In a world where differences can appear to divide us and social distancing is keeping us apart, language is a unifying bridge for meaningful connection. Whether to bond with family heritage, better understand your favorite Spanish movies, boost professional marketability, unearth rusty skills, keep the kids in the house occupied, the desire for more fluency in new languages is increasing. Cue language learning apps, which can turn a fleeting aspiration into an attainable goal—all from the convenience of a laptop or smartphone. Here’s a roundup of the best language learning apps for web, iOS and Android use. Download one of these, according to the experience that best suits your learning style (and budget), and pretty soon you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in another culture and community—all from the comfort of your home.
Memrise
Co-founded by a Grand Master of Memory (yes, that’s a thing) and author of Remember, Remember: Learn the Stuff You Thought You Never Could, Ed Cooke, Memrise’s claim to fame is their teaching method that utilizes memory techniques and an algorithm for a customized learning experience. Another standout feature is the integration of video clips of native speakers filmed in their hometowns to give students a sense of authentic accents and culture, making the app ideal for visual and auditory learners. During lessons, the app also keeps track of how many words you’ve learned and the total amount of words mastered.
What reviewers say: "I tell everyone I know about Memrise!" one reddit user wrote. As with most of the apps on this list, the full content cannot be accessed without committing financially.
Cost: Learn the first level of any course for free, then subscriptions begin at $8.99 a month.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Pimsleur
This hands-free option is optimal for the learner on the go. Pimsleur’s approach mirrors how people learned their native language–by listening, repeating and answering questions. When users commit to 30 minutes a day for 30 days, they can achieve an intermediate level of language proficiency, according to Pimsleur. The premium version of the app also includes flashcards, quizzes, and a skills section useful for travelers like “Survival Skills” and “Polite Phrases.”
What reviewers say: Some users are discontent with the lack of writing instruction, but others enjoy how Pimsleur allows you to practice speaking. Note that the speed of audio playback cannot be changed, which impedes upon learning preferences for a quicker review or slower process for internalization of content, if desired.
Cost: Seven-day free trial, subsequently it's $14.95/month for audio and reading or $19.95 per month for Premium.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Tandem
Never had a foreign exchange student as a friend? Well here’s your chance. Tandem is a free community for language learners where users partner up to teach each other their native languages via text, audio and video chat. A benefit of using Tandem is members can decide the direction they want their language instruction to take since they’re not confined to any set curriculum.
To speak like a local, record yourself using the audio message feature and ask your counterpart to correct your pronunciation. Another attribute is the option to meet in real life for a “face-to-face Tandem.” With the Pro version of the app, members get access to advanced features, including unlimited message translations and tools to connect with partners with greater ease via location listings built into profiles.
What reviewers say: Chatting with strangers, while exciting, can also trigger concerns. Tandem lists safety tips on how to do so here. Note that joining Tandem requires members to apply by building a profile and listing learning goals, as a precaution. Each application is reviewed individually—and typically screened within a matter of hours—but the turnaround could be up to a week in some cases.
Cost: Free. Tandem Pro starts at $6.99 per month.
For: iOS and Android
Duolingo
Completely free, this option is ideal for those who love learning via games. Since staying motivated is often the hardest part of learning a language, this app’s focus is to nudge consistency with the ability for gamers to accomplish daily streaks, earn points, level up, get virtual currency, and compete with others globally through their new Leaderboards feature. Additional learning resources include Duolingo Stories, designed for beginner and intermediate-level learners of Spanish, French, German and Portuguese to practice reading comprehension with short stories and Duolingo Events that connect students for language conversation practice in hundreds of cities worldwide each week.
What reviewers say: Users say the app helps with vocabulary, grammar and basic conversational skills, but more work needs to be done to have real-life conversations or reach a desired level of proficiency in the target language. One reddit reviewer noted they prefer the computer version of Duolingo as opposed to the mobile app.
Cost: Free, but Duolingo Plus (From $6.99 per month) gives learners an ad-free experience, access to downloadable lessons for use offline and more.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Rosetta Stone
A veteran of language learning programs—with 27 years under its belt—Rosetta Stone is what often comes to mind for many who consider learning a new language outside of a traditional academic setting. One unique offering is an immersive experience with words, images and native speaker voices in which users can learn a new language without the help of their first language (unless users choose to long-press a word to translate). Another key attribute, especially for travelers, is the Rosetta Stone’s Phrasebook, which teaches how to say useful phrases, with over 164 in eight categories. They also have a patented speech-recognition engine that helps refine how you speak to better align with a natural accent.
What reviewers say: With the immersive approach, some people dislike having limited instruction in their native language. But as one user wrote, "you get a lot out of it if you put a lot into it."
Cost: Free 3-day trial, subsequently as low as $5.99 per month, for 24 months, or $199 for lifetime subscription.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Babbel
Babbel helps its community remember the vocabulary they learn through six memory stages using “spaced repetition,” moving words through exercises that are arranged to aid retention. In bite-sized, 10-15 minute lessons, students have opportunities to gain skills in reading, writing, grammar and speaking in their target language in likely scenarios, especially for travel. Their methods have also been affirmed through studies at City University of New York and Michigan State University.
What reviewers say: The app isn’t free and there are a limited amount of languages offered (14) but it's good for "building conversational experience."
Cost: Your first full lesson is on them. Afterwards, as low as $6.95 per month, for a year. Plus, they have a 20-day money back guarantee!
For: Web, iOS and Android
Busuu
This app boasts the equivalence of a college semester’s worth of language study after 22 hours of its Premium version. Vocabulary and grammar is taught with activities designed to help people develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. What’s more, Busuu gives learners a chance to practice what they’ve learned and get constructive feedback from native speakers. Other features include a “Study Plan,” which allows you to set goals and receive reminders to keep you on track, the “Vocabulary Trainer,” which is a word review, and the ability to earn certificates to demonstrate progress through McGraw-Hill Education.
What reviewers say: The app doesn’t offer Korean, a popular request, and very little is offered for free. But those who do use the app enjoy the interactive "community feature" and the fact that the program feels like a language course at school.
Cost: One language is free, but unlock all languages and extra features with a Premium plans that begin at $6 a month, for 24 months.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Drops
An option for learners who seek to zero in on vocabulary, Drops is comprised of five-minute word games using mnemonic devices. These word patterns reportedly boost memorization and the time limit adds a dose of adrenaline to the learning process. The free “Travel Talk” offline feature is additionally a bonus for globe trotters, providing translations for phrases like “Can I pay with a credit card?” or “Where’s the bathroom?” Another priority for the Drops team is to add endangered and indigenous languages like Icelandic, Hawaiian, Maori and Samoan, with more to come.
What reviewers say: If you are a more advanced polyglot, the sole vocabulary focus may feel limiting.
Cost: Drops is free, with a seven-day free trial of the premium version available for $9.99 monthly, $69.99 yearly, or $159.99 for lifetime access.
For: iOS and Android
Mango Languages
Popular with libraries and businesses, Mango’s “Intuitive Language Construction” method builds the foundational skills through vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture, applying those elements via listening and reading activities. Native speaker voices are also recorded at different speeds, societal traits of each language are integrated and there’s a hands-free option. Their “Jump Back In” feature allows users to start, pause and return to learning across desktop and mobile platforms. Their review system also tailors experiences to desired pace and frequency of engagement.
What reviewers say: No writing instruction is available and many wish more units were offered for free. But one Reddit user particularly enjoyed how the app "walks you through sentence construction so effectively."
Cost: Mango is free for some library card holders. Check your local library to see if they’re connected with Mango. For any user the first lesson is free. Full access is $7.99 per month–for one language–and $17.99 a month for all languages.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Beelinguapp
Into karaoke or audiobooks? Story aficionados, music lovers and news buffs and kids may get a kick out of learning a language with Beelinguapp because of its audiobook style, in which the focus text is highlighted as you listen or sing along. Users can read narratives, news, or listen to music in their target language with the identical text in their native language below, for easy translated reference.
What reviewers say: For true novices, only basic texts or children songs are useful. But some users enjoy the concept of the app and find it engaging
Cost: For free users can have access to some texts, read the news, and play the flashcards game or listen to a song once. For full access or Premium it’s $13.99 for the first year or $22.99 for a lifetime membership.
For: iOS and Android
Mondly
With over 50 million users worldwide, Mondly sets itself apart in the language app space with 33 languages—from Japanese to Spanish to Afrikaans. The app combines neural science with cutting-edge technology and promises that at the end of these language lessons you'll learn 5000 words and phrases. Plus, they have games, interactive lessons, and even a version of Mondly for kids.
What reviewers say: Users who paid for subscriptions say they feel they are getting their money's worth. Some say the app is overly picky with correct answers, but many enjoy how the app feels like a "real teacher."
Cost: Users can take language classes for free daily. For full access subscriptions are $9.99 per month or $47.99 per year.
For: Web, iOS and Android
Stephanie L. King has had an obsession with words since she was seven and chronicled her life in a red and blue Bugs Bunny diary. She’s a poet who wrote for The Wall Street Journal and The Patriot News in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, before transitioning careers to become an English Language Arts teacher to talented urban middle schoolers. She’s also the brand new mom to a baby girl named Ella Grace and considers the sweetest fruit of her life her husband, Lionel. The reason for the slob on her pants? Her English bulldog, Ice. She lives in New Jersey, where she’s grateful for parking—but she will always be a New Yorker at heart.
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