Best language-learning apps, software, and online classes

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  • March 1, 2020

There are roughly 6,500 languages spoken around the world and we’re willing to bet you only speak one of them fluently. Maybe two if you grew up in a bilingual household. For the rare few polyglots who are fluent in three or more languages, then we salute you.

For the rest of us: There’s an app for that.

If you’re going on an overseas business trip soon or need to familiarize yourself with a local language due to travel plans, family needs, or even just for fun, then a language-learning app, software program, or online course is the way to go.

Do language-learning apps really work?

The idea is obviously great and can open a lot of doors for people across the globe. After all, that’s what inspired the co-founder of DuoLingo, Luis von Ahn, who said he wanted to create something that “would give equal access to education to everyone.” So now that we have that access, and many choices at that, is it effective? Read more…

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IMAGE: Humble Bundle



BEST DEAL

Humble Bundle

Name your own price to learn a new language sounds like a pretty good deal.

  • Free version: No
  • Windows 10: Yes
  • macOS: Yes
  • Linux: Yes
  • Starter pack: $1 or more to unlock
  • Intermediate pack: $14.57 or more to unlock
  • Expert pack: $25 or more to unlock

$1 from Humble Bundle

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IMAGE: Duolingo



BEST OVERALL APP

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language-learning apps.

  • Free version: Yes
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes

$0 from Duolingo

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IMAGE: Babbel



BEST FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL

Babbel

Test out the first course for free.

  • Free version: Yes
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes
  • Three-month subscription: $25
  • Six-month subscription: $40
  • 12-month subscription: $75

$25 from Babbel

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IMAGE: Udemy



BEST ONLINE CLASS

Udemy

A (very) wide selection of foreign language courses at a reasonable price.

  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes

$11.99 from Udemy

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IMAGE: Memrise



BEST LANGUAGE GAME APP

Memrise

By making a game out of it, Memrise makes learning fun.

  • Free version: Yes
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes
  • One month: $8.99 a month
  • Three months: $6.33 a month
  • One year: $5 a month
  • Lifetime: $99.99

$5 from Memrise

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IMAGE: Rosetta Stone



BEST FOR FAST LEARNING

Rosetta Stone

In depth and immersive, this is probably the easiest way to learn a new language.

  • Free version: No
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes
  • Three-month membership: $11.99 per month
  • Six-month membership: $10.99 per month
  • 12-month membership: $8.99 per month
  • 24-month membership: $6.49 per month

$6.49 from Rosetta Stone

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IMAGE: Coursera



MOST COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING

Coursera

Access to world-class teachers and instructors at an affordable cost.

  • Free version: Yes
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes

$29 from Coursera

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IMAGE: HelloTalk



BEST FOR LEARNING SYNTAX

HelloTalk

It’s like Facebook, but for learning a new language.

  • Free version: Yes
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: Yes

$0 from HelloTalk

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IMAGE: busuu



BEST FOR OFFLINE USE

busuu

Great for people with only a few spare moments a day to get learning.

  • Free version: No
  • iOS: Yes
  • Android: No
  • Three-month membership: $8.33 per month
  • Six-month membership: $8.33 per month
  • 12-month membership: $5.83 per month
  • 24-month membership: $5.41 per month

$5.99 from busuu

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