The best language learning apps from 2018

If you want to learn a new language, there’s plenty of help available online. The problem isn’t finding an app, it’s choosing the best one for you.

We’ve look at all sorts of language technique apps, ranging from forums such as HiNative, travel aids like TripLingo and HelloTalk, to a system co-developed by a neuroscientist which claims to help you learn a language in 24 hours. Using a diverse range of sources, ranging from The Guardian, Telegraph.co.uk, Bloomberg.com and Smithsonian.com, to life hack and digital trends websites, we’ve compiled a list of the best apps to help you smash through the communication barrier.

Here are 10 of the best language learning apps (in no particular order) based on reviews, price and functionality.

1. Duolingo – Free
Consistently occupying the number 1 and 2 spots on most lists, Duolingo is a firm favourite boasting 170 million plus users and it is the world’s most downloaded educational app! It’s a mix of learning and gamification, allowing you to select your level of study from casual, regular, serious or insane. You learn through daily sessions lasting from 5 to 20 minutes respectively. Time magazine dubbed it “the secret to the future of education”.
https://www.duolingo.com/
Download from Google Play.

2. Rosetta Stone – €0.99 – €224.99 per item
The most well-established and comprehensive option, Rosetta Stone is an award-winning app, its online blurb explains that it teaches you a new language by connecting words and images to your surroundings to help you learn key phrases. This is a tried and test formula that mimics how children soak up new words. There are 24 languages on offer, together with flashcards, speech recognition and access to coaching. Offline and online and synchs to most devices.
https://www.rosettastone.co.uk/

3. Basuu – Free, subscription for Premium service from 5.41€ per month
In simple terms, Bassuu offers a mix of quizzes, listening and games to help you learn any of 12 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, Russian and Arabic). Like Duolingo, this app has been gamified to provide a visual approach to learning a new language. If you sign up for the premium level, it also covers grammar, vocab, conversation and offline lessons. There are options for individuals and businesses, you can even get an official learning certificate!
https://www.busuu.com/
Download on Google Play and Apple Store.

4. Babbel – Free and subscriptions from 4.75€ per month
The app allows you to learn Danish, Dutch, Indonesian, Norwegian and Swedish online, to name but a few of the 14 foreign language lessons on offer. Start as a beginner or at an experienced level, taking a number of free lessons before you need to subscribe, including daily challenges. There are also regular sessions to review and to help refresh your memory.
https://uk.babbel.com/
Download from Google Play and Apple Store.

5. Brainscape – Free and then a subscription
Similar to Babbel, this app is available for iPhones and web. More than just a foreign language learning aid, there is also the option to study other subjects. The website states that it uses a scientifically optimized repetition algorithm that can drastically reduce memorisation time. Free to start but then you’ll need to sign up to get full access to more specialised courses. This is a good option is you’re looking for a more in-depth course.
https://www.brainscape.com/
Download Apple Store.

6. Memrise – Free
Founded by a Princeton neuroscientist and British memory champion Ed Cooke, Memrise use a combination of cognitive science with online gaming strategies so that learning becomes addictive and fun.

It works by creating a mnemonic (mem) in the form of a rhyme, image or note for every word you want to learn. The more common the language, the bigger the Memrise community of learners and the more ‘mems’ you can browse, otherwise you can create your own. There are 20,000 language videos and gamified adventures to explore language. By doing short bursts every day, in 24-hours you can learn a huge vocabulary, you won’t be fluent but you’ll have a good start.
https://www.memrise.com/
Download from Google Play and Apple Store.

7. Tandem Language Exchanage– Free
Essentially a foreign language app that links you to fellow language students all over the world, so that you can learn together. Simply select the language that you want to learn to be matched with people who share your goals. There is also professional help available via video chats.
https://www.tandem.net/
Download from Google Play and Apple Store.

8. Tinycards – Free
Created by the Duolingo team. In a nutshell it is a memory game with learning exercises and flash cards designed to help you build up your vocab and language skills quickly. The site states that the combo of ‘tiny cards and big fun’ is effective, using a similar system of flash cards as Duolingo and animated images. Unlike Duolingo, it doesn’t just cover the spoken word, you can also learn sign language, hieroglyphics and medical terminology.
https://tinycards.duolingo.com/
Download from the Apple Store.

9. Rype – Offer for new members – 7 days of private lessons for 65$
The site states that it can teach you to speak a new language in 30 days. It’s billed as the choice of busy people and Time magazine’s review states that you can learn a language in record time. You sign up to receive access to unlimited lessons booked at your convenience 24/7. One-on-one lessons with native speakers is the key to quick learning, as you can learn 18 times quicker by immersion than with books or lectures alone.
https://www.rypeapp.com/

10. MindSnacks – Free for basic download
This is probably the ultimate language brain game! An award-winning app for iPhones and iPads using gamification to test your knowledge and pronunciation. The games get progressively harder as you improve. Languages on offer include Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish and each has its own app with graphics and games specific to that country. There is a limited number of games and you’ll need to pay to move on to the next levels.
Download from the Apple Store.

If haven’t yet mastered the lingo of your adopted country and find yourself in a tight spot, Google Translate can provide an instant basic translation for 103 languages. This should be enough to make yourself understood… although it wouldn’t help you win any prizes for grammar.