The Best Language Learning Apps of 2024
Written by: BestApp.com App Testing Team - Updated: Feb 27, 2022
If you’re interested in learning a new language, we recommend Babbel for its accessible bite-sized lessons, interactive learning tools, advanced speech recognition technology, and other great features. But if Babbel doesn’t suit your learning preferences, we found nine other great apps to help you pick up a new language. Here are the 10 best language learning apps available on iOS and Android.
Top 10 Language Learning Apps to Try
- Babbel — Top Pick
- Duolingo — Best Free Version
- Memrise — Best for Learning from Native Speakers
- Busuu — Best for Personalized Study Plans
- Rosetta Stone — Best for Auditory Lessons
- Pimsleur — Best Practice Tools
- Drops — Best for Bite-Sized Lessons
- Mondly — Best for Learning Phrases
- Beelinguapp — Best for Reading
- HelloTalk — Best for Practicing Conversation
How We Chose the Best Language Learning Apps
To choose the 10 best language learning apps, we focused on a set of features that help users learn to speak, write, and read in a new language as quickly as possible. The best language learning apps include dictionaries to help with vocabulary, audio pronunciation guides, educational games, flashcards, and the option to chat with native speakers.
Choose the language learning app that’s right for you
All the apps on our list either offer a free version or a free trial to let users test out their features. The right language learning app for you will largely depend on your learning preferences and your budget. We recommend testing out several apps and reviewing their pricing information to find the one that best suits your needs.
Maintain a daily practice
When trying to learn a new language, it’s important to practice speaking, reading, and writing it daily to retain the information learned in each lesson. Make sure to set up lesson reminders and notifications so you never skip a lesson or forget the information you learned in previous lessons.
Our Language Learning App Reviews
Babbel — Top Pick
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Babbel is the best language learning app overall and comes the closest to replicating a school-like learning experience out of any of the apps on our list. Each lesson in Babbel walks you through translations of different words and phrases and shows you common variations. You’ll also participate in practice conversations that are designed to replicate real-world scenarios, and unlike other apps, each lesson is tailored to your native language to make it easier to understand. Lessons are 15 minutes long, and you can set up reminders to notify you when it’s time to learn. Babbel’s biggest downside is that there are only 14 languages available, which pales in comparison to some of the other apps on our list.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: 1 month: $13.95/month; 3 months: $9.95/month; 12 Months: $6.95/month; Lifetime: $249
- Support available: Help Center, FAQs, Email
| Babbel Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Accessible 15-minute lessons | Only includes 14 languages |
| Lessons tailored to your native language | |
| Download lessons for offline learning | |
Duolingo — Best Free Version
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps available, and offers the most feature-rich free version of any of the apps on our list. Users can choose from over 35 different languages and learn through fun, bite-sized lessons that emphasize proper grammar and pronunciation. Lessons feature a combination of reading, speaking, and listening, and users can take their learning even further with stories and audio lessons. You can track your progress, compete with other users on the leaderboard, and earn achievements as you progress. Best of all, Duolingo is free, and users can subscribe to get rid of ads, earn unlimited lesson attempts, and more.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: Plus: $6.99/month
- Support available: Help Center
| Duolingo Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| All languages and lessons are free | Can’t chat with native speakers |
| Features 35+ different languages | |
| Lessons combine speaking, reading, writing, and listening | |
Memrise — Best for Learning from Native Speakers
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Memrise is a high-quality language learning app that focuses on teaching users how to speak languages the way natives do. Memrise’s most unique element is its Learn with Locals feature, which lets you watch videos featuring native speakers in real-world scenarios. This makes it easier for users to learn how native speakers pronounce different words and phrases. These videos may include native speakers in situations ranging from ordering at a coffee shop to singing karaoke. Pronunciation Mode lets you test out your own speaking skills, and the unique Explore feature uses your camera to identify objects around you and tell you how to say them in different languages.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: Pro: $8.49/month; $59.99/year; $119.99/lifetime
- Support available: Help Center, FAQs, Community Forum, Contact Form, Press Kit
| Memrise Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Learn with Locals lets you learn from native speakers | User-generated lessons can be inaccurate |
| Evaluates your pronunciation | |
| Use your camera to learn about objects nearby | |
Busuu — Best for Personalized Study Plans
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Busuu helps users learn new languages by creating study plans tailored to their goals and experience level. When you start with Busuu, the app will determine your skill level and create a personalized study plan to help you achieve your long-term learning goals. Unlike other apps that have preset study plans, with Busuu you can tell the app when and for how long you want to study, and it will develop a plan that works for you. You can use Busuu to review vocabulary, learn useful phrases, master grammar, and use the Conversations feature to connect with native speakers for practice.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: Premium: $9.99/month; Premium Plus: $13.99/month
- Support available: Help Center
| Busuu Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Personalized study plans | Only offers 13 languages |
| Grammar and vocabulary exercises | |
| Chat with native speakers | |
Rosetta Stone — Best for Auditory Lessons
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Rosetta Stone is one of the best-known language learning resources and a great option for those who prefer to learn through audio-based lessons. Unlike other language learning apps, Rosetta Stone immerses users in their chosen language and limits their exposure to their native language, forcing them to think in the language they’re learning. The app features 24 languages and lessons are only 10 minutes long, making them very accessible. You can learn new phrases with the Phrasebook, use Search & Speak to learn words for objects around you, practice your pronunciation, and read stories in your chosen language.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: 3 months: $35.97; 12 months: $143.88; Lifetime: $299
- Support available: FAQs, Online Chat, Email, Phone
| Rosetta Stone Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Immersive lessons | No placement tests |
| Bite-sized lessons | |
| Study plans based on experience level | |
Pimsleur — Best Practice Tools
Download: iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Like Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur started by offering language lessons via cassette and CD and is now one of the leading language learning apps available. Pimsleur features 30-minute conversational lessons where users can learn to speak while driving, at the gym, or at home with their Amazon Alexa device or the web-based app — this makes it especially easy for users to practice speaking their chosen language. This app also stands out from the other options on our list thanks to its wide range of practical study tools, including flashcards for vocabulary, Speak Easy challenges that let users practice realistic conversations, and skill-building activities like Quick Matches and Speed Rounds. Pimsleur offers 51 different languages, which is more than most other language learning apps on iOS and Android.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: All Access: $20.95/month
- Support available: FAQs, Contact Form, Phone Call
| Pimsleur Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Features 51 languages | No built-in dictionary |
| Great variety of practice tools and activities | Subscription cost is relatively expensive |
| 30-minute conversation lessons | |
Drops — Best for Bite-Sized Lessons
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
While most of the apps on our list offer bite-sized learning options, Drops takes the cake with its short and accessible five-minute lessons. Users can learn and practice over 45 different languages through educational games, vocabulary exercises, and writing lessons. Drops is also great for visual learners, as new words are presented alongside illustrations rather than translations. Each language features more than 2,600 practical words in 100 topics that you’re more likely to actually use when talking to native speakers, making Drops a great option for users who want to learn a new language for travel purposes.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: Premium: $8.49/month; $60/year; $149.99/lifetime
- Support available: Help Center, FAQs
| Drops Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Focused on visual learning | Can’t chat with other native speakers |
| 5-minute lessons | Lacks lesson variety |
Mondly — Best for Learning Phrases
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Mondly is a popular language learning app that focuses on teaching useful phrases. Unlike other apps that start by teaching users vocabulary, Mondly starts by introducing you to practical phrases, which makes it easier for users to participate in conversations. Mondly is also great for learning proper pronunciation, as users get to hear native speakers talk and practice conversation skills with an AI chatbot. There’s an augmented reality feature that will help you learn about objects in the real world as well. The free version of Mondly offers a new lesson every day, while the premium version provides you with access to the entire collection of daily lessons created so far (over 2,500 interactive lessons total). Mondly also lets you add friends so you can learn with others and stay motivated.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: Premium: $9.99/month or $47.99/year
- Support available: FAQs, Email
| Mondly Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Teaches practical phrasing | Lacks detailed grammar lessons |
| Practice conversations with chatbots | |
| Learn with friends | |
Beelinguapp — Best for Reading
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Beelinguapp is the best language learning app for users interested in learning via reading and text-based lessons. Beelinguapp takes a unique approach to teaching languages by letting users learn through different types of media, including e-books, audiobooks, articles, news stories, and more. Users can even learn by listening to music. While reading, you can add words to your glossary, tap them for more information, and practice pronunciation. Users read stories in two languages side-by-side and can listen to audio to improve their comprehension. Stories range from classic fairy tales like “Snow White” to city and culture guides. After finishing a story, you can take a quiz to test your reading comprehension.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: Premium: $5.99/month; $26.99/six months; $19.99/year
- Support available: Email
| Beelinguapp Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Learn languages by reading stories | No dictionary |
| Learn via music, news articles, and more | Doesn’t include educational games |
| Take quizzes to test your comprehension | |
HelloTalk — Best for Practicing Conversation
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
To become fluent in a language, it’s important to practice conversation with native speakers. HelloTalk helps you do this by connecting you with other users you can speak to and get feedback from. You can ask questions about languages, cultures, or travel, and you can send voice messages to get feedback on your pronunciation. Users can also participate in video calls, work with tutors for one-on-one lessons, and take advantage of HelloTalk’s built-in grammar correction function to improve their writing, speaking, and listening skills. However, HelloTalk does lack more structured educational content like games and flashcards.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- Subscription plans: VIP: $12.99/month; $79.99/year; $159.99/lifetime
- Support available: Email
| HelloTalk Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Chat with native speakers | Lacks flashcards |
| Includes text, voice, and video chat | No educational games |
| Get one-on-one lessons from tutors | |
Language Learning Apps: Features Summary Table
| Apps Comparison Table | ||
|---|---|---|
| App | Subscription Fees or In-App Purchases | Features |
| Babbel — Top Pick | 1 month: $13.95/month 3 months: $9.95/month 12 Months: $6.95/month Lifetime: $249 |
✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| Duolingo — Best Free Version | Plus: $6.99/month | ✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards X Chat with Native Speakers |
| Memrise — Best for Learning from Native Speakers | Pro: $8.49/month $59.99/year $119.99/lifetime |
✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| Busuu — Best for Personalized Study Plans | Premium: $9.99/month Premium Plus: $13.99/month |
✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| Rosetta Stone — Best for Auditory Lessons | 3 months: $35.97 12 months: $143.88 Lifetime: $299 |
✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| Pimsleur — Best Practice Tools | All Access: $20.95/month | X Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| Drops — Best for Bite-Sized Lessons | Premium: $8.49/month $60/year $149.99/lifetime |
✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards X Chat with Native Speakers |
| Mondly — Best for Learning Phrases | Premium: $9.99/month or $47.99/year | ✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides ✓ Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| Beelinguapp — Best for Reading | Premium: $5.99/month $26.99/six months $19.99/year |
X Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides X Educational Games ✓ Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |
| HelloTalk — Best for Practicing Conversation | VIP: $12.99/month $79.99/year $159.99/lifetime |
✓ Dictionary ✓ Pronunciation Guides X Educational Games X Flashcards ✓ Chat with Native Speakers |