17 Best Language Learning Apps

We use apps for everything, from tracking our bank accounts to ordering dinner, so it only makes sense that we should use apps for learning as well.

When it comes to learning a new language, apps can be invaluable. Not only do they make learning fun, but they are also easily accessible anytime, anywhere. The only trouble is deciding which one to use.

Although there are hundreds of great apps to choose from, I have done a bit of research and narrowed it down to a simple list of the 17 best language apps I could find. I chose them based on ease of use and the effectiveness of their teaching methods.

Why Use A Language Learning App?

Just in case you have yet to make use of a language app in your language learning journey, here are a few reasons why you should give it a try!

Entertainment: This may seem a bit silly, but think about it, we learn better when we are engaged, so having a fun way to learn is vital.

Portability: Your phone goes with you everywhere you go, right? If you have your language lessons with you everywhere you go, you are more likely to practice consistently.

Modern Teaching Methods: Traditional language learning, such as what you would find in a classroom is great, but many of us have become more accustomed to small doses of learning on the go, making language apps more compatible with the way we have been taught to absorb information.

Cost-Effective: Many of us can’t afford to take college courses or travel to another country on a whim. Language learning apps offer an affordable way to learn, with many of them even offering free versions.

Versatility: No matter what type of learner you are, there is a language app out there that will meet your needs. You can try out as many as you want until you find one or several that work for you. Should I Use More Than One?

After reading that last point, you may be wondering, should I use more than one language app at a time? The answer is: Yes! If you want to.

As a fellow language learner, I know the importance of consistent learning, but I also understand that sometimes practicing every day can feel a bit monotonous. Using multiple learning apps can help to relieve that monotony.

Another benefit of using multiple apps is that each app has different benefits. Where one may help with speaking, another may help with vocabulary, so by using both you gain a more in-depth knowledge of your chosen language.

Okay, now that you know why you should be using a language app, let's take a look at some of the best apps out there.

General Learning For Apps

These apps contain a variety of lesson types, offering a general knowledge of your new language.

With in-depth grammar explanations and lots of opportunities to practice, this is a great choice for those seeking a slightly less gamified learning experience. The lessons include writing, listening, and speaking practice, covering all the important aspects of learning a new language.

Babbel offers lessons in 14 different languages and works as a subscription service.

One of the best things about this app is that you start with a placement test. This is helpful if you are an intermediate or advanced learner and do not want to spend time going over the same old stuff. Another helpful feature is that this app allows you to interact with other language learners and get feedback from native speakers.

Busuu offers lessons in 12 languages and is a subscription-based program.

You can practice on your own through interactive lessons, then put that learning to good use by speaking with a tutor. They offer multiple subscription options based on how many live lessons you want to take every month.

Chatterbug currently offers lessons in Spanish, French, and German.

Duolingo offers writing, reading, listening, and speaking practice in short lessons that you can do anytime. Each lesson includes vocabulary and grammar practice as well as a “Tips” section that has a short written lesson. This is a great app for beginners who want to develop a strong foundation in their chosen language.

This is possibly the best free app, offering lessons in 36 languages. There is also a subscription option if you want to skip the ads.

The best thing about Lingodeer is its focus on Asian languages. Many apps offer lessons in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, but Lingodeer started with these languages so their lessons are far superior to other apps. If you have always wanted to learn Japanese but were too intimidated by other language courses, this is the one for you. If you’re a more advanced learner, you can take a placement test to access the lessons at your level.

Lingodeer also offers five other languages including German, French, and Spanish.

You can choose between two monthly subscription options. One offers access to one language or you can pay a bit more and access all the languages they offer, making this a great choice for those who want to tackle more than one language.

You can choose between two monthly subscription options. One offers access to one language or you can pay a bit more and access all the languages they offer, making this a great choice for those who want to tackle more than one language.

This is a program for more serious language learners. Many of the lessons are approximately 30 minutes long, so it isn’t quite as convenient, but it is beyond effective. The app is easy to use and the lessons are engaging, making you want to go back for more.

Pimsleur offers lessons in 51 different languages, so chances are they have the one you’re looking for.

Although this isn’t the best approach for all learners, many people have been very successful with Rosetta stone, so it is certainly worth looking into.

This app offers lessons in 24 different languages and is subscription-based.

Vocabulary Practice

Vocabulary words are the basis of every language, so it is important to choose a practice method that can cement those words in your memory. Thankfully, these apps can help!

These are not just your ordinary everyday flashcards either. You can add pictures and sounds in addition to the words, whatever it takes to make the information stick. Not only is it super customizable, but this app is also free, making it a great addition to any learning regimen.

The best feature of this app is that it teaches you words in context instead of singular word translations. This approach helps you to gain a better understanding of the language as a whole rather than just memorizing lists of words you can’t put together.

Clozemaster offers 60 different languages and the free version is very useful, so this one is definitely worth a look!

Another nice thing about this app is the aesthetic. That may seem a bit silly, but the relaxing colors and clean lines make it easy to focus on learning. This is a good app for beginners and intermediate learners who want to work on their vocabulary words.

Lingvist offers five languages, including German, French, and Spanish, and it is a monthly subscription service.

The layout is easy to navigate and the content is fun and informative. There is a free version and a monthly subscription version, so you can try it out before you commit to the full version.

Although Memrise has helpful information for over 20 languages, it isn’t just a language app! There is a huge amount of information on this app, so you may be able to use it for other areas of study as well.

Reading And Listening

Memorizing words isn’t everything! The more you listen to and read your target language, the better your overall understanding will be. Check out these apps if this is an area you want to work on.

One neat feature about LingQ is that it allows you to interact with the materials to measure your understanding and improve your experience. They provide full transcripts for you to peruse as well as quick dictionary lookups for any new words you encounter.

This app offers thousands of hours of materials in 24 languages.

Not interested in the news? Not to worry, News In Slow has content in many other categories as well, so you’re sure to find something to pique your interest and help you to improve your listening and reading skills.

This app offers materials in French, German, Italian, and Spanish and is a subscription-based service.

Speaking

Now for the best part of learning a new language, speaking! Here are a few apps that can help you with your speaking skills.

Entertainment: This may seem a bit silly, but think about it, we learn better when we are engaged, so having a fun way to learn is vital.

One of the best things about this app is that not only will you be able to spend time talking to native speakers, but you’ll also be able to connect with a whole community of language learners. There is a chat room where you can ask questions and a 'Notebook' where you can write posts in your target language and get feedback from native speakers.

The community part of italki is free. The cost of the lessons varies by the teachers, but in general, they are very reasonably priced.

This may not be the best choice for true beginners because there isn’t much in the way of grammar explanations, but it is an invaluable resource for those who have a basic knowledge of their chosen language and are ready to start speaking.

There is a free version and a subscription version, so there is no reason not to check it out.

This isn’t just for travelers, this is a great resource for any language learner who wants to gain more speaking confidence. You can practice many helpful phrases as well as learn from audio lessons, flashcards, and even a translator.

This app offers lessons in 13 different languages.

Other Resources