Compare software

Google Japanese Input vs azooKey: catalog facts
Google Japanese InputazooKey

Best for: Anyone typing Japanese on a Windows or Mac computer

Best for: Typing Japanese on a Mac with an open-source input method

Free

Free to download and use.

Free

Free and open source.

Windows, macOS macOS
  • Large vocabulary built from web usage
  • Automatic dictionary updates
All 4 strengths for Google Japanese Input
  • Large vocabulary built from web usage
  • Automatic dictionary updates
  • Phrase autocomplete with a secret mode
  • Typed text is not sent to Google
  • Neural kana-kanji conversion with Zenzai
  • Live conversion while typing
All 4 strengths for azooKey
  • Neural kana-kanji conversion with Zenzai
  • Live conversion while typing
  • Personalization that adapts to your writing
  • Open source and written in native Swift
  • No Linux build; Mozc fills that role
  • Site and help are in Japanese
  • macOS only
  • Magic Conversions depend on an LLM and are optional
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Not open source Open source
License not stated License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline
Sources for Google Japanese Input

Catalog checked October 1, 2026

Sources for azooKey

Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.