Do Language Learning Apps Truly Work In 2023?
Learning a new language is like building a sandcastle: it’s never as easy as it looks, and if you don’t have the proper tools, you’re almost certainly going to fail. Thankfully, you are no longer required to enroll in a class at your local community college taught by an underqualified hack if you’re committed to properly ordering a margarita on your upcoming Mexican vacation. You’ve got a computer, buddy! Or even better, a phone!
Language learning apps have come a long way, and the market is full of intriguing possibilities. Whether you’re someone that learns by listening and repeating, wants to be more engaged with gameplay and activities, or are into virtual reality and the possibilities it carries, there are many options available to help you learn to order a coffee in French or ask where the restroom is in German.
Today we look at 9 of the options, listed alphabetically to show they are unranked. We’ll provide a brief summary, what the internet thinks of them, what they do and don’t do well, and if you can expect to achieve any level of fluency. Take it from this collective focus group -- random folks on the internet: if an app is not worthy of your time, they’re going to tell you about it.
For these summaries, we’re including ratings from three sources: PC Magazine, BuyersGuide.org, and All Language Resources. This is mostly because we’re gaining varying perspectives: PC Magazine and All Language Resources tend to give thorough reviews but are based upon the input of one or a small group of writers. BuyersGuide, on the other hand, compiles their reviews from larger user groups and data sources from other parts of the web. Since there’s no centralized rating system for these language learning services, this gives a pretty good cross-section.
Additionally, we’re including one positive and one negative comment that caught our eye from Reddit, specifically the r/languagelearning. These are just fun.
Do you have a TV? Ever watched a YouTube video? Have literally any connection whatsoever with modern society and its favorite technology? If yes, you’ve seen a Babbel commercial. They’re everywhere, and they’re generally good. Marketing is a definite strong point for this app.
Babbel is one of the most popular platforms for language learning, and a lot if it is likely due to brand recognition. It also boasts a solid user experience that’s filled with fun games and videos. Its style is based upon conversational learning, meaning the focus is more upon learning how people really interact informally than through formal sentence writing and grammatical structure.
You’ll find this pattern a lot with the platforms we list, but Babbel is probably the most popular purveyor of conservation-first learning.
Is it any good?
The most popular answer to this question across the internet (or at least across the pieces of it we reviewed) is, yeah, it’s pretty good. People like the look and feel of the app and enjoy the general experience, and while it tends to lack some of the sexier features we’ll see later, does a solid job of getting users immersed and engaged.
PC Magazine rating: 4.0 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: 9.7 (out of 10)
All Language Resources rating: 4.25 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “By the end of the beginner course I was able to ask basic tourist sh*t to my friend and could describe my surroundings and stuff… A fantastic app but should be supplemented with a speaking partner or extensive reading.”
Negative Reddit review: “The vocabulary they choose can be a bit weird (teaching you 'fat' but not 'thin,' mentioning one color, and not any of the others until later) so you need to find a collection of vocabulary somewhere to turn into flashcard, and use that as your main source.”
Read full Babbel Review
Is it effective?
The majority of reviews say yes. The platform seems to have a good amount of flexibility; we mentioned earlier that it focuses on conversational learning, but there are many other ways to practice your budding skills. Based upon the reviews we read, most folks are happy with the product, and many tout it as being extremely underrated and probably the best value in the marketplace.
When will I be fluent?
This depends upon your definition of fluency. Many Reddit users claimed to have conversational effectiveness within a month or two of starting the program. There weren’t nearly as many folks claiming to have reached fluency, but a large number of the users that subscribed to the Babbel annual membership felt conversationally fluent at the end of the first cycle.
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Does Busuu Work?
Busuu requires you to take an entrance exam before you start using their software, which is weird. But at the same time, it’s kind of genius. You’ll be assessed on your current knowledge of the language and they’ll tailor your instruction based upon the results. If you’re looking for a tool to help with language development but you’re not starting from scratch, that can be an attractive feature.
Busuu has its benefits, but it appears that achieving a high level of fluency isn’t one of them. Based on user reviews around the internet, the content itself consists of lazy, simple, and sometimes incorrect translations. Users really enjoy the learning model, which includes access to review of your work by native speakers, but reviews of the effectiveness leave a lot to be desired.
Is it any good?
As mentioned above, there are a lot of negative reviews that attack the quality of the lessons contained within the app. However, there are an equal number of reviews that love its user interface and argue that the program provides ample learning opportunities and more real-life examples than it’s given credit for. Generally, reviews are mixed.
PC Magazine rating: 4.0 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: not reviewed
All Language Resources rating: 3.3 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “I use Busuu and I like it quite a bit -- in fact Busuu is why I allowed my 130+ day hot streak on (Duolingo) to die. The nice thing is that you're taught by native speakers as opposed to a robotic voice which is great for learning proper pronunciation. I think they have a much better social aspect to their software also.”
Negative Reddit review: “I am very frustrated by Busuu. I'm trying to learn Russian. The difficulty ramps up too fast. I'm learning words like unemployed and civil servant before simple nouns like "apple, water, dog, cat" etc… Considering I have to learn another alphabet, I don't think ‘госслужащий’ is particularly helpful at this stage.”
Read full Busuu Review
Is it effective?
This service is most often compared to Duolingo in online reviews, and usually exceeds DL’s effectiveness. The main reason is that Busuu offers reviews from native speakers, which even the most well-crafted computers can’t match.
When will I be fluent?
The pricing model for Busuu -- which is more expensive than most, because of the aforementioned native speaker access -- is based upon a yearly subscription. Busuu claims that by the end of the first year you can attain conversational fluency, a claim that seems to be backed up by the majority of reviewers.
The most downloaded of any language learning application, Duolingo is immensely popular. A big reason for this is that it’s completely free…. Kind of.
You can get started on a new language with no prior knowledge and work your way through tons of fun, quick exercises and games. The user interface is slick, colorful, and incredibly addicting. People often find themselves completing lesson after lesson in a single sitting.
Now, for the “completely free” part. The free version is riddled with ads, and even though you can get through most of the content with no cost, there is a paid membership that allows you to obtain additional content (and get rid of the ads).
Is it any good?
Especially for a free app, Duolingo gets consistently high marks in reviews from the general public. Some of the snobbier reviewers that are more sensitive to specific features find fault in the level of complexity and detail that Duolingo offers, but for the price you’re paying and the ease of access to tons of languages, it scores positive reviews.
PC Magazine rating: 5.0 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: not reviewed
All Language Resources rating: 3.75 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “I absolutely love it myself. I love the new Duolingo stories too. I started learning French from scratch on there and I'm about half way done with the whole course, and I'm really astonished how much I have been able to learn.”
Negative Reddit review: “It's good for vocabulary building, but sh*t for grammar. Doesn't explain grammar rules, really, and for the most part, if you don't give the answer THEY want, it's wrong, even if your answer is correct too.”
Read full Duolingo Review
Is it effective?
This may be the most consistent answer of any of these reviews. As a tool to get started with a new language and learn its basics, Duolingo is almost flawless. You can get engaged quickly with no prior knowledge and be speaking basic phrases in no time.
If you’re ever looking for fluency, you’re not going to find it by using Duolingo alone. Most reviewers suggested using it as a resource in part of a more comprehensive library.
When will I be fluent?
You won’t. But the level you take it to will really just depend on your own level of effort. Because it’s free, there’s no built-in timelines, and in many folks’ estimation, that means you’re free to learn what you want to learn with less pressure.
Learn Languages For Free With Duolingo
Italki is based upon a simple yet brilliant principle: you’ll learn language much more easily if you talk to a person and not a robot. Because of this, reviews are consistently outstanding.
There’s going to be a price that’s higher than most, but for someone really dedicated to learning a new language, it’ll be worthwhile. As one Reddit user notes, “a lot of people forget that although a great deal of language learning (grammar, vocab drilling etc) is solitary, in the end you are learning a skill that allows you to communicate with new people. Speaking is crucial.”
Is it any good?
There’s an easy answer here: Yes. No need to say more than that.
PC Magazine rating: not reviewed
BuyersGuide rating: not reviewed
All Language Resources rating: 4.5 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “It's unbelievable the quality of person you can get for such a low price, it's an effect of supply and demand I suppose… For those of us who usually don't have any immersion opportunity in our lives I really think italki offers a great service.”
Negative Reddit review: “I had one sketchy italki teacher who “couldn’t find me” on skype. I lost my credits too for that “lesson.” Was NOT happy.”
Read full Italki review
Is it effective?
More than any other service we’re reviewing, it’s massively effective. The only negatives that we could find were one-off examples of unprofessional or just plain weird teachers. Because you’re dealing with real people, you are bound to find a bad apple at some point. As far as the effectiveness of the material and language immersion in its truest sense, Italki checks all the correct boxes.
When will I be fluent?
This depends, again, on how committed you are. You also may spend a pretty penny using this service, but it offers the clearest path to fluency in a pretty substantial way.
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Memrise takes a different approach to language learning than most: rather than focusing on conversational practices, it helps you with vocabulary and builds from there. Think of it as a more fun way to practice language than using flash cards or repeating mundane conversations about how many coffees you want to order at a cafe.
The platform touts itself as the most “gamified” option in the marketplace, and it aims to teach you language skills in a fun, non-pressurized way. Reviews are mixed, but most agree that it’s a fun way to try to learn a new language.
Is it any good?
For what it is -- a way to build vocabulary -- it’s pretty effective. For what you want it to be -- a comprehensive way to learn a new language -- it falls flat.
PC Magazine rating: 4.0 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: not reviewed
All Language Resources rating: 4.0 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “I use the paid version and I’ve found it very helpful. I started with Duolingo and completed every lesson. It was good, but it was very lacking in actually understanding the spoken language… The paid version of Memrise features videos of random ‘on the street’ native speakers saying sentences at a normal speed and style, as opposed to the slower, carefully enunciated style recorded in a studio. This really helps my ability to understand the spoken language.”
Negative Reddit review: “The quality of community decks is questionable. Some have great audio (and even video), but the phrases they teach can be a little weird. There isn't enough structure to teach most grammar… Isn't as helpful for phrases, especially in the speed quiz which give too little time to repeat the phrase aloud.”
Read full Memrise Review 2022
Is it effective?
Again, this is in the eye of the beholder. Many reviewers found it to be a tremendous tool for enhancing one’s vocabulary and knowledge, and many even found it to be helpful with word recognition. However, a comprehensive learning tool it is not; it’s best used as a supplement to a much more detailed program.
When will I be fluent?
You won’t. But if you’re not expecting fluency and only want to enhance your knowledge, you’ll find results very quickly. One reddit user noted that he had learned over 1,000 Russian words and phrases in a matter of 30 days.
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Does Mondly Work?
Mondly is a language app for the contemporary, millennial, attention-span-deficient language learner. It has games. It’s fun and colorful. And you can learn in Augmented or Virtual Reality settings.
Is it any good?
Eh….. not really. The consensus around the web is that the features are cool but the execution is poor. Sort of a “all frills, no thrills” experience.
PC Magazine rating: 2.5 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: 8.8 (out of 10)
All Language Resources rating: 2.7 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “I used Mondly for Korean, it was pretty good, there’s a TON of stuff to do, and all the dailies are available even in the future, so you pretty much never run out! If you can afford it, I’d say go for it.”
Negative Reddit review: “Very often, the phrase shown in writing and the phrase being read out loud are not the same. But more than that, they teach you one phrase with an English translation, then expect a different phrase with the same translation as an answer in a later question. It's extremely confusing unless you already know the language.”
Is it effective?
Many of the reviews focus upon one main issue: the platform is sloppy. Phrases spoken aloud don’t match text on the screen; questions are very rigid and will only accept a single answer when more than one would realistically be appropriate; and the lessons are difficult to control when it comes to speed and cadence. Most reviews we read say it’s not ready for prime time, and definitely not worth the price. This was compared most often to Duolingo, and not in a flattering way.
When will I be fluent?
That’s hard to say, since nearly all reviews we read indicated the user had given up on the service. It doesn’t sound like there’s enough evidence that the platform is effective enough to glean any insight on timeframes.
Read full Mondly Review
Pimselur is consistently among the highest-rated language learning platforms. The site and app utilize the Pimsleur Method of language learning, created by Dr. Paul Pimsleur; the Pimsleur Method has been utilized by government agencies and Fortune 500 companies for more than 50 years. The method focuses heavily on conversational learning, noting that most people want to learn a language so they can speak with a friend or order at a restaurant in another county, not necessarily write a novel in their new language. While Pimsleur does employ techniques to teach grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, their prime objective is to get students listening to and speaking the language in a conversational manner.
Is it any good?
Pimselur is generally well-regarded, though it’s not as unanimous as, say, Italki. The Pimselur method has proven to be effective for those who stick with it, but the lack of excitement in the lessons has forced some users to give up the good fight prematurely.
PC Magazine rating: 4 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: 9.9 (out of 10)
All Language Resources rating: 4.0 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “I have done it for French (Pimsleur I, II and III). In my opinion it's a very good resource for improving your listening and speaking skills (you also have to translate phrases and try to imitate the teacher's native pronunciation), and I highly recommend it unless you are going to spend months around native speakers.”
Negative Reddit review: “You can't, and you won't learn a language with Pimsleur. It's a spruced-up version of a simple back-chaining technique, and at best it may teach you some vocabulary or phrases. You'll get stuck as soon as somebody asks you something in your target language, or have to answer with something that wasn't in your Pimsleur course.”
Read Full Pimsleur review
Is it effective?
For the most part, yes. The reviews are high because users feel confident in the language skills they learn.
However, many users point out that the method is too slow, doesn’t include enough words and phrases, and that it’s very boring. Pimsleur uses mostly audio and repetition and can’t keep up with the games and interactive features of Mondly or Duolingo.
When will I be fluent?
The answer is a bit of a mindbender: you’ll be fluent fairly quickly, yet you’ll never be truly fluent. The Pimsleur method is based upon repetition and reinforcement, so the words and phrases you learn and more likely to stick. This is backed up by many of the reviews. But the lack of a comprehensive set of words is troubling; you will retain what you learned, but you’ll never get far enough with Pimsleur to reach any level of fluency.
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Does Rosetta Stone Work?
Probably the best-known product purely based on name recognition. It’s “dynamic immersion” method has been around for a long time and has proven effective enough to keep the product thriving.
Remember buying those yellow boxes with CDs in them? Those days are long gone, and the product itself has evolved… but has it evolved enough?
Is it any good?
No matter your perspective on Rosetta Stone, it’ll be pretty easy to find someone that disagrees. The reviews vary drastically; many of the detractors find it outdated and boring, while its proponents argue that the tried-and-true immersion method is still the way to go.
PC Magazine rating: 5 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: 8.4 (out of 10)
All Language Resources rating: 2.7 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: “I'm using it to learn Italian now. I really like it. I can see how some people would not like that it doesn't directly say what you are looking at. But between common sense and a little Romance language background (Português) I am able to piece it together pretty easily.”
Negative Reddit review: “I am required to complete units of Rosetta stone for school. It is mind numbing, for one, not to mention the infuriating speaking engines and unclear images… which only make it more frustrating… I think I have spent about 12-20 hours on Rosetta Stone during the school year, and I cannot say it has done anything besides waste my time, which could have been well spent studying or just enjoying my life.”
Read Full Babbel Vs Rosetta Stone Review
Is it effective?
Another question for the debate stage. Even those who tout the program, though, seem to acknowledge that this won’t get you to fluency. Big mention to the price -- for what you get, it’s very expensive, at least according to the consensus among reviewers, and generally not worth the cost.
When will I be fluent?
You likely won’t, but you’ll get a good start. However, across the board, reviewers agree that it takes way too long to get there. Most agreed that almost any other language app will be a quicker study than Rosetta Stone.
Think of Rype (sometimes referred to as Rype App) as a poor-man’s version of Italki. But also, you have to pay just as much. Doesn’t make much sense, and reviewers tend to agree with that.
Like Italki, Rype is based upon the principle that you’ll get the most gains from interacting with native speakers. However, unlike Italki, the internet generally hates Rype. Some go as far to say it’s a scam. We’ve not uncovered enough to validate those claims, but please do your homework. The lessons take place on Skype, so think of Rype as your agent that introduces you to your resource, but doesn’t actually do any of the work to teach you a new language.
Is it any good?
Easy answer: no. More complicated answer: it has the potential to be. Once again, the premise of dealing with native speakers and not a computerized voice is inherently correct. The way Rype goes about it, based on reviews, just doesn’t fill the need.
PC Magazine rating: 4 (out of 5)
BuyersGuide rating: not reviewed
All Language Resources rating: 1.8 (out of 5)
Positive Reddit review: Well, this is awkward. I literally cannot find a single positive review on reddit. Lots of “this is a scam, beware!”
Negative Reddit review: “They advertise on reputable sites, but yes, they are absolutely a scam. My bank thankfully refused to process a payment from my account so I didn't get burned, but stay clear of these guys. Once you're in the site itself is a horrible mess (think Web 2.0) and there was a severe lack of availability for French tutors in my time zone (I live in the UK). Spread the word, avoid Rype App entirely, and stick to reputable sites like Italki.”
Read Full Rype App Review
Is it effective?
Impossible to say. The concept, again, makes sense, and if you’re able to get ahold of a reputable teacher you are likely to learn a lot. But there aren’t enough success stories out there to even make a determination.
When will I be fluent?
See above; there is not enough evidence to say for sure.
