5 Best Language Learning Apps In 2024

In today’s interconnected world, multilingual proficiency is increasingly valuable. Whether you desire to enhance your travel experiences, broaden your career prospects, or simply engage with new cultures, mastering a new language unlocks a wealth of opportunities. However, choosing the right language learning app for yourself can be difficult and time-consuming. This post serves as your comprehensive guide, meticulously analyzing the five most effective language learning apps available. By delving into each app’s unique features, learning methodology, and suitability for various learning styles, this blog post will provide you with the necessary information to select the perfect tool to propel your language learning journey toward fluency.

1. Duolingo

Duolingo has become a leading name in language-learning apps. With over 500 million downloads and 40 million active users, it’s clear this app is doing something right. Founded in the United States by Luis von Ahn, Duolingo’s mission is simple: to make learning a new language free and enjoyable for everyone. Launched in 2012, Duolingo offers a wide selection of courses, with over 100 options in 40+ different languages.

Duolingo’s strength lies in turning language learning into an enjoyable experience. Unlike traditional methods that can feel strict and serious, Duolingo uses games and challenges to make learning fun. This approach, called gamification, keeps users engaged and interested. Because it’s more enjoyable, Duolingo appeals to a wider range of learners than traditional methods.

Feature:

• Gamification
• Personalized approach
• Practice Hub for reinforcing learned content
• Podcast series to aid language immersion
• Flexible learning in offline mode
• Speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice

Language offered:

Spanish	Vietnamese	Japanese	German	Korean	Hindi	Italian
French	Chinese	Russian	Arabic	Portuguese	Turkish	Dutch
Ukrainian	Greek	Polish	Swedish	Latin	Iris	Norwegian
Hebrew	High Valyrian	Indonesian	Danish	Finnish	Romanian	Hawaiian
Czech	Welsh	Haitian Creole	Swahili	Scottish Gaelic	Hungarian	Esperanto
Klingon	Zulu	Navajo	Yiddish	Arabic	Bengali	Mãori

Pros:

• Engaging and Accessible: Duolingo’s gamification features like points, leaderboards, and streaks make learning enjoyable and motivating, reaching a wider audience than traditional methods.
• Variety of Languages: With over 100 courses in 40 languages, Duolingo offers a vast selection to choose from, catering to diverse learning goals.
• Focus on Practical Application: The app emphasizes building vocabulary and everyday phrases, making it useful for basic communication and travel.
• Multiple Learning Styles: Duolingo incorporates visuals, audio, and interactive exercises, appealing to learners with kinesthetic, auditory, and visual learning styles.
• Free: Duolingo offers a free basic version with ads and a premium option with additional features.

Cons:

• Limited Grammar Explanation: Duolingo focuses on practical use rather than in-depth grammar rules. You might need additional resources for a strong grammar foundation.
• Conversational Fluency Limitations: While Duolingo builds vocabulary and introduces basic conversation skills, it doesn’t offer extensive practice for in-depth conversations.
• Repetition Can Get Tiresome: The repetitive nature of some exercises might become monotonous for learners who prefer more varied learning methods.
• Limited Speaking Practice: While there are some speaking exercises, Duolingo primarily focuses on reading and listening skills.

Best for:

• Those Who Enjoy Competition and Games
• People Who Find Traditional Learning Methods Boring
• Busy Learners with Short Attention Spans

Duolingo might not be ideal for:

• Learners Who Need In-Depth Grammar Explanations
• Those Who Want Conversational Fluency

Price: Free. 

• $6.99 per month for Super Duolingo
• $30 per month for Duolingo Max, a new subscription service for Duolingo that includes all features of Super Duolingo and adds additional AI features (powered by OpenAI’s GPT 4). Read more about the benefits and applications of AI in education: AI In Education: What are the benefits and applications?

Available on: App Store, Google Play, Website

Read more: How To Make A Language Learning App Like Duolingo In 2024?

2. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a pioneering language learning software designed to immerse you in a new language in a natural way, similar to how a child acquires their first language. It means if you are learning Chinese, you won’t see any English words. By focusing on image association and avoiding translations, Rosetta Stone promotes intuitive language acquisition through interactive exercises and audio recordings by native speakers.

Feature:

• Dynamic Immersion
• Speech Recognition Technology
• Audio Companion & Downloadable Lessons
• Focus on All Language Skills
• Personalized Learning Paths
• Phrasebook & Stories (on some subscription plans).
• Live Tutoring (on some subscription plans)

Language offered:

Spanish	English	Farsi	Irish	Polish	Tagalog
French	Arabic	Greek	Japanese	Portuguese	Turkish
Italian	Chinese	Hebrew	Korean	Russian	Vietnamese
German	Dutch	Hindi	Latin	Swedish	Farsi

Pros:

• Immersive Learning: The core method avoids translations, replicating how children learn languages by focusing on images and spoken language for a natural learning experience.
• Speech Recognition Technology: Improves pronunciation with feedback on your speaking accuracy through speech recognition tools.
• Focus on All Language Skills: Trains various skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing, going beyond just vocabulary and grammar.
• Personalized Learning: Tailors your experience with adaptive learning that adjusts to your progress and identifies areas needing improvement.

Cons:

• Subscription Model: Requires a paid subscription to access full features.
• Price: Can be expensive compared to some competitors, especially considering some features might be limited in the base subscription.
• Method Might Not Suit All Learners: The immersion approach without translations might be challenging for beginners who prefer some grammatical explanations.

Rosetta Stone is best suited for learners who prioritize:

• Immersive Learning
• Developing Spoken Fluency
• Structured Learning with Personalization
• Conquering challenges

Rosetta Stone might not be ideal for:

• Budget-Conscious Learners
• Learners Who Need In-Depth Grammar Explanations
• Those Who Want Deep Cultural Understanding

Price: from $15.99 per month

Available on: App Store, Google Play, Website

3. Memrise

Memrise is a platform designed to help you learn languages. It uses flashcards and spaced repetition, a method that shows you information at increasingly spaced intervals to help you retain it better. Memrise offers courses in a variety of languages and also has user-generated content for other subjects.

Feature:

• Spaced repetition, flashcards, and native videos.
• Official and user-created contents.
• Flexible course structure.
• Audio and video learning.

Language offered:

Arabic	Turkish
Greek	Polish
Indonesian	German
Italian	Swedish
Yoruba	Norwegian
Portuguese	French
Icelandic	Mongolian
Spanish	Japanese
Chinese	Russian
Danish	Korean
Slovenian	Dutch

Pros:

• Spaced Repetition: Memrise uses spaced repetition, a scientifically proven method for improving long-term memory. This ensures you review concepts at optimal intervals for better retention.
• Free Version: The free version offers a lot of content, including official and user-generated courses. You can access a good chunk of Memrise’s core functionality without paying.
• User-Generated Content: The platform allows users to create their own courses, giving them access to a wider range of topics and niche content.
• Mems: This unique feature lets you create your own mnemonics to aid memorization. By creating silly associations, you can solidify your learning.

Cons:

• Limited Grammar Focus: Memrise primarily focuses on vocabulary building. While it might touch on basic grammar, it doesn’t offer in-depth grammar explanations or practice.
• Conversation Practice (Paid): If you want to practice speaking and listening with native speakers, you’ll need a paid subscription.
• Quality of User-Generated Content: Since anyone can create courses, the quality can vary. You might encounter inaccurate information or poorly structured content.
• Limited Cultural Context: Memrise focuses on the mechanics of language, but it might not provide enough cultural context for deeper understanding.

Best for:

• Learners who want to focus on building vocabulary
• Independent learners who want flexibility

Memrise might not be ideal for learners with the following goals or preferences:

• Focus on grammar
• Developing fluency in conversation
• Learning about the culture
• Preference for structured learning

Price: Free. $14.99 per month for Memrise Pro

Available on: App Store, Google Play, Website

4. Busuu

Busuu is a language learning platform that merges expert-created courses with a unique community aspect. Learners benefit from interactive lessons featuring clear explanations, audio recordings, and exercises. Busuu’s hallmark feature is its community-driven feedback system, where native speakers correct and offer cultural insights on user-submitted writing and speaking exercises.

Feature:

• Expert-crafted Courses
• Interactive Lessons
• Community-Driven Feedback
• Variety of Learning Activities (flashcards, quizzes, dialogues, etc.)
• Freemium Model

Language offered:

Russian	Spanish	Portuguese	Korean	English	French	German
Italian	Dutch	Japanese	Chinese	Arabic	Turkish	Polish

Pros:

• Expert Courses: Structured curriculum developed by language specialists ensures a reliable learning foundation.
• Interactive Lessons: Engaging lessons with audio clips from native speakers and diverse activities (flashcards, quizzes, dialogues) keep learning interesting.
• Community Feedback: A unique feature allowing you to submit writing and speaking exercises for correction and cultural insights from native speakers.
• Freemium Model: Access to basic features and a good portion of course content is free.

Cons:

• Limited Features in the Free Version: Upgrading to the Premium version is necessary for some valuable features like personalized study plans and offline access.
• Community Feedback Quality: Corrections and feedback from the Busuu community can vary in quality, as anyone can participate.
• Less Emphasis on Advanced Grammar: The focus is more on practical communication, so in-depth grammar explanations might be limited, especially for advanced learners.

Busuu is best suited for learners who:

• Prioritize Practical Communication
• Enjoy Interactive Learning
• Want Personalized Feedback
• Want a budget-friendly option

Busuu might not be ideal for:

• Advanced Learners Seeking Deep Grammar
• Learners Who Need Guaranteed Quality Feedback

Price: Free. $13.95 per month for the Premium version

Available on: App Store, Google Play, Website

5. Babbel

Babbel is a language-learning subscription service designed for practical communication. Through interactive lessons crafted by in-house linguists, Babbel equips users with the essential skills to speak, listen, read, and write in 14 languages. Learners can choose courses tailored to their goals, fostering real-world conversational confidence.

Feature:

Focus on conversation

Interactive Lessons

Optional Live Classes (with some subscriptions)

Language offered:

Spanish	German	Portuguese	Polish	Dutch	Swedish	Indonesian
French	Italian	Norwegian	Turkish	Russian	Danish	English

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Conversational Focus: It teaches practical skills used in everyday conversations, getting you speaking from the start.
• Interactive Lessons: Engaging activities keep you motivated and train all language aspects-speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Structured Learning Path: Follows a clear curriculum designed by language experts for a smooth learning journey.
• Optional Live Classes (with some subscriptions): Enhances conversation practice with live sessions led by native speakers (might require an additional subscription).

Cons:

• Subscription Model: Requires a paid subscription to access full features.
• Limited Languages (as of April 2024): Only offers 14 languages compared to some competitors with a wider selection.
• Focus on Beginners and Intermediate Learners: Content might not be suitable for advanced learners seeking in-depth grammar or complex vocabulary.
• Limited Cultural Context: Primarily focuses on the mechanics of the language, with less emphasis on cultural background.

Best for:

• Learners who prioritize conversational skills
• Learners who love traditional structured learning

• Travelers
• Business Professionals
• People who want to connect with family or friends
• Beginners and Intermediate Learners

Babbel might not be ideal for:

• Those on a tight budget
• Learners of less common languages
• Advanced Learners
• Those who want a deep dive into culture

Price: 

• $8.45 per month for a 6-month subscription
• $6.95 per month for a 12-month subscription
• $599 for a lifetime subscription

Available on: App Store, Google Play, Website

Conclusion

The language learning app landscape offers a variety of options to suit diverse needs. Here’s a quick recap of the strengths explored:

• Duolingo: For those who thrive on gamification, Duolingo’s engaging points system, leaderboards, and badges transform language learning into a fun competition.
• Rosetta Stone: Rosetta Stone replicates natural language acquisition by emphasizing images and spoken language for an immersive learning experience.
• Memrise: This app excels at vocabulary building. Memrise utilizes spaced repetition and interactive features to effectively solidify new words and phrases in your memory.
• Busuu: Busuu fosters a unique community aspect. Learners can submit exercises and receive feedback from native speakers, creating a more social learning environment.
• Babbel: This platform provides a structured learning path designed by language experts. It’s ideal for learners who prefer a clear and progressive curriculum.

The optimal app hinges on your individual learning style and goals. Reflect on what motivates you, your preferred learning approach, and the language skills you want to prioritize. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various apps to discover the perfect fit for your language learning journey.

Do you envision a language learning app that revolutionizes education?

AgileTech, a leading software outsourcing company in Vietnam, can help you turn your vision into reality. We specialize in crafting custom-designed applications tailored to your specific needs and target audience.

Contact us today to discuss your vision and explore how we can transform your language learning app concept into a reality that empowers users to achieve their linguistic goals.

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