Are you ready to move on from Babbel?
Sometimes Babbel’s structured, lesson-by-lesson approach just doesn’t click. (Hey, it’s okay. We’re all unique.)
Or maybe you’re curious to explore different teaching styles, or you need something more budget-friendly.
Or perhaps you like variety (like me) and want to use multiple language apps to get a more well-rounded learning experience.
Good news: There are plenty of language-learning apps out there with unique features to match whatever learning vibe you’re after.
So if you’re ready to shake things up, here are the top 10 Babbel alternatives that might just make learning a new language more fun (or at least less of a chore).
Why You Might Want a Babbel Alternative
Babbel’s got its strengths, but every app has its quirks. And what works for me might not work for you.
Here are a few reasons you might want to consider a different language-learning app:
Too Structured: Babbel’s lesson sequence feels a bit rigid. Maybe you want something with a more dynamic topic range.
No Free Option: Babbel requires a subscription, and if you’re on a budget, you might be looking for a solid free app. The free trial is quite limited.
Language Choices: Babbel doesn’t cover every language, and if you’re after something specific, like Icelandic or Tagalog, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Wanting More Gamification: Babbel’s lessons don’t quite offer the game-like experience of some apps, which can be a motivator if you thrive on rewards and leaderboards.
My Top 10 Babbel Alternatives
Whether Babbel just isn’t right for you, or you’re curious to explore new ways to learn, there’s a whole world of language apps out there with unique twists.
From gamified lessons to immersive video content, these are my top 10 Babbel alternatives that might just make language learning more fun—and maybe even a little addictive.
1. Duolingo - Best Free App
Duolingo’s free and highly gamified structure makes it a crowd favorite. Think of it as the “snack” version of language learning—quick, fun, and addictive.
With little bite-sized lessons, you can practice on the go without feeling like it’s “study time.” Plus, the app’s design is playful, with streaks, points, and levels that make learning feel like a game.
Language Courses on Duolingo
You can learn 40+ languages on Duolingo.
There’s the usuals like French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Korean. Try lingos like Hindi, Polish, and Greek and even ones that many apps don’t offer like Navajo, Swahili, Zulu, Yiddish, and Haitian Creole.
Plus, you can learn the fictional languages of Klingon and High Valyrian too!
Duolingo’s Subscription Cost
The app has a freemium version, meaning you can learn all 40+ languages at no cost. But there’s ads, limited hearts, and a few other restrictions.
Here’s a breakdown of Duolingo’s subscriptions and costs:
Super Duolingo for individuals: US$7.99 per month or US$47.99 per year
Super Duolingo Family Plan: US$71.99 per year (for up to 6 members)
Duolingo Max for individuals: US$30 per month or US$168 per year
Duolingo Max Family Plan: US$239.99 per year
Pros of Using Duolingo
Completely free option with engaging game-like features.
You can set daily goals and maintain a streak for extra motivation.
Available on both desktop and mobile, so you can practice anytime.
What’s Fun About Duolingo?
Duolingo’s “casual” approach means you can learn on your terms, and the constant progress tracking keeps it motivating without ever feeling too serious.
My Take on Duolingo
“I started with Duolingo just to see what all the hype was about, and I’ll admit—the gamified setup had me hooked! It’s perfect for those days when I need a quick study fix but don’t want to commit to a full lesson. But I’m careful; that owl doesn’t let you off the hook easily!”
2. Rosetta Stone - Best for Immersive Learning
If you’ve been around the language-learning block, you know Rosetta Stone. This app focuses on teaching through immersion, using images, context, and repetition instead of translations.
For visual learners, it’s fantastic, helping you make intuitive connections between words and meanings. Plus, it’s a classic for a reason—the immersive approach works, even if it takes a bit of adjustment if you’re used to translation-based methods.
Language Courses on Rosetta Stone
You can learn 25 languages on Rosetta Stone, including Dutch, Arabic, Greek, Irish, and Hindi.
Rosetta Stone’s Subscription Cost
There’s no free trial, so you have to subscribe to see what the app’s about.
Here’s a breakdown of the subscriptions:
3-month plan (to learn one language): US$15.99 per month, which is billed at a one-off US$47.97
12-month plan (to learn one language): US$10.50 per month, which is billed at a one-off US$126.00
Lifetime Subscription (to learn all 20+ languages): One-time payment of US$199
There are also live classes, which cost extra. You can test out two online group classes for US$29.99.
Pros of Using Rosetta Stone
Emphasizes immersion, encouraging intuitive language learning.
Strong speech recognition tools to help with pronunciation.
Quality content with a solid reputation over decades.
What’s Unique About Rosetta Stone?
Rosetta Stone’s lack of translations might be disorienting at first, but for those ready to embrace it, it’s an experience that can really make you feel like you’re learning naturally.
My Take on Rosetta Stone
“Rosetta Stone feels like immersion therapy. At first, not having translations threw me, but over time, I got used to connecting the words with the images. I’d recommend it if you’re serious about long-term learning!”
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3. Mondly - Best for On-the-Go Practice
Mondly keeps things fresh by combining regular lessons with augmented and virtual reality, which is pretty exciting if you like a techy touch.
The app’s short, conversational lessons are perfect for squeezing in quick practice sessions.
Language Courses on Mondly
You can learn 40+ languages on Mondly, including Danish, Vietnamese, Persian, and Afrikaans.
Mondly’s Subscription Cost
You can try Mondly for free.
And if you like what you see, here are Mondly’s subscriptions and prices:
Monthly plan: US$9.99 per month
Yearly plan: US$47.99 per month
Lifetime Access: US$99.99 on special (but the regular price is nearly US$2,000!)
Pros of Using Mondly
Innovative AR and VR features to make learning interactive.
Lessons are focused on everyday conversation, keeping things practical.
Fun daily lessons with random, new vocab to keep things interesting.
Why Mondly Stands Out
Mondly’s tech features make it feel more like a futuristic tool than a traditional language app, and the lessons are fast enough to fit into a busy schedule.
My Take on Mondly
“Mondly is a lifesaver on busy days. The speech recognition’s surprisingly accurate, and I love how quick the lessons are—I can squeeze in a few rounds even in a coffee shop line. Plus, the AR/VR features make it feel like I’m learning in the future.”
4. Busuu - Best for Social Learners
Busuu mixes traditional learning with a unique social twist: Its community feature lets you connect with native speakers who can offer feedback on your progress.
It’s ideal if you want to learn in a more interactive environment. Plus, its structure is a bit more formal than some apps, which can be great if you like a clear path from beginner to advanced.
Language Courses on Busuu
Busuu has 14 language courses, including Arabic, Italian, Chinese, and Turkish.
Busuu’s Subscription Cost
Busuu has a free version with limited access. If you dislike ads (like me), here’s how much a subscription costs:
1-month plan: US$13.90 per month
6-months plan: US$8.45 per month
12-months plan: US$6.95 per month
Pros of Using Busuu
Social features allow interaction with native speakers for real feedback.
Structured lesson plans for steady progress.
Offers certificates for completed courses, if that’s your thing.
What’s Great About Busuu
Busuu’s community gives it a “human touch” that’s hard to find in most apps. You’re not just studying alone; you’re part of a mini-language community.
My Take on Busuu
“If you crave feedback, Busuu is fantastic! I’ve gotten corrections from native speakers, which is like having a private tutor in your pocket. It’s especially helpful when I need to know if I sound natural or just textbook-perfect.”
5. LingoDeer - Best for Asian Languages
LingoDeer was designed with Asian languages in mind, so it’s perfect if you’re taking on Japanese, Korean, or Chinese.
The lessons are heavy on grammar explanations, which is helpful for understanding languages with entirely different structures from English. It’s structured but comprehensive, which makes it a reliable choice if you’re serious about these languages.
Language Courses on LingoDeer
Choose from 15+ languages, including Malay, Vietnamese, Greek, Thai, Arabic, and Russian. LingoDeer also has courses on the usuals: Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
LingoDeer’s Subscription Cost
Some of the content like the Alphabet, Unit One, and Travel Phrasebook is free. The rest of the content, including offline learning and synching your progress across devices, requires a subscription.
Here’s how much LingoDeer’s subscriptions cost:
Monthly plan: US$14.99 per month
Quarterly plan: US$39.99 every three months
Yearly plan: US$159.99 per year (or US$69.99 when discounted)
Lifetime: One-off US$299.99 (or US$159.99 when discounted)
Pros of Using LingoDeer
Detailed grammar explanations, ideal for languages with unique syntax.
Offers offline mode, so you can study without the internet.
Tailored to Asian languages, but covers some European ones too.
What Sets LingoDeer Apart?
LingoDeer’s thoughtful approach to Asian languages is rare among language apps, making it a strong contender if you’re interested in delving deep into these languages.
My Take on LingoDeer
“I’ve found LingoDeer to be super useful for languages like Italian. It’s almost like having a language class in your pocket, with structured lessons and real grammar breakdowns—great for tricky languages!”
6. Mango Languages - Best for Conversational Learning
Mango Languages isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s all about real conversation skills, with a bit of cultural insight thrown in. It’s a favorite for travelers or anyone who wants to learn how to chat naturally rather than just memorize words.
Language Courses on Mango Languages
You can choose from 70+ languages, including Tagalog, Swahili, Hebrew, and Pashto.
Mango Languages’ Subscription Cost
Mango Languages offers a 14-day free trial.
Here’s a breakdown of its subscriptions:
Single language: US$11.99 per month or US$119.99 per year
All Languages: US$19.99 per month or US$199.99 per year
Pros of Using Mango Languages
Emphasis on practical conversation skills.
Includes cultural notes to provide context.
Covers some lesser-studied languages.
Unique Factor of Mango
Mango’s conversational approach is super practical, making it ideal for those who want to blend into the local vibe when traveling.
My Take on Mango
“Mango has been my go-to for practical conversation practice, especially when I’m planning to travel. The cultural notes make me feel like I’m prepping for more than just the language but also understanding the vibe of the place I’m visiting.”
7. Memrise - Best for Vocabulary Building
Memrise’s specialty is vocabulary—lots of it. With video clips of native speakers and spaced repetition, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to expand their vocabulary fast.
The flashcards are interactive, and the mix of visuals and repetition is highly effective for retention.
Language Courses on Memrise
You can learn 25 languages on Memrise, including Icelandic, Finnish, and Brazilian Portuguese.
Memrise’s Subscription Cost
Memrise has a limited freemium version. But if you want to learn without ads bothering you, here’s how much a subscription costs:
Monthly plan: US$27.99 per month
Yearly plan: One-off US$130.99 (US$11.00 per month)
Lifetime plan: US$199.99
Pros of Using Memrise
Uses video clips of native speakers to improve pronunciation.
Effective spaced repetition system for memory retention.
Variety of fun vocab drills and quizzes.
Why Learning With Memrise Is Fun
Memrise’s quick quizzes and mini-games make it feel like you’re learning without trying too hard.
My Take on Memrise
“Memrise is my vocabulary boost. The video clips with native speakers are a game-changer for pronunciation, and the spaced repetition means I actually remember things—I’d be lost without it when learning loads of new words!”
8. Clozemaster - Best for Advanced Learner
If you’ve already got the basics and want to level up, Clozemaster’s fill-in-the-blank style tests your vocabulary in context.
It’s ideal for those who already have a grasp on grammar and want to build vocab without starting from scratch.
Language Courses on Clozemaster
Clozemaster offers 50+ languages, including Afrikaans, Albanian, Czech, German, Ukrainian, and Welsh.
Clozemaster’s Subscription Cost
Clozemaster is free, but if you want premium features, sign up for Clozemaster Pro:
Monthly plan: US$8.99 per month
Yearly plan: US$79.99 per year
Lifetime access: one-off US$140
Pros of Using Clozemaster
Great for intermediate to advanced learners looking for a challenge.
Unique fill-in-the-blank exercises help with contextual vocabulary.
Covers a huge variety of languages.
What’s Interesting About Clozemaster?
Clozemaster feels like an arcade game for language nerds—quick, challenging, and highly satisfying.
My Take on Clozemaster
“Clozemaster feels like the ultimate brain workout. It’s perfect for me when I’m past beginner level but still need to build vocabulary. It’s definitely more challenging than most apps, but I love the way it pushes me.”
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9. HelloTalk - Best for Real-Life Practice
HelloTalk brings real people into your language practice by connecting you with native speakers for chats, voice messages, and video.
Think of it as the social media of language learning, where you can practice with native speakers anytime.
Language Courses on HelloTalk
You can learn virtually almost any language on HelloTalk.
HelloTalk’s Subscription Cost
HelloTalk is free but you’ll have to put up with ads and some limitations.
Here’s how much a HelloTalk subscription will cost you for premium features:
- VIP plan: US$12.99 per month or US$79.99 per year
Lifetime membership: US$149.99
Pros of Using HelloTalk
Practice speaking with real people for a natural experience.
Messaging, voice, and video make practice interactive.
In-app translation tool for when you get stuck.
The Social Perk of HelloTalk
HelloTalk is like a digital language exchange program, giving you the confidence to speak and ask questions in a safe environment.
My Take on HelloTalk
“HelloTalk is just fun! It’s like messaging a friend but in another language. The voice messages are my favorite—I get to practice my pronunciation and have real conversations without the formality of booking a class.”
10. FluentU - Best for Real-World Videos
FluentU uses real-world video content—like music videos, trailers, and news segments—to teach language in a natural, immersive way.
If you’re into learning through media, FluentU will keep you entertained while exposing you to everyday vocabulary and phrases.
Language Courses on FluentU
You can learn 10+ languages on FluentU, including Mandarin, French, German, Korean, and Portuguese.
FluentU’s Subscription Cost
FluentU has a two-week free trial, and if you like learning with the app, here’s how much a subscription will cost:
Monthly plan: US$29.99 per month
Yearly plan: US$359.99 (one-off)
Pros of Using FluentU
Interactive subtitles make videos easy to follow and understand.
Helps you pick up real-world language use and idiomatic phrases.
Constantly updated with new content.
Why FluentU Is Cool
FluentU’s media approach is a breath of fresh air, especially for visual and auditory learners who get bored with textbooks.
My Take on FluentU
“I’m a big fan of FluentU’s approach. Watching real videos—movie clips, news, you name it—makes the language come alive. Plus, I get to pick up slang and idioms you wouldn’t find in a textbook.”
Wrapping It Up – Find Your Perfect Fit
No matter what your learning style is, there’s an app out there to help you connect with a new language. Babbel is a popular choice, but don’t be afraid to test the waters with these alternatives.
After all, the best app is the one you’ll actually enjoy using.
So go on, explore, and find your next language-learning obsession!
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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