highest rated language learning apps

The highest-rated language learning apps—Babbel, Duolingo, Memrise, and Busuu—are known for their unique, engaging approaches that make language acquisition accessible for learners of all levels. Each app caters to different learning styles and preferences, offering features like gamification, real-world conversation practice, and AI-driven personalization.

Babbel stands out for its structured lessons that focus on real conversational phrases, making it popular among those seeking practical language skills. Duolingo, a free app with an entertaining gamified interface, is widely used by beginners due to its reward-based learning system. Memrise focuses on vocabulary acquisition through spaced repetition and often includes user-generated content, making it versatile and culturally immersive. Busuu, on the other hand, provides a more community-oriented experience, allowing users to practice with native speakers and receive feedback. This combination of structured curriculum (Babbel), playful learning (Duolingo), vocabulary emphasis (Memrise), and social practice (Busuu) makes these apps some of the most effective tools available for language learners today.

  • Babbel
    Babbel

    Babbel - Real-life conversations, made easy.

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  • Duolingo
    Duolingo

    Duolingo - Learn a language for free, forever.

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  • Memrise
    Memrise

    Memrise - Learn from locals.

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  • Busuu
    Busuu

    Busuu - Learn a new language with personalized study plans.

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  • Lingoda
    Lingoda

    Lingoda - Speak a new language with live lessons.

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  • Drops
    Drops

    Drops - Learn vocabulary in 5 minutes a day.

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  • Lingvist
    Lingvist

    Lingvist - Master a language faster with personalized learning.

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  • Rosetta Stone
    Rosetta Stone

    Rosetta Stone - The best way to learn a language.

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  • Sign It ASL
    Sign It ASL

    Sign It ASL - Learn American Sign Language, anytime, anywhere.

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  • Pimsleur
    Pimsleur

    Pimsleur - Learn languages by listening and speaking.

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highest rated language learning apps

1.

Babbel

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Babbel offers structured lessons focused on real-world scenarios. It tailors lessons to your native language, making it intuitive for beginners. It also allows offline learning.

Pros

  • pros Tailored lessons
  • pros Structured learning
  • pros Short 15-min lessons
  • pros Offline accessibility
  • pros Offers 14 languages

Cons

  • consLimited language options
  • cons No free version for full access
  • cons Can feel repetitive
  • cons Requires subscription
  • cons May not be ideal for advanced learners​

2.

Duolingo

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Duolingo is a free, gamified app for language learning, offering over 35 languages. It combines reading, speaking, and listening exercises, with features to track progress.

Pros

  • pros Free version
  • pros Fun gamified approach
  • pros Many languages
  • pros Progress tracking
  • pros Includes speaking and listening exercises

Cons

  • consLack of depth in grammar
  • cons Limited speaking practice
  • cons No native speaker interaction
  • cons Ads in free version
  • cons Can be frustrating​

3.

Memrise

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Memrise specializes in real-world learning, featuring native speaker videos to help with pronunciation and vocabulary. The app adapts to your learning pace.

Pros

  • pros Native speaker content
  • pros Pronunciation practice
  • pros Uses video for real scenarios
  • pros Interactive camera feature
  • pros Vocabulary building

Cons

  • consInaccurate user-generated content
  • cons Limited language selection
  • cons Requires subscription for full access
  • cons Some content lacks context
  • cons Less structured grammar learning

4.

Busuu

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Busuu creates custom learning paths for its users, with features to practice with native speakers. It also provides personalized feedback on exercises.

Pros

  • pros Personalized study plans
  • pros Native speaker interaction
  • pros Speech recognition
  • pros Structured courses
  • pros Offers offline lessons

Cons

  • consLimited free version
  • cons Fewer languages compared to others
  • cons Inconsistent content quality
  • cons Focus on vocabulary over grammar
  • cons May require extra resources

5.

Lingoda

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Lingoda offers live, online lessons with native speakers in small group settings or private classes. The focus is on building conversational skills.

Pros

  • pros Live lessons
  • pros Qualified native teachers
  • pros Flexible scheduling
  • pros Structured plans
  • pros Personal attention in small classes

Cons

  • consExpensive
  • cons Limited language options
  • cons Requires stable internet
  • cons Less self-paced learning
  • cons High costs for live lessons​

6.

Drops

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Drops focuses on learning vocabulary through visual cues and quick, engaging mini-games, making language learning fun and effective for beginners.

Pros

  • pros Fast learning sessions
  • pros Visual learning
  • pros Focuses on vocabulary
  • pros Engaging interface
  • pros Offline access

Cons

  • consLimited to vocabulary
  • cons No grammar lessons
  • cons Fewer languages
  • cons Paid features for full access
  • cons May not help with advanced proficiency​

7.

Lingvist

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Lingvist uses AI to provide personalized vocabulary and grammar learning, adapting content to your proficiency level and helping to master languages quickly.

Pros

  • pros Personalized learning
  • pros Adaptive AI
  • pros Focus on vocabulary and grammar
  • pros Data-driven
  • pros Fast-paced

Cons

  • consFewer languages
  • cons Not as interactive
  • cons Limited speaking practice
  • cons Less engaging for beginners
  • cons Paid premium features​

8.

Rosetta Stone

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Rosetta Stone offers immersion-style learning using visual cues and audio to help users think directly in the target language. It's well-established for beginners and beyond.

Pros

  • pros Immersive method
  • pros Speech recognition
  • pros Strong foundation for beginners
  • pros Available for multiple platforms
  • pros Clear pronunciation focus

Cons

  • consExpensive
  • cons Focus on vocabulary over grammar
  • cons Can feel repetitive
  • cons Limited free content
  • cons Less flexibility in lesson structure​

9.

Sign It ASL

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Sign It ASL is a specialized app focused on learning American Sign Language (ASL) with lessons designed around real-life scenarios and video demonstrations.

Pros

  • pros Focus on ASL
  • pros Real-life scenarios
  • pros Video demonstrations
  • pros Beginner to advanced lessons
  • pros Suitable for all learners

Cons

  • consLimited language options
  • cons Narrow scope
  • cons Requires internet for video content
  • cons No free trial for full access
  • cons Paid features necessary​

10.

Pimsleur

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Pimsleur uses an audio-focused method, emphasizing listening and speaking to learn languages. It’s effective for learning on the go and focuses on conversation skills.

Pros

  • pros Audio-based learning
  • pros Emphasis on speaking
  • pros Portable
  • pros Suitable for all levels
  • pros Strong pronunciation focus

Cons

  • consNo visual aids
  • cons Limited languages
  • cons Expensive subscription
  • cons Lacks interactive features
  • cons Requires listening-only commitment​

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