There are many benefits to using a free app to learn a new language. The obvious one is that you can learn a language, but you must wonder how easily and quickly you’ll learn.
The quality of free language-learning apps vary widely, and when you put in the effort to learn a new language, you don’t want to waste your time with poor quality and gimmicky features.
I’ve thoroughly tested each and every one of the 10 best free apps that can teach you a language. Each of these have pros and cons (as all language-learning platforms do), so check these out for yourself to see which ones fit your preferences in terms of the language you want to learn, user-friendliness, and learning method.
Top Tip! I’d recommend using a combination approach to get the best that the apps have to offer.
Learn languages quickly with Mondly Premium. Learn the language you’ve always wanted to learn. It’s fun, fast, and easy!
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is ideal for beginners and intermediate language students of all ages. In fact, you have to share your age when you sign up so the app can ensure the content you learn is age-appropriate. This is ideal if your kids want to learn an additional language.
You can learn 42 languages on Duolingo and complete each language course in its entirety (for free). As with many other apps, the languages available depend on your native tongue or language you’re highly proficient in.
Via memorization and translation, you’ll develop and improve your reading, listening, and writing skills.
Key Features
Uses a highly gamified approach, putting emphasis on fun while you learn.
Complete interactive lessons with a mix of exercises.
Use the Practice Hub to work on your weaker skills.
Costs
Duolingo has a freemium version, but there are restrictions, such as the limited hearts and ads after each lesson.
Super Duolingo gives you access to premium features at an affordable price (US$7.99 per month or US$47.99 per year).
If you live in a few select countries, you can sign up for Duolingo Max at roughly US$30.00 per month.
Want to learn more about language learning? Find my tips and insights here:
2. Memrise
Memrise is an interactive language-learning platform that uses immersive techniques, vocab builders, and listening and speaking exercises to teach you a language’s vocab, phrases, and grammar.
You can learn 25 languages on the app.
What I like about the app is that instead of diving into a mini quiz that’s supposed to be a lesson, you can see what you’ll learn before starting the “lesson quiz.”
Key Features
Choose one of the official Memrise language courses or sign up for one of the community created ones.
Practice your conversation skills with the AI chatbot lessons.
Learn pronunciation via videos that authentic native speakers recorded.
Costs
Memrise’s freemium gives you access to limited lessons.
If you like the app, sign up for the Pro Plan at US$27.99 per month or US$130.99 per year. There’s also a Lifetime plan at US$199.99.
3. LingQ
One of the creators of LingQ speaks a whopping 20 languages, and you can learn 40+ languages on the app.
LingQ offers an immersive way of learning since you learn via thousands of audio hours and flashcard quizzes. You can also import your favorite content, whether it’s news articles from CNN or BBC, videos from YouTube, a podcast, emails, or books.
The app even has a community forum so you don’t have to learn alone. You can join live conversations and chat in the target language.
Key Features
Mostly audio lessons, so ideal for auditory learners.
Create your own database of words and phrases to learn from and review.
LingQ extension so you can learn when browsing the web.
Costs
LingQ offers a limited freemium learning platform where you can listen to the audio, read the transcripts, save 20 words and phrases, create 5 lessons from imported content, and do the quizzes.
If you want premium features, sign up for LingQ Premium or Premium Plus.
The Premium subscription is US$9.99 per month if you take a yearly plan, and you can learn offline, compete in language challenges, do full sentence translations, and more.
Premium Plus also includes 3,000 points you can use for live tutoring, premium lessons, and writing corrections. A subscription costs US$36.99 per month for the 12-month plan.
Begin learning a new language with Babbel! 🌟 Unlock up to 55% OFF your Babbel subscription today!
4. Tandem
When you learn a new language, you need to start communicating with the locals at some stage. Unless you have the funds to travel often or live in a multicultural community, finding speaking opportunities isn’t so easy.
That’s where Tandem is a great option. Using the principle of language exchange, the app connects you with someone who wants to learn your native tongue or a language you’re proficient in, and you then learn their native language.
For example, if Natalie speaks fluent German and wants to learn French, she can connect with Sam who speaks French and wants to learn German.
You have a chance to learn from and communicate with another person via text, audio, or video.
Key Features
Learn more than 300 languages.
Find a language partner who shares your interests, etc. so you can connect more easily.
The in-app correction and translation tools help keep the conversation going.
Costs
The freemium version of Tandem is limited, but you can sign up for a monthly subscription to unlock premium features at US$13.99 per month or US$79.99 per year.
5. Mondly
Mondly uses the best of technology so you can learn in unique ways. With over 40 languages to choose from, you’ll never be bored on this platform.
You can complete interactive lessons, do the vocabulary trainer, chatbot lessons, and also engage in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) lessons.
If your little humans are interested in language learning, you can download the Mondly Kids apps to make learning fun for them.
Key Features
Choose from 40+ topics and even Business specific ones.
Develop your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills with the app.
Daily lessons, weekly quizzes, and monthly challenges to keep you engaged.
Costs
Otherwise, sign up to Mondly Premium for US$9.99 per month or US$47.99 per year.
There’s also a Lifetime Access plan, which normally costs nearly US$2,000, but Mondly often offers discounts, and I bought this plan for under US$100 in February 2024.
6. Babbel
When you learn with Babbel, you do so effectively and practically. The app offers a combination learning approach where you learn via immersion, memorization, and translation with the interactive lessons, Toucan web extension, live group classes, podcasts, and extra resources.
Babbel mostly focuses on improving your conversation and listening skills, though there is some reading and writing practice too.
You can learn 14 languages on the app.
Key Features
Compact lessons that take 10-15 minutes to complete.
Goal setting feature to keep you motivated and on track.
Great review feature.
Costs
Babbel offers a free trial, but you can merely check out the first lessons of each level and topic for free. If you do subscribe, the app has a 20-day money-back guarantee.
There are two main subscription options:
Babbel Self-Study (interactive lessons), starting at US$13.95 per month.
Babbel Live (interactive and live group lessons), starting at US$99.00 per month.
7. Busuu
You can use Busuu to learn a new language, improve your skills, or review existing knowledge. While you can focus on the video flashcards, checkpoint quizzes, and interactive grammar trainer, you can also engage with the Busuu Community to connect with natives in the target language to further boost your skills.
Busuu offers 14 language courses.
Key Features
The community offers insider know-how and tips, making language learning easier and more fun.
Can record your answers to get feedback from native speakers so you can improve and learn.
Get certificates, which makes you feel good about your progress.
Costs
Busuu has a limited freemium version in which you have to watch an ad to unlock a lesson.
If you want to remove the ads and access personalized practice and other features, sign up for a Premium subscription at US$13.90 per month.
8. FunEasyLearn
With FunEasyLearn, you learn a new language in context. Plus, learning is fun with the playful exercises and rewards. You’ll develop and improve your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills with the app.
The app helps improve your pronunciation since you learn how to read the letters, words, phrases, and the reading rules.
FunEasyLearn offers 34 language courses
Key Features
Choose to learn the target languages from an option of 62 source or mother languages.
Learn 6,000 of the most commonly used words with the parts of speech, gender, synonyms, and more.
Beautiful hand-drawn illustrations to help you remember the words and phrases.
Costs
EasyFunLearn’s freemium version contains ads and other learning limitations, but you can sign up for Premium. You can learn offline and access features like Favorites, Search, Review, Stats, and more.
If you want to learn one language, a Premium subscription costs US$16.99 for 3 months, US$32.29 for 6 months, or US$61.99 for a year. There’s also a family plan for 6 members at US$373.29 and a Lifetime option at US$69.99 (per person).
To learn all 34 languages, you’ll pay US$30.99 for 3 months, US$59.99 for 6 months, or US$125.99 for 12 months. The family plan is US$746.59, while the Lifetime plan costs US$139.99.
9. Quizlet
Quizlet uses interactive games, flashcards, and AI technology to teach you a new language. While you can learn 21 languages on the app, you can also use it to study for exams like the IELTS and TOEIC and learn other subjects like arts and humanities, math, and social sciences.
Key Features
Has study tools like Magic Notes, Q-Chat, and Expert Solutions.
Can transform your notes with AI to turn them into flashcards, practice tests, outlines, and more to help you learn and study.
Can set goals and do self-reflection to motivate you and remind you of your progress.
Costs
Some features on Quizlet are free, but when you upgrade to Quizlet Plus, you access Expert Solutions, personalized study features, ad-free studying and learning, and Magic Notes.
Quizlet Plus costs US$7.99 for a monthly plan and US$35.99 for an annual plan.
Excited to learn more? Explore my other language learning apps reviews listed below:
10. Drops
Drops is great if you want to focus on learning and improving your vocabulary skills in a specific language. As Drops states, they make language learning easy, and with the visual aspects and user-friendly design, learning is fun.
You can learn 50 languages on the app.
Key Features
Use streaks and reminders to help you meet your language-learning goals.
Compact lessons you can complete in 5 minutes.
Has extras, like Japanese kanji wiring practice.
Costs
The Premium subscription enables you to learn offline and gives you access to all the content and languages on Drops and exclusive gameplay. The subscription costs US$13.00 per month or US$89.99 per year. There’s also the Lifetime Access option at US$159.99.
Learn languages quickly with Mondly Premium. Learn the language you’ve always wanted to learn. It’s fun, fast, and easy!
My Final Thoughts About the Best Apps to Learn for Free
The world is your oyster when you decide you want to learn a new language, whether it’s your first additional language or your fifth. Language-learning apps can help develop and improve all language skills – some platforms focus on one or two skills predominantly or do a better job at teaching you.
I like the conversation practice on Babbel, the game-like learning on Duolingo that keeps me entertained and engaged, and the advanced technology and sheer number of lessons on Mondly.
Ultimately, only you can decide what’s the best language-learning app for you, but I suggest starting with free options to get a feel for how you’ll learn and what features you’d like.
Happy learning!
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
Join Our Newsletter
Sign up now to get the freshest updates on language learning and exclusive app deals delivered straight to your inbox!
