11 Best Language Learning Apps

Gone are the days when you had to listen to generic tapes or read complicated grammar books to learn a new language. Today, the best apps provide you with customized learning solutions that take into account your rate of progress, native language, and even the preferred mode of study. 

 

If you are searching for the best language learning apps, let us point you in the direction of the top platforms that caught our eye. 

1. Duolingo 

If you have ever tried to learn a new language, you might already be familiar with this app. After all, Duolingo is, perhaps, the only free language app that offers you tons of features. You can improve your speaking, listening, as well as learn to construct simple sentences. 

 

Moreover, Duolingo is not aimed only at native English speakers. Therefore, you can choose your mother tongue, and the app will accommodate your needs. While you might not be able to write an entire college assignment in a foreign language with the help of Duolingo, you can indeed get the basics right and use a service such as paper edit on WritePaper to polish the writing. Since Duolingo isn't a complete language program, it will still help improve your vocabulary. 

 

Although there is a premium version available, this is not necessary to unlock any learning features.

 

Price: Free

Premium: $6.99 a month

2. Memrise 

If you are looking for an immersive way to learn a new language, Memrise will top the chart. This platform integrates audio and video clips from native speakers to help provide you with a personalized learning experience. Moreover, like Duolingo, Memrise also lets you pick your native language. 

 

Memrise also lets you take gamified versions of quizzes in order to track your progress. The app employs proven techniques in order to help you retain the memory of common phrases. The app will even tell you how long it will take for you to hit your goals in language learning based on your performance. 

 

However, to unlock the full features of this platform, you will need to sign up for a premium version. 

 

Price: Free to download

Premium: $8.99 a month

3. Babbel

Babbel is another learning app that has gained a lot of attention over the past few years. This platform offers you two primary ways to learn a new language. 

Firstly, the Babbel app comes with an array of tools that will help you pick up a new language at your own pace. The second path is the live language learning courses that are focused on real-life conversations. 

You can make your choice from hundreds of classes while continuing to practice with the self-study app for free. It is up to you to set up a combination that feels right for you. The app will also send you reminders so you can avoid procrastinating and feel motivated with your language learning. 

Price: Free to download

Premium: $13.95 a month

4. Busuu

According to Busuu's website, completing 22 hours successfully in the app's premium version equals one semester of language learning at a university. This is because the app focuses on creating easy enough courses to integrate into daily lives. 

With its premium subscription, you get access to a personalized study plan and download the courses to learn offline. You can even get feedback from the native speaker community. Busuu also offers you grammar lessons to build sentences with confidence. There are also AI-generated quizzes based on your progress to help you retain the memory of what you have learned.  

Price: Free to download

Premium: Around $6 a month

5. Tandem

Finally, in order to learn a language, you need not necessarily use a learning app. Instead, Tandem has come up with an innovative way to let you practice your target language with native speakers. This is essentially a messaging app where you can find other learners or speakers to engage in conversation with them. 

You can send not only texts but also audio messages. You can also find a learner nearby by filtering with location if you would like to plan meetups for language exchange. 

Price: Free

6. Mondly 

Mondly takes upon an approach different from everybody else. Instead of starting the lessons with words, it focuses on phrases. This strategy can be extremely handy if you are looking for practical tools that will help improve your conversational skills. 

Not only that, to provide you with an immersive experience, the app comes with dialogues from native speakers. You will also be able to practice having conversations with AI chatbots, which deploy speech recognition to assess your speaking skills. 

Like the majority of apps listed here, Mondly also offers a handful of native languages to choose from. At the time of writing, it supports 33 languages in its catalog. 

Price: Free to download

Premium: $9.99 a month

7. Speakly

As you can gather from the name, Speakly is an app that focuses on helping you improve your conversational skills. Whether you choose to learn English, French, or one of the eight other supported languages, you will be able to practice speaking by learning over 4,000 most common words in your chosen language.

You will also be able to review what you have learned or interact with recordings. In all honesty, you get the virtual experience of speaking in your target language and feedback to coach your own performance.

Price: Free to download
Premium: $9.99 a month

8. TripLingo

If you are simply looking to learn the essentials of a language before taking an international trip, then TripLingo is your best bet. Instead of focusing on grammar or starting from the bare basics, the app dives right into useful phrases.

You will learn local expressions rather than properly phrased sentences, so it is easier for you to get along in a foreign country. The courses are also divided based on the context, such as formal, casual, safety, or business. It also has an inbuilt translation that can come in handy. In case you are desperately looking for help, the app even lets you call a real translator.

It also has a built-in Wi-Fi dialer that will let you make international calls for free, thus helping you save some cash while on a budget trip. There are also tip calculators, safety tools, and other features that can help you achieve a smooth travel experience abroad.

Price: Free to download
Premium: $19.99 per month

9. Lirica

Lirica is another unique app that lets you learn languages via music. This will help you tremendously in order to improve your comprehension of a language and even learn vocabulary.

The idea is to immerse you in great music in your chosen language. The exercises are based on hit songs in your target language. While you might not be able to completely master grammar, you will still be able to pick up a lot of new words and even common phrases used by locals. The main downside is that this app supports only English, Spanish, and German as of right now.

Price: Free to download
Premium: $8 a month

10. YouTube

There is hardly another free app that can be as useful as YouTube. Even though it's not specific to language learning, there are tons of useful material.

You can find hundreds of language lessons available on this platform that help you learn directly from local speakers. You can even download learning materials and choose how you want to learn. If you are willing to put in some effort, YouTube can be an effective tool in your language learning journey.

Price: Free

11. Listen & Learn

Listen & Learn is a top-rated language learning site that offers exceptional French courses in Toronto, Spanish in Tokyo, and various languages in different locations. With a user-friendly interface, interactive lessons, and skilled tutors, it provides an immersive learning experience. The site's tailored approach caters to individual needs, ensuring effective language acquisition. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Listen & Learn is the ideal platform to enhance your language skills.

Pricing

Face to Face- starting at $49 per hour.
Online- starting at $27 per hour.

Takeaway

Evidently, most language learning apps follow a similar format. It is ultimately up to you to figure out which courses work the best for you. You have a lot to choose from, so good luck on this journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the 10 best language learning apps?

The 10 best language learning apps can vary depending on individual needs and preferences, but some popular options include Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, Memrise, Busuu, Lingodeer, Mango Languages, Pimsleur, Drops, and HelloTalk.

2. How effective are language learning apps compared to traditional language learning methods?

Language learning apps can be effective for certain learners who prefer a more self-directed and flexible approach to learning a new language. However, traditional language learning methods such as classroom instruction or immersion programs may also be beneficial for some learners.

3. Are these language learning apps free, or do they require a subscription or in-app purchases?

Many language learning apps offer both free and paid versions, with the free versions typically having limited features or requiring in-app purchases for full access. Some apps, such as Duolingo and Memrise, offer completely free access to their content.

4. What languages are available on these language learning apps?

The languages available on language learning apps can vary, but many popular apps offer a range of languages such as Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, and many more.

5. Can I track my progress and set personalized goals on these language learning apps?

Many language learning apps allow users to track their progress, set personalized goals, and receive feedback on their learning. Some apps also use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to tailor lessons to individual learning styles and abilities.