AnkiDroid Flashcards (Free)

3. StudyBlue Flashcards & Quizzes

If you want to collaborate with classmates, StudyBlue is a good app to try. You can input your school and class names to quickly link up and share study materials with your fellow students.

The app has a simple and accessible design and makes it easy to create your own cards. You can mix it up by adding pictures or even recording sounds directly on your phone.

While StudyBlue isn't as feature-packed as something like Quizlet, you do get two card modes, including a quiz mode. There are also plenty of stats to show how far through a course or set you are.

Download: StudyBlue Flashcards & Quizzes (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. Lexilize Flashcards Maker

Despite its name, Lexilize Flashcards Maker doesn't need you to make cards. It's a language-learning app that offers card sets for more than 118 languages. There's also audio to help you with pronunciation.

The app helps you learn through a series of random games, with each language pack split into many categories so you can easily focus on areas you need to improve.

Lexilize isn't a replacement for something like Duolingo (or the best free alternatives to Duolingo). But if you're already learning a language elsewhere or just want to brush up on your skills, it's a useful companion

Download: Lexilize Flashcards Maker (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Buffl

Buffl is great for the speedy creation of your own flash card sets. It's a cloud-based app that works not just on your phone, but through any web browser. This means you can rapidly create flash cards online on a laptop, then access them at any time on any device.

You can also share them with friends. All you need is a free account to get started.

Buffl has far fewer features than most of the other apps, and there's no big database of pre-created card decks. But sometimes, less is more. This is a good option for casual, individual use.

Download: Buffl (Free)

6. StudySmarter

StudySmarter is designed for teachers and students in formal education at all levels. You can add your university and the course you're on to find suitable materials, set goals and focus aids for your study, create study groups, and get data on how you're progressing.

The setup process can be a little daunting as a result, but once you get through all that, you can just focus on learning. There are millions of study resources available within the app, and you can create your own too. Plus, you can get access to questions from textbooks on subjects ranging from algebra to thermal physics.

You can upgrade to a premium subscription to remove ads and get access to unlimited offline support, among other things.

Download: StudySmarter (Free, in-app purchases available)

7. Cram.com Flashcards

Cram.com users have created more than 75 million flashcards that you can share and learn from. There are so many that you'll find something on almost every subject, but with so many decks for the same topic, you have no way of knowing which is the best.

Thankfully, it's easy to make your own as well, and you can set them as public or private.

There are three ways to view your cards: regular, memorize, and cram mode, where the cards repeat at set intervals. The app is simple with a bold design. In addition to learning, it's a good choice if you're giving a presentation and need cards for prompts.

Download: Cram.com Flashcards (Free)

8. Brainscape Flashcards

Brainscape has a vast number of card decks available, and the service is available to schools and businesses. If your organization wants its teams to develop their skills, this is the app to choose.

It offers a combination of certified classes and user-generated sets. The quality is high, but not all of them are free. Some are effectively try-before-you-buy, and you can only unlock the full set through a subscription. You can build and share your own, as well.

Brainscape lacks the more detailed features of something like Quizlet, but it's good-looking and fun to use.

Download: Brainscape Flashcards (Free, subscription available)

9. Flashcards World

You don't get ready-made card sets in Flashcards World. You have to make them yourself. This sounds like a pain, but you can import them from CSV files, which means you can make them in Excel on your laptop rather than having to type them in manually on your phone. You can also import card sets you find elsewhere online.

The app supports lots of different formats for your cards. You can use basic question/answer cards, create multiple choice options, and even listen to them via the built-in audio player. Upgrade to the Pro version for even more study modes, including a memory game.

Other than that, it's light on features but has got the basics covered: you can easily share cards with others, and the whole app works offline.

Download: Flashcards World (Free, in-app purchases available)

Choose the Best Flash Card Apps

Using flash card apps is one of the best ways to boost your memory and commit new skills to it. If you want the most well-rounded option, then Quizlet is pretty much unbeatable. For something lighter and less full-on, Buffl is a good starting point.

Flash cards are especially useful when you're trying to master a new language, which is something else you can do on your phone. Take a look at our guide to language learning apps that really work to get started.