Learning a new language can open up a world of opportunities for travel, work, or personal growth. But with so many language learning apps on the market, finding the right one can be challenging. Here, we delve deep into the best language learning apps for 2024 available, covering their unique approaches, features, and which kind of learner they’re ideal for. We tested each app with the keyword “Best Language Learning Apps” in mind to bring you a comprehensive guide that’s perfect for beginners, travelers, and advanced learners alike.
You May Also Like: Best Meditation Apps of 2024
1. Rosetta Stone
Price: $16/month (for 3 months)
Languages: 25+ languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese, and Arabic
Rosetta Stone has been a leading name in language learning for decades, and for a good reason. Known for its immersive approach, Rosetta Stone teaches languages without translating back to English, which can feel daunting at first. However, the app’s visual approach—pairing images with words or phrases—helps create mental associations that are highly effective for retention.
How It Works
Upon signing up, you’re prompted to choose your language and set your proficiency level. Rosetta Stone then guides you through a series of visual exercises. For example, in the French lessons, you might be shown a picture of a child and hear the word “enfant,” associating the image with the term.
This app is ideal for visual learners and those who enjoy a systematic approach. It starts with simple phrases, then moves on to practical conversational exercises, such as ordering food in a restaurant. Rosetta Stone’s speech recognition technology, TruAccent, is another standout feature, encouraging learners to work on their pronunciation.
Pros:
- Immersive learning style helps reinforce language without translation.
- TruAccent speech recognition provides real-time feedback.
- Available offline, which is great for travelers.
Cons:
- Lack of explanations can be challenging for absolute beginners.
- High subscription cost compared to other options.
You May Also Like: Best Tablets for Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Image Credit: Babbel
2. Babbel
Price: $13/month (for 6 months)
Languages: 14 languages, including Spanish, German, Italian, and Indonesian
Babbel takes a different approach, focusing on real-life conversations right from the start. This is beneficial for learners who need language skills for specific situations, like travel or work. Babbel’s lessons are crafted by linguistic experts and tailored to the language chosen, so a native English speaker learning Spanish will have a different experience than a French native learning German.
How It Works
When you start with Babbel, you’re taken through various exercises that introduce words and phrases in real-life contexts. Babbel also includes explanations of grammar rules as you progress. For instance, it explains verb conjugations in French, helping you understand how to form sentences. One of Babbel’s strengths is its bite-sized lessons, which can be completed in about 15 minutes, making it easy to incorporate into a busy schedule.
Pros:
- Grammar explanations make learning the language structure easier.
- Focuses on conversational skills, which is useful for travelers.
- Quick, digestible lessons are perfect for busy learners.
Cons:
- Some voice recognition inconsistencies, particularly on the mobile app.
- Limited language offerings compared to other apps.
You May Also Like: Are Solar Panels Recyclable? A Comprehensive Guide
3. Busuu Premium Plus
Price: $14/month (billed monthly)
Languages: 13 languages, including Japanese, Turkish, Chinese, and Portuguese
Busuu takes language learning one step further by offering AI-based feedback. This app is perfect for those who want a social component in their learning, as Busuu connects users with native speakers for peer review and corrections, making it highly interactive.
How It Works
Busuu’s lessons are structured to build vocabulary and essential phrases. However, it differs from others by incorporating speaking exercises that are reviewed by native speakers, giving immediate feedback. For example, in the Japanese course, you might practice saying “こんにちは” (Konnichiwa – Hello), and your recording is reviewed by a native Japanese speaker. Busuu also includes flashcards and quizzes that allow you to review and reinforce your knowledge.
Pros:
- Peer-reviewed exercises provide feedback from native speakers.
- Lessons can be customized to meet specific goals.
- Interactive exercises keep learning engaging and effective.
Cons:
- Limited grammar explanations can be a drawback for beginners.
- Peer review process requires a strong internet connection.
You May Also Like: Inspiration vs Motivation in the Workplace: Understanding the Key Differences
4. Memrise
Price: $15/month (billed monthly)
Languages: 23 languages, including Korean, Russian, and Polish
Memrise is a unique app that emphasizes memorization through interactive content, especially video clips of native speakers. It’s a fun, engaging app that’s perfect for travelers who want to learn common phrases quickly and effectively.
How It Works
Memrise incorporates short videos of native speakers to introduce vocabulary and phrases. This approach helps learners understand how words are used in real-life situations, such as how locals might order at a cafe. Each word is introduced visually, with short videos showing native speakers using the phrases in their natural environments. Memrise also relies on spaced repetition, a scientifically backed technique to improve long-term memory retention.
Pros:
- Real-life video content enhances pronunciation and listening skills.
- Engaging, game-like exercises make learning enjoyable.
- Effective spaced repetition ensures better vocabulary retention.
Cons:
- Requires a lot of focus and concentration to retain information.
- Minimal grammar instruction; better suited for vocabulary building.
5. Super Duolingo
Price: $10/month (billed monthly)
Languages: 38 languages, including Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, and Vietnamese
Super Duolingo, formerly known as Duolingo Plus, is a fun and user-friendly app that’s great for absolute beginners and younger learners. Its bite-sized lessons and colorful interface make language learning approachable and enjoyable.
How It Works
Duolingo breaks down languages into manageable units, starting with basic vocabulary and gradually increasing in difficulty. Each lesson includes images, word pairing, and pronunciation exercises. For example, in the Spanish course, you might start with “perro” (dog) and move on to short phrases. Super Duolingo tracks your progress and offers “streaks” to keep learners motivated, making it a popular choice for those just starting their language journey.
Pros:
- Simple, easy-to-use interface makes learning stress-free.
- Streaks and gamification help maintain motivation.
- Large language selection and free basic version available.
Cons:
- Limited for intermediate and advanced learners.
- Minimal grammar instruction; mostly vocabulary-focused.
You May Also Like: What Are Local Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?
Choosing the Best Language Learning App for You
Selecting the right language app depends on your goals, budget, and preferred learning style:
- For Visual Learners and Immersion: Rosetta Stone’s immersive approach is ideal, helping users associate words with visuals directly.
- For Conversational Skills: Babbel’s emphasis on practical, conversational language makes it perfect for travelers and those looking for real-life application.
- For Interactive Learning: Busuu offers native speaker feedback, giving learners real-time insights and corrections.
- For Travelers and Vocabulary Building: Memrise’s video-based content is especially helpful for those needing quick, practical language skills.
- For Gamified Learning: Super Duolingo’s friendly design and reward system make it engaging, especially for beginners and young learners.