Do you want to learn a new language? It is never too late for it as long as you’re willing to invest enough time (which isn’t even that much) and use all the tools available to achieve the best results in the quickest way possible.
If you ask us, the best way to learn a new language is by immersing yourself in it. This can be done best with an app that allows you to have conversations, read articles, and watch TV shows or movies. Some even allow you to follow the phrases of your favorite actors and actresses.
There are many apps out there for learning different languages, so it should be easy enough to find one that fits your needs best! Or maybe it is the opposite: It is hard to find one because there are way too many to choose from.
To save you time and effort, we decided that it would definitely be useful to compile a list that includes the best apps you can choose to learn with. Since we know it can be challenging not only for the number of options but also for the operative system you use, we have included the best for Android and iOS.
Babbel: Starts at $6.95 a Month
Babbel quickly rose to be one of the most widely used language-learning apps with over 12 million subscribers worldwide. Although many still haven’t heard about the app, it is definitely a matter of time until they do.
Since the app was designed by linguists and combines traditional learning with interactive lessons, it makes it suitable for those interested in conversational and casual language learning, has a better understanding of culture, and aims for more complex lessons.
This app offers to learn in many formats and uses proven evidence-based teaching methods.
But how much does it cost to learn in this app? And does it offer the languages you want and need?
First, it offers several pricing options. You can choose to pay for your monthly subscription every month, for three months, six months, or a year.
As with usual subscription plans, you’ll pay less per month if you have a longer subscription. You can also get a 20-day refund if you don’t like it after signing up.
The main problem with Babbel compared to other language apps is that it isn’t free at all.
While you can get the first lesson for ANY of the languages free, it is necessary to pay to dive deeper into the courses and lessons. Meanwhile, other apps might offer you free use with some limitations only.
That being said, we find it necessary to point out its pros and cons, which is something we will also do with the rest on this list:
Pros
- The methods are interactive (including dialogue) to help with pronunciation and regular or formal conversations.
- Lessons can be taken in a matter of minutes, or you can dedicate hours to learn and practice.
- The teaching style is immersing, which means people feel much more into the lessons without getting bored in the process.
- It isn’t costly if you will truly use the app in the long run.
Cons
- It is hard to stay motivated to learn due to the lack of features to provide motivation.
- The learning format is, somehow, similar to the traditional learning at school or any institution, which can make it boring for some.
- You have access to several languages, but the less popular ones don’t have much content and lessons.
Duolingo: Starts Free & You Can Upgrade
Way too few things are free, and when you find one, you doubt how good it is in terms of durability, efficiency, or any other factor and aspect that applies. The same happens with apps to learn a new language.
However, in this niche, we are confident you’ve heard about the most popular free app for it: Duolingo.
Yes, we know this has reached the point of people making horror games inspired by it and how the notifications and pop up can be a bit annoying. However, beyond this, have you thought about how good the app is, considering you can use it completely free?
Like everything, of course, it has its own premium option you can pay, but it isn’t necessary like with most language learning apps.
Duolingo is the top app at the moment and not only for its free option but also because you can learn over 30 languages, being complete and not missing that much content or lessons.
The app uses science-based teaching methods to help you learn, which also means lessons are personalized to your learning style and progress during your learning process.
Basically, each lesson builds on the previous one. Once you have answered enough correct questions, each level can be unlocked.
If you spend too much time away, the app will ask you to repeat certain lessons so that your skills don’t get rusty and continuously remind you to go back and take the lesson of the day.
With over 11 million reviews and 100 million downloads, it is definitely at the top in the language apps section.
That being said, shall we jump to the pros and cons?
Pros:
- You can learn for free, and the premium or plus option isn’t expensive. Only $7 a month if you decide to pay.
- It’s well-organized and has progressive lessons.
- The features are designed to keep you motivated during and after your lessons.
- You can learn lessons in a matter of minutes.
Cons
- Although it is complete, many languages still lack some content.
- You cannot skip some lessons. Instead, you must follow the order established by the app.
- It is hard to learn about conversational or actual situations since real-world examples are limited.
Memrise: Starts at $7.50 a Month
One of the cons we just mentioned about Duolingo is to have very few real-world examples and, thus, experiences when you are learning.
Now, what if we suggest one that is entirely the opposite?
Memrise is one of the very few apps that makes sure to include great phrases and lessons that are worth the time for future real-life experiences where you will use what you’ve learned and not random words you might find useless for now.
How does it do this? By designing lessons filled with real-world phrases. In addition, you’re learning from native speakers who are speaking in real-life situations.
Although it isn’t completely free as Duolingo, you could still learn a thing or two to the moment of writing this.
However, Memrise Pro offers three pricing options. Monthly plans are available at $8.99 per month, while the annual plan costs $7.50 per month if you upgrade.
You can also purchase lifetime access for $139.99, which very few apps offer, especially in this niche.
We believe this is probably the app that shows both cons and pros clearly:
Pros
- It is great for real-life learning in terms of knowing how people speak, how they write, and how you can use the language casually and normally.
- It has game elements that make the experience more enjoyable and didactic.
- You get lots of content and lessons for any of the languages available.
- It is affordable compared to other language apps.
Cons
- Needs more variations with the exercises.
- Grammar and writing aren’t the main focus of the course, nor are they actually included.
Drops: Starts at $9.99 a Month
One thing is for sure: Not everyone learns at the same way nor same speed.
This is why Drops has a unique approach to language learning that is perfect for visual learners who want more than a bunch of letters and try them to be put together with lots of difficulties.
Drops are specifically designed to help you build vocabulary and know-how to go over a conversation instead of focusing on the traditional methods.
It does that by pairing images and matching games with teaching methods that will make everything more visual and fun. Also, creative and memorable as a lesson should be.
The audios included in the app help you to learn pronunciation as you read the words. Drops have an interesting technique where it limits your learning to five minutes per day.
According to the app, this prevents you from overwhelming yourself or trying to learn too much at once. And yes, this five-minute limit applies even with the paid plan.
But is it all colorful with this option or another disappointment?
Pros
- Visual learners will love this option to finally learn as many languages as they want.
- Engaging and fun. You can enjoy the lessons without feeling exhausted.
- There are many languages and topics available.
Cons
- Focused only on vocabulary. Grammar, writing, and other aspects are not included.
- You can only study for five minutes a day.
Rosetta Stone: Starts at $35.97 a Month
Remember what we said about immersing? This might be our favorite option because of that.
Rosetta Stone has been in the industry for over 25 years before it turned into an app with the advances of technology, and during all these years, it has been a leader in language learning.
Right now, the app allows you to choose from way too many different languages and build a curriculum plan that best fits your learning style.
How does it help you to learn in specific? Audio recognition while practicing speaking is very effective.
It is more about speaking and focusing on immersive situations than anything else.
Now, Rosetta Stone has updated its pricing structure in order to be more competitive with other language learning applications.
Instead of paying a fixed price per language, you can pay a subscription-based fee. Monthly rates for three and 12-month plans start at $7.99 and $11.199, respectively. For committed learners, $179 can be paid for lifetime access in unlimited languages.
What about the pros and cons?
Pros
- You can choose the most suitable pricing option without any pressure.
- You get personalized or customized lessons.
- The teaching method of the app has proven to be quite efficient.
Cons
- Instructions and explanations are limited.
- Sometimes repetitive lessons are common, and you cannot skip them.
- Conversational use is the main reason people choose to learn a new language, but it can be
- skipped with the right additional lessons.
Pimsleur: Set at $19.95 a Month
This app isn’t new at all. Instead, it takes us back to when cassette tapes and CDs were still in use, and since then, it has been an audio learning process.
You can think of it as learning a language through listening to podcasts; since modernization has allowed everything to evolve, it isn’t necessary to rely on CDs or similar objects.
Pimsleur’s success and the reason it works is that their program includes learning a lesson every day and repeating phrases whenever prompted by native speakers.
Although there are some printed materials in the form of PDFs, most of the Pimsleur content is audio, which tends to make it easier to take a lesson.
Pros:
- You can learn everywhere while listening to the lessons.
- All teachers are native speakers.
- You have over 50 languages available to learn.
Cons:
- The plan can be expensive for most people.
- Visual learning isn’t part of the strengths of the app.
Busuu: Starts at $12 a Month
Busuu is one of those apps that wanted to be different, and it made it.
Right now, it is an app that allows you to create study goals and, with them, a study plan you should follow to meet your goals so far.
On another note, Busuu uses topic-based lessons so you can learn vocabulary and bring options to be more fluent in the language you decided to learn.
But how much will it cost to join this app?
You can access one language and limited features with the Basic plan that is completely free.
However, the second option isn’t that much better since it brings additional benefits, but you can learn only one language.
The Premium Plus plan allows you to access up to 12 languages as well as all features of the app.
Although Busuu has fewer users than some other language learning apps, its users still love it.
Pros
- You will interact with native speakers all the time.
- The goal-oriented approach helps to learn faster.
- Every lesson is well-structured and organized.
Cons
- Exercises in listening, reading, pronunciation, and comprehension are limited.
- Sometimes monotonous exercises.
- It doesn’t have that many languages available to learn.
Ready to Learn a New Language?
With all these options available, what are you waiting to get started?
We know it can be a bit boring to learn in this way or, more like, unbelievable, but you can get great results from language apps you find on your phones.
Just be consistent and persistent.
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