Language learning apps have revolutionized the way we acquire new languages. These user-friendly platforms offer a variety of interactive lessons, games, and quizzes, making language learning accessible and enjoyable. Many of these apps cater to a range of proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners, and include features like speech recognition to improve pronunciation. They provide a convenient and flexible way to learn at one’s own pace, often at no cost, breaking down barriers that once made language education exclusive or expensive. Here, we offer a diverse range of the best language learning apps, from free and user-friendly options to premium, feature-rich editions catering to all learners.
Best Free Language Learning Apps
Free learning apps have become a cornerstone in the democratization of education, offering an array of resources across various subjects to people of all ages. These apps often include interactive courses, video tutorials, and practice exercises, covering topics from basic mathematics to advanced programming. Their accessibility via smartphones and tablets means that learning can happen anytime, anywhere, breaking traditional barriers like cost and location.
Many of these apps also utilize engaging teaching methods, such as gamification, to keep users motivated and invested in their educational journey. This innovation in education technology has opened up endless possibilities for self-improvement and lifelong learning, without the financial burden often associated with formal education.
1. Duolingo: A gamified approach to language learning
Learn Spanish, French, German
Dec 17, 2023
4.7 (20.7M Rating) 500M+ Downloads
4.7 (2.4M Ratings)
EveryoneContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, Arabic, Bengali, Czech, Dutch, Filipino, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Telugu, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese
Duolingo offers a fun and interactive way to learn a new language. With its game-like lessons, users can earn points and level up, engaging the learning process. The app covers a wide range of languages, from popular ones like Spanish and French to less common ones like Swahili. The bite-sized lessons are perfect for daily practice, and the app adapts to your learning style over time.
2. Memrise: Immersive language learning with real-life videos
Learn Spanish, French & More
Jan 3, 2024
4.6 (1.5M Rating) 10M+ Downloads
4.8 (198.4K Ratings)
EveryoneContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, Arabic, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese, Yoruba
Memrise offers a unique approach by using real-life videos to teach languages. Users can watch native speakers in everyday situations, making the learning experience more authentic. The app also uses spaced repetition to enhance memory retention. With its diverse range of courses, Memrise caters to beginners and advanced learners.
3. HelloTalk: Language exchange with native speakers
Practice with native speakers
Dec 25, 2023
4.3 (199K Rating) 10M+ Downloads
4.6 (37.3K Ratings)
TeenContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese
HelloTalk connects language learners with native speakers worldwide for a genuine language exchange experience. Users can text, voice chat, or even video call to practice their target language. The app also offers translation tools and grammar corrections to aid in conversations.
4. Busuu: A comprehensive approach to language mastery
Learn to speak Spanish, Korean
Dec 27, 2023
4.7 (663K Rating) 10M+ Downloads
4.7 (78.5K Ratings)
EveryoneContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, Arabic, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese
Busuu offers a structured learning path with lessons crafted by expert linguists. Users can learn 12 different languages, practice with native speakers, and even get feedback on their writing exercises. The app covers all aspects of language learning, from vocabulary and grammar to conversational practice.
5. Beelinguapp: Learn languages through stories
Spanish, German, French & more
Dec 26, 2023
4.3 (73.1K Rating) 5M+ Downloads
4.5 (2.1K Ratings)
EveryoneContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, Arabic, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
Beelinguapp presents texts in two languages side by side, allowing users to read and compare simultaneously. The content caters to various interests and proficiency levels, from news to classic stories. It’s a unique way to immerse oneself in a language while enjoying a good read.
6. Drops: Visual language learning in just 5 minutes a day
Learn Spanish, French, Korean
Dec 20, 2023
4.4 (274K Rating) 5M+ Downloads
4.7 (64.6K Ratings)
EveryoneContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, Arabic, French, German, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese
Drops focus on visual learning, teaching vocabulary through engaging illustrations and quick games. With just 5 minutes of daily practice, users can expand their vocabulary in a fun and interactive way. The app covers a plethora of languages, from common to indigenous ones.
Best Paid Language Learning Apps
Paid learning apps offer a structured and often more comprehensive approach to education compared to their free counterparts. These apps typically provide a more curated experience, with courses designed by experts in their respective fields. Users can expect a wide range of features such as personalized lesson plans, in-depth analytics on performance, and one-on-one interactions with tutors or mentors. The investment in these apps often results in higher-quality content, advanced interactive tools, and a more ad-free, focused learning environment.
They cater to a diverse range of learners, from students seeking assistance with academic subjects to professionals looking to enhance their skills or learn new ones. While these apps come with a cost, many users find the structured approach and depth of resources well worth the investment for their educational and professional development.
7. Rosetta Stone: Dive deep into language immersion
Speak Spanish, French, German
Mar 8, 2023
4.7 (372K Rating) 10M+ Downloads
4.8 (204.7K Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English, Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese
For many, Rosetta Stone is synonymous with language learning. Established over 25 years ago, it has perfected an immersive method that encourages learners to think and respond directly in the target language, eliminating the crutch of translation. By focusing on pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar in real-life contexts, Rosetta Stone offers a holistic and comprehensive learning experience that’s been trusted by millions.
8. Babbel: Structured lessons for real-life conversations
Speak Spanish, French, Italian
Dec 14, 2023
4.6 (946K Rating) 50M+ Downloads
4.7 (551.8K Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian
Babbel stands out with its commitment to helping users engage in real-life conversations. With a curriculum designed by over 100 expert linguists, Babbel offers 14 languages, each structured around topics and scenarios one might encounter in daily life. This ensures that learners not only grasp the language but can also apply it practically, making travel, business, or personal interactions in a new language much smoother.
9. Pimsleur: Audio-focused language learning
Learn Spanish, French, Arabic
Dec 1, 2023
4.3 (10.2K Rating) 1M+ Downloads
4.7 (13.4K Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English, Spanish
Dr. Paul Pimsleur’s method, developed over 50 years ago, remains a favorite for many due to its audio-centric approach. Pimsleur courses prioritize listening and speaking, enabling learners to understand and participate in conversations quickly. Each 30-minute audio lesson is designed to be engaging and interactive, ensuring that users can speak at a functional level in a relatively short time.
10. FluentU: Learn languages through real-world videos
Learn Chinese Spanish Korean
Dec 25, 2023
4.2 (3.8K Rating) 500K+ Downloads
4.3 (2.1K Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish
FluentU offers a unique blend of learning and entertainment. By using real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and turning them into personalized language lessons, FluentU offers an authentic and culturally relevant learning experience. This approach not only teaches the language but also provides insights into the culture, humor, and nuances of native speakers.
11. Glossika: Sentence-based language learning
Learn Spanish, Japanese Korean
Dec 29, 2023
3.9 (86 Rating) 10K+ Downloads
4 (50 Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English, Traditional Chinese
Glossika’s innovative approach focuses on full sentences rather than isolated words, ensuring that learners understand the structure and flow of the language. By exposing learners to thousands of sentences, Glossika provides a deep dive into how the language is used in real-life situations. This repetitive and comprehensive exposure ensures that learners can speak naturally and fluently.
12. Mango Languages: Cultural and practical language learning
Course: Learn Foreign Language
Mango Languages offers more than just language lessons; it offers a journey into the culture, customs, and nuances of the language. Each lesson is crafted around real-world situations, ensuring practicality. But what truly sets Mango apart is its emphasis on cultural insights, ensuring that learners are not just linguistically prepared but also culturally informed.
Best apps for kids: Making language learning fun for the younger generation
Learning apps for kids are designed to make education engaging and fun, blending play with learning in a way that appeals to young minds. These apps often feature colorful, interactive interfaces with characters and narratives that children find captivating. They cover a wide range of subjects, from basic literacy and numeracy to more complex topics like science and coding, all tailored to various age groups and learning stages.
The interactive nature of these apps, often including games, puzzles, and interactive stories, helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, many of these apps offer parental controls and tracking features, allowing parents to monitor their child’s progress and time spent on the app. By making learning enjoyable and accessible, these apps lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning in children.
13. Little Pim: Immersion for the youngest learners
Language Learning for Kids
Oct 28, 2023
2.3 (62 Rating) 10K+ Downloads
4 (9 Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English
Little Pim is designed specifically for children from ages 0-6. Using animated videos featuring a fun panda teacher, it introduces kids to 360 words and phrases across 12 languages.
14. Duolingo Kids: A playful introduction to languages
Interactive Stories for Kids
Sep 8, 2023
4.2 (6.3K Rating) 1M+ Downloads
4.3 (2.3K Ratings)
EveryoneEnglish
A spin-off of the popular Duolingo app, Duolingo Kids offers a more playful and interactive approach tailored for children. With colorful characters and fun games, language learning is a delightful experience for the young ones.
15. Learn Languages – FunEasyLearn
Learn 11,000 words & phrases
Dec 21, 2023
4.4 (23.7K Rating) 1M+ Downloads
4.7 (756 Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English, Afrikaans, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Bengali, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Igbo, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Mongolian, Nepali, Norwegian Bokmål, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese
Apps for Travellers: Learn the basics before your next trip
Learning apps for travelers are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals on the go, focusing on practical language skills and cultural insights. These apps typically emphasize conversational language learning, teaching phrases and expressions that are immediately useful in everyday travel scenarios, such as ordering food, asking for directions, and making hotel reservations. Many include audio recordings to help travelers perfect their pronunciation and understand the spoken language better.
Some apps also integrate cultural tips and etiquette guides, providing travelers with valuable context about the customs and traditions of the places they’re visiting. The content is often available offline, a crucial feature for travelers who might face connectivity issues. These apps not only facilitate smoother communication in a new environment but also enrich the travel experience by fostering deeper connections with local cultures and communities.
16. Speak & Translate: Instant translator in your pocket
Voice and Text Translation
Dec 13, 2023
4.3 (254K Rating) 10M+ Downloads
4.5 (251.8K Ratings)
EveryoneContains ads Offers In-App Purchases
English, Arabic, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish
Speak & Translate is a voice and text translator that covers 54 languages. It’s perfect for travelers who need quick translations on the go, whether it’s for reading signs or having basic conversations.
17. Airbnb
Vacation Rentals & Experiences
Dec 15, 2023
4.5 (1.5M Rating) 100M+ Downloads
4.8 (617.9K Ratings)
EveryoneEnglish, Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Maltese, Norwegian Bokmål, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Simplified Chinese, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Zulu
18. Rome2Rio: Trip Planner
Trip and Holiday Organizer
Apr 24, 2023
EveryoneEnglish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Rome2Rio is a comprehensive trip planning app that helps you discover how to get anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry, and car. It provides a range of options and routes for your journey, including estimated travel times and costs. The app is useful for travelers looking to compare different modes of transportation and plan their trips efficiently. It covers global destinations, offering a detailed and easy-to-use interface for planning both simple and complex journeys.
Apps for fluency: Taking your language skills to the next level
Learning apps designed for fluency focus on immersive and comprehensive language training to help users achieve a high level of proficiency in their target language. These apps typically offer a blend of reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, simulating real-life conversations and situations to build practical language skills. Advanced speech recognition technology is often employed to provide accurate feedback on pronunciation and fluency, helping learners to refine their speaking abilities. Vocabulary and grammar are taught in context, with a strong emphasis on natural language use and colloquial expressions.
Many of these apps also incorporate spaced repetition systems (SRS) to enhance memory retention of new words and phrases. Additionally, some offer the opportunity to interact with native speakers, either through chat features or video exchanges, providing invaluable practice and cultural insights. For learners aiming to reach fluency, these apps offer a structured and interactive approach to mastering a language.
19. italki: Connect with language professionals
Learn Spanish, English, French
Jan 3, 2024
4.9 (12.6K Rating) 1M+ Downloads
4.8 (4.3K Ratings)
EveryoneEnglish, Arabic, Czech, Dutch, Esperanto, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Vietnamese
italki is a platform that connects language learners with professional teachers and tutors from around the world. It offers personalized one-on-one lessons, allowing users to focus on specific areas and achieve fluency faster.
20. Fluent Forever: Science-backed approach to fluency
Learn Spanish, French, & More
Dec 22, 2023
3.2 (2.5K Rating) 100K+ Downloads
3.8 (1.1K Ratings)
EveryoneIn-app purchases Offers In-App Purchases
English
Fluent Forever adopts techniques from cognitive science to ensure long-term retention and fluency. It focuses on pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, using spaced repetition and personalized flashcards.
The Role of AI in Language Learning Apps
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational tools, especially AI apps, is revolutionary. In the realm of language learning, AI has been a game-changer. These smart algorithms, similar to those found in chatgpt apps for iPhone, analyze users’ strengths and weaknesses, tailoring lessons to individual needs. With features like voice recognition, AI can even assist in perfecting pronunciation.
Furthermore, the adaptive nature of AI means that the more you use the app, the better it gets at understanding your learning style, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. For those looking to learn English in a unique and engaging way, consider diving into AI girlfriend or AI boyfriend; they offer a fun platform to practice conversations and enhance your language skills.
FAQs
Which app is better: Babbel or Duolingo?
Both Babbel and Duolingo have their strengths. Babbel offers a more structured learning path and focuses on real-life conversations, making it ideal for those looking for a classroom-like experience. Duolingo, on the other hand, offers a gamified approach, making learning fun and interactive. The best app depends on your personal learning style and goals.
Are there any good offline language learning apps?
Yes, many language learning apps offer offline modes. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone allow users to download lessons, ensuring uninterrupted learning even without an internet connection.
What are the best language learning apps for intermediate learners?
For those who have surpassed the beginner stage and are looking for more in-depth content, apps like Italki, FluentU, and Glossika might be more suitable. These platforms offer advanced lessons, real-life video content, and even one-on-one sessions with native speakers to hone your skills.
Conclusion
As technology continues to evolve, so will the future of language learning apps. We can anticipate even more personalized, interactive, and efficient tools to aid our linguistic journeys. With the world becoming more globalized, there’s no better time to dive into a new language. So, whether you’re a seasoned polyglot or a curious beginner, there’s an app out there to guide you. We encourage every reader to embark on this enriching journey and explore the myriad of cultures, stories, and experiences that await.
