Top 14 Language Learning Apps and Websites

Language learning has evolved dramatically over the years, with technology bringing new and innovative methods to help learners of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pick up a new language for travel or an advanced learner aiming to refine your skills, there's an app out there for you. Here’s a deep dive into the top 14 language learning apps, showcasing what makes them unique and effective.

1. Duolingo

Launched in 2011, Duolingo has become a household name in language learning. With its gamified approach, it offers a fun and engaging way to learn languages. The app features a colorful interface and uses a point system to encourage daily practice. As you progress, you earn "lingots," which can be spent on bonus skills and features.

  • Languages Offered: Over 35 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and more.
  • Features:
    • Gamification: The app turns learning into a game with levels, achievements, and challenges.
    • Bite-sized lessons: Short, focused lessons that fit easily into your schedule.
    • Leaderboard: Compete with friends and other users to stay motivated.
  • Best For: Beginners and casual learners who enjoy an interactive and playful learning environment.

Duolingo’s community-driven model means users can contribute to course creation, making it continually updated and relevant. Their commitment to free education has expanded access to language learning globally, and their mobile app is especially praised for on-the-go learning.

2. Rosetta Stone

Founded in 1992, Rosetta Stone has a long-standing reputation in the language learning world. Known for its immersive approach, the app encourages learners to think and learn like a native speaker. The software integrates speech recognition technology to help users improve their pronunciation and conversation skills effectively.

  • Languages Offered: 24 languages, including Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, and French.
  • Features:
    • Immersive learning: The program uses visual and auditory cues to reinforce vocabulary and grammar without translation.
    • Speech recognition: Advanced technology to analyze pronunciation and provide instant feedback.
    • Cultural context: Lessons that include cultural insights to enhance understanding.
  • Best For: Serious learners looking for an in-depth and immersive learning experience.

Rosetta Stone’s comprehensive curriculum is structured to build skills gradually, emphasizing listening and speaking first. The app is particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a full immersion experience and want to develop a solid foundation in their target language.

3. Babbel

Founded in 2007, Babbel prides itself on creating a language learning platform that is tailored to real-life conversations. With a focus on practical vocabulary and grammar, Babbel’s courses are designed by linguistic experts and cater to the needs of everyday situations.

  • Languages Offered: 14 languages, including Italian, Swedish, Portuguese, and Dutch.
  • Features:
    • Real-life dialogues: Lessons based on everyday conversations and situations.
    • Tailored content: Lessons adapted to user interests and goals.
    • Grammar tips: Helpful explanations and quizzes to reinforce understanding.
  • Best For: Practical learners who want to use their language skills in real-life situations.

Babbel’s lessons are designed to be short and efficient, making them perfect for busy individuals. Their speech recognition technology also aids in pronunciation, ensuring that learners sound authentic in their spoken language.

4. Busuu

Since its launch in 2008, Busuu has grown into a vibrant language learning community. With a focus on social interaction, the app allows users to practice with native speakers, creating a collaborative and engaging environment.

  • Languages Offered: 12 languages, including Russian, Japanese, Spanish, and French.
  • Features:
    • Community feedback: Native speakers review and correct your exercises.
    • Personalized study plans: Tailor your learning path to suit your goals.
    • Offline access: Download lessons for studying without an internet connection.
  • Best For: Social learners who thrive on interaction and feedback from native speakers.

Busuu offers a unique blend of self-paced learning and community support. With its structured lessons and social components, users can expect a well-rounded approach to language acquisition.

5. Memrise

Launched in 2010, Memrise stands out for its focus on vocabulary retention and language immersion. The app uses spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques to help learners remember new words and phrases effectively.

  • Languages Offered: 16 languages, including Spanish, French, and Japanese.
  • Features:
    • Video clips of native speakers: Learn pronunciation and intonation from real-life examples.
    • Gamification: Earn points and unlock levels as you progress through courses.
    • Personalized learning: Adapts to your learning speed and style.
  • Best For: Visual learners and those who enjoy gamified experiences.

Memrise’s engaging and dynamic approach to language learning makes it appealing to a wide range of users. The app's ability to mix entertainment with education ensures that users remain motivated and committed to their learning journey.

6. Lingodeer

Since its launch in 2016, Lingodeer has gained popularity, especially among learners of Asian languages. The app combines structured lessons with interactive elements, making it an excellent choice for those interested in languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

  • Languages Offered: 6 languages, including Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
  • Features:
    • Grammar-focused lessons: Lessons emphasize grammar rules and sentence structures.
    • Interactive quizzes: Reinforce vocabulary and grammar through engaging exercises.
    • Offline mode: Download lessons for study on-the-go.
  • Best For: Learners interested in Asian languages or those who prefer a structured approach.

Lingodeer's curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation, especially for beginners. The app’s focus on grammar and sentence construction sets it apart, ensuring users develop a deeper understanding of the languages they are learning.

7. Pimsleur

Founded by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in 1963, Pimsleur is renowned for its audio-based language learning method. The app focuses on verbal communication and listening skills, making it ideal for those who prefer an auditory learning style.

  • Languages Offered: 50+ languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more.
  • Features:
    • Audio lessons: Focus on listening and speaking to develop conversational skills.
    • Convenient format: Learn while driving or doing chores, making it easy to fit into daily life.
    • Graduated interval recall: Reinforces memory through spaced repetition.
  • Best For: Auditory learners and those who want to improve conversational skills quickly.

Pimsleur’s method emphasizes active participation, encouraging learners to speak and respond throughout the lessons. Its unique approach is perfect for busy individuals looking to maximize their learning time effectively.

8. HelloTalk

Launched in 2012, HelloTalk connects language learners with native speakers from around the world. The app’s social platform allows users to practice speaking and writing in their target language while helping others learn their native tongue.

  • Languages Offered: Supports 100+ languages, allowing users to learn almost any language they desire.
  • Features:
    • Text and voice messaging: Communicate with native speakers through text and voice messages.
    • Language exchange: Pair with users who are fluent in the language you want to learn.
    • Text correction tools: Native speakers can help correct your sentences, enhancing your learning experience.
  • Best For: Learners seeking real-life conversation practice and cultural exchange.

HelloTalk's user-friendly interface and emphasis on community interaction make it a fantastic choice for learners who want to practice their speaking and writing skills in a supportive environment. The app fosters cultural exchange, allowing users to learn not just a language but also about the cultures behind it.

9. Tandem

Tandem, established in 2015, is another language exchange app that connects learners with native speakers. It focuses on creating meaningful language partnerships, allowing users to practice their target languages through text, audio, and video calls.

  • Languages Offered: Supports over 300 languages, covering a wide range of dialects and regions.
  • Features:
    • Personalized matches: Connect with users based on language preferences and learning goals.
    • Voice and video calls: Practice speaking with native speakers through real-time conversations.
    • Text correction: Native speakers can help you correct your messages in real-time.
  • Best For: Those looking for personalized language exchanges with native speakers.

Tandem emphasizes the importance of practice and interaction, making it a powerful tool for learners who want to build confidence in their speaking abilities. The app's user-friendly design and commitment to fostering real connections create a supportive environment for language learners.

10. Clozemaster

Clozemaster was launched in 2015 as a complementary tool for language learners. It focuses on helping users master vocabulary in context through cloze tests (fill-in-the-blank exercises) and is particularly useful for intermediate and advanced learners.

  • Languages Offered: Over 100 languages, focusing on various dialects and regional variations.
  • Features:
    • Cloze tests: Fill-in-the-blank exercises to reinforce vocabulary in context.
    • Customizable learning paths: Tailor your learning experience based on your goals and interests.
    • Gamified experience: Earn points and compete on the leaderboard for added motivation.
  • Best For: Intermediate and advanced learners looking to expand their vocabulary and fluency.

Clozemaster’s unique approach to vocabulary acquisition makes it a fantastic addition to any language learner's toolkit. By focusing on context, learners can build their vocabulary more effectively and retain what they've learned for longer.

11. Drops

Launched in 2015, Drops is a visually-driven language learning app that focuses on vocabulary acquisition. The app's unique approach emphasizes visual learning and quick, engaging sessions, making it perfect for learners with limited time.

  • Languages Offered: Supports 35 languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, and many others.
  • Features:
    • Visual learning: Uses images and illustrations to reinforce vocabulary.
    • Short sessions: Learning sessions are limited to 5 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
    • Word association: Focuses on teaching words in context rather than through lengthy explanations.
  • Best For: Visual learners and those looking for quick, effective vocabulary practice.

Drops stands out for its unique focus on visual learning and brevity. The app’s design encourages users to engage with language learning in a fun and efficient way. The emphasis on vocabulary and context allows learners to build their skills quickly, making it an excellent choice for those on-the-go.

12. Anki

Anki, created in 2006, is a powerful flashcard application that uses spaced repetition to optimize memory retention. Although not solely a language learning app, many language learners utilize Anki to supplement their studies.

  • Languages Offered: Supports any language, depending on user-created decks.
  • Features:
    • Customizable flashcards: Create your own flashcards or download pre-made decks from the community.
    • Spaced repetition: Adjusts the frequency of reviews based on how well you remember each card.
    • Cross-platform compatibility: Sync across devices for seamless learning.
  • Best For: Self-directed learners who enjoy customizing their study materials.

Anki’s flexibility and power make it a favorite among dedicated language learners. Its community-driven approach allows users to access a wealth of resources, ensuring they can tailor their learning experience to suit their needs.

13. LingQ

Founded in 2007, LingQ is designed to help learners develop their reading and listening skills through authentic content. The app focuses on exposure to real language, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced learners.

  • Languages Offered: Supports over 20 languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
  • Features:
    • Authentic content: Access to a vast library of articles, podcasts, and videos in your target language.
    • Vocabulary tracking: Highlight and save new words to build your personalized vocabulary list.
    • Interactive lessons: Learn vocabulary and grammar in context through real-life materials.
  • Best For: Intermediate and advanced learners looking to improve comprehension skills.

LingQ’s focus on real-world materials sets it apart from traditional language learning apps. By immersing users in authentic content, the app helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the language, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to advance their skills.

14. Visulang

While we may be a bit biased, we couldn’t resist including ourselves in this list! Launched recently, Visulang focuses on visual mnemonic flashcards that aid language learners in mastering vocabulary through engaging imagery and associations.

  • Languages Offered: Currently offers flashcards in 6 languages, including Spanish, German, French, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese.
  • Features:
    • Visual mnemonics: Helps learners associate images with words, enhancing memory retention.
    • Dual and tri-language combinations: Learn multiple languages simultaneously for a more enriching experience.
    • Tailored for special needs: Designed to support visual learners and those with learning disabilities.
  • Best For: Visual learners and those looking to learn multiple languages at once.

At Visulang, we believe that learning should be accessible and engaging. Our unique approach leverages the power of imagery to make language learning enjoyable. Although we’re a newer player in the field, we’re excited to provide tools that cater to diverse learning styles and needs.