Top 5 language learning apps
Learning a new language is just like discovering a new world. We have put together a list of most downloaded and recommended language learning apps below, going by data collected between January to July 6, 2021. These apps appear on lists by Forbes, Hospitality Insights (EHL Education), ZDNet, Lingualift and several other reviewers, and of course, are top Google Play trends.
Duolingo
DuoLingo crossed the 100 million user mark last year. It’s free, offers a wide range of languages and attractive gamification to make learning fun. Most of the courses offered by DuoLingo are created by native speakers, which help to ensure accuracy on how the language is actually spoken. For each of DuoLingo’s courses, there is an option to select a course language, making it easier to use for those who are not comfortable with English
Memrise
With over 200 languages available, MemRise’s free version has the same number of languages as the Pro version, just with fewer options. To practice vocabulary, the app uses fun memes instead of flash cards. It also has the ‘click to hear’ option where one can find out the exact pronunciation and the correct usage from native speakers. If you want to go deeper, there’s the ‘Learn with Locals’ feature.
HelloTalk
Currently, HelloTalk has over 10 million users in over 100 native languages. In addition to chatting one-on-one with other users, HelloTalk includes an option to post publicly and engage with the entire community of native speakers for your target language, almost like social media. It’s one of the most interactive language learning apps. In-app correction tools make it easy to rectify what you are writing according to suggestions from native speakers.
Babbel
With more than 257,000 ratings, this app has an average of 4.7 of 5 stars. The developer goes out of their way to respond to customer reviews, both positive and negative ones. It has fewer languages than any other app on this list, but the learning method is excellent and time-tested, since Babbel has been featured repeatedly in the toppers list. Lessons can also be downloaded for offline usage, making it cheaper to use. In fact, lessons begin with a large number of free modules before you pay.
Busuu
Named after a language about to go extinct, Busuu has been attracting attention with its free interactive quizzes, and the exam feature in its paid version. This is a truly unique feature, allowing the user to take a language mastery exam that is at par with the levels required by the Common European Framework of Reference, thanks Busuu’s partnership with education company McGraw-Hill.