Quick Overview
Brainscape is a popular paid flashcard app that uses Confidence-Based Repetition (CBR) to optimize review scheduling. It's known for its polished UI and curated content library. Mayinab is a modern study app that combines notes and flashcards with SM-2 spaced repetition, a chat-style interface, and a commitment to being free, offline, and private.
Both focus on science-backed studying, but they differ in approach, pricing, and philosophy. Let's compare them.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Mayinab 🍵 | Brainscape |
|---|---|---|
| Spaced repetition | ✓ SM-2 algorithm | ✓ CBR (proprietary) |
| Offline mode | ✓ 100% offline | ~ Pro only |
| Price | ✓ Free forever | ✗ $9.99/mo for Pro |
| Ads | ✓ Zero ads | ✓ No ads |
| Note types | ✓ 7 types | ✗ Flashcards only |
| Note-taking | ✓ Full chat timeline | ✗ None |
| Markdown + LaTeX | ✓ Built-in | ✗ Not supported |
| Privacy | ✓ Local data, no tracking | ✗ Account required, cloud data |
| Desktop split-view | ✓ Resizable | ✗ No |
| Shared decks | ✗ Personal use | ✓ Curated library |
| Unlimited decks (free) | ✓ Unlimited | ✗ Limited on free tier |
| Platforms | ✓ All (Win/Mac/Linux/Mobile) | ✓ Web + Mobile |
Spaced Repetition: SM-2 vs Confidence-Based Repetition
The core difference is in the algorithm. Both use spaced repetition, but the underlying systems are distinct.
Mayinab uses the SM-2 algorithm, the same proven system behind Anki. Each card has an individual ease factor that adjusts based on your recall quality. Intervals grow exponentially for cards you know and shrink for difficult ones. SM-2 has decades of research backing it.
Brainscape uses Confidence-Based Repetition (CBR). After seeing a card, you rate your confidence on a 1–5 scale. Cards you're less confident about appear more frequently. It's intuitive and works well, but it's a proprietary system with less independent research than SM-2.
Both are effective for learning. SM-2 is more precise with its interval calculations, while CBR is simpler to understand. For long-term retention in high-stakes studying (medical school, bar exam, languages), SM-2's mathematical precision has a proven track record.
Pricing: Free vs Premium
This is the biggest differentiator.
Mayinab is 100% free. Every feature is included: spaced repetition, 7 note types, Markdown, LaTeX, offline mode, themes, unlimited subjects and topics. The only paid option is Vault (encrypted cloud backup) starting at $1.50/month, entirely optional.
Brainscape is one of the more expensive flashcard apps. The free tier limits you to basic features and a handful of decks. Brainscape Pro costs $9.99/month ($59.99/year) and unlocks unlimited decks, offline access, advanced analytics, and the full content library. That's $120/year on a monthly plan.
For students already paying for textbooks, courses, and living expenses, Brainscape's price tag is hard to justify when Mayinab offers comparable study tools for free.
Offline Support
Mayinab works 100% offline by default. Your data is stored locally on your device. No internet connection needed, ever.
Brainscape requires internet for the free tier. Offline access is a Pro-only feature. If you study on the go, in libraries with spotty Wi-Fi, or during commutes without signal, you'll need to pay for the privilege of offline studying.
Privacy & Data
Mayinab stores all data locally. No account required. Zero tracking, zero analytics, zero data collection. Your study data stays on your device.
Brainscape requires an account and stores everything on their cloud. Your study habits, progress data, and card content are on Brainscape's servers. They use this data to improve their product, but it means your study data isn't truly yours.
Beyond Flashcards: Notes + Flashcards
This is where Mayinab pulls far ahead. Brainscape is a flashcard-only app. There's no note-taking, no checklists, no audio/video notes, no file attachments. You create flashcards and review them, that's it.
Mayinab was built as a notes + flashcards app. You have 7 note types in a chat-style timeline: text, flashcards, checklists, images, audio, video, and files. Your lecture notes and flashcards live together. No need for a separate note-taking app.
For STEM students, Mayinab also supports Markdown and LaTeX, making it easy to write formulas, code snippets, and structured content natively. Brainscape doesn't support either.
When Brainscape Is Better
- Curated content library: Brainscape offers professionally-made flashcard decks for subjects like medical boards, bar exam, and languages.
- Team/classroom features: Teachers and organizations can create and distribute content to students.
- Simplicity of CBR: The 1–5 confidence rating is extremely easy to understand for casual users.
- Polished mobile experience: Brainscape's mobile app is clean and focused.
When Mayinab Is Better
- You need notes + flashcards: 7 note types in one timeline vs. cards only.
- Budget-conscious: Free forever vs. $9.99/month. No contest.
- Offline studying: Works without internet, always, at no extra cost.
- Privacy matters: Local data, no tracking, no account required.
- STEM students: Markdown + LaTeX support built-in.
- Proven SRS: SM-2 algorithm with decades of research backing it.
- Desktop power users: Split-view, command palette, keyboard shortcuts.
- Linux users: Mayinab supports Linux; Brainscape doesn't have a desktop app.
🍵 Verdict
Brainscape is a polished flashcard app with great curated content. If you want pre-made, professional flashcard decks for specific certifications or exams and don't mind paying $9.99/month, Brainscape delivers a clean experience.
Mayinab is better for students who create their own study material. SM-2 spaced repetition, notes + flashcards in one app, Markdown + LaTeX, full offline support, and complete privacy — all for free. If you're serious about studying and don't want to pay $120/year for flashcards, Mayinab is the clear winner.