HomeGear8 Best Language Learning Apps (2023): Online Courses and a Pocket Translator

8 Best Language Learning Apps (2023): Online Courses and a Pocket Translator

August 1, 2023

8 Best Language Learning Apps (2023): Online Courses and a Pocket Translator

  • Computer generated image of a smartphone with multiple colorful speech bubbles surrounding it
    Illustration: OsakaWayne Studios/Getty Images

    Do Language Learning Apps Work?

    What You Need to Know

    Language learning apps can be an effective tool for improving your language skills, but if you want to become fluent, you will likely need additional help. A Columbia University review of language apps identified three main weaknesses: “First, apps tend to teach vocabulary in isolated units rather than in relevant contexts; second, apps minimally adapt to suit the skill sets of individual learners; and third, apps rarely offer explanatory corrective feedback to learners.”

    Every linguist agrees that human interaction is an essential part of learning a second language, so it’s vital to look for language learning apps that include an option to listen to and talk to native speakers of your chosen language. It’s also helpful when apps cover real-life scenarios, tell stories, and provide cultural context. Apps that focus on vocabulary building can help, but only alongside classes or other learning tools. There has been surprisingly little research on the efficacy of language learning apps, but a Michigan State University study found that our top pick, Babbel, didn’t just facilitate grammar and vocabulary acquisition but also improved oral communication skills. 

    Language learning apps can help beginners and intermediate students to build a foundation. If you just want to learn enough to order a coffee, they can get you there. Fluency requires immersion and comprehension, whether through talking with native speakers, learning in a classroom, or reading books and watching movies.

  • Photograph: Babbel

    Best Overall

    Babbel

    If you’re looking for a complete language-learning package, Babbel is the way to go. It teaches the basics of grammar, including special vowels and consonants and their correct pronunciations, before moving on to conversational scenarios in common settings. I particularly like the conversations where you fill in the blanks, the option to choose courses on different topics (there’s no fixed order), and the insights into local culture and slang. Babbel does a great job of explaining grammar rules as you practice to build a deeper understanding. The mixture of learning options includes podcasts and games, and you can even book live online classes with language teachers (though this is expensive). The pacing is good, with a slow increase in difficulty and plenty of spaced repetition to reinforce your learning.

    Unfortunately, the free trial is limited, offering just a single lesson for each language. Some lessons are dry, and it inevitably feels repetitive at times. There’s no real gamification here, so it lacks the addictive hook of some other apps. I also occasionally had issues with speech recognition and could not nail the pronunciation.

    Babbel is $15 per month, $38 for 3 months, $67 for 6 months, $89 annually, or $349 lifetime. Unlimited Babbel Live costs $99 per month, $209 for 3 months, $359 for 6 months, and $599 for a year.

    Buy at Apple App Store
    Buy at Google Play Store
    Buy at Babbel

  • Courtesy of Duolingo

    Best Free App

    Duolingo

    Designing an addictive hook into your language practice is a clever way to keep you engaged, and Duolingo nails gamification like no other. It’s easy to pick up, slick, and fun to use, and you will soon find yourself jealously guarding your daily streak. Each module is broken into topics, and the course is structured, so you must complete several lessons to unlock more. Modules cover social situations like dates or surprise parties, but they also tackle grammatical topics. Useful tips are scattered throughout, and there’s a good mix of learning techniques with stories, puzzles, reminders, and explanations of common mistakes. Duolingo recently added a GPT-powered chatbot, but it requires the expensive Max subscription.

    While Duolingo has expanded beyond its focus on vocabulary building, adding podcasts and stories to the usual reading and writing exercises, it is still light on speaking and listening, and it won’t teach you to be fluent on its own. The free tier offers a lot of great content, but you do have to endure ads. The gamification can also be stressful, as you are limited to five hearts each day, and you lose one when you get something wrong. You can ditch the limits and ads, and learn offline by subscribing to Duolingo Plus. There are also in-app purchases, but all the core content is free.

    Duolingo is free. Super Duolingo is $13 per month or $84 annually, with a Family Plan (for up to five people) at $120 annually. Duolingo Max is $30 per month or $168 annually.

    Buy at Apple App Store
    Buy at Google Play Store
    Buy at Duolingo

  • Photograph: Memrise

    For Casual Conversation

    Memrise

    With a focus on vocabulary and the kinds of casual conversations you might have as a traveler, Memrise is a useful learning tool. The Android app is very accessible and uses a familiar flashcard approach with spaced repetition to help you memorize words and phrases. There are also grammar lessons and forgiving speech-recognition exercises. What I like most are the Learning With Locals video clips, with native speakers, as this feels closer to the experience of being in the country. You can set goals, lessons are quick, and there’s a bit of gamification and prodding to keep you coming back. You can also get a lot of value from the free version, and the basic courses are bolstered by user-generated content. While there is no substitute for talking to real people, MemBot is a GPT-powered chatbot that allows you to practice your conversations without fear of embarrassment, but it requires a monthly subscription.

    On the downside, Memrise is very focused on vocabulary, the web app isn’t as good as the mobile app, and the exercises can get repetitive. There isn’t much in the way of explanation, and advanced learners should look elsewhere. If you delve into the user-created content, you will find the quality varies wildly. The free version gives you access to plenty, but you can unlock more features and offline access with a Pro account.

    Memrise is free. Memrise Pro is $15 per month, $90 annually, or $200 for a lifetime membership.

    Buy at Apple App Store
    Buy at Google Play Store
    Buy at Memrise

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