5 Best Language Learning Apps (2022): Online Courses and a Pocket Translator | W...

Language learning apps can be an effective tool for improving your language skills, but if you want to become fluent, you will likely need additional help. A Columbia University review of language apps identified three main weaknesses: “First, apps tend to teach vocabulary in isolated units rather than in relevant contexts; second, apps minimally adapt to suit the skill sets of individual learners; and third, apps rarely offer explanatory corrective feedback to learners.”

Every linguist agrees that human interaction is an essential part of learning a second language, so it’s vital to look for language learning apps that include an option to listen to and talk to native speakers of your chosen language. It’s also helpful when apps cover real-life scenarios, tell stories, and provide cultural context. Apps that focus on vocabulary building can help, but only alongside classes or other learning tools. There has been surprisingly little research on the efficacy of language learning apps, but a Michigan State University study found that our top pick, Babbel, didn’t just facilitate grammar and vocabulary acquisition but also improved oral communication skills. 

Language learning apps can help beginners and intermediate students to build a foundation. If you just want to learn enough to order a coffee, they can get you there. Fluency requires immersion and comprehension, whether through talking with native speakers, learning in a classroom, or reading books and watching movies.

If you’re looking for a complete language-learning package, Babbel is the way to go. It teaches the basics of grammar, including special vowels and consonants and their correct pronunciations, before moving on to conversational scenarios in common settings. I particularly like the conversations where you fill in the blanks, the option to choose courses on different topics (there’s no fixed order), and the insights into local culture and slang. Babbel does a great job of explaining grammar rules as you practice to build a deeper understanding. The mixture of learning options includes podcasts and games, and you can even book live online classes with language teachers (though this is expensive). The pacing is good, with a slow increase in difficulty and plenty of spaced repetition to reinforce your learning.

Unfortunately, the free trial is limited, offering just a single lesson for each language. Some lessons are dry, and it inevitably feels repetitive at times. There’s no real gamification here, so it lacks the addictive hook of some other apps. I also occasionally had issues with speech recognition and could not nail the pronunciation. 

Babbel is $13 per month, $30 for 3 months, $50 for 6 months, or $84 annually. Babbel Live costs $110 for five classes per month, $180 for 10 classes, and $290 for 20 classes.

Designing an addictive hook into your language practice is a clever way to keep you engaged, and Duolingo nails gamification like no other. It’s easy to pick up, slick, and fun to use, and you will soon find yourself jealously guarding your daily streak. Each module is broken into topics, and the course is structured, so you must complete several lessons to unlock more. Modules cover social situations like dates or surprise parties, but they also tackle grammatical topics. Useful tips are scattered throughout, and there’s a good mix of learning techniques with stories, puzzles, reminders, and explanations of common mistakes.

Duolingo has expanded beyond its focus on vocabulary building, adding podcasts and stories to the usual reading and writing exercises, but it is still light on speaking and listening, and it won’t teach you to be fluent on its own. The free tier offers a lot of great content, but you do have to endure ads. The gamification can also be stressful, as you are limited to five hearts each day, and you lose one when you get something wrong. You can ditch the limits and ads, and learn offline by subscribing to Duolingo Plus. There are also in-app purchases, but all the core content is free.

Duolingo is free. Duolingo Plus is $13 per month or $84 annually.