Do you need help learning a new language? I wish I had known about these apps sooner. Learning a foreign language can be a real headache. But these best language learning apps make learning easy and fun with simple lessons, quizzes, voice recognition, and more.
From gamified vocabulary builders like Memrise to apps that use TV shows to teach a new language, there’s something to suit every learning style and goal. Whether you want to learn how to conjugate Spanish verbs, read a French novel easily, or learn travel phrases, this app is for you. It is available for Android-based devices like the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Apple devices like the iPhone 16.
Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps for many reasons. It’s free, well designed, and easy to use. The lessons are broken down into bite-sized chunks that feel like games.
The app categorizes language into topics as diverse as clothing, business, and more, as well as grammar topics like adverbs and pronouns. Users must interpret both text and audio, with the option to slow down the audio if necessary. Duolingo’s response structure includes a variety of activities that allow you to switch between typing an answer, speaking it out loud, and selecting multiple choice options.
Duolingo is a great introduction to language learning, but it can sometimes feel like you’re studying a random mix of information through repetitive practice. The more you practice, the stronger your vocabulary will become, but sometimes it may feel a little strange. Although it is effective for improving comprehension, it may not be the best for developing conversational skills.
Duolingo Super removes some of the limitations of the free version, such as its limited lifespan, and provides additional tools and benefits to help you learn more effectively. Whether it’s worth paying for depends on your individual learning style, budget, and seriousness about language learning.
Android iOS
Babel
The app is divided into lessons of 10 to 15 minutes each. Our lesson packages cover a range of abilities, including tailored lessons for beginners and advanced learners. The app teaches you a variety of words and phrases and challenges you to spell them, say them out loud, and fit them into sentences.
The great thing about Babbel is that it focuses on learning conversations and explains grammar rules as you go. It’s fun to fill in the blanks in mock conversations, and the lessons progress in a traditionally logical manner, starting with the basic conversational phrases you want to master. You can also download lessons that you can study even when offline.
The app design is a bit rough around the edges, and the software’s voice recognition doesn’t always work as intended. You can also get one free lesson with Babbel, but if you want full access to the learning materials for a single language, you’ll have to pay. This price varies depending on your location and subscription length.
Android iOS
Lingo Pie
LingoPie is an innovative language learning app that uses TV shows and movies to immerse you in a new language, making learning exciting and enjoyable. With a diverse library of content including comedies, dramas, documentaries, and reality shows, users can learn languages like Spanish, French, German, and more. The app includes interactive subtitles so learners can watch the actual content while accessing instant translations and definitions with one click. This approach is designed to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension through real-life situations.
In addition to video content, LingoPie offers tools like flashcards for vocabulary review, adjustable playback speed for more accurate comprehension, and quizzes to track your progress. Suitable for all levels, LingoPie lets you learn at your own pace. By incorporating cultural insights, the app teaches languages and provides a deeper understanding of the relevant culture, making the learning experience practical and enriching. Starts at $5 per month.
Android iOS
Memrise
If you want to practice and expand your vocabulary, Memrise is a fun way to do it. The app is set up like a game where you play as a spy and travel to an alien planet, earning points based on your correct answers. This is a unique way to frame a language lesson, and most of the course consists of memorizing specific words and phrases using mems, which are odd sentences or images.
You can also listen to audio recordings of various words and phrases, and sometimes watch videos of native speakers saying those words and phrases. The general idea is to learn vocabulary and then review it at predetermined intervals. The more words you memorize, the longer it takes. There’s some science behind the algorithm, but ultimately it’s a sophisticated flashcard system. Still, it seems to be very effective for some people.
Memrise primarily offers vocabulary building features, so it’s a good idea to combine it with conversation and grammar lessons if possible. Some memories are strange, but bizarre associations and images can be a very effective way to remember things. You can sign up for the app via email or use your Google or Facebook account to access a wealth of community-created content.
The basic functionality of the app is free, but a subscription (about $8 per month) gives you access to additional games and offline modes.
Android iOS
Pimslör
The Pimsleur app is an audio-based language learning tool designed to improve conversational skills by focusing on practical vocabulary and phrases for real-world communication. Users participate in 30-minute core audio lessons that gradually build speaking and listening skills along with supplemental reading lessons.
A notable feature is the AI Voice Coach, which provides personalized pronunciation feedback to help learners refine their accent. The app also includes digital flashcards, interactive games, and quizzes to enhance learning and create a fun and varied experience.
Pimsleur is effective at developing speaking fluency and offers offline access, but some users may find the lessons repetitive and miss the visual learning component. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize speaking and listening skills, but individuals should consider their own learning style to ensure it suits their goals. Pimsleur subscriptions start at $16 per month when purchased through the Pimsleur website.
Android iOS
circulation
Busuu is a well-designed app that offers about a thousand complete lesson packages. All packages are created by language experts and cover a huge amount of content. The app provides essential flashcards along with grammar, writing, conversation, and pronunciation practice. Quizzes and vocabulary games are also quite fun to test your knowledge and make it easy to stay engaged while learning.
Busuu also offers a convenient set of travel courses that give you the basics of a specific language, so you can better prepare for your next trip and connect with locals. You can chat with native speakers and have them edit your text, or earn points through corrections from other learners. There’s also an offline mode, so you can download and study courses without an internet connection, making it perfect for learning on the go.
Busuu offers writing exercises and essential flashcards, but you’ll need a subscription to take advantage of all the courses and bonus tools. The subscription fee is about $7 per month. One of Busuu’s standout features is its strong community of native speakers and fellow language learners. Regardless of the language you choose – Russian, Arabic, or expanding your Spanish skills – you’ll easily find something that suits you. Whether you prefer learning on your desktop, laptop, or on the go with the Busuu mobile app, you’re in control of how you study a new language.
Android iOS
Beelinguapp
We know this may seem impossible. However, reading is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a foreign language. More than just teaching vocabulary and grammar, reading keeps students engaged and builds comprehension. Beelinguapp takes care of this. The app offers a fun reading style to help users learn foreign languages.
After installing the app, you can choose from nearly a dozen languages commonly used around the world. You can also customize your skill level by choosing between Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. In other words, label them according to whether you prefer reading fiction or non-fiction. Finally, the app collects your preferences and provides several messages, texts, and song lyrics in your native language and the language you want to learn.
If you wish, native speakers can read books and texts aloud in your preferred language. This feature helps clear up confusion about pronunciation and improve your listening skills. Overall, this app improves your reading, listening, and speaking skills simultaneously. The only thing lacking is writing skills.
You can try Beelinguapp for free for 7 days. After that, you can purchase a monthly subscription for just $4.
Android iOS