Struggling to Study? I Reviewed 5 Best Study Tools That Help

There are two types of people in this world: those who can sit down, focus, and absorb information effortlessly, and those who open a textbook, reread the same sentence five times and somehow end up scrolling through their phones.

Lately, I’ve realized I fall into the second group.

I’m not a student, but I spend time learning new things. Whether it’s researching a topic for work, picking up a new skill, or simply trying to remember something important. I know the frustration of feeling like the information just isn’t sticking. 

That’s when I started looking into the best study tools. I needed something to help me stay organized, retain more information, and actually enjoy the learning process. Because learning shouldn’t feel like pulling an all-nighter every time. So, I tested a bunch of different tools that students and other learners can benefit from. 

Some tools made memorization effortless, while others helped me structure my thoughts better. After weeks of testing, I found 5 of the best study tools that are actually worth using. 

If you’re tired of inefficient study sessions and want tools that actually help, here’s what I discovered.

Let’s dive in.

5 best study tools I’d recommend

Studying can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right tools. When I started exploring different ways to study for the digital courses that I was taking, I quickly realized I needed study tools that could boost my focus, help me study for tests, undergo mock exams, and make learning more efficient.

That’s where the right best study tools made all the difference. Some helped me structure my notes, while others made memorization easier or kept me accountable with productivity features. With the right tools, I spent less time feeling scattered and more time actually absorbing and applying what I learned.

As I tested different options, I focused on features like flashcards, AI-powered summaries, mind mapping, and practice tests. After a hands-on experience, I found six best study tools that are actually worth using, whether you’re a student or a self-learner.

What makes these best study tools worth it: my perspective

If you’re testing general study tools, you will focus on flexibility, customization, and productivity. If you’re testing test prep tools, you’d prioritize mock exams, adaptive learning, official test content, and score tracking. 

So, I put the best online study tools through the wringer. 

• Usability and accessibility: When I test a study tool, the first thing I look for is how easy it is to use. If I have to spend more time figuring out the interface than actually studying, that’s a problem. The best tools are intuitive and simple to navigate, with no steep learning curve. I also check device compatibility. Can I switch between my laptop, phone, and tablet without losing my progress? A good study tool works seamlessly across different platforms.
• Memory and retention tools: The real test of a study tool is whether it actually helps me remember what I’ve learned. I love tools that let me create custom flashcards with images, text, and even audio, it makes studying more engaging. When I need to check my progress, I look for built-in quizzes or self-testing features that let me see what I actually know (and what I still need to work on). 
• Collaboration and sharing: Studying doesn’t always have to be a solo effort, so I like testing how well a tool supports real-time collaboration. If I can share notes or flashcards with others and study together, it makes the learning process a lot more interactive. Another big factor is cloud storage and backup. I don’t want to risk losing my notes, so I always check if a tool automatically saves progress and syncs everything across devices.
• Focus and productivity: Studying is one thing, but actually staying focused while studying is another. That’s why I look for tools with built-in distraction blockers, like focus timers or Pomodoro techniques, that help me stay on track.
• Practice tests:  When preparing for exams, I need more than just study notes. I need to simulate real test conditions. That’s why I test whether a tool offers full-length mock exams that feel just like the actual test. The best ones even include timed practice tests to help me build endurance and manage time effectively.
• Test-specific and subject-specific features: Not all study tools are built for standardized tests, so when I test one, that is, I check whether it offers pre-built study plans for exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, or MCAT. These are especially useful if I’m studying on a deadline and need structure.
  
  For language learners, I look for built-in language support, such as vocabulary practice for exams like the TOEFL or IELTS. For writing-heavy subjects, I test essay structuring and writing improvement features that help with grammar, clarity, and argument structure.

Over the course of several weeks, I researched and tried more than 25 study software programs. I narrowed down the best 5 based on their features and ease of use. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Have features specifically for test preparation
• Include various study methods
• Be accessible for students and educators

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.   

1. Kahoot!

All right, let’s talk about Kahoot!, the quiz game that turns even the most boring lessons into an interactive battle of wits.

First off, it’s ridiculously easy to use. Whether you’re a teacher, a corporate trainer, or just someone who loves hosting trivia nights, you can set up a quiz in minutes. The interface is clean, intuitive, and, honestly, kinda fun to play around with.

But the real magic? The gamification factor.

Kahoot! isn’t just another quiz tool. It’s a full-on game show experience. The live scoreboard keeps everyone engaged (or, let’s be real, ultra-competitive), and the real-time responses add to the thrill. You can customize quizzes with images, music, and different weightage for questions, which makes it feel way more interactive than a typical Q&A session.

Another cool thing? The preloaded quizzes and templates. If you’re short on time, you don’t even have to create your own quiz; just grab one from the thousands already available and start playing right away.

But I did notice some tech hiccups. When too many people connect, Kahoot! has been known to lag. Not ideal if you’re in the middle of an intense quiz showdown. When too many people connect, the game can freeze or slow down, which totally kills the momentum.  

What I dislike about Kahoot!:

• When too many people connect, the game can freeze or slow down, which totally kills the momentum.
• If I run into an issue with billing or subscription renewal, getting help can be frustratingly slow.

What G2 users dislike about Kahoot!:

"No customer service, hostage renewal processes, and refusal to "make a right" when renewal charges are disputed.

There is no service line. Your renewal charge may or may not be visible in your account dashboard. They will gladly "cancel" your service once disputed but will not refund a charge. I paid $240 to use this service 1x. I asked to have my renewal charge refunded when the paid features were NOT available to me after renewal. They refused and "canceled" my account. Writing this review and hopefully saving others from this experience is my only recourse."

- Kahoot! Review, Ashley H. 

2. Mentimeter

If you're running presentations, workshops, or even just casual polls. If you're tired of boring PowerPoint slides that put people to sleep, this Mentimeter is a game-changer.

First off, it's ridiculously easy to use. You don’t need to be a tech whiz to get started. The interface is super intuitive, and setting up interactive slides takes just a few clicks. The best part? It’s interactive and real-time. You can create live polls, word clouds, multiple-choice quizzes, and even open-ended Q&A sessions that update instantly as your audience responds. It’s perfect for keeping people engaged, whether in a classroom, meeting, or conference.

Another thing I love is the design. The presentations look sleek, modern, and professional without requiring any design skills. You also get customization options, so you can tweak colors and themes to match your branding.

The free version is limited. If you want full access to all the features, you’ll need to upgrade, and it’s not exactly cheap.

Performance-wise, I’ve noticed that it can be a bit slow at times, especially when handling larger groups or complex polls. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind. 

If you need a tool that makes your presentations more engaging and interactive. The real-time polling, sleek design, and ease of use make it stand out. If you're running small sessions, the free version might be enough, but if you’re using it regularly, the paid plan is worth considering.

What I dislike about Mentimeter:

• When handling a large number of participants, it can sometimes be slow. 
• If I want full access, I have to upgrade, and the cost isn’t the most budget-friendly.  

What G2 users dislike about Mentimeter:

"There are not many things I don't like about Mentimeter; the only downside is maybe the cost of having more participants; though I have never run out for my department meetings (once per month), I would like to use it for my weekly meetings as well, but I would exceed the number of free participants, so I use another app for the weekly meetings and save Menti for bigger ones."

- Mentimeter Review, Amanda C. 

3. Brainscape

Brainscape uses a spaced repetition algorithm, which basically means it shows you the cards you struggle with more often while spacing out the ones you already know. It’s like having a personal tutor who knows exactly what you need to review at the right time. This system helps you retain information more effectively, and trust me, it makes a huge difference.

The interface is super clean and easy to use. Whether you’re on mobile or desktop, the experience is seamless. I usually study on my phone during commutes and later pick up where I left off on my laptop. The syncing between devices is mostly smooth, though I’ve had a few hiccups here and there. 

You can create your own decks, edit cards, and even format text (though I wish they had more formatting options). The app also has a growing library of pre-made decks, which is great if you’re studying for standardized tests like the MCAT, GRE, or even language learning. 

Another cool feature? Performance analytics. You can see your progress over time, which helps keep you motivated. It’s always satisfying to watch your mastery level go up!

I attempted to create flashcards by importing my notes, but I believe Brainscape's AI still requires some development. It sometimes makes errors in recognizing questions and answers, but I'm sure this will improve over time. 

What I dislike about Brainscape:

• I want more control over how my flashcards look. Bold, italics, underlines, little things that would make studying even better. I wish there were more formatting options in the free version. 
• Most of the time, it works fine, but occasionally, I’ll notice that changes don’t update across devices right away, and I have to manually refresh.

What G2 users dislike about Brainscape:

"Would like more customizable options such as excluding cards from decks."

- Brainscape Review, Ray C. 

4. Quizlet

You've probably heard of Quizlet if you’ve ever crammed for a test or needed a quick way to drill concepts. 

First off, Quizlet is a powerhouse when it comes to digital flashcards. It’s super easy to create your own sets, and if you’re in a hurry, you can even import study material from Google Sheets or Excel. There’s also a massive library of pre-made flashcard sets covering everything from biology to foreign languages to history. Chances are, if you need to study something, someone has already made a Quizlet set for it.

One of the standout features is spaced repetition. Quizlet helps you review concepts at optimal intervals so they actually stick. Plus, it tracks your progress so you can see where you need more practice. The variety of study modes is another win: you can use flashcards, practice tests, matching games, and even an AI-driven "Learn" mode that adapts to your strengths and weaknesses.

Teachers also love Quizlet. It’s great for classroom games, and it integrates well with other learning platforms. Some educators even use it to create quizzes or review materials for students to access anytime.

While Quizlet used to be a fully free tool, many of its best features require a subscription. But if you’re not willing to pay for Quizlet Plus, you might feel limited in what you can do.

For casual users, the free version still works well, especially for quick flashcard review. But for those who need advanced study tools, the subscription might feel like a necessary.

What I dislike about Quizlet:

• Sometimes, the connection is slow, and questions do not pop up in time on the mobile.
• The free version allows the user to create Quizlet activities but does not allow as many options as the paid version. 

What G2 users dislike about Quizlet:

"There is a paid service part that gives you more info than the basics and if the student doesn't type the exact word for word answer it will automatically count it wrong."

- Quizlet Review, verified user. 

5. Quizizz

Quizizz makes learning fun and interactive. Whether you’re a teacher looking to spice up your classroom, a student who wants to review in an engaging way, or even a team leader trying to add some fun to training sessions, Quizizz has something for you. The real-time leaderboard, task management, power-ups, and funny memes make learning feel like a game, keeping students excited and motivated.

I love that it offers tons of features, allowing me to create quizzes with images, videos, and timers and mix multiple-choice, open-ended, and poll-style questions to keep things fresh. Plus, the interface is clean and intuitive, so even if you're not tech-savvy, you’ll find it super easy to create and launch quizzes.

Customization is a big highlight for me. I can tweak quizzes to match my exact needs, whether making them self-paced, timed, or team-based. Another thing I appreciate is that Quizizz keeps improving, rolling out updates based on user feedback.

However, it’s not perfect. I’ve noticed some lag issues when large groups are playing, and while the free version is solid, some of the best features, like advanced analytics, are locked behind a paywall. Also, navigation could be smoother, as it sometimes takes a while to find specific settings when setting up complex quizzes.

What I dislike about Quizizz:

• I wish more of the premium analytics and settings were available for free.
• It can take a while to find certain settings, especially when creating complex quizzes.

What G2 users dislike about Quizizz:

"Many premium features; sometimes sharing links with kids didn't work for me, not clear enough how to use some features."

- Quizizz Review, Antoine D.

Frequently asked questions about best study tools

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

1. Are free study tools as effective as paid ones?

Many free study tools offer high-quality content and features comparable to paid tools. However, some advanced features, like detailed analytics or premium content, may require a subscription.

2. Can I use online study tools without creating an account?

It depends on the platform. Some tools allow guest access, while others require an account to track progress and save study materials.

3. Are there best study tools for all subjects?

Yes! Many platforms cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, languages, and test prep for exams like the SAT, GRE, and IELTS.

4. Can I create my own quizzes and study materials on online study tools?

Many platforms, like Quizizz and Quizlet, allow users to create custom quizzes, flashcards, and study guides.

5. Can I use study tools without internet access?

Some apps allow offline access if you download study materials in advance, but many require an internet connection.

6. What are interactive study tools for kids?

Interactive study tools for kids make learning fun, engaging, and effective by incorporating games, quizzes, animations, and interactive exercises. 

Ditch the all-nighters

After testing all these best study tools, one thing is clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some tools are great for boosting focus; others make note-taking and organization effortless, and a few turn memorization into a game. Each one has its strengths depending on how you learn, what you’re studying, and how much structure you need.

If retaining information is your biggest challenge, flashcard-based tools can help reinforce key concepts. If you struggle with staying on track, time management apps can keep distractions at bay. And if you want to organize notes and ideas, the right tool can streamline everything in one place.

The best way to find out which tools actually help? Try them out. Most of these come with free trials, so you can test different ones and build a study system that fits your learning style. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to study more, it’s to study smarter.

Start experimenting and make learning work for you.

Check out my recommendations for the best note-taking apps to organize your ideas, streamline your workflow, and turn scattered thoughts into structured notes you can actually use.