If you’re like me who loves to know how to say a word in different languages, then you’d want unlimited language learning apps that give you something before asking for money. It’s understandably frustrating to download a language learning app only to get five basic words, a “hello,” and a glaring paywall.
So, I tried a bunch of unlimited language learning apps to see which ones truly deliver on their promise. But which ones actually follow through?
What Does “Unlimited Language Learning Apps” Mean?
Unlimited may mean lots of things concerning language learning apps. It’s not just about the number of lessons. It’s about full and flexible access to everything you need to learn a new language.
I want to learn even more languages with Ling!
Download now!
Here’s a breakdown of what unlimited language learning apps truly mean.
Unlimited Languages
The best language learning apps allow users to switch between different languages freely in just a single paid plan. Whether you’re increasing your Thai fluency or mastering the 24 letters of Hangul, you don’t have to pay extra to access each language.
These kinds of apps are perfect for aspiring polyglots or perennial jetsetters who just love exploring multiple languages and cultures.
Unlimited Practice
Most free language learning apps limit the number of lessons you can access per day. Worse, you get penalized for making too many mistakes. Either you wait for hours between free sessions, or you can’t access revision tools unless you upgrade.
A truly unlimited language learning apps will let you practice whenever, wherever, and as much as you want without hitting a paywall. Perfect for learners who want to study at their preferred time.
Unlimited Features
Once you have availed of a paid plan, you get access to all the learning tools in the app. These often include advanced grammar lessons, review modes, conversation skills simulations, writing exercises, and culture notes.
7 Best Unlimited Language Learning Apps (Ranked By What You Get For Free)
In an ideal world, you’ll get what you need in the language learning app you’re using—even on a free version. However, the truth is that most apps don’t offer you nearly enough during the trial period.
The following are three things that frustrate passionate language learners the most:
- You’re shown the language, but you don’t learn anything meaningful.
- You can access the content only if you pay early.
- You have to subscribe before you know if the app works for you.
So, if you’re looking for apps with truly unlimited access to language courses, even on their free version, check out the seven best unlimited language learning apps:
1. Ling: Best Value For Curious Learners
Ling stands out as a language learning app with the widest selection of foreign language courses. With just a single subscription, you can gain access to 70+ languages. And if you’re raring to learn a new language from Asia or Europe, you have a ton of selection, too. Lao, Cebuano, Somali, Sinhala, Urdu… you name it and they have it—no extra charge, no separate plans for switching languages.
What truly makes Ling one of the unlimited language learning apps is what it offers upon sign-up: 2 full units free per language! That’s a total of 8+ lessons, allowing you to fully explore it before deciding to go all-in. Plus, there is no daily cap. You can switch between languages freely.
Other standout features include:
- Gamified lessons to improve speaking skills (realistic dialogues), reading (vocabulary, grammar), listening, and writing with fun and cultural context.
- The use of speech recognition and chatbot conversations for instant feedback during speaking exercises.
- Alphabet tracing is available for script-based languages for active learning.
- Streak Saver to protect your language learning progress.
- Bookmark words from flashcards and build your list for vocabulary review.
Price
- Seven day free trial
- Monthly: $14.99
- Quarterly: $29.99
- Yearly: $79.99
Devices
- Android (Google Play)
- iOS (App Store)
- Web
2. Duolingo: Best For Habit Formation
Ah, yes, the famous green owl. Duolingo has established itself as a strong contender among unlimited language learning apps. If you want to build consistency in learning a new language, this app has got your back. With daily streaks and XP goals, you can sneak in 5-10 minutes of language practice from its library of 38+ languages. You can learn French, Spanish, Swahili, and made-up languages like Esperanto.
Like the other apps, it has a free version. But it is highly limited in what you can do at once. To make it truly “unlimited,” you have to subscribe to its Super Duolingo plan to remove them and unlock other features like unlimited hearts (wrong answers).
Other standout features include the following:
- You can take a placement test to see your proficiency level.
- Gamified interactive daily lessons.
- Freely switch between your chosen language without losing your crowns (streak).
- Daily lessons include speaking and reading practice (repeating words as you click on them).
- Duolingo Stories to increase listening comprehension skills (only for select languages).
- Duolingo Podcast for listening exercises.
Price
- Duolingo Free for 14 days
- Duolingo Plus (premium subscription): $12.99/month
Devices
- Android (Google Play)
- iOS (App Store)
- Windows phone
Learn more about this app by reading our Duolingo review.
3. Babbel: Best For Structured Grammar Learners
Babbel is the go-to unlimited language learning app for serious learners of European languages. Despite its limited available language courses (13 foreign language + English), its grammar lessons are well-structured. It has in-depth lesson progressions, adult-tailored cultural notes, and real dialogues centered on daily situations.
However, Babbel’s take on “unlimited” access only applies to a single language at a time. There’s no free version after the trial period, and you have to upgrade to a premium subscription to learn multiple languages. Despite this, it’s a strong contender for mastering fluency in one language.
Other standout features include:
- Gamified lessons with mini-games.
- Has live classes to encourage the use of the words and phrases you learned in human interaction.
- Some features can still be used even if you don’t upgrade to a premium plan.
- Babbel podcasts to learn expert insights and tips on the local culture.
Price
- $8.46/month for the first six months
- $6.95/month for 12 months
- $299.99 for lifetime access
Learn more about this app by reading our Babbel review.
4. Drops: Best For Visual Learners
As one of the more visually engaging unlimited language learning apps, Drops appeals to users who learn best with motion and images. Part of the learning experience is to increase vocabulary through a swipe-based interface. Paired with beautifully illustrated words, learning a new language from its broad library (50) feels like mobile gaming.
But there’s a catch: it is only focused on vocabulary. So you can’t use this as a standalone language learning app. Plus, its free version only gives you 5 minutes of learning a day. If you don’t upgrade to premium (which removes all these limitations), wait for 10 hours between sessions.
Other standout features include:
- Visual mnemonics help you remember words fast, with no need for translation.
- Just 5 minutes a day keeps you consistent and focused.
- Tap and swipe instead of typing for fast, hands-off practice.
- Learn popular and niche languages like Icelandic, Hawaiian, or Ainu.
Price
- Monthly: $12.99/month
- Annual: $69.99/month
- Lifetime access: $159.99 (one-time payment)
Learn more about this app by reading our Drops review.
5. Mondly: Best For Conversational Starters
Want to speak a new language fast? Mondly will help you get there thanks to its voice recognition tools and preloaded conversations. Travelers and those with a practical learning style will appreciate its beautiful layout and emphasis on commonly used phrases from 41 languages.
What sets this app apart is its augmented reality and VR components for a more immersive learning experience. The catch is, these are sold separately. You do get some lessons for free, but you have to upgrade to premium to get unlimited access to all its features.
Other standout features include:
- Gamified lessons based on real-world situations.
- Daily exercises with integrated grammar tips.
- Has 100+ dialogues from native speakers for learning pronunciation and flow.
- Smart stats for progress tracking.
- Can challenge other learners through global rankings and streaks.
Price
- Monthly: $9.99/month
- Annual: $47.99/year
Learn more about this app with our Mondly review.
6. Memrise: Best For Native Pronunciation And Videos
To vibe with the native local culture, you need to learn not only the basics but also how they speak (slang included). This is where Memrise excels. With its TikTok-style videos, you can learn a language like how the native speakers use it. But as it doesn’t tackle much about writing or grammar, use it as a supplement app rather than a standalone.
Like most unlimited language learning apps, it has a free version. Yet, you have to go premium to unlock all the videos, grammar, quizzes, and review games.
Other standout features include:
- Practice Exercises for easier recall of words you’ve previously learned
- Speed Review tests to measure your learning progress
- Has 7 user-sign language courses
- Spaced repetition and mnemonic-style lessons for vocabulary retention
- MemBot provides instant feedback and grammar usage explanations during conversations
Price
- $14.99/month for 1 month
- $7.50/month for 12 months
- Lifetime access: $199.99
Learn more about this app by reading our Memrise review.
7. Busuu: Best For Guided, Academic-Like Language Courses
Lovers of structure would appreciate the CEFR-aligned lessons that Busuu offers. Like in a classroom setting, you’ll have placement tests and official certificates after each lesson. Plus, you get to interact with native speakers, so they can help you polish your writing and pronunciation.
But, it has a limited selection in that it only offers 12 languages, aside from having a limited free version, too. You have to upgrade to its premium plan to unlock all units and features.
Other standout features include:
- Fill-in-the-gap exercises for easier memorization (skippable topics except in the A1 level)
- Speech recognition
- Review vocabulary with flash cards
- Daily questions encourage interaction among learners of their target language
- Busuu Live for one-on-one private tutor sessions (select languages only)
Price
- $13.90/month for 1 month
- $8.45/month for 6 months
- $6.95/month for 12 months
Learn more about this app by reading our Busuu review.
Why Curious Learners Love Unlimited Language Learning Apps (Especially Ling!)
Out of all the language learning apps available, Ling stands out. With over one million downloads worldwide, glowing reviews, and support for lesser-taught languages, this app adds fun to the easy, making it possible to go beyond “hello.”
- 70+ Languages in One App: Founded by an interracial couple frustrated at not finding Thai on mainstream language learning apps, Ling focuses on often-overlooked Asian and European languages. Apart from Thai, you can learn Sinhala, Somali, Tagalog, Icelandic, and many more.
- Try 2 Full Units for Free for Every Language: Before you commit, you can enjoy real language lessons without spending a single cent! With 8+ lessons, you’ll learn grammar basics, sentence structures, and cultural context before you decide if it’s worth subscribing.
- Practice like you’re in school: Ling is designed in a way that learners can build language skills fast, not just tick the boxes. Aside from practicing vocabulary, you also hear recordings from native speakers to improve pronunciation. If you need to practice your speaking skills, just talk to its AI chatbot. Don’t forget the finger tracing exercises so you can read any language, whether it’s the Devanagari script of the Nepali language, or the Kanji of the Japanese.
- Game-like lessons that are fun: No more language lessons that feel like homework. With mini-games, quirky characters, and colorful visuals, Ling can turn even the trickiest of grammar rules into something you’ll look forward to.
- Progress tracking and goal-setting: Ling uses the scientifically backed reward system to help every language learner stay motivated. From badges, streaks, and leaderboards, you’re rewarded for staying consistent. And, with its newest Streak Saver, you’ll never lose a streak no matter how busy you get.
- Inclusive learning: Aside from focusing on lesser-known languages, the Ling app has added LGBTQ+ vocabulary during Pride month in its Thai and Tagalog courses. All these will help you express yourself authentically beyond the basic phrases.
What You Can Learn In Just 1 Week With Ling
Curious as to how much you can learn with Ling in just 7 days? Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect from this app.
| Day | What You Can Learn |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Introduction |
| Day 2 | Basic Sentences |
| Day 3 | Numbers & Family |
| Day 4 | Numbers & Counting |
| Day 5 | Activities |
| Day 6 | Food & Tastes |
| Day 7 | Vegetables & Fruits |
What Real People Say About Ling
“Great app. Does a much better job of the conversations than other apps. I find most other language apps use AI for conversation, which hugely overestimates the ability of the student. It quickly becomes unusable. But here, the conversations are curated and there are many ways of engaging with the conversation.”
★★★★★
mikespence1000
“Very useful app! I use it for Japanese and I recommend it for practicing new situations and vocabulary. I also use it to keep learning kanji reading and practice grammar in daily life situations. I’d say some basic knowledge of Japanese is needed but it should not stop you to have your own experience. Every new update is better than the last one.”
★★★★★
Michael Aguilar
Frequently Asked Questions About Unlimited Language Learning Apps
Is There Really A Free Language Learning App?
Short answer: Yes! The Ling app lets you learn a new language with 2 full units for free, not just an introduction or a few new words. You also get real grammar lessons, pronunciation correction through voice recognition, and culture insights across 70+ languages.
What Is The Best Free App To Become Fluent In A Language?
Though there is no single free language learning app that can help you achieve fluency, Ling has all you need to build a strong foundation. With just two full units of language lessons, not only will you learn new words and phrases, but you'll also get pronunciation feedback, conversation skills practice, grammar lessons, and culture tips.
What's Better Than Duolingo?
Duolingo is indeed popular, but it doesn't support every language that you want to learn. You can only try a limited set of features during the free trial. Ling is better for learners who want more language variety (70+ options), practice sentence construction, cultural context, and grammar lessons. Best part: its free version shows actual progress, giving you more meaningful lessons from the get-go and control over your learning experience.
Make The Most Of Your First Week With Ling!
No more settling for just one language or one learning style. With Ling, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself in Cebuano, ask directions in Urdu, or read the alphabet in Japanese. Plus, you can trace scripts, speak with Dialog (our chatbot), and fully immerse yourself in the culture while making steady progress before you pay.
No pressure, just play. Try the 7-day free trial in any of Ling’s 60+ available languages!
