Through entertaining, readily digestible courses, the best language learning apps can help you grow your vocabulary, acquire perfect grammar, and finally become proficient – all from the convenience of your smartphone or laptop.
There are numerous language learning applications to select from, so there is bound to be one that fits your learning style and timetable. The finest language learning applications are also cost-effective, especially when compared to traditional schooling or private coaching from a language expert. Most have speech recognition software, which is necessary for proper pronunciation.
Here are the finest language learning apps to help you study a language at your speed.
Babbel
With over 10 million subscriptions sold at $13.95 per month, Babbel has swiftly become one of the most popular language-learning apps. Linguists created the curriculum, which combines traditional learning with new and interactive teaching. The app employs evidence-based, time-tested teaching methods and provides learning in several formats.
Babbel has fewer language options than many of the other apps we’ve featured, with only 15 available. It does, however, employ tried-and-true language learning strategies that are beneficial, as well as the opportunity to download courses for offline study. While the free edition of Babbel does not offer all content, it does include access to 40 classes. As a result, Babbel’s free app has substantially more content than other language apps with free and paid versions.
Babbel’s introductory sessions begin with vocabulary acquisition through the use of visuals and repetition. Later in the session, the vocabulary is employed to create a context in discussion and popular phrases. The speech and sentences become more sophisticated as the user’s proficiency grows.
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing
Signing up with Babbel is free, as is the first lesson in each course. A $14.95 monthly subscription is required. You can also renew every three months ($37.95), every six months ($66.90), annually ($89.40), or pay $249 once for lifetime access.
Pros:
- Pronunciation assistance with interactive discussion
- 10-15 minutes classes to accommodate your schedule
- A distinct and intensive teaching method
Cons:
- A few features to keep you going
- The format is similar to traditional learning, which may not be appropriate for all students.
- Less content for lesser-known languages
Duolingo
For good reason, Duolingo has become the most popular language-learning program today. The app provides game-like lessons to help you learn more than 35 languages for free. To assist you in learning, the app employs science-based teaching approaches. Lessons are tailored to your learning style, and you cover a wide range of language skills.
Lessons are progressive, which means that each one builds on the one before it. You can’t proceed until you’ve completed each level by answering all of the correct questions. If you leave the app for an extended period, it will require you to repeat certain lessons to ensure your skills haven’t become rusty.
Duolingo is a regular winner of the App Store’s Editor’s Choice award.
Available for: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing
Duolingo is completely free. Duolingo Plus costs $13 per month or $84 per year.
Pros:
- Language learning for free
- Lessons are well-organized and progressive.
- Features that will keep you motivated
- Lessons can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Cons:
- Less content for lesser-known languages
- You must learn topics in a specific order.
- There is little opportunity for real-world experience.
Memrise
Memrise classes, on the other hand, immerse you in movies that showcase real-world situations with native speakers via its “Learn with Locals” feature. This enables you to comprehend words, phrases, and sentences spoken by people with authentic accents rather than individuals with flat or neutral accents.
In addition, the Pronunciation Mode assesses your speaking abilities.
There are 23 languages available, with a free tier and a premium subscription plan.
Memrise classes, on the other hand, immerse you in movies that showcase real-world situations with native speakers via its “Learn with Locals” feature. This enables you to comprehend words, phrases, and sentences spoken by people with authentic accents rather than individuals with flat or neutral accents.
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing
Memrise is completely free. Memrise Pro costs $8 per month, $59 per year, or $120 for a lifetime subscription.
Pros:
- Designed to assist you in learning real-world words
- Game components to make learning more enjoyable
Cons:
- Exercises may be repeated.
- Variable quality of user-generated content
- Grammar is secondary to vocabulary.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has been a leader in language learning for over 25 years, so it’s no surprise that it’s on our list of the top language learning apps available today. The software lets you select from hundreds of different languages and create a curriculum plan that is tailored to your learning style. You can check your progress by speaking the language with audio recognition. You can also use audio-based learning while on the go. Using the stories tool, you can also study by reading together with native speakers.
Rosetta Stone is excellent at teaching individual words, but it lacks context. And you have no concept of how to utilize these terms in the actual world without context. The truth is that it may take you a month or two of Rosetta Stone’s study before you can introduce yourself or ask a simple inquiry in your target language.
Rosetta Stone, in addition to English, supports around 23 languages.
Available on: Web, iOS, Android
Pricing
Rosetta Stone charges $12 per month or $8 per month for an annual subscription. You can also sign up for “lifetime” subscriptions, which pay for themselves after around two years of consistent use.
Pros:
- Pricing options vary.
- Individualized lesson plan
- Proven teaching technique
Cons:
- There is little instruction or explanation.
- Lessons are sometimes repeated.
Mondly
Mondly’s main objective method for learning languages allows you to create study objectives in addition to a study plan that will assist you to achieve those objectives. Topic-based lessons are used in the app to help you and your vocabulary and enhance your conversational skills. Each lesson builds on the previous one to help reinforce your memory and help you achieve fluency faster.
Lessons are divided into thematic categories in which we learn skills and expressions related to tasks. Each course also includes a brief “travel course” for people who need to rapidly learn the essentials before traveling abroad—pretty handy!
The unique feature of Mondly is the ability to involve native speakers in your personal learning experience. Mondly students contribute their native speaking abilities to the site by revising papers written by individuals studying their language. You can even chat with native speakers in real time with the desktop version.
Available on: Web, iOS, and Android
Pricing
The Basic plan on Mondly is free, but you may upgrade to Premium or Premium Plus. Premium costs $9.99 per month, $47.99 per language, or $89.99 for lifetime. Every plan includes a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Get discount up to 93% on Mondly Lifetime plan using coupon codes.
Pros
- Contact with native speakers
- A methodical approach
- Well-structured courses
Cons:
- Exercises in limited pronunciation, reading, and listening comprehension
- Exercises that are sometimes monotonous
- Language options are limited.
Conclusion
There are so many linguistic apps available on the market today, deciding which one is ideal for you might be difficult. And besides, you do not want to pay for a dozen various applications while seeking the right one.
To begin, decide the language you want to learn ahead of time. Each program only accepts a specific set of languages. Some languages, including Spanish, French, and German, are virtually likely going to be available on any app. Other, less common languages, on the other hand, maybe more difficult to find. Choosing what language you want to learn will help you narrow down your app search.