The best language learning apps make it easy and convenient to learn a new language in your own time, using just your smartphone.
Are you finally ready to learn a new language? Not sure where to start? Learning Spanish, French, Chinese or another language no longer means taking a course in person or online. Head to Google Play or the App Store instead. There are many language learning apps on the market and each one tends to focus on different techniques to get the job done.
The best language learning apps will help you, whether you want to learn a new language for an upcoming business trip, vacation abroad, or just for fun. Some use audio, while others focus exclusively on written content. Still, others learn new languages through music. So whether you can spare 15 minutes a day or hours to learn your new language(s), these apps will help. We’ve identified the best language learning apps, including paid and free options.
We also stated the best online courses to learn spanish.
Best language learning apps of 2023 in full:
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With more than 150 language experts working behind the scenes, Babbel is one of the most popular language learning programs around. Ease of use is one of the reasons for this popularity. Overall, the app does a great job of providing traditional online education with new approaches.
Before starting any course, Babbel wants to know why you want to learn a new language and whether you already know it. Then, through a series of questions, the service also wants to know how much time you are willing to devote to learning a new language.
Babbel subscriptions can be purchased for one, three, six or 12 months, and a Lifetime package is also available after signing up through the Babbel website online. The more months you purchase, the better the discount and the overall cheaper subscription when purchased online. Subscription includes unlimited access to hundreds of lessons at various skill levels. In addition, with Babbel Live you can attend live virtual courses. Other options include original podcasts, games and more.
Babbel is compatible with Android, iOS and Mac; supports 13 languages.
Duolingo is a visually appealing language learning app disguised as a series of fun games that slowly become more challenging. Duolingo tutorials, which include audio and written content, allow you to earn points, crowns and hearts, and bank bars. Each of these benefits increases the likelihood of daily use of the app.
Duolingo will determine at the beginning whether you are new to a foreign language or close to perfection. Based on this, they create customized lesson plans.
You can learn all Duolingo languages for free. In addition, a Duolingo Plus subscription unlocks advanced features. These include no ads, error checking, a progress/mastery quiz, the ability to “fix” lanes, and more.
Overall, Duolingo provides a robust experience that is worth considering. However, two areas where Duolingo could improve are clarity and content, as some lessons are easier to understand than others.
Visual learners will appreciate Drops and its bright and colorful Duolingo-like layout. Through a series of lessons, you will learn a new language by matching objects and words using sounds and written text.
Although Drops is free, a premium membership might be the way to go if you’re not the type of person who likes to wait. After completing lessons, you have to wait 10 hours before you can complete the next one – unless you upgrade to premium.
Drops is great for teaching vocabulary in different languages. But unfortunately, this is not an app that you can use if you want to gain conversational skills or grammar. So if those are your goals, choose another option from this list.
The Drops app is available for Android and iOS and covers more than 45 languages. With a premium Drops account, you get unlimited playtime, offline access, no additional ads, and more.
It wasn’t that long ago that learning a language at home meant buying a series of CDs from Rosetta Stone. Today, there is a Rosetta Stone app that offers lessons in 25 languages.
First, you’ll notice that Rosetta Stone relies heavily on immersion to learn new languages. Through interactive activities, audio from native speakers, and concepts based on real-world scenarios, he wants you to be able to thoroughly communicate in a second language. Her methods work – provided you spend a lot of time with the app. Too many difficult lessons (even at basic levels) will quickly challenge that commitment.
And yet, there’s a lot to love here, from the intuitive interface to the thoroughness. One word of warning: Some lessons are more repetitive than others, which can be annoying depending on your mood.
Memrise uses native speaker videos to teach users new languages. It’s practical and brings a new perspective to creating an immersive learning experience. As the name suggests, the app uses memory techniques to teach you different words or phrases over time, mainly using flashcards.
Like the other apps on this list, Memrise is free and works very well at this level. However, purchasing a subscription unlocks new adventurers. You can choose a monthly or annual subscription or go bold and get a lifetime pass. Each subscription opens the door to unlimited lessons. Otherwise, you can only take a few lessons each day.
Overall, Memrise is fun to use and easy to collect. And yet, it’s nowhere near as complete as the other options on the list.
This app is offered on Android and iOS devices and covers 23 languages.
Mondly uses audio, translations and fun pictures to present a hands-on approach to language learning. The app continues the familiar theme and is bright and colorful so you can’t help but smile while learning new words and phrases.
Although Mondly allows you to learn a limited number of terms each day, I don’t recommend it. Instead, unlock all features with a premium membership. Watch special offers online. Don’t pay regular price.
With Mondly, you can learn 41 languages on different platforms. If you’re new to the language, Mondly does a great job. However, its overall content is lacking at more advanced levels.
Pimsleur provides listening lessons for 51 languages. Each lesson lasts about 30 minutes and is designed for easy download, making it a great learning tool for anyone who spends a lot of time on the go. You can also listen to lessons via Amazon Echo.
Each lesson is designed to teach you valuable skills. For example, learning Italian can teach you polite phrases, numbers or survival skills. After each lesson, you can practice using flashcards, matches and other mini-games.
There is no free version of Pimsleur. Instead, after trying the free seven-day trial, you’ll need to decide whether to purchase an audio-only or premium membership; these start at $15 per month.
You can find Pimsleur on Android, iOS, PC and Mac.
For those who need to learn a language by a certain date, Busuu is for you. After you answer a series of questions, it will design a teaching and learning program that meets your goals. You ultimately determine the pace of your learning. Every lesson is valuable and enjoyable; you won’t be bored at any point.
You can learn one language with a free Busuu account. With a premium account, your one language will be enhanced with a personalized study plan and feedback from native speakers. A premium plus account unlocks all Bususs features, including access to up to 12 languages, offline mode, grammar lessons, etc.
You can find Busuu on iOS and Android.
For something completely different, consider Lirica. The impressive application combines culture and modern music (and music videos) to teach German, Spanish or English. The app focuses on vocabulary and grammar and provides lessons for beginners to intermediate learners.
Despite its engaging premise, Lyrica’s biggest problem is what it doesn’t offer — lots of languages. And yet, when it comes to the languages that are covered, expect a fun experience that’s worth considering.
Lirica is free to try for seven days. After that, a relatively inexpensive membership unlocks all features. The app is available for iOS and Android.
Looking for more? Here are the best online learning platforms.
