If you are planning to learn a new language but do not know where and how to start, this article from TopWonk is for you. We will tell you what apps you can use to learn your favorite language in a very simple and enjoyable way. All you have to do is spend 15 to 30 minutes a day and, like a game, go through the steps of learning your favorite language. Here we review the top 10 language learning apps and explain the capabilities and weaknesses of each.
The first 6 apps on the list have all been selected as Editor’s Choice in the Google Play Store. The rest of the apps all received a score above 4.5 and had millions of downloads. So, you can safely download and install each of these applications and enjoy their wonderful features. Most of the apps on this list also have language learning android apps for kids.
1. Duolingo: Learn Languages Free
The first app we introduce in this list is Duolingo. With over 100 million installs from the Google Play Store, this app is one of the most popular language learning apps in the world; You can learn many languages with Dolingo. From French, Turkish and Spanish to Navajo, Esperanto and even Klingan (the language of the characters in the Star Trek movie series) and High Valyrian (the language of the Game of Thrones series)! First you have to choose your language from the 24 available languages and then learn the language you want through it, which has a total of 85 options in front of you.
Since repetition and continuity are the most important factors in language learning, Duolingo encourages you to maintain and continue your streak by completing a certain number of lessons daily. This app also has a very rich dictionary, but it is better to check dictionary apps for android or Offline Translation Apps next to it.
Pros
- Discussion Forum
- Personal dictionary
- Learning through stories and podcasts
- Tinycards
- Web version availability
Cons
- In-app advertising even after purchasing the premium version
- Strictness in the learning process
2. Memrise: Language Learning – Spanish, Korean, French & More
Memrise training methods are not like Duolingo. Although both apps have a lot in common with each other and both use images, audio, etc. for instruction, Duolingo focuses more on phrases and Memrise on words. So if you want to increase your vocabulary, Memrise is the best option for this. You can also move on to the next topic without learning a lesson. So if you are not new to learning a language, you can skip the basics and move on to more advanced lessons.
One of the good features of the Memrise app is that you can experience different training courses in parallel. As well as learning the language, flags and history of countries, memorize the basic concepts of physics, mathematics and astronomy, or even review comprehensive information on the history of modern art.
Pros
- Complete database of TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT
- Learning general information in parallel
- Ability to share training results
- Create a competitive environment for better learning
Cons
- Limited features in the free version
- Poor performance of the Android version compared to the web version
3. Mondly: Learn 33 Languages Free
Mondly is a collection of language learning apps published by ATi Studios. With this app, you can learn more than 30 living languages of the world, the most popular of which are Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Ukrainian. If you want to learn French specifically, we suggest you also see the list of the best French learning android apps.
The training process of these applications is similar to what we have seen before in Memrise and Duolingo. This means that each language is taught to you in separate lessons, each with a different level of difficulty. For example, to learn Spanish at the beginner level, you have to do various exercises to learn grammar, correct pronunciation of words and vocabulary to be allowed to enter the next steps.
Pros
- Comprehensive exercises for reading, writing and listening
- Having a speech-to-text conversion system for conversation exercises
- Provide statistics on learning progress
Cons
- In-app payments
- Poor translation in some languages
- Sound problem on some devices
4. Rosetta Stone: Learn and Speak New Languages
You may have heard the name of this app in the past. Rosetta Stone was one of the first language learning apps in the Windows version that was very popular from the beginning. Now we see this app in the Android mobile version, which continues to work much more powerful and complete than before. With Rosetta Stone, you will learn everything with pictures, videos and audio, and finally with its tests, you will make sure that you have not forgotten what you have learned.
Working with this language learning app is like having a tutor. A teacher who is with you wherever you are. While walking, cooking or driving! Just put on your headphones and immerse yourself in a new world.
Pros
- Automatic synchronization on all devices
- Simple user interface without ads
- Comprehensive tests
Cons
- Poor UI compared to other language learning apps
- Poor speech-to-text recognition system
5. Drops Language Learning & Vocabulary App by Kahoot
Few imagined that Google Play would choose Drops as the top app of 2018. Especially when apps like Memrise and Duolingo were stubbornly competing for the title of best language learning app. But why? After installing and using Drops, you will notice that this app, both in design and in the way of training, has big differences with its rival examples, which can attract everyone’s attention.
It can be said that the most important difference is related to its user interface. With its simple and minimal design, this app has created a pleasant environment away from any additional design and the use of moving images and icons, which makes the user focus entirely on learning the language while working with it.
Pros
- Beautiful user interface
- Good exercises for memorizing words
- Satisfactory gamification
Cons
- Many restrictions in the free version
- High membership fees
6. HelloTalk: Chat, Speak & Learn Languages for Free
With HelloTalk you can improve your speaking and listening skills. This app was created specifically for language learning through text and voice chat. In this way, you talk to native people online, and during these conversations, your speaking and listening skills are strengthened. A completely practical and excellent classroom without any exercises and exams!
The user interface of this app is such that you feel like you are chatting with one of your acquaintances, while with the innovative tools in the app, your writings are constantly corrected and you learn over time that how to speak a new language.
Pros
- Real communication with native people
- Free video exercises
- Ability to convert text to speech and vice versa
Cons:
Cons
- In-app ads
- Limited features in the free version
- High prices compared to competitors
7. Cake: Learn English for Free
If you want to learn a language at no cost, Cake is for you. The motto of this app is that it is 100% free, which it has really done. In addition, by uploading short instructional videos daily, it encourages its users to follow the language learning on a regular basis. The user interface of this app is very attractive and you will probably fall in love with it when you see it.
Apart from features such as correct pronunciation of words or learning words through video and images, Cake allows you to talk to the native people. Of course, most of these chats are done through artificial intelligence, but you can notice your grammar or dictation problems while chatting. Cake with more than 50 million installations from the Google Play Store and an extraordinary score of 4.8, leaves nothing to be said!
Pros
- Extraordinary score of 4.8 with more than 50 million users
- Use artificial intelligence to simulate conversations
- Provided completely free
- Excellent user interface
Cons
- In-app ads
8. Beelinguapp: Learn Languages Music & Audiobooks
Beelinguapp is another powerful language learning app based on voice and story learning. In this way, you first hear a story at the level of your knowledge of the language you want to learn, then you find new words and sentences and by repeating and practicing them, you learn their meanings.
Listening to familiar stories in a new language will help you feel more comfortable with the new world you are entering and learn the language with pleasure. This is what Beelinguapp does!
Pros
- Read and listen to stories in your native language and new language
- Karaoke feature to practice the correct pronunciation of words
- Various categories of stories
- Practical tools for controlling storytelling
Cons
- Many in-app ads
- Poor support for premium users
9. Babbel: Learn Languages – Spanish, French & More
Babbel is one of the first language learning apps in the world. Features that are added over time to different versions of the app have always been an important step in the language learning debate. The lessons you learn in the Babbel app are all designed by language experts. The sounds you hear are recorded by native people, and the subjects are chosen to cover all aspects of learning a language.
This app has a good user interface and with the short and simple exercises that it gives you, it makes you feel good so that you find the confidence to use your knowledge in the real world.
Pros
- Lesson design based on the latest teaching methods
- Correct pronunciation with the right accent
- Great UI
Cons
- High price compared to other apps
- Weak voice recognition system
10. LingoDeer: Learn Languages – Japanese, Korean&More
LingoDeer was one of the best language learning apps of the last year, with over 5 million active installs from the Google Play Store and an acceptable score of 4.6 from its users. Its beautiful user interface and attractive graphics have made many users interested in working with it.
The LingoDeer app may not be as well-known as its competitors, but in practice it lacks nothing. The app initially started as a language learning app focused on Asian languages such as Korean and Chinese, and probably attracted the attention of users and critics because of its good performance in teaching these complex languages. Of course, since then it has expanded the languages in the app. The language learning method in this app is similar to Duolingo, but perhaps small differences have made it a better and more useful tool for many.
Pros
- High variety of exercises including connecting words with pictures, listening and speaking exercises, multiple choice, deleting options, pasting, filling in the blanks, arranging sentences and etc.
- Professional evaluation system
- Regular updates
Cons
- Only the first lesson of each language is free and you have to pay to continue learning
- The lessons take a long time to load
- Speaking exercises do not seem to be enough
Conclusion
The language learning apps introduced in this list each support a significant number of world languages. But if you want to learn a language like German or Italian specifically, we suggest you check the list of German learning android apps or Italian learning apps on TopWonk. Although it is the most popular language for learning Spanish after English, so do not miss the list of the best Spanish learning apps.
Given the variety of great features that language learning apps have, it does not matter which app you choose. All you have to do is practice and plan your time regularly to learn the language you want on a regular basis.
FAQs
Which app is best for learning a language?
The answer to the question is different for each person. If you listen to podcasts and books, Duolingo is a great option for you. But if you want to learn the language by watching movies or talking to locals, we suggest Cake or HelloTalk. Each application has its own good features. You have to decide which one you want to use.
How can I use these apps?
At the end of each app introduction, there is a button to open the app page link in the Google Play Store. By downloading and installing any app, you can use its features.
