Whether you’re an intermediate to advanced student, or are just beginning the journey to fluency in a foreign language, congratulations! Picking up a new language is great for your career and mental health. It’s also a fun way to make new friends.
With advancements in modern technology, it’s never been easier to speed up the language acquisition process. Here are some of the best language learning apps available for download today. To set yourself up for success, try combining any of these apps along with private tutoring sessions for a fun and effective way to get fluent faster!
The 8 Best Language Learning Apps
1. TakeLessons
- Supported Devices: iPhone, Android
- Cost: Free!
- Levels: All
- Available At: Apple App Store, Google Play
With the TakeLessons language learning app, you can access private, one-on-one lessons with an experienced language tutor, or online group classes to work on your conversation skills with other students at your level. The app not only helps you find a language tutor or class, but it allows you to connect through a virtual classroom – so you can learn anywhere, any time.
2. Memrise
- Supported Devices: iPhone, Android
- Cost: Free!
- Levels: Best for beginners
- Available At: Apple App Store, Google Play
The Memrise app boasts accessibility to over 200 languages. It combines audio, visual, and chat features to help students memorize vocabulary faster and tackle grammar more efficiently. It can also be used offline, which makes it an excellent way to keep your language skills sharp while you’re off the grid – perfect to use when traveling!
3. Busuu
- Supported Devices: iPhone, Android
- Cost: Free!
- Levels: All
- Available At: Apple App Store, Google Play
Busuu calls itself a social network for language learners, and that is its biggest draw. It offers 12 languages including Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. You can use this helpful app to connect with a native speaker for a quick chat and put your speaking skills to good use. You can also ask questions and get feedback on your accent and pronunciation! All skills levels can benefit from this hands-on practice.
4. MindSnacks
- Supported Devices: iPhone
- Cost: $4.99 – $19.99
- Levels: Beginning to intermediate
- Available At: Apple App Store
If you love to play games on your iPhone, MindSnacks may be the perfect app for you! (An Android version of the app is reportedly in the works). With its bright colors and cartoon characters, the MindSnacks app makes language basics like grammar and vocabulary fun and easy. Replace Candy Crush with MindSnacks and impress your friends with all you’ve learned!
SEE ALSO: 9 Great Places to Practice a Language with Real People
5. FluentU
Are you a visual learner? FluentU sends you to entertaining YouTube videos in the language you’re trying to learn, complete with subtitles and translations. Language immersion is key to advancing to fluency faster! If questions come up as you’re watching videos, write them down and ask your TakeLessons language tutor about them in your next lesson.
6. Anki
- Supported Devices: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
- Cost: Free for computers and Androids; $25 for iPhone
- Levels: All
- Available At: apps.ankiweb.net, Apple App Store, Google Play
To learn a language, your memorization skills need to be sharp. Anki is an excellent tool for learning anything that requires memorization. It allows you to make over 100,000 flashcards using audio, video, and images, so no matter your learning style you’re set up for success! Flashcards synchronize across devices, so you can access or edit your decks using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
7. Tandem
- Supported Devices: iPhone, Android
- Cost: $19.95
- Levels: All
- Available At: Apple App Store, Google Play, Windows Store
Like Busuu, Tandem puts you in touch with an international community of people who are willing to chat with you in whatever language you’re trying to learn. While anyone can benefit from this, it’s especially valuable for intermediate to advanced students who need to practice speaking in real time. This is a great way to become more confident and comfortable in your conversational skills.
8. Babbel
- Supported Devices: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
- Cost: $6.95-$12.95 per month
- Levels: Beginning to intermediate
- Available At: babbel.com, Apple App Store, Google Play
This app is designed to focus on useful phrases and vocabulary that you would use in everyday conversations, such as at a restaurant or social event. If you’re planning to take a trip where your target language is spoken, use Babbel to practice forming some common sentences and phrases. Babbel is an effective tool to supplement private tutoring sessions and can help you practice in between lessons.
Bonus: Mondly
- Supported Devices: iPhone, Android, Desktop
- Cost: Free!
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Available at: Apple App Store, Google Play, Oculus Store
Mondly is one of the most innovative language apps in the world, being the first to launch a language Chatbot. It offers 33 languages to learn from the most common (English, German, or Spanish) to the most exotic (Afrikaans, Japanese, or Thai). Its bite-sized lessons and gamified approach makes learning easy while preparing you for real life conversations.
It’s fantastic that some of the best language learning apps aren’t just fun to use, but they can help students expedite their language endeavors as well. In addition to using apps to boost your progress, never underestimate the power of face-to-face interaction. Nothing beats practicing your language skills with another person (such as your TakeLessons language teacher) to learn the nuances of a spoken language!
Post Author: Elaina R.Elaina R. teaches opera voice and singing in Ypsilanti, MI, and is also available for online lessons. She received her Master of Music from the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California. Learn more about Elaina here!
Jessica Dais