Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Hello. Bonjour. Nǐn hǎo. Assalam-o-Alaikum. Merhaba. How many of these did you understand?
Learning a new language can feel impossible at first. One day, you’re randomly saying “Hola,” and the next, you’re stuck on a phrase that might as well be written in hieroglyphs. But that shouldn’t scare you off! If you know the right ways and apps, it can actually be fun and way easier than you think.
I am sure most have heard of language learning apps. They ditch the boring textbooks and classroom drills, replacing them with bite-sized lessons, fun games, and real conversations. If you plan on learning just enough for your next trip or you’re aiming for full fluency, these apps help you practice anytime, anywhere. No expensive courses, no pressure…just learning at your own pace.
Most people think of Duolingo first (the famous owl who never leaves you alone?), but there are plenty of other apps out there. Some focus on speaking, others on grammar, and some make it feel like you’re just playing a game. Whatever your learning style, there’s something for you.
So, what language is on your bucket list? Are you brushing up on something you studied years ago or starting fresh? Either way, we’ve got the best language learning apps lined up for you. Let’s explore together.
Table of contents
Top Language Learning Apps to Try
Here are our best picks to help you learn a new language with ease.
Duolingo
Since we’re talking about that little green owl, let’s start here. As someone who regularly uses Duolingo, I love its colorful design and quick, game-like lessons. One of the best things is you’re not limited to learning just one language at a time. You can juggle as many as you want (though, realistically, two at a time is plenty if you actually want to remember anything). It offers over 40 languages. Most users don’t start from scratch, according to Duolingo’s 2024 report. They use it to reinforce what they already know.
To keep you from forgetting the basics, Duolingo has a system where skills can “crack” if you don’t practice them often enough. When that happens, you just review the skill again, and it’s back to normal. This way you make sure you’re actually retaining what you’ve learned.
The app’s layout is super user-friendly, and the streak feature is a great motivator. It tracks how many days in a row you hit your point goal, making you want to keep going. Another cool feature is Duolingo Stories: short audio-based stories that test your listening and comprehension skills as you go.
Now, while Duolingo is great for picking up new languages, it’s not perfect. The FAQ section could be clearer, especially when it comes to pricing. While the base app is free, Super Duolingo (the ad-free premium version) costs $13 a month or $84 a year. This gives you perks like progress quizzes and streak repairs. If your whole family wants in, you can link up to six accounts under Family Super Duolingo for $120 a year. Some users also have access to Duolingo Max, which adds AI features like Explain My Answer and Roleplay, but it’s only available in certain countries for Spanish and French learners on iOS, and it’ll cost you $30 a month.
For beginners and intermediate learners, Duolingo is a great choice. It’s free and available on all major platforms.
Pros
- Plenty of free features
- Over 40 languages available
- Streak system keeps you motivated
Cons
- FAQ section isn’t very helpful
- Doesn’t go much beyond beginner level in most languages
- Some languages have way more content than others
- Doesn’t explain grammar rules in depth
Babbel
Babbel feels the most like an actual language course you’d take in school, but without the boring lectures or long study guides. The clean, simple layout makes it easy to focus. Each lesson walks you through translations, showing different variations of words and phrases, plus whether they’re formal or informal (which is a big deal in many languages). If you need to spell something out, Babbel even gives you the letters to make things easier.
What I really like is how it puts new words into conversations. Instead of just memorizing vocabulary, you see it in context, hear how it’s pronounced (if you have audio on), and even practice saying it yourself. It also covers grammar, verb groups, and other essentials without feeling like a textbook. The lessons are only 15 minutes, so they’re easy to fit into a daily routine, be it on your commute, during lunch, or before bed. The My Activity module keeps track of your progress, so you can see how much you’ve learned.
Babbel offers 14 languages and lets you sign up for free. The first lesson in every course is free, but after that, you’ll need a subscription. The pricing starts at $18 per month, or you can choose a three-month ($54), six-month ($108), or annual plan ($216). If you’re serious about learning long-term, there’s also a lifetime membership for $599. They often run discounts, especially around the new year.
For those who want a more structured learning experience, Babbel Live is available as a paid upgrade. It offers virtual classes with real instructors and other students, making it feel more like an online school.
Pros
- Clean and simple design
- Lessons are detailed but not overwhelming
- Paid upgrade for live classes with an instructor
Cons
- Full access requires a paid subscription
- Only 14 languages available
Memrise
One of the favorite parts about Memrise for many is Learning With Locals, where you hear and see real people using the language naturally. Instead of just reading words on a screen, you watch short videos of native speakers using phrases in everyday conversations. Each lesson features multiple people saying the same phrase, which is great because no two people speak exactly alike. Accents, tone, and rhythm all vary in real life. This helps you instantly pick up on tone, pronunciation, and even subtle grammar rules.
The app focuses on casual, practical conversations, the kind you’d actually have while traveling or chatting with locals. It uses a flashcard-based system with spaced repetition to help you remember words and phrases. You can set goals, and the app throws in a bit of gamification to keep you motivated.
Memrise is free to use, but the Pro membership has more features, offline access, and ad-free learning. Prices are $15 per month, $90 annually, or $200 for lifetime access.
Pros
- Includes videos of native speakers
- Lets you skip phrases you already know
Cons
- Premium plans are pricey
- Lessons can feel repetitive over time
Lingoda
Lingoda offers small group and one-on-one classes through Zoom at a reasonable price. What makes it stand out is its structured approach. Each lesson follows a clear curriculum, and students receive PDFs of the materials before class. Instead of a free-flowing tutoring style where students pick topics, Lingoda takes you through every lesson at your level before moving to the next.
It’s one of the few language learning platforms that work for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If you’ve been learning a language for a while and need regular practice, Lingoda is a better option. If you’re starting from scratch, it’s best to pair it with another learning app for extra reinforcement.
Lingoda currently offers Spanish, French, German, and English. Plans start at $56 per month for four classes. You can also go for more intensive plans, with prices increasing based on class frequency.
Pros
- Live, structured lessons with clear progression
- Small class sizes for better interaction
- Certified and engaging instructors
- Placement test to match your level
Cons
- Only a handful of languages available
- No independent study tools
Pimsleur
Pimsleur takes a podcast-style approach to language learning. Instead of reading and writing exercises, you listen to 30-minute audio lessons designed to improve your comprehension and speaking skills. Since lessons are downloadable and Alexa-compatible, you can practice hands-free. This makes it perfect for commutes or multitasking.
A driving mode makes it even easier to fit into your day. The focus is on real-world conversations, and while it lacks a strong grammar component, it’s great for people who learn best by listening.
Pimsleur offers 51 languages. You can try it for free for seven days, then continue with one language for $20 per month or upgrade to All Access for $21 per month ($165 per year) to switch between all available languages. The premium plan includes an AI voice coach, digital flashcards, and bonus content.
Pros
- Audio-focused learning
- Hands-free practice with downloadable lessons
- Wide range of languages (51 available)
Cons
- Short free trial before payments start
- Not ideal for visual learners
Busuu
Busuu offers a structured learning experience with a mix of flashcards, grammar exercises, and conversational practice. Lessons are divided into real scenarios, making them feel practical rather than robotic. A standout feature is the community review system, where native speakers provide feedback on your writing and pronunciation. You can return the favor by reviewing others’ work, creating a collaborative environment.
The app also includes live lessons, available in small groups or one-on-one. While some exercises feel repetitive and feedback quality can vary, the ability to connect with real speakers adds value.
Busuu supports 14 languages. You can access basic lessons for free, but a premium subscription removes ads, provides additional content, and offers AI-powered reviews and personalized study plans.
When signing up, you choose a language and set a daily study goal. If you choose the premium plan, Busuu creates a personalized schedule to help you reach fluency by a specific date. For instance, studying three times a week for 10 minutes could get you conversational in about eight months.
One favorite feature among people is the reminder system, which flags “weak words” needing a review. The app also includes small but helpful details, like explaining that “ciao” can mean both hello and goodbye.
Pros
- Set personal study goals
- Native speaker feedback
- Practical vocabulary tips
Cons
- Full lesson access requires a paid plan
No Shortcuts to Fluency
Picking up a new language isn’t supposed to be easy. If you’re breezing through without any difficulty, you’re probably not pushing yourself enough. Real learning happens when you get outside your comfort zone.
This guide is for anyone looking to start fresh with a new language or build on what they already know. Just keep in mind that not all apps support every language, and the quality of lessons can vary.
At the end of the day, learning a language is a long-term commitment. You’re not just memorizing words but training your brain to think differently. No app can replace real-world practice, but with the right tools and a little persistence, you’ll get there. Keep at it!
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FAQs
- Can I become fluent just by using language learning apps?
Language apps are great for building vocabulary and practicing basic conversations, but true fluency requires speaking with native speakers, real-world practice, and cultural immersion.
- Which language app is best for pronunciation?
Apps like Pimsleur and Busuu focus heavily on pronunciation. Pimsleur uses audio lessons, while Busuu offers feedback from native speakers.
- Are there any language apps without ads?
Most free apps have ads, but premium subscriptions remove them. Duolingo, Memrise, and Busuu all offer ad-free versions with paid plans.
- What’s the best app for kids to learn a language?
Duolingo Kids, Gus on the Go, and Mondly Kids are great options with interactive lessons designed for younger learners.
- Can I use multiple language apps at the same time?
Yes! Many learners combine apps to cover different aspects of language learning. For example, Duolingo for vocabulary, Pimsleur for listening, and Babbel for grammar.
