Eager to learn a new language but confused about where to start or how to stay on track? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. And we’ve found a solution for you: language-learning apps that keep you engaged, motivated, well-informed, and on track!
With these apps, you can start your language journey anytime, anywhere. So, whether you’re traveling, enjoying a coffee break, or resting at home, you can open your app and get started.
But how exactly do these apps make learning easier and more enjoyable? Let’s find the answer to this question before we explore the 6 best language learning apps you can download today!
How These Apps Make Learning New Languages Easier
Learning a new language sometimes feels overwhelming, especially when it comes to complex grammar rules and distinct writing scripts. Yet here’s where language learning apps come to the rescue. They simplify complex topics by breaking them into simple, bite-sized lessons.
Moreover, you don’t need a tutor or a classroom to start. You can master your favorite language on the go. Even while sipping your hot coffee or returning home from work, you can easily make some progress. So, language learning apps are more like personal tutors who are always ready to teach you!
Let’s look at how language learning apps make otherwise overwhelming experiences fun and interactive.
1. Chat With Locals
Ever wanted to chat with someone from a different country? Language learning apps help you do just that. They teach you everyday words and phrases so you can say ‘hi’ to the locals, order food, or find your way around. With the Ling app, you can even have pre-scripted dialogues with a Chatbot to practice beforehand!
2. Tailored Lessons
Language learning apps give you just the right content, so it doesn’t feel like a rollercoaster ride. You slowly and steadily advance to the different learning levels without getting stressed or bored. What’s more, some apps even allow you to choose your desired learning level.
3. It’s All About You
Whether you’re starting from zero or already know a little, these apps adjust to how you learn best. They also make sure you don’t feel bored or lost.
4. Practical Stuff, No Fluff
The best language learning apps get you ready for real situations. Need to ask for directions or buy a train ticket? They’ve got you covered with phrases you’ll actually use.
5. Fun While You Learn
Learning a new language sounds like hard work, but with these apps, it’s actually fun. Some language-learning apps have games and quizzes that make you want to learn more.
6 Tested Language Learning Apps You Can Try Today
Now that we’ve got that sorted, let’s dive into the best language learning apps. We’ll check out each one to find the perfect match for your needs.
| Apps | Best For | Prices/Month |
|---|---|---|
| The Ling app | Versatile Learning | $16.99 |
| Pimsleur | Auditory Learning | $19.95 |
| Busuu | Real-World Practice | $13.90 |
| Babbel | Learning Daily Words | $13.95 |
| Rosetta Stone | Accurate Pronunciation | $47.97 for 3 months |
| Mondly | Technological Innovation | $9.99 |
1. The Ling App: Best App For Versatile Learning
Whether you want to learn a new language for your next trip or simply out of passion, the Ling app has it all. It offers over 60 languages, including both the globally recognized ones like French and the least common ones like Gujarati.
With over 200 lessons in 60+ languages, you get a full course of vocabulary, phrases, and topics. Got kids? Perfect. The Ling app’s gamified approach is a hit with the little ones and beginners, but it also scales up for advanced learners.
Now, let’s talk about features. With the Ling app, you can practice real-life conversations using the Dialog feature, get instant feedback on your pronunciation in the speaking section, and even take short quizzes to see how you’re doing.
It’s not your one-way street in language learning. The Ling app is one of the best language learning apps because it’s interactive and dynamic. You’re learning while having fun, which is an effective way of mastering any new language.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Features
- New Languages Added Frequently: Want to learn a least-known language to explore new cultures? The Ling team always adds new language courses, so you’re not limited to the usual French or Spanish. Ling is known for encompassing Asian and Eastern European languages, often offering languages that you won’t find in any other app. The team is constantly working hard to revive lesser-known languages, such as Cebuano and Yoruba.
- Short Exams to Test Knowledge: Take one of the Ling app’s short exams after learning basic vocabulary and phrases. It’s a quick way to test if you remember what you have learned.
- Grammar Tips with Practical Examples: Knowing the grammar can save you from awkward situations, especially when talking to a local. The Ling app offers real-world examples, like how to ask for directions or order food properly, while explaining grammar. Note: The feature is not yet available in all languages.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users love the app’s interactive approach, especially the gamified elements that make learning feel less like a chore.
- Room for Improvement: While the Ling app is generally well-received, some users have reported minor glitches. However, these issues were promptly addressed by the development team. One user noted, “Had a small issue, but the developer fixed it right away. Great customer service!”
Pricing
- Monthly price: $16.99
- Six month price: $64.99
- Annual price: $89.99 (with 7-day free trial)
2. Pimsleur: Best App For Auditory Learning
Pimsleur is your go-to if you’re an auditory learner. This language-learning app helps you construct sentences and engage in dialogue.
But come on, it doesn’t have the same breadth of features as the Ling app. There are no chatbots or quizzes here.
What Pimsleur does well is immerse you in the sound of the language. You’ll find yourself thinking in your target language, which is a big deal. But if you’re looking for a more interactive experience, especially if you’re traveling with family, the Ling app has the edge.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Features
- Portable Audio Format: Long flight ahead? Download Pimsleur’s MP3 lessons and turn your flight time into productive language learning time.
- Reading Lessons: If your trip involves navigating public transport, Pimsleur’s reading lessons can be a lifesaver for reading signs and maps.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users frequently commend the app’s focus on conversational skills, which benefits travelers. One reviewer said, “The dialogues are so practical, I felt confident speaking with locals during my trip to France.”
- Room for Improvement: According to users, the main drawback is the subscription cost. “Great app, but the paid version is a bit steep,” one user pointed out, suggesting that budget-conscious travelers might want to look elsewhere.
Pricing
- Free with basic and very limited features.
- Monthly premium: $19.95 (one language), $20.95 (all languages)
- Yearly premium: $164.95 (all languages)
3. Busuu: Best App For Real-World Practice
Next is Busuu, your global classroom. With Busuu, you’re getting feedback from a native speaker while learning a new language.
It’s community-based learning at its finest, to be honest with you. But it doesn’t have the gamified elements that make the Ling app a hit with all age groups.
What stands out about Busuu is the personalized study plans. You get a roadmap tailored to your language level and schedule. But when it comes to a comprehensive package—like grammar tips and a wide range of languages—the Ling app still takes the cake.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Features
- Official Certification: If your learning is more than a passion or you love collecting language certificates, Busuu’s McGraw-Hill certification can be a solid credential.
- Language Exchange: Get tips from locals without even landing. Busuu’s language exchange feature connects you with native speakers to get instant feedback.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: The app’s personalized study plans and community feedback are standout features. “The grammar tips are a lifesaver, and the community corrections help me sound more natural,” one user mentioned.
- Room for Improvement: Some users have reported syncing issues between devices, which can be a bit of a hassle. “Wish the progress would sync better,” a review stated, indicating room for technical improvements.
Pricing
- Monthly premium: $13.90
- 6 months premium: $83.40
- Yearly premium: $166.80
4. Babbel: Best App For Learning Daily Words
I can say that Babbel is one of the best language learning apps when it comes to practicality. You’re learning phrases and sentences you’ll actually use, like how to order a coffee or ask for directions. But it’s more rigid, more like a traditional classroom, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Babbel also uses spaced repetition to help you remember stuff, which is effective but not as dynamic as the Ling app’s interactive features. If you’re looking for a more engaging, all-in-one tool, especially for family travel, the Ling app is your guy.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Features
- Review Manager: Babbel keeps track of your weak points so you can review them before your trip and feel more confident.
- Podcasts and Videos: These can give you a feel for the native language as it’s naturally spoken, helping you understand local accents and idioms.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users appreciate the app’s practical focus, especially the real-world dialogues. “Helped me navigate through Italy, from ordering espresso to finding my way around Rome,” one reviewer noted.
- Room for Improvement: A limitation frequently mentioned by users is the range of languages offered. “Wish they had Finnish,” a user said, suggesting that the language app could expand its language options to cater to more diverse needs.
Pricing
- Monthly premium: $13.95
- 3 months premium: $41.85
- 6 months premium: $83.70
- Yearly premium: $167.40
- Lifetime subscription: $599.99
5. Rosetta Stone: Best App For Accurate Pronunciation
Rosetta Stone has reigned as a leader in the language learning space for years. Its immersive method is great for nailing down pronunciation. But it’s like learning to swim by being thrown into the ocean. You’re submerged in the language without much hand-holding.
The Ling app, on the other hand, gives you floaties and a lifeguard, meaning it guides you step-by-step while still letting you dive deep into the language.
In fairness, Rosetta Stone’s speech recognition is top-notch. It corrects you in real time, which is cool. But it doesn’t offer the real-world, interactive training that the Ling app does, making it less ideal for passionate explorers like you.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Features
- TruAccent Speech Recognition: You want to be understood, especially in crucial moments like asking for directions. Rosetta Stone helps you nail the pronunciation.
- Downloadable Lessons: No internet available? No problem. Download lessons and keep learning offline.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: The app’s immersive method receives high marks for helping users understand the context and nuances of their target language. “Really helped me understand the context,” a user commented.
- Room for Improvement: Some language learners find the mobile interface less intuitive than they’d like. “Pictures are super tiny on a mobile phone,” one review mentioned, suggesting that the app could improve its mobile user experience.
Pricing
- 3-month premium: $47.97
- Yearly premium: $126.88
- Lifetime subscription: $399
6. Mondly: Best App For Technological Innovation
Mondly is the cool new kid in school that everyone wants to know. It’s got this augmented reality feature that everyone likes. Imagine practicing how to order tapas in a virtual Spanish café—yeah, it’s that interactive.
Besides, what keeps many others hooked on Mondly is the daily lessons and challenges. They’re exercises that adapt to your learning style and how you’re doing. It’s a neat feature, and I won’t argue with that.
But if you’re looking for something that covers all the bases from grammar to real-world phrases, I’d say go for the Ling app.
Devices: Android, iOS, Web
Features
- Weekly Quizzes: These adaptive quizzes can be a fun way to pass the time during a layover while keeping your language skills sharp.
- Vocabulary Section: Knowing the right words for specific situations, like at the airport or a restaurant, can make your language experience smoother. Mondly’s themed vocabulary sections have got you covered.
User Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Users like the app’s concise lessons, which easily fit into a busy schedule. “Easy to navigate and short lessons make it perfect for quick study sessions during my commute,” one reviewer stated.
- Room for Improvement: Users have noted that the lesson structure could be more logically organized. “Lessons are not placed in the best order, which can be confusing,” a review said, pointing to an area where the app could improve.
Pricing
- Free with basic daily lessons.
- Monthly premium (one language): $9.99
- Yearly premium (one language): $47.99
- Lifetime (all languages): $89.99
What Makes Ling The Best Language Learning App For Serious Learners?
One reason serious learners choose the Ling app is its language versatility. With the Ling app, you can learn over 60 languages from around the world.
What’s more, lessons are structured according to distinct learning levels. This means you can choose where to start mastering your favorite language.
Plus, its gamified approach to language learning is a great way to keep users motivated, ensuring they don’t give up on their goal.
Other prominent features of the Ling app that make it stand out are:
- Finger-tracing writing tool to master non-roman scripts.
- Dialog feature to practice conversations in a safe environment.
- Culture notes that familiarize learners with the language’s traditions and way of life.
- Detailed grammar explanations that accompany lessons in some languages.
- A 7-day free trial with the freedom to unsubscribe whenever you want, without any commitment.
Real Results From Real Learners
Let’s see what our passionate learners are saying about the effectiveness of the Ling app:
“I absolutely love this app! it is one of the only language learning apps I have found that offers Khmer (Cambodian). There are inconsistencies very infrequently in pronunciation or context, but it teaches well enough that even as a beginner I can notice and understand the correct form! 10/10 would recommend!”
Melissa Volentine
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Very nice app to learn a lot of Languages from the basics! Learning Thai Language is very useful! Very great app with a lot of useful features!”
M. Kelvin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What You’ll Learn In The First 7 Days
In the first 7 days of your learning journey with Ling, you can learn:
| Days | What You’ll Achieve |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Basic greetings |
| Day 2 | Counting |
| Day 3 | Names of basic locations |
| Day 4 | Names of food |
| Day 5 | Terms to call family members |
| Day 6 | Solve practice exercises to review what you have learned |
| Day 7 | Engage in dialogues with the chatbot to practice speaking |
Frequently Asked Questions About Language Learning Apps
Is Ling A Better Alternative Than Duolingo And Babbel?
With the Ling app, you can enjoy the features of both Duolingo and Babbel. That's because the Ling app offers bite-sized lessons and practice exercises in a gamified format. What's more, it also uses a voice recognition system like Duolingo and Babbel. In this way, the Ling app can work as an all-in-one language learning platform.
Can I Become Fluent By Only Using Language Learning Apps?
Yes! You can become fluent in your favorite language by only using language learning apps. This is because you can access both lessons and practice exercises in one platform. Some apps, like the Ling app, also offer cultural context, so you can learn about the locals while mastering the language.
Are There Apps Specifically Designed For Speaking Practice?
Yes. You can use HelloTalk, Busuu, Tandem, and the Ling app to practice speaking. While the first three apps connect learners directly with native speakers, the Ling app offers an AI chatbot that speaks like a native. As an introvert, I personally prefer the latter option, as I can practice speaking without worrying about unseen judgment.
Begin Your 7-Day Free Trial Today!
Well, are you ready to tick off a new language from your checklist? If you’re still pondering which app is the best for you, try using the Ling app. It even offers a 7-day free trial to new learners!
Surely, you won’t regret trying an app with over 2 million users worldwide and a 4.6 rating on the App Store. And even if you do, you can unsubscribe anytime freely. A good deal, right?
So, download the Ling app on your devices, subscribe to the free trial, and start learning languages with one of the best language learning apps out there!
