We Rate the Best Language Learning Apps

Why Learn a Language With an App?

Whether you're preparing for a holiday, reconnecting with family roots or boosting your CV, language apps make it easy to practise a little every day. Short lessons, reminders and progress tracking help you build momentum without needing to book a class.

Apps work best when combined with real-world practice, such as watching shows, listening to podcasts or chatting with native speakers, but they're a brilliant foundation.

What to Look For in a Language App

• Your Goal – Decide whether you want holiday basics, conversational confidence or exam-level grammar.
• Speaking Practice – Speech recognition and conversation exercises help you actually say the words, not just read them.
• Structured Lessons – A clear course path makes it easier to see progress and avoid gaps.
• Language Choice – Check that the app covers the language you want, especially for less common languages.
• Price – Many apps have free tiers, but premium plans unlock offline lessons and advanced features.

Language Learning Apps Worth Trying

• Duolingo – Game-like lessons, streaks and a huge choice of languages make it the easiest way to build a daily habit.
• Babbel – Practical, conversation-focused lessons that explain grammar clearly and are built around real-life situations.
• Busuu – Structured courses plus feedback on your writing and speaking from a community of native speakers.
• Memrise – Uses videos of native speakers to help you understand how the language sounds in everyday life.
• Pimsleur – Audio-based lessons ideal for learning on the go, with a strong focus on listening and speaking.

Final Thoughts

If you want an easy, fun routine, Duolingo is hard to beat. If you want to hold real conversations sooner, Babbel or Busuu offer more structure, while Pimsleur is ideal for commuters. Whatever you choose, ten to fifteen minutes of daily practice will get you further than an occasional long session.