6 Best Language Learning Apps To Prepare For Your Next Trip

A photo of a man packing his bag with clothes and travel essentials behind the Best Language Learning Apps texts.

Travelers must learn a bit of the local language of their destination. As a former seafarer, I’ve seen firsthand how language can bridge gaps and open doors to a more authentic travel experience.

And yes, the Ling app is a strong player in this game. It’s packed with features that make it one of the best out there. But we’re not here to play favorites. We’ll also introduce you to other best language learning apps worth your attention.

Quick Summary:

Our Top Picks for Best Language Learning Apps
Best For
App
Overall
Image of Ling app Logo - Best language learning apps Ling app Review

Ling

5/5
  • Cultural Immersion
  • Interactive AI Chatbot
  • Gamified Learning
Vocabulary
A photo of Pimsleur logo - Ling review

Pimsleur

4.4/5
  • Audio-focused
  • Reading Lessons
  • Conversational Practice
Audio Immersion
A photo of Bluebird Languages logo - Ling review

Busuu

4.7/5
  • Native Feedback
  • Personalized Plans
  • Official Certification

Why Learn Languages With Best Language Learning Apps

So, you’ve booked your flight and accommodation. You’ve got your travel plans and packing list, but there’s still something missing, right? I know that feeling, and I can tell you language is often the missing piece of the puzzle. But why do you need to learn languages, and why seek the help of the best language learning apps? Here’s why:

  • Chat with Locals: Ever wanted to chat with someone from a different country? These best language learning apps help you do just that. They teach you the everyday words and phrases so you can say ‘hi’ to a local, order food, or find your way around.

  • Learn on Your Own Time: What’s great about these top language apps is you can use them anytime, like when you’re on the bus or waiting for your coffee. They’re super handy and fit right into your busy day.

  • It’s All About You: Whether you’re starting from zero or already know a bit, these apps adjust to how you learn best. They make sure you’re not bored or lost.

  • Practical Stuff, No Fluff: These best language 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.

  • Fun While You Learn: Learning a new language sounds like hard work, but with these apps, it’s actually fun. They have games and quizzes that make you want to learn more.

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 travel needs.

1. Ling App: Best App For Versatile Learning

As someone who’s been around the globe a few times, I can say that language is your passport to authentic experiences. The Ling app is a game-changer in this space because it will teach you to talk from “hello” to “goodbye.”

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 conversations with a chatbot, get instant feedback on your pronunciation, 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 to learn languages before your next trip.

Devices: Android, iOS, Web

A photo of Ling's monkey logo, one of the best language learning apps to use today to prepare for your next trip.

Features

  • New Languages Added Frequently: Planning a trip to a less-visited country? The Ling team always adds new courses, so you’re not limited to the usual French or Spanish.

  • Short Exams to Test Knowledge: Before you board that plane, take one of the Ling app’s short exams. It’s a quick way to gauge your readiness to navigate a foreign country with your new language skills.

  • Grammar Tips with Practical Examples: Knowing the grammar can save you from awkward situations abroad. The Ling app offers real-world examples, like how to ask for directions or order food properly.

User Feedback

  • Positive Feedback: Users are enamored with the app’s interactive approach, especially the gamified elements that make learning feel less like a chore. One reviewer gushed, “The games make learning so much fun, I almost forgot I was studying!”

  • 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

  • Free with beginner lessons and an introductory Chatbot.

  • Monthly: $14.99

  • Six Months: $39.99

  • Yearly: $79.99 (7-day free trial)

  • Lifetime: $149.99

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

A photo of Pimsleur's logo.

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

A photo of Busuu's logo.

Features

  • Official Certification: If your trip is more than just a vacation—maybe a work assignment—Busuu’s McGraw-Hill certification can be a solid credential.

  • Language Exchange: Get tips from locals before you even land. Busuu’s language exchange feature lets you interact with native speakers who can give you the inside scoop on your destination.

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

A photo of Babbel's logo.

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 travelers.

Devices: Android, iOS, Web

A photo of Rosetta Stone's logo.

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 on the plane or in your hotel? 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 everyone wants to know. It’s got this augmented reality feature that’s pretty rad. 

Imagine practicing how to order tapas in a virtual Spanish café—yeah, it’s that interactive. But, as someone who’s been writing about the best language apps, it’s not the only tool you’d want to rely on for your travels.

Now, what keeps many others hooked on Mondly are 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 for your next trip, from grammar to real-world phrases, I’d say go for the Ling app.

Devices: Android, iOS, Web

A photo of Mondly's logo.

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 trip 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

Best Language Learning Apps: How Do They Help?

You’ve read about the apps and seen what users have to say, and now you’re pondering, “How will these best language learning apps really make a difference on my next trip?” 

Well, the answer is simple: they prepare you for the unexpected. Whether it’s asking for directions, ordering food, or making small talk with locals, these language apps give you the confidence to navigate a new culture.

But if you want the best language learning app that’s got it all—cultural immersion, comprehensive lessons, and a user-friendly interface—then the Ling app is your best bet.

It’s your local guide, language tutor, and boredom killer all rolled into one handy app. And hey, if you’re traveling with family, even the kids can join the fun.

So, if you’re convinced, as you should be, download the Ling app from Google Play and the App Store now! 

For more in-depth grammar lessons and cultural insights, check out our daily language articles on our blog. Be linguistically prepared and make your next trip an unforgettable experience with the best language learning apps today!

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