We’ve tested all the major apps for learning a language; here are your best picks for studying a new language no matter your budget, prior experience, or goals.
How to Find the Right Apps to Learn a Language What language do you want to learn? Have you already learned a little, or are you a blank slate? Is your goal to know the language so well that you can speak, hear, read, and write it, or do you want to start with just one of those goals? Does the language you’re learning use a different script? Is it hard for you to make unfamiliar sounds? Answering all those questions is crucial to finding the right language-learning apps—yes, apps, plural. If you want to make real progress with a language, whether you’re learning for school, travel, family, or personal enrichment, you need a variety of tools. As with all kinds of education, learning a language takes dedication. Picking the right tools sets you up for success. You have to practice consistently. A gap in exposure leads to loss in ability. That’s why it’s so important to find apps and resources you like. This is not the time to put up with tools that are annoying or frustrating. You don’t want to give up on learning just because you don’t like the tool. You also have to push yourself beyond your current abilities. If you’re consistently getting everything 100 percent right, your course of study is too easy and it’s time to move onto more challenging content. Pick Several Apps and Services With apps and online services for language learning, you can learn at your own pace and wherever you’re most comfortable. The trick is figuring out what you need to work on at different stages. When you first start out, you might like a program that tells you exactly what to study for an intensive 30 minutes per day. Rosetta Stone and Fluenz are both exceptional at that. Add in a mobile app with more bite-sized content so you can refresh your memory in short bursts. Duolingo is especially good for practicing on the go, as is the study aid Quizlet. Some people find that looking at written language trips up their pronunciation. In that case, you might be better off starting with an audio-focused program, such as Pimsleur or Michel Thomas. If you’re already an intermediate or advanced speaker, small group classes or one-on-one conversations with a tutor are excellent options. Lingoda offers one-hour small classes and one-on-one sessions, all conducted over Zoom. Rype is similar but instead focuses on one-on-one tutoring in 30-minute sessions. Not quite ready to converse? Try Yabla, a site that’s flush with videos of native speakers, which can help you acclimate your ear and expand your vocabulary. Sometimes you need resources that are specific to the language you’re learning. For example, when learning American Sign Language, you really need either a live instructor or videos. Sign It ASL, an online course whose video lessons have the feel of a television show is extremely effective. Similarly, for languages with a script that’s new to you, it’s best to find an app that includes content for teaching reading and writing. In some cases, you might pick up two apps, one that focuses solely on reading and writing and another that teaches speaking and listening. There are plenty of apps that teach only writing for Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, and other non-Roman scripts. What Are Your Learning Preferences? One of the hardest parts about learning a language is that if you succeed 100 percent of the time, it’s not difficult enough. If it’s too easy, you’re not learning. This is uncomfortable for many people, but it’s another reason you need to explore all your options and language-learning apps and resources that match your skill level. For example, podcasts are a great way to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Babbel and Duolingo both offer podcasts. If you can understand about 80 percent of what’s being said, that’s right where you need to be. If you’re not into podcasts in the first place, you might get frustrated and give up. A few apps, including Lingoda, offer placement tests so you can find out which level is the most appropriate place for you to start. Let’s look at some of the best language learning apps in more depth. Duolingo is the best free language learning app, offering bite-sized interactive sessions. What’s the Best Free App for Learning a Language? The best free app for learning a language is Duolingo, hands down. We recommend it enthusiastically no matter your level or language goals, as it has just about everything. It’s available as a web app and mobile app, and it works well whether you’re a total beginner or already have experience. You can study as many languages as you like on Duolingo.
