Learning a new language has become easier than ever as we are blessed with a plethora of language learning apps. However, this situation has created a sweet dilemma for us too. Now, we have to choose between these wonderful apps — talk about the confusion!
Today, I would give a detailed review of all the language learning apps that I have recently tested. All of these apps come with pros and cons and varying features. So, read along as I talk about the features and issues of these apps.
Interested to identify your vocabulary size? Check out SpellQuiz’s state-of-the-art Vocabulary Assessment Tool for free!
Comparison Table for the Best Language learning Apps
|
Apps |
Platforms |
Number of Supported Languages |
Free Version Availability |
Premium Version Price (Starting) |
|
Duolingo |
Android, iOS |
38 |
Yes |
$9.99/month |
|
Babbel |
Android, iOS |
14 |
Yes |
$15.99/month |
|
Rosetta Stone |
Android, iOS |
28 |
Yes |
$11.99/month |
|
Memrise |
Android, iOS, HarmonyOS |
21 |
Yes |
$8.99/month |
|
Busuu |
Android, iOS |
12 |
Yes |
$6.55/month |
|
HelloTalk |
Android, iOS |
150+ |
Yes |
$8.99/month |
|
Drops |
Android, iOS |
19 |
Yes |
$9.99/month |
|
Mondly |
Android, iOS |
33 |
Yes |
$9.99/month |
5 Best Language Learning Apps
Duolingo
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes
Premium Version Price: Starts from $9.99/month
Duolingo is the most popular language learning apps out there. For most people, Duolingo is the go-to option as this platform has become synonymous with new language learning. After all, this app has over 300 million users across all platforms — far ahead of the competition.
The key feature of Duolingo is their short “bite-sized” lessons that are simple and addictive! Also, the lessons follow the gamification approach as it incorporates elements like — point system based on performance, time trials, and leveling mechanism.
All of these features make the learning experience through Duolingo challenging. The ability to learn on the go is another key factor favoring the popularity of this app.
But what about acceptance?
Duolingo English Test is accepted by more than 3,000 top-level institutions, including — Yale, Duke, John Hopkins University, Georgia Tech, and Columbia University. Yes, the app is so rich that its certification is equivalent to IELTS and GRE exams in some cases!
This certification program makes Duolingo one of the best English language learning websites if not the best!
You can download the Duolingo app for free both on your iOS and Android devices. However, the free version is riddled with ads. You can enjoy an ad-free experience with Duolingo Plus subscription but the premium package starts at $9.99 per month. This premium service could reach up to $79.99 per month.
Overall, Duolingo is one of the best language learning apps you can have.
Babbel
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes (Offers 1 lesson only)
Premium Version Price: Starts from $15.99/month
When it comes to industry leadership, Babbel is only second to Duolingo. Many prefer Babbel over Duolingo as Babbel does some things better than Duolingo.
For example, Babbel is a much better option for learning interactive dialogues and conversation. Think of the common conversations like — getting a cab from the airport to your hotel, ordering lunch, or meeting with a business client. Babbel is a superior option when it comes to mastering the situational conversations.
As you can guess, Babbel focuses heavily on teaching practical dialogues. Also, Babbel uses the real voices of native speakers which would help your pronunciation.
Another interesting feature of this app is that it teaches you a foreign language using your mother tongue’s grammatical concepts. So, you’ll be learning Spanish using English grammar (considering English is your mother tongue).
Although Babbel offers a free version, the free version only comes with a single lesson. As you can guess, you can’t learn that much in a single lesson. So, essentially, Babbel is a premium-only language learning app.
Another drawback of Babbel is that Babbel focuses too much on learning Spanish. While the Spanish lessons are top of the class, the rest of the courses (Turkish or Norwegian) seem lacking.
Do you need help with spelling practices and spelling tests? Check out SpellQuiz Spelling Tests now!
Rosetta Stone
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes (Only a 3-day trial)
Premium Version Price: Starts from $11.99/month
Rosetta Stone comes from IXL, one of the biggest names in the online learning world. Rosetta Stone is one of the oldest learning platforms too. It has a rich history of over 25 years.
However, this app is quite different from others on this list. Rosetta Stone mainly offers services to corporations, public or non-profit organizations, and educational institutes. It only started offering individual services a few years back.
Rosetta Stone uses its own Dynamic Immersion method that follows a unique interactive and contextual approach. It also uses a proprietary speech recognition software called TruAccent. Plus, I need to talk about its Audio Companion tool. I can easily call it one of the best audio language learning apps because of this feature.
Perhaps the use of proprietary technologies and the vast experience have helped it win multiple awards.
Among the recent awards, the 2019 PCMag Editors’ Choice Award, the 2019 Tabby Award, and the 2019 Best Mobile App Awards are noteworthy.
However, there one thing that disappointed me a bit — there is no free version of this app available. You can only get a 3-day free trial. After that, you’ll have to go for a premium plan. Keep in mind that the subscription price varies based on the choice of language.
Are you looking for a spelling level assessment? Here’s a guide that discusses everything revolving around the topic with a convenient way for conducting one.
Memrise
Platforms: Android, iOS, HarmonyOS
Free Version Availability: Yes
Premium Version Price: Starts from $8.99/month
Memrise is one of my favorite language learning apps because of its massive collection of short videos. This platform boasts of having over 50,000 videos of native speakers teaching phrases in the genuine accent. Such practical teaching method helps the learners comprehend the lessons much better.
Another key feature of Memrise is the teach-and-test approach. First, they teach one or two phrases through videos multiple times. Then, they ask you certain questions that help you understand the proper applications of those phrases.
Plus, Memrise will repeat the previous lessons often so that you don’t forget the earlier lessons. Such spaced repetition will help you have a better grasp of the languages.
All in all, it’s quite hard to find flaws in the teaching method of Memrise — it’s certainly one of the bests out there. You can also visit their website that includes a beautiful and feature-rich UI. This is why I think Memrise is one of the best language learning websites.
There is one issue with the Memrise though. The users have complained heavily against their marketing approaches and push notifications. Plus, the advanced lessons are only available on the premium options.
Busuu
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes
Premium Version Price: Start at $6.55/month
Busuu is very different from the rest of the language learning apps as this is an AI-powered learning platform. As you sign up for learning, Busuu offers you an assessment test. With the help of AI, the platform determines your current learning level and it can even offer you a study plan. The AI also implements a strong review system that helps you remember the previous lessons.
But you’ll have to choose the premium plan to get a predetermined study plan. Also, it offers a timeline and helps you to set a goal. For example, you can learn a language in 8 months if you study for 10 minutes three times a week.
So, you have total control over your learning speed and approach. The intuitive UI is another positive thing about Busuu. This is why Busuu is great for teaching kids a new language.
Also, I’m sure that you’ll love the backstory of Busuu. Busuu is a native language spoken by only 8 people in the world! This is the mother language of a remote Cameroonian village. The app pays tribute to this dying language.
One of the best things about Busuu is that the free version is quite generous. You can learn up to one language without any hassle. No lesson is barred behind the premium plan. It’s true that you’ll miss out a lot of additional features but will not hamper your learning experience. Even the premium subscription fee is affordable.
Now you can participate in Spelling Bee Online and compete with others in real-time. Get your name on the leaderboard today!
Other Best Language Learning Apps (Modern Hits)
In the previous section, I talked about the most popular and powerful options out there. But in recent times, the following five apps have gained a lot of traction and definitely worth a look.
HelloTalk
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes
Premium Version Price: Starts from $8.99/month
You should know that one of the best ways to learn a new language is to have real conversations with native speakers. HelloTalk capitalizes on this principle — this is a social media app that lets you talk to native speakers of different languages around the world. These native speakers will serve the purpose of your personal mentor.
Currently, the app boasts of more than 20 million speakers from over 150 countries. You should definitely give it a shot.
Drops
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes
Premium Version Price: Starts from $9.99/month
Drops is more of a vocabulary building app rather than a language learning app. Rather than offering a complete course, Drops focuses on teaching the most common words of different languages.
These words are essentially like the sight words in English. Having a command over these words will help you effectively communicate with others.
Mondly
Platforms: Android, iOS
Free Version Availability: Yes
Premium Version Price: $9.99/month
Despite being an older technique people still prefer learning languages through flashcards. If you too prefer flashcards, then Mondly should interest you.
Mondly incorporates the classic learning techniques and innovative tools together in one platform. For example, with Mondly you can connect with your friends and play games or participate in competitions. There is a chatbot for you to practice the lessons that you have learned.
Want more?
Mondly even uses augmented reality (AR) technology to better understand your surroundings and culture!