We all learn new things in our own unique ways. If you want to learn a language, it’s important to find apps that work with the way you learn best. As of 2023, we’re lucky to have a lot of options, which is great! There are a lot of different ways to learn a new language, from traditional classes to fun language-learning games to platforms that let you talk with native speakers from around the world. This means that whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, there’s probably a fun and flexible app that can turn your phone into the best language-learning tool ever.
The last thing you want is to pay a subscription for a dozen different apps while searching for the right one. First, decide which language you want to learn. Each app only has a limited number of languages on offer. Some languages, such as Spanish, French, and German, are likely to be available in every app. Below, we have mentioned the Best Language Learning Apps.
Benefits of Using Language Learning Apps
Language learning apps have become very popular because they are easy to use, easy to find, and work well. Here are some good things about using apps to learn a language:
Convenience and flexibility: Language learning apps let you learn at your own pace and on your own time. You can get to lessons and practice materials whenever and wherever you want, as long as your device is connected to the internet.
Personalized Learning: Many apps for learning a language use AI and algorithms to make the lessons fit your skill level, learning style, and goals. This customization makes learning more fun and helps you move forward more quickly.
Interactive and interesting: Language learning apps often include interactive exercises, quizzes, games, and multimedia content like videos and audio clips. This keeps the learning process interesting and stops it from becoming boring.
Instant Feedback: Apps give you immediate feedback on your exercises and how you say words, which helps you find and fix mistakes right away. This immediate feedback speeds up the learning process and reinforces the right way to use language.
Structured Curriculum: Most apps have a set curriculum with lessons that are meant to build on each other and make the language more difficult over time. This makes sure that the steps make sense and that the foundation is strong.
Best Language Learning Apps Comparison Table
The table shows a few of the best apps for learning a new language. It talks about important things like interactive lessons, different language options, speech recognition, access when you’re not online, and pricing. This overview helps users make choices that will help them learn a language better through digital platforms.
| App | Duolingo | Preply | Babbel | Mondly | LinguaLift | Memrise | Rosetta Stone | HelloTalk | Speakly | Pimsleur |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Varies | Subscription | Free | Subscription | Free | Subscription | Free | Free | Varies |
| Language Options | 40+ | 50+ | 14 | 40+ | 10+ | 100+ | 20+ | 150+ | 30+ | 50+ |
| Progress Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Community Features | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | No |
| Offline Learning | Yes | Varies | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pronunciation Practice | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Official Link | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download |
Duolingo
Features:
- Gamified learning experience with interactive lessons and quizzes.
- Offers a wide range of languages to learn, including popular and less commonly spoken ones.
- Provides a free version with optional in-app purchases for additional features.
Duolingo is the most popular language learning app, and for good reason. The app offers playful lessons that help you learn more than 35 different languages, all for free. The app uses science-based teaching methods to help you learn. Lessons are tailored to your learning style and will help you master a range of language skills.
The lessons are progressive, that is, each one builds on the previous one. You cannot continue until you unlock each level by giving enough correct answers. If you spend too much time away from the app, you will need to repeat some lessons to make sure your skills do not get rusty. Duolingo’s ratings speak for themselves: the app has more than 1.2 million ratings in the App Store, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Gamified approach with a wide range of languages available.
- Free to use with option for paid subscriptions to remove ads.
- Offers a variety of interactive exercises and quizzes.
Cons
- Limited conversational practice.
- Less focus on grammar and in-depth explanations.
- Overemphasis on translating sentences.
Preply
Features:
- Connects learners with qualified language tutors for personalized one-on-one lessons.
- Offers a variety of languages to choose from, allowing learners to find tutors who specialize in their desired language.
- Flexible scheduling options to accommodate learners’ availability and preferences.
Preply’s repeat search feature allows you to decide how much you are willing to pay. Prices start at $5 per hour. If you are not satisfied with the first lesson, Preply will refund or replace your teacher free of charge. Preply receives the award for the best language learning app in general. Why. You can connect with professional language teachers for 1-on-1 video lessons in the app.
You can work with your tutor in courses on topics such as grammar, business English, living abroad, conversation practice, and exam preparation. There are courses for all levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. There are also English teachers for children. Above all, with Preply you can receive immediate feedback and personalized instruction from your tutor.
Pros
- Connects you with personal language tutors for one-on-one lessons.
- Customizable learning plans based on your goals and interests.
- Real-time feedback and personalized guidance.
Cons
- Requires paid tutoring sessions, which can be costly.
- Quality of tutors may vary.
- Limited interactive exercises and self-study materials within the app.
Babbel
Features:
- Focuses on practical, conversation-based language learning.
- Offers bite-sized lessons that can be completed in just 10-15 minutes.
- Provides speech recognition technology to practice pronunciation and interactive exercises to reinforce learning.
We live in a golden age of language learning, with so many online courses and mobile apps to choose from, but Babbel is the absolute best choice for many people. The lessons are broken down into short, easily digestible parts, with interactive quiz-like elements to keep you engaged.
Instead of providing model lessons that teach the same vocabulary and phrases regardless of the language, Babbel adapts each lesson to the specifics of the language, country, and culture. In addition to standard lessons that can be followed in the browser or mobile app, a paid subscription also provides access to live lessons taught by real teachers.
Pros
- Structured and well-designed courses for multiple languages.
- Practical lessons focused on real-life conversations.
- Speech recognition feature for pronunciation practice.
Cons
- Requires a paid subscription for full access to courses.
- Limited number of languages available compared to other apps.
- Less emphasis on gamification and interactive elements.
Mondly
Features:
- Utilizes a combination of gamification, chatbot interactions, and speech recognition technology for immersive language learning.
- Offers lessons that cover various aspects of language, including vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.
- Provides a virtual reality (VR) feature to practice language skills in real-life scenarios.
Mondly takes an innovative approach to language learning. From the outset, the app’s lessons focus on sentences rather than individual words, providing practical tools for quick conversation. And when pronunciation is important, you’ll appreciate two aspects of the app: you can listen to native speakers and practice in real conversations with AI chatbots that use voice recognition to score and train your pronunciation. If English is not your first language, Mondly is useful.
Most language apps teach languages starting with English and possibly a small handful of other language options. With Mondly, however, you can learn any language from all the other 33 languages in the app’s catalog. This can be very challenging. However, you must sign up for Mondly’s subscription service to get more than a few free lessons. The price is $10 per month or $48 per year.
Pros
- Offers a large selection of languages.
- Uses chatbot technology for interactive conversations.
- Daily lessons and regular reminders for consistent learning.
Cons
- Basic free version with limited features.
- Quality of chatbot responses can be inconsistent.
- Lack of in-depth grammar explanations and cultural context.
LinguaLift
Features:
- Offers structured courses that guide learners through the language learning process.
- Provides personalized feedback and support from native-speaking tutors.
- Focuses on language learning strategies and cultural immersion to enhance overall language proficiency.
This is a language app geared more toward serious learners who want a comprehensive language program under the guidance of a tutor. Yes, the app is good, but it is the additional help from professional teachers that makes the difference. The app is great for beginners and intermediate learners, with clear grammar explanations, vocabulary, and script learning tools. There are also many cultural insights that most language programs do not offer.
And of course professional tutors who know the material well. The subscription includes the Language Learning Secrets book (which is currently offered for free on their homepage). And the personalized study plan called A Road Map to Fluency. To get a road map, you first have to fill out a questionnaire and share with the tutors your goals, study habits, daily routine, etc.
Pros
- Comprehensive courses with a focus on grammar and vocabulary.
- Offers language-specific cultural insights.
- Personalized study plans and progress tracking.
Cons
- Limited language options compared to other apps.
- Higher price point for subscription plans.
- Less emphasis on interactive exercises and gamification.
Memrise
Features:
- Uses spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques to help users memorize vocabulary effectively.
- Offers a wide range of user-generated content and courses in various languages.
- Provides audio and video clips from native speakers to improve listening and speaking skills.
The Memrise app is free, but a premium subscription unlocks exclusive features. The upgrade costs $8.99 per month, $90 per year or $139.99 for a lifetime subscription. Memrise tops the list of free language learning apps because of its various learning tools, including native speaker videos, multiple-choice questions, typing tests, and listening exercises. It also offers “classic review” and “quick tests” to check knowledge of the material studied. Progress is monitored by flower pictures that grow the more you interact with the new phrases.
Pros
- User-generated content provides a wide range of language courses.
- Effective use of spaced repetition technique for vocabulary retention.
- Multimedia lessons with audio and video clips.
Cons
- Free version has limited access to advanced features.
- Lack of structured grammar lessons.
- Quality of user-generated courses can vary.
Rosetta Stone
Features:
- Uses an immersive approach that emphasizes visual and audio cues to teach languages.
- Offers interactive lessons that focus on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Provides speech recognition technology to practice and improve pronunciation skills.
Rosetta Stone has been at the forefront of language learning for 25 years, so it should come as no surprise that it is on our list of the best language learning apps today. The app allows you to choose from dozens of different languages and create a curriculum that best suits your learning style. You can practice speaking the language with audio recognition to see if you are on the right track. You can also use audio-based learning on the go.
The Stories feature also allows you to learn by reading along with native speakers. Rosetta Stone has modernized the pricing structure to make it more competitive with other language learning apps. Instead of paying a fixed price for each language, you can now pay a subscription plan. Three- and 12-month plans offer monthly installments ranging from $7.99 to $11,199. For discerning learners, however, it is possible to pay $179 for lifetime access to an unlimited number of languages.
Pros
- Immersive learning experience with a focus on listening and speaking.
- Trains pronunciation using speech recognition technology.
- Suitable for beginners to intermediate learners.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other language learning apps.
- Limited explanation of grammar rules and concepts.
- Less interactive and gamified compared to some other apps.
HelloTalk
Features:
- Connects language learners with native speakers through a language exchange platform.
- Facilitates conversation practice and cultural exchange through text, voice, and video chat.
- Provides features like translation, correction, and language learning games to support the learning process.
An application that aims to simplify conversation and eliminate the potential stress of real-time conversations. Students can find native speakers and converse with them through a WhatsApp-like chat, using voice and text messages. Users can correct each other’s messages with a built-in correction tool that turns language exchanges into small tutoring sessions. The application also has a built-in translation system. This helps in those moments when you really want to convey something, but just lack the word to give the right meaning to the sentence.
Pros
- Connects you with native speakers for language exchange and conversation practice.
- Real-time messaging and voice/video calls within the app.
- Cultural insights and exposure to authentic language usage.
Cons
- Reliance on finding language partners for effective practice.
- Some users may not be as committed or reliable.
- Limited structured lessons and exercises within the app.
Speakly
Features:
- Utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven techniques to optimize language learning.
- Focuses on the most frequently used words and phrases in a language to enhance practical communication skills.
- Provides interactive exercises, flashcards, and spaced repetition for effective vocabulary retention.
The basic version of Speakly is free but limited. The premium plan offers many more features and costs $11.76 for one month, $31.76 for three months, $58.79 for six months, and $82.29 for twelve months. Speakly is an effective language learning application that can improve your conversational skills.
First, you will learn the 4,000 most statistically relevant words in your target language through typing tests and multiple-choice questions. The premium plan enhances conversation with speech recognition software that engages you in authentic conversations and corrects your pronunciation. Other features include listening exercises, music tips, placement tests and grammar guides.
Pros
- Focuses on the most essential vocabulary and phrases.
- Speech recognition for pronunciation practice.
- Tailored exercises based on your progress and learning goals.
Cons
- Limited number of languages available.
- Requires a paid subscription for full access.
- Less emphasis on grammar and writing skills.
Pimsleur
Features:
- Focuses on audio-based learning through listening and repetition.
- Provides structured lessons that gradually introduce new vocabulary and grammar concepts.
- Emphasizes spoken language skills and offers language proficiency assessments.
Pimsleur is one of the oldest language learning options: these lessons go back to the days of cassette tapes and CDs. And indeed, Pimsleur is first and foremost a listening experience; one might think of it as learning a language by listening to a podcast. The experience has been modernized and you can now take Pimsleur lessons via mobile apps, but believe it or not, the audio CD version of the course is still available if you wish.
The secret to Pimsleur is to follow its instructions as closely as possible, which means taking one lesson a day and repeating phrases when asked by precise native speakers. There is some printed material (in the form of PDFs), but virtually all Pimsleur courses are audio, making them ideal for taking while driving or traveling. Subscriptions start at $15 per month.
Pros
- Emphasizes spoken language skills through audio-based lessons.
- Repetition and graduated interval recall for vocabulary retention.
- Suitable for auditory learners.
Cons
- Limited focus on reading, writing, and grammar.
- Higher price point compared to other apps.
- No visual or interactive elements in the lessons.
How to Choose the Right Language Learning App?
Choosing the right app for learning a language is very important if you want to learn well and have fun. Here are some steps that will help you choose the best app for you:
Set clear goals: Figure out why you want to learn it. Do you want to learn for travel, work, a personal interest, or school? Which app you choose will depend on what you want to do.
Choose the language you want to learn. Make sure the app has the language you want to learn. Some apps may have a lot of languages, while others may only have a few.
Methods of Learning: Different apps teach in different ways, such as through games, spaced repetition, audiovisual lessons, and interactive exercises. Think about which methods fit your way of learning and your preferences.
User-Friendly Interface: An interface that is easy to understand and use can make learning more fun and effective. Look for an app that has clear instructions and is easy to use.
Check the app’s lessons, exercises, and other materials to see how good they are. Are they correct, current, and well-made? You can judge this by reading reviews or giving it a try for free.
FAQs
1. Duolingo
2. Preply
3. Babbel
4. Mondly
5. LinguaLift
Duolingo is the most popular app for learning a language right now, and for good reason. The app has free lessons that are set up like games to help you learn more than 35 different languages.
Most likely, Babbel won’t help you become fluent. It’s a good language app that can help you get a good start in your target language, but you’ll need to use other tools to become fluent. Babbel can help you improve your language skills, but it won’t make you fluent.
