Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone during downtime? What if you could turn those moments into language-learning gold? Language learning podcasts can do that for you, but there’s a catch. Not all language apps are created equal in the podcast department.
That’s why you’ll want to stick around for this article. I’ve done the legwork to find the best language learning apps with podcasts that really deliver. Each app has its unique angle, solving specific challenges you might face while learning a language. So, if you want to turn idle time into productive learning, you’re in the right place.
| App | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ling | Authentic Thai Language | $14.99/month |
| Pimsleur | Interactive Dialogues | $19.99/month |
| Babbel | Categorized Learning | $9.60/month |
| LingQ | Customizable Podcast Learning | $12.99/month |
| Beelinguapp | Narrated Articles | $9.99/month |
| Innovative Language Pod 101 | Practical Conversations | $8.00/month |
Ling: Best For Authentic Thai Language
The Ling app is a gem, especially if you’re keen on learning Thai. Their podcast features native speakers discussing various topics, from Thai festivals to popular local dishes. It’s not just a language lesson; it’s a cultural deep dive.
What I appreciate about Ling’s podcast is its accessibility. You can listen to it on multiple platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This flexibility allows you to integrate language learning into your daily routine, no matter where you are.
But Ling is much more than a podcast. The Ling app is a fantastic tool for learning 60+ languages in a fun and dynamic way. With lessons that feel like games, vocabulary learning, native speaker audio, and even an AI chatbot to practice conversations with, it’s a resource you don’t want to miss.
Are you eager to explore a multitude of languages? Read our unbiased review of the Ling app to learn more.
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Ling’s Standout Features
- Multi-Language Support: While the podcast is Thai-specific, the app itself supports 60+ languages, allowing for a broader learning experience.
- Daily Reminders: These reminders keep you engaged, ensuring you don’t quit and allowing you to apply what you’ve learned from the Thai podcast.
- Leaderboard: The Ling app also features a leaderboard. With it, you can track your progress against other language learners, adding a competitive edge to your language learning experience.
What Are Users Saying About Ling?
- Rating: A commendable 4.7 stars, supported by 11.7K reviews.
- Positive Feedback: Users are quite fond of the Ling app’s structured lessons. “The lessons are concise and focus on conversational Thai, making it easier to practice real-world interactions,” one user mentioned.
- Room for Improvement: While the app is generally well-received, a few users have suggested minor technical improvements. “A couple of small technical adjustments could make this app even better,” a user subtly noted.
How Much Does The Ling App Cost?
- Free version with beginner lessons and an introductory chatbot.
- $14.99 per month for access to all the lessons in 60+ languages and all features unlocked.
- $79.99 per year for the same features as the monthly subscription.
- $149.99 for lifetime access (one-time purchase).
Devices: Android, iOS, web.
Pimsleur: Best For Interactive Dialogues
When I first used Pimsleur, I was struck by how the app immediately puts you into the driver’s seat. You’re not just absorbing words; you’re actively using them.
This language-learning app uses a dialogue-based approach, asking you to respond to questions in real-time. It’s like a simulated conversation that prepares you for real-world interactions.
But let’s talk about the “Graduated Interval Recall.” This isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a method that’s been researched and fine-tuned.
It spaces out the repetition of words at specific intervals to ensure they stick in your long-term memory. This kind of attention to detail sets Pimsleur apart from the crowd.
Dive deeper into what makes this app unique by reading our Pimsleur full review.
Pimsleur’s Standout Features
- Quick Match Quiz: This feature tests your ability to match phrases in your new language with their English equivalent. This can be useful for reinforcing what you’ve learned from podcasts.
- Driving Mode: Pimsleur offers a hands-free mode designed for learning while driving, making it easier to learn a new language on the go.
- Speed Control: You can adjust the audio playback speed, slowing down or speeding up the podcasts to suit your comprehension level.
What Are Users Saying About Pimsleur?
- Rating: Pimsleur holds its own with a 4.2-star rating and 10.6K reviews.
- Positive Feedback: Users frequently highlight Pimsleur’s effectiveness in honing listening and comprehension skills. “This app has been a revelation for me. I’ve seen a significant improvement in my ability to understand spoken Spanish,” one review noted. Another user added, “The interface is user-friendly, and the lessons are well-structured, making it easy to progress.”
- Room for Improvement: Some users wish more flexibility in the practice sessions. “The app is great, but it could be even better if it allowed customized practice sessions,” a review suggested.
How Much Does Pimsleur Cost?
- Premium subscription (one language): $19.99/month
- All Access subscription (all languages): $20.99/month
- Courses can also be bought separately for around $119.95 per level, depending on the language.
Devices: Android, iOS, audio downloads.
Babbel: Best For Categorized Learning
Babbel’s “Mixtapes” is a game-changer for me. These podcasts, sorted by difficulty and topic, let you choose what suits your current level and interest.
But what’s really cool is how Babbel integrates these podcasts into its main curriculum. This means you’ll find the same vocabulary in the app’s grammar and vocabulary exercises.
Furthermore, the app uses a spaced repetition system that complements the language learning podcast. So, the words you hear today, you’ll be asked to recall in future lessons.
It’s this interconnected approach to learning that makes Babbel a standout choice for those who like structure in their study routine. Don’t miss our detailed Babbel review to get the full scoop.
Babbel’s Standout Features
- Dynamic Review Sessions: Babbel’s intelligent review manager adapts to your performance, which can be useful for revisiting podcast vocabulary.
- Speech Recognition: This feature helps you improve your pronunciation, complementing the listening skills you develop through podcasts.
- In-App Dictionary: Babbel offers a built-in dictionary, which lets you quickly look up words you hear in podcasts.
What Are Users Saying About Babbel?
- Rating: Babbel boasts a solid 4.6-star rating, backed by a massive 957K reviews on Google Play.
- Positive Feedback: Users love Babbel’s comprehensive approach to language learning. One reviewer mentioned, “Babbel’s focus on conversational learning is a total game-changer.”
- Room for Improvement: However, the app isn’t without its quirks. Some users find the interface less than intuitive. “I find myself spending more time navigating the app than actually learning, which is frustrating,” one user complained.
How Much Does Babbel Cost?
- Free version with access to the first lesson in every course.
- 1 month (full access to all lessons in one language): $9.60
- 3 months (same as 1 Month): $28.80
- 12 months (same as 1 Month): $115.20
- Lifetime (full access to all lessons for ALL languages forever): $319
Devices: Android, iOS, web.
LingQ: Best For Customizable Podcast Learning
LingQ is a good option for those who like to take control of their learning. You can import podcasts, YouTube videos, or even blog posts and get a transcript right there in the app.
And here’s what makes it such a good resource: any new word gets highlighted. You can then tap it to see its meaning and add it to your vocabulary list.
But what really got me interested is the “known words” feature. The LingQ app keeps track of your vocabulary and changes the color of words you’ve mastered. It’s really good for keeping you motivated and engaged.
LingQ’s Standout Features
- Multi-Platform Sync: LingQ syncs your progress across all devices so you can switch between listening to a podcast on your phone and reviewing vocabulary on your computer.
- Listening Guides: These help you understand the context and nuances of conversations. It’s a useful tool when listening to podcasts.
- Avatar Levels: LingQ uses a gamified system with avatars that level up as you learn, providing a bit of extra motivation.
What Are Users Saying About LingQ?
- Rating: LingQ has 27.9K reviews and a respectable 4.4-star rating.
- Positive Feedback: Users appreciate that LingQ has a straightforward approach to language learning. “This app is a breath of fresh air. It cuts out the gimmicks and gets straight to effective learning,” one user praised. Another user added, “It’s a unique but highly effective way to learn, even if the design takes a bit of getting used to.”
- Room for Improvement: While the content is highly praised, the user interface receives mixed reviews. One user pointed out that “The learning methodology is solid, but the UX could be more intuitive. Sometimes I find myself lost in the menus.”
How Much Does LingQ Cost?
- Free version with basic language learning features.
- Monthly premium: $12.99
- 6 months premium: $71.94
- Yearly premium: $107.88
- 2 years premium: $191.76
Devices: Android, iOS, Web.
Beelinguapp: Best For Narrated Articles
Beelinguapp is one of the best language learning apps with podcasts and has a unique approach by offering narrated articles and audiobooks. The text is displayed in both your native language and your target foreign language, side by side.
The feature that really stands out for me is “Karaoke Reading.” The text gets highlighted as you listen, making connecting spoken words with their written form easier.
This dual approach is a fantastic way to simultaneously improve your listening and reading skills.
Interested in Beelinguapp’s narrated articles and Karaoke Reading? Our Beelinguapp in-depth review will give you all the details you need to know.
Beelinguapp’s Standout Features
- Glossary: Beelinguapp offers a glossary where you can save new words and phrases, making it easier to review vocabulary from podcasts.
- Adjustable Font Size: You can adjust the font size of the text in the app, which can be helpful if you’re following along with a podcast transcript.
- Night Mode: This feature makes reading the text in low light easier, which can be useful for late-night listening sessions.
What Are Users Saying About Beelinguapp?
- Rating: With a 4.3-star rating, Beelinguapp has a strong following of 73.6K users.
- Positive Feedback: The app’s versatility in offering multiple languages is a standout feature. “This app is a goldmine for polyglots. It offers a wide range of texts in different languages, making it easier to switch between languages,” one user noted.
- Room for Improvement: Audio quality, however, could use some fine-tuning. “The app is almost perfect, but the audio quality can be a bit spotty at times,” a user mentioned.
How Much Does Beeliguapp Cost?
- Free version with limited features.
- Premium version for $9.99/month
- Premium version for $69.99/year
- Lifetime subscription for $69.99 (one-time payment)
Devices: Android, iOS.
Innovative Language Pod 101: Best For Practical Conversations
Innovative Language Pod 101 is no joke. It’s been around for over 16 years. The podcasts are short, usually around 10–15 minutes, but they’re packed with practical phrases and cultural insights. Each episode comes with lesson notes and basic vocabulary lists so you can review what you’ve learned.
What sets this app apart is its focus on real-world applications. The conversations you listen to are the ones you’ll actually use when speaking with native speakers.
It’s this blend of practicality and depth that makes the app a reliable choice for conversational learning.
Innovative Language Pod 101’s Standout Features
- Lesson Transcripts: Full transcripts are available for each lesson, allowing you to read along with the podcast.
- Custom Lists: You can create custom lists of vocabulary and phrases to help organize words you’ve learned from podcasts.
- HD Video: Besides audio podcasts, the app offers video lessons, providing another dimension to your language learning.
What Are Users Saying About Innovative Language Pod 101?
- Rating: A robust 4.7 stars from 40.5K reviews.
- Positive Feedback: Users are thrilled by the app’s comprehensive language courses. “The app offers a complete program that’s also accessible on multiple devices. It’s a lifesaver for someone like me who’s always on the go,” one review stated.
- Room for Improvement: The upselling tactics are a point of contention. “The constant prompts to upgrade can be distracting and interrupt the learning flow,” a user noted.
How Much Does Innovative Language Pod 101 Cost?
- 7 Days Free Trial
- Basic: $8.00/month
- Premium: $25.00/month
- Premium Plus: $47.00/month
Devices: Android, iOS
Why Use Language Learning Apps With Podcasts?
So, you’ve made it this far and are probably wondering, “Why should I even consider using language learning apps with podcasts?” Well, let’s get straight to the point.
Podcasts offer a different way to engage with the language you’re learning. They provide real-world context, natural speech patterns, and cultural nuances you can’t get from a textbook.
Listening to your target language in context can also help you understand words or topics you’ve come across when studying but that you couldn’t quite grasp. What’s more, many of these podcasts, like the Ling podcast or Innovative Language Pod 101, specifically offer tips and explanations to aid learners on their journey.
Along that line, the Ling app takes this a step further by offering not just podcasts but also interactive language lessons that focus on developing all language skills: reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
It even has script tracing for languages with unique alphabets. All in all, it’s a well-rounded approach to language learning that complements the podcast experience.
If you’re hungry for more, we also offer daily language articles that provide valuable grammar lessons and cultural insights.
So, why not take the plunge? Download the Ling app from Google Play and the App Store, and enrich your language learning journey today.
