Expanding your vocabulary is one of the most rewarding parts of learning a new language. Plus, as we all know, it’s quite necessary, too—unless you’re happy to always stay at a newbie or A1 learning level.
The more words you know, the easier it becomes to express yourself, understand native speakers, and feel confident in conversations.
But where do you start?
Thankfully, plenty of apps are designed to make learning vocabulary fun, efficient, and personalized.
In this guide, I’ll share the 10 best apps for vocabulary learning, covering how they work, their features, the language courses on offer, subscription options, and what makes each one stand out.
Whether you’re a beginner building your word base or an advanced learner refining your skills, there’s something here for everyone.
Why Should You Learn Vocabulary?
Building a strong vocabulary is essential for fluency in any language. Words are the building blocks of communication—whether you’re reading, writing, speaking, or listening.
Without a solid vocabulary foundation, it’s challenging to form sentences, understand others, or express your thoughts clearly.
You need to build this foundation before you can tackle more complex aspects of language learning, like mastering grammar rules, holding meaningful conversations, or confidently reading advanced texts.
Think of vocabulary as the toolkit you’ll rely on to navigate every part of your language-learning process.
My Top 10 Apps to Learn Vocabulary
When it comes to learning vocabulary, having the right tools can make all the difference.
These apps are designed to simplify the process, keep you motivated, and make learning fun.
I’ve tried several of these myself, and each one brings something unique to the table, depending on your goals, the language you are learning, and learning style.
1. Memrise
Memrise combines spaced repetition with real-life video clips from native speakers, making it one of the most engaging apps for vocabulary learning.
How Memrise Works
Memrise uses short lessons with flashcards, quizzes, and videos to help you learn and remember new words.
You can also do the listening and speaking lessons to practice the new vocabulary and further cement your knowledge.
What Languages Can You Learn on Memrise?
Memrise has 25 official language courses:
Official Language Courses on Memrise | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Arabic | English – American | Japanese | Polish | Spanish – Spain |
Chinese | French | Japanese – no script | Portuguese – Brazilian | Spanish – Mexico |
Danish | German | Korean | Portuguese – Portugal | Swedish |
Dutch | Icelandic | Mongolian | Russian | Turkish |
English – British | Italian | Norwegian | Slovenian | Yoruba |
On the community side, there are hundreds more language courses you can sign up for.
Memrise Subscription Options and Costs
A free version is available, but to unlock premium features and get rid of ads, here’s how much Memrise Pro costs:
Monthly plan: US$27.99 per month
Annual plan: US$130.00 per year
Lifetime plan: US$199.99 one-off
What I Like About Memrise
Interactive lessons and the video in the vocabulary builder
Customization, like choosing to listen to a native male or female voice and how many words per lesson you want to learn
What I Don’t Like About Memrise
Depending on the source or instruction language, you may not be able to learn all 25 Memrise languages
Memrise mobile gives you the best experience, so if you want to learn on a desktop, don’t expect the same experience or content available
2. Quizlet
Quizlet is a versatile app that’s perfect for learners who enjoy customizable flashcards and interactive games.
How Quizlet Works
Create your own flashcard sets or choose from millions of pre-made ones. Study features like “Magic Notes” and “Expert Solution” keep things interesting.
What Languages Can You Learn on Quizlet?
Since you can create your own flashcards, you can learn virtually any language.
However, Quizlet has preloaded language flashcards in these 21 languages:
Preloaded Language Vocab Flashcards on Quizlet | ||
Arabic | Hebrew | Portuguese |
Chinese | Hungarian | Russian |
Dutch | Italian | Spanish |
English | Japanese | Swedish |
Finnish | Korean | Turkish |
French | Latin | Ukrainian |
German | Polish | Vietnamese |
Quizlet Subscription Options and Costs
Quizlet has a limited freemium version, but to access ad-free learning and personalized study features, consider Quizlet Plus:
Monthly plan: US$7.99
Annual plan: US$35.99
What I Like About Quizlet
Easily turn your flashcards into a test to help you practice
Set goals to help keep you on track
What I Don’t Like About Quizlet
User-generated content on the app may not be 100% accurate
You have to create your own flashcards, so if you are short on time, this isn’t the best option
3. Mondly
Mondly uses the latest technology to teach you vocabulary. It focuses on real-world vocabulary with 5,000 words spread across 40 topic categories, supported by over 2,000 exercises.
How Mondly Works
The app has bite-size interactive, augmented, and virtual lessons that teach you complete phrases in context, making learning easier. You can also use the vocab you’ve learned with the AI chatbot.
What Languages Can You Learn on Mondly?
You can learn 41 languages on Mondly.
Languages on Mondly | |||||
Afrikaans | Czech | German | Japanese | Polish | Tagalog |
Arabic | Danish | Greek | Korean | Portuguese | Thai |
Bengali | Dutch | Hebrew | Latin | Romanian | Turkish |
Bulgarian | English – UK | Hindi | Latvian | Russian | Ukrainian |
Catalan | English – USA | Hungarian | Lithuanian | Slovak | Urdu |
Chinese (Mandarin) | Finnish | Indonesian | Norwegian | Spanish | Vietnamese |
Croatian | French | Italian | Persian | Swedish | |
Mondly Subscription Options and Costs
Mondly has a freemium version, but it’s quite limited.
Here’s how much a Mondly Premium subscription costs (excluding its VR lessons):
- Monthly plan (for 1 language): ±US$10 per month
- Annual plan (for 1 language): ±US$48 per month
- Lifetime Access (for all languages): US$99.99 (when discounted)
What I Like About Mondly
The focus is on learning conversational phrases that are helpful in real-world scenarios
Gamified approach, making learning fun
What I Don’t Like About Mondly
Not suited for intermediate or advanced learners
Limited speaking practice, so you’ll need to hire a tutor or find a language exchange partner
4. Drops
Drops turns vocabulary learning into a game with beautiful visuals and bite-sized lessons, perfect for busy schedules.
How Drops Works
The lessons focus on vocabulary only, using word association and visuals to aid memory.
What Languages Can You Learn on Drops?
You can learn 50 languages on Drops:
Languages on Drops | |||||
Ainu | Croatian | German | Irish | Polish | Thai |
American English | Danish | Greek | Italian | Romanian | Turkish |
Arabic | Dutch | Hawaiian | Japanese | Russian | Ukrainian |
Bosnian | Esperanto | Hebrew | Korean | Samoan | Vietnamese |
Brazilian Portuguese | Estonian | Hindi | Mandarin Chinese | Sanskrit for Yoga | Yoruba |
British English | European Portuguese | Hungarian | Maori | Serbian | |
Cantonese | Finnish | Icelandic | Mexican Spanish | Swahili | |
Castilian Spanish | French | Ibgo | Norwegian | Swedish | |
Catalan | Galician | Indonesian | Persian | Tagalog | |
Drops Subscription Options and Costs
Use the free version but put up with ads, or sign up for Drops Premium:
- Monthly plan: US$13.00
- Annual plan: US$89.99
- Lifetime Access: US$159.99
What I Like About Drops
Quick lessons, so you don’t have an excuse to miss a lesson
Reminders and streaks to keep you motivated
What I Don’t Like About Drops
It’s vocabulary-focused only, so you’ll have to sign up for other apps for speaking, writing, listening, and reading practice
Limited focus on grammar and sentence building
5. Babbel
Babbel offers a comprehensive approach to language learning, with vocabulary building seamlessly integrated into its lessons.
How Babbel Works
Babbel’s courses teach vocabulary in context, alongside grammar and conversational practice.
What Languages Can You Learn on Babbel?
You can learn 15 languages on Babbel:
Languages on Babbel | ||||
Brazilian Portuguese | English | Indonesian | Polish | Mexican Spanish |
Danish | French | Italian | Russian | Swedish |
Dutch | German | Norwegian | European Spanish | Turkish |
Babbel Subscription Options and Costs
3-month plan (for 1 language): US$9.95 per month (discounted)
6-plan plan (for 1 language): US$8.45 per month (discounted)
Annual plan (for 1 language): US$6.95 per month (discounted)
Lifetime plan (for all languages): US$299 one-off (discounted)
What I Like About Babbel
The multiple learning formats, from the interactive lessons to the games, cultural videos to podcasts
Spaced-repetition method and review feature
What I Don’t Like About Babbel
Not ideal for advanced learners
Can be pricey, considering most subscriptions are to learn a single language
6. Anki
Anki is a classic flashcard app loved by language learners for its highly customizable spaced-repetition system.
How Anki Works
You can create your own flashcards or download shared decks. Anki’s algorithm optimizes review timing for maximum retention.
What Languages Can You Learn on Anki?
Any language, as the app depends on the content you create.
Anki Subscription Options and Costs
It’s 100% free.
What I Like About Anki
Ideal for serious learners, especially if you’re building a personalized vocabulary set
What I Don’t Like About Anki
Interface can feel outdated and less intuitive for beginners
7. FunEasyLearn
FunEasyLearn focuses on vocabulary with a vast database of words and fun games to keep you motivated.
How FunEasyLearn Works
You learn words by playing games, completing challenges, and using audio for pronunciation practice.
What Languages Can You Learn on FunEasyLearn?
FunEasyLearn has 34 language courses you can choose from:
Languages on FunEasyLearn | ||||
Arabic | Danish | Greek | Korean | Slovak |
Bulgarian | Dutch | Hebrew | Norwegian (Bokmål) | Spanish |
Catalan | English – British | Hindi | Polish | Swedish |
Chinese – Simplified | English – American | Hungarian | Portuguese – Portugal | Thai |
Chinese – Traditional | Finnish | Indonesian | Portuguese – Brazilian | Turkish |
Croatian | French | Italian | Romanian | Ukrainian |
Czech | German | Japanese | Russian | |
You can also choose from 64 sources or native tongues to learn on the app, making learning very accessible.
FunEasyLearn Subscription Options and Costs
Use the freemium version, but it’s limited and contains ads.
Or sign up for FunEasyLearn Premium:
Monthly plan: US$6.99 per month for 1 language or US$13.99 per month for all 34 languages
6-month plan: US$4.69 per month for 1 language or US$9.29 per month for all 34 languages
Annual plan: US$3.49 per month for 1 language or US$6.99 per month for all 34 languages
Family plan: US$5.79 per month for 1 language or US$11.69 per month for all 34 languages
Lifetime: US$104.99 one-off for 1 language or US$209.99 one-off for all 34 languages
What I Like About FunEasyLearn
Learn 6,000 of the most commonly used words in a language
Pretty illustrations to help you remember the words
What I Don’t Like About FunEasyLearn
Limited depth beyond vocabulary learning
8. Clozemaster
Clozemaster uses fill-in-the-blank exercises to help you learn vocabulary in context, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced learners.
How Clozemaster Works
Choose a language pair and practice filling in the blanks in sentences using the correct word. Except you learn all the vocabulary in context.
What Languages Can You Learn on Clozemaster?
You can learn 70 languages on the app:
Languages on Clozemaster | |||||
Afrikaans | Catalan | German | Kazakh | Occitan | Swahili |
Albanian | Cornish | Greek | Korean | Persian Farsi | Swedish |
Amharic | Croatian | Guarani | Latin | Piedmontese | Tagalog |
Arabic | Czech | Hebrew | Latvian | Polish | Thai |
Armenian | Danish | Hindi | Lithuanian | Portuguese – Brazilian | Toki Pona |
Azerbaijani | Dutch | Hungarian | Lojban | Romanian | Turkish |
Basque | Esperanto | Icelandic | Macedonian | Russian | Ukrainian |
Belarusian | Estonian | Indonesian | Mandarin Chinese | Scottish Gaelic | Vietnamese |
Bengali | Finnish | Interlingue | Mandarin Chinese – Traditional | Serbian | Welsh |
Breton | French | Irish | Maori | Slovak | Yiddish |
Bulgarian | Galician | Italian | Nahuatl | Slovenian | |
Cantonese | Georgian | Japanese | Norwegian (Bokmål) | Spanish | |
Clozemaster Subscription Options and Costs
Access the freemium version, or sign up to Clozemaster Pro to use the advanced features:
Monthly plan: US$12.99 per month
Annual plan: US$69.99 per year
Lifetime access: US$159.99 one-off
What I Like About Clozemaster?
The focus on context helps with retention
It’s a great challenge for higher-level learners
What I Don’t Like About Clozemaster?
Not beginner-friendly due to the lack of basic vocabulary support
9. Flashcards Deluxe
Flashcards Deluxe is an app for creating and managing flashcards, perfect for vocabulary learners who like full control.
How Flashcards Deluxe Works
Create custom decks, add images and audio, and use advanced features like doing multiple-choice, getting text-to-speech support, and slideshow mode. You can also choose between the Leitner and spaced repetition methods to learn.
What Languages Can You Learn on Flashcards Deluxe?
You can learn any language since it depends on the flashcards you create.
Flashcards Deluxe Subscription Options and Costs
Use the lite version on your internet browser for free, or pay US$3.99 for the mobile app versions.
What I Like About Flashcards Deluxe
Create your flashcards in the app or on a spreadsheet or text editor
Access the Shared Library to see the flashcards other users have made
What I Don’t Like About Flashcards Deluxe
Requires effort to set up and doesn’t include pre-made content
10. Lingvist
Lingvist combines vocabulary building with interactive AI-based conversations, making it perfect for learners who want a balance of structured practice and real-life application.
How Lingvist Works
The lessons focus on expanding vocabulary through thematic units, reinforced by conversation practice with AI to simulate real-world scenarios.
What Languages Can You Learn on Lingvist?
While you can learn 50+ languages on Lingvist, what you can learn depends on your native or source language.
For example, if your source language is German, you can learn:
American or British English
French
Spanish (European and Latin American)
Japanese
Italian
But if you speak English, you can learn the languages above and these below:
Korean
Estonian
Dutch
Polish
Swedish
Norwegian
Russian
Danish
Portuguese (Brazilian)
Lingvist Subscription Options and Costs
Try Lingvist via a 14-day free trial before you subscribe to the annual plan. Here’s how much the subscriptions cost:
Monthly plan: US$9.99 per month
Annual plan: US$6.67 per month
What I Like About Lingvist
The conversational AI feels natural and helps you apply new words in context immediately
What I Don’t Like About Lingvist
Some features, like in-depth grammar explanations, are still limited compared to other apps
How Can You Increase Your Vocabulary?
Learning vocabulary doesn’t stop with apps. Here are some practical tips to complement your app-based learning:
Read Regularly: Books, articles, and even social media posts expose you to new words in context.
Write Every Day: Keep a journal or write short essays using new vocabulary.
Speak Often: Practice speaking with tutors, language partners, or AI tools like ChatGPT.
Review Consistently: Use spaced repetition to keep words fresh in your memory.
Excited to learn more about language learning apps? Read the following articles:
FAQs
1. Can apps help me with advanced vocabulary?
Yes! Apps like Clozemaster and Anki are designed to challenge intermediate and advanced learners.
2. Are language-learning apps free to use?
Most apps offer free versions, but you need a subscription to use premium features.
3. Which language-learning app is best for beginners?
FunEasyLearn, Drops, Memrise, and Mondly are excellent choices for building foundational vocabulary.
4. Can I learn multiple languages at once?
Absolutely. Apps like Memrise and Drops support multiple languages, so you can easily switch between them.
5. Do language-learning apps work offline?
Some, like Anki and Babbel, offer offline modes for learning on the go.
The Last Word
Building your vocabulary is one of the most empowering steps in mastering a new language, and these apps make it easier, faster, and more fun than ever.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding the finishing touches to your fluency, there’s an app to suit your style.
So why not download a few, sign up, experiment, and see which one becomes your new go-to?
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.
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