Learning a new language has never been easier. We rely on technology so much these days, so why not use it to pick up a new skill? If learning a new language has been on your to-do list, this list covers some of the best apps and services to help you get started, whether your desired language is widely spoken or more exotic.
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Content
- 1. Best for Getting Started with Language Learning: Duolingo
- 2. Best for More Traditional Approach: Busuu
- 3. Best for Learning Phrases: Memrise
- 4. Best for Text-based Learning: LingQ
- 5. Best for Progressing to the Next Level: Beelinguapp
- 6. Best for Learning with Tutors: Babbel
- 7. Best for Audio Learning: LingoPie
- 8. Best for Visual Learning: Drops
1. Best for Getting Started with Language Learning: Duolingo
Price: Free with premium options
Easily the most popular language-learning app out there, Duolingo has set the tone for many other programs with its exercise-based lessons, light gamification, and freemium learning model. It’s the best place to get started with an online language-learning app, as it’s easy to dive in to see how well it works for you without having to worry about trials or subscriptions. I’ve been using this app for over a year now, and I’ve acquired a pretty large vocabulary so far, just by using the free version.
Duolingo has a large selection of languages, ranging from the ever-popular Spanish to the fictional Klingon, and all of the core content is freely accessible. You can also learn two languages at the same time.
Although the constant repetition can feel monotonous at times, it remains an effective technique for solidifying what you’ve learned. Duolingo does have a reputation for slightly odd sentences, though, so be prepared to learn phrases like, “The cows enjoy watching funny movies” in Spanish.
2. Best for More Traditional Approach: Busuu
Price: Free with premium options
Busuu is an app structured in the same way as Duolingo. It follows the same chapter structure for lessons and includes daily challenges and streaks to keep you engaged. But Busuu has fewer languages and feels a bit more like a traditional language-learning course, putting you through several structured units, with specific grammar and vocabulary focuses.
The app’s approach to lessons is very different, however. Each unit includes short videos that allow you to listen to real people speaking the language in natural contexts. Afterward, answer questions to test your understanding of the content. What makes this app particularly valuable for me is its emphasis on speaking practice. You can have live chats with AI about everyday topics, like ordering food or discussing hobbies.
With Busuu, you can review errors and strengthen your weaker spots through flash and translation exercises. While the app is mostly free to use, occasional ads may appear to unlock certain features. Premium users gain access to additional perks, such as detailed grammar explanations.
3. Best for Learning Phrases: Memrise
Price: Free with premium options
Another giant in the world of language-learning apps, Memrise takes a similar approach to Busuu, featuring lessons with videos of people actually talking in the language you’re learning. It’s a great way to beef up your vocabulary, learn a new alphabet, or get comfortable using phrases.
I’m a big fan of the app’s interface – it’s incredibly user-friendly and has a gamified feel that makes learning enjoyable. It comes with a few unique language options, such as Incelandic, Persian, and Welsh (South). It’s also great for those looking to learn Asian languages, like Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, or Indonesian.
With Memrise, you can chat in real time with AI and immerse yourself in life-like conversations and practice scenarios. Paying for a premium account will get you features like chatbots for grammar, role-play, etc., videos, additional exercises, and personalized learning that adapts to your progress.
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4. Best for Text-based Learning: LingQ
Price: Free with premium options
Not a fan of exercise-based language apps? Rather than a series of vocabulary and grammar exercises, LingQ is structured around stories and articles that you read and translate at the same time. What I like best about this app is that it asks you about your favorite topics, to serve up stories that you actually want to read.
If you don’t know a word when viewing a story, tap it to see the definition and have it added it to your study list. In the Web version, you can install the LingQ extension that can transform any YouTube/Netflix video into a text-based lesson.
Although the selection of languages is more limited, it does include some unique options, like Catalan and Cantonese. You can learn multiple languages at the same time, too. The app is free to use just briefly, after which you will have to upgrade to a paid tier to keep using it.
5. Best for Progressing to the Next Level: Beelinguapp
Price: Free with premium options
Beelinguapp shares similarities with LingQ but goes a step further. Its primary focus is on text-based learning, as reading is one of the most effective ways to immerse yourself in a new language. I believe this app is great if you’ve found you made some progress in your learning but are not yet ready to jump into reading full-fledged novels.
Beelinguapp offers access to short and long stories, as well as news articles from areas you’re interested in. You have a pretty great selection of topics, too. The app displays both the text in your native language and the language you’re trying to learn. You can have the app read out the text for you and modify the text size or speed to suit your preferences.
As you progress through the stories, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen your understanding with interactive games of vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening. Unsurprisingly, this is a paid app, so if you want to be able to access all its features in full, you’ll need to upgrade.
6. Best for Learning with Tutors: Babbel
Price: Free with premium features
Prefer learning with a tutor’s help? Babbel has you covered with its extensive lineup of live classes, led by knowledgeable tutors eager to assist with your questions. While some classes are free, the majority require a premium subscription.
The same applies to lessons: after completing the introductory one, you’ll be prompted to upgrade right away. Beyond tutor support, the app boasts a user-friendly interface, opportunities to hone your speaking skills, and access to podcast episodes and audio tracks.
Naturally, Babbel includes options for reviewing the material you’ve already covered. If you decide to subscribe, you’ll gain access to some entertaining language games as well.
7. Best for Audio Learning: LingoPie
Price: Free with premium options
LingoPie offers an approach to language learning that you might have used in your youth. I, for example, picked up quite a bit of Italian by watching TV shows and cartoons on Italian channels when I was young. With LingoPie, you can select a language you wish to learn, and start watching videos in that language.
Of course, LingoPie puts a few tools at your disposal to facilitate learning, such as subtitles in both your native tongue and the language you’re learning and the ability to slow the video feed down to your level of comprehension. Even better, LingoPie lets you learn through music. The app breaks down songs’ lyrics, helping you finally understand what your favorite artists are singing about. There’s also a kids section.
For those who prefer to use LingoPie on PC, you can also install a Chrome extension and access Netflix powered by Lingopie. The app has some features that aren’t accessible in the free version, such as flashcards, and you only get 10 minutes of watch time per day.
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8. Best for Visual Learning: Drops
Price: Free with premium features
Drops is a unique language-learning app that uses pictograms to introduce new vocabulary. Its gamified design makes it engaging and a great choice for children.
Many exercises in Drops involve matching terms to pictograms, but there are also mini-games, like spotting words in a grid of letters. If you’re feeling competitive, the app’s multiplayer feature lets you challenge others learning the same language – a rare option I haven’t seen in other apps.
Like the other language apps mentioned here, Drops has a premium tier. Upgrading may be necessary for quicker progress, given the long waits between lessons in the free plan. The paid version also grants access to challenges and comprehensive progress review tools.
If you’re comfortable with the languages you know but want to expand your skills in another direction, learn how to cook with these apps. If you want your child to learn something new, programming with Scratch is an interesting option.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
Alexandra Arici –
Staff Writer
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.
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