Lector vs LinguaCafe
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Feature by feature.
| Lector | LinguaCafe | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Self-host free, or cloud from $5/mo | Free to self-host |
| Install | One Docker Compose file in the repository | Four Compose services. Then install languages and import dictionaries. |
| Database | SQLite on your server | MySQL plus a storage folder |
| Hosted option | Yes. app.lector.dev from $5/mo | No |
| Reading imported content | EPUB, web articles, YouTube captions, podcasts, paste | Yes. Library and reader for imported text. |
| Click-to-translate | On-device dictionary + LLM | Yes. Dictionaries plus optional DeepL. |
| Japanese depth | Reader plus a Mandarin pack. No JMdict. | JMdict, kanji, and related Japanese tools |
| Media / Jellyfin | YouTube captions and podcast import. No Jellyfin. | Jellyfin API |
| Anki integration | Two-way (beta): push cards, Anki reviews update Lector | One-way AnkiConnect on the same computer as the server. |
| AI tutor | LLM tutor + writing correction | DeepL and LibreTranslate. No built-in tutor chat. |
| Data ownership | Your server (one SQLite file) | Your server. MySQL plus a storage folder. |
| Open source | Open source (AGPL-3.0) | Open source (GPL-3.0) |
| Languages | 19 packs; reader works with any language | 27 languages listed. Depth varies by dictionary. |
LinguaCafe pricing and features as of August 2026; check LinguaCafe for the latest. Comparison reflects our understanding at that date.
What LinguaCafe does better.
Japanese tools
JMdict, kanji, and related Japanese features are first-class. Some Japanese features need the JMdict import. Lector does not ship JMdict.
More language flags
LinguaCafe lists 27 languages. Lector ships frequency cloze packs for fewer languages. The Lector reader still works without a pack.
Jellyfin
LinguaCafe can talk to a Jellyfin server. Lector imports YouTube captions and podcasts. It has no Jellyfin API.
Lemma generation
On import, LinguaCafe can assign dictionary forms for supported languages. Gender tagging exists for some languages.
What Lector does better.
A smaller install
Lector is one Compose file and SQLite. LinguaCafe runs a web server, MySQL, Redis, and a Python service. After boot you still install languages and import dictionaries.
Two-way Anki on local or HTTPS
LinguaCafe sends highlights to AnkiConnect on the same computer as the server. Multi-user Anki is not supported. Lector can push cards and take grades back. A remote HTTPS host can use the Lector Sync add-on.
A hosted app
If you do not want to run a server, use app.lector.dev from $5 per month. LinguaCafe is self-host only.
Frequency cloze and a tutor
Lector ships frequency-ordered cloze banks and an LLM tutor. LinguaCafe focuses on reading and review of words from your texts.
Who should pick which.
Choose LinguaCafe
If Japanese depth, Jellyfin, or one of 27 language flags is the main need, pick LinguaCafe. Accept a four-service Compose stack.
Choose Lector
If you want one Compose file, two-way Anki, frequency cloze, an LLM tutor, and a hosted option, pick Lector.
Lector vs LinguaCafe, answered.
Is Lector a LinguaCafe alternative?
Yes, if you want a self-hosted reader. LinguaCafe is stronger for Japanese and Jellyfin. Lector is simpler to install and includes two-way Anki, frequency cloze, and a hosted app.
Is LinguaCafe still maintained?
The latest tagged release is v0.15-beta (13 April 2025). The repository still received commits as of 9 August 2026. The project is not archived. Check GitHub for the current state.
Does LinguaCafe sync with Anki?
LinguaCafe can send highlighted words to AnkiConnect. Anki must run on the same computer as the LinguaCafe server. Multi-user Anki is not supported. Lector can push cards and take review grades back (beta).
How many GitHub stars does LinguaCafe have?
As of 21 August 2026, LinguaCafe has 1,436 GitHub stars. Check GitHub for the current count.
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