Bonjour, Hola, Konichiwa, and Hello! Pick any language you feel comfortable speaking. What is the world without these languages? Learning new languages could result in many benefits which we will discuss in this blog. The best free language learning apps can help you improve your vocabulary and increase your understanding of a country’s manners and cultures.
Moreover, in an increasingly interconnected world, wouldn’t it be advantageous to know a second language? Think of all the time that you would be saving. Imagine the confidence you feel when you’re not clueless about a new language in a new country. Wouldn’t it add excitement to all your travel experiences? Think of all the opportunities and career options that you’d be able to seize.
But where do you start? Especially when you’re looking to learn without spending a lot of money?
The answer lies “in the palm of your hand.” With growing mobile technology, language learning has become extremely enjoyable and accessible. You could be sitting in China, learning to speak German or Russian.
The Key to Multilingual Mastery: Best Free Language Learning Apps and their Benefits
Therefore, are you ready to turn your mobile into a language tutor with some of the best free language learning apps? Before going into detail about these apps, let us understand their benefits.
- Help you learn essential phrases for new destinations.
- Enhance focus, problem-solving, and memory. Learning a new language keeps your mind sharp.
- Help you master vocabulary and basic grammar. It enables you to connect with new people and break down language barriers.
Additionally, here are three well-researched facts. These facts prove that the best free language learning apps are necessary, now more than ever!
- Unlock the World: 83% of travelers feel more confident with basic language learning skills.
- Boost your Brain Power: Multilingualism is capable of delaying Dementia for 4 years.
- Speak with Confidence: 60% of people are most likely to do business with someone who knows their language.
List of 10 Best Free Language Learning Apps
There are various types of learners, some prefer structured learning while others prefer interactive learning. However, these are not the only types of learning approaches. Let us learn in detail and try to explore every aspect of learning.
Thus, we have divided the top 10 best free language learning apps based on their learning approach.
Gamified Learning
Gamified Learning or Gamification of Learning is an educational approach that uses video games to motivate students to learn a concept. The goal is to capture the maximum interest of the students by multiplying engagement with enjoyment. In short, using game elements in a non-game situation is “gamified learning”.
One of the best free language learning apps that uses this approach is –
1. Duolingo
Launch Year: 2011
Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
App Rating: 4.7-star on IOS and 4.1-star on Android
Target Audience: High school students, retirees, and busy professionals
The word “Duolingo” has a sensible meaning. “Duo” refers to the two main goals of the app: language learning (dual languages). The second goal of the “Duo” Mascot is the friendly green owl who reminds and motivates users to complete their tasks.
Another key feature of this app is its “hidden achievements”. These are not explicitly mentioned in the app or visible to the users. However, users can unlock them. Titles of these achievements are very quirky. For instance – “Champion” for completing a particular number of lessons. And “Big Spender” for using a large amount of in-app currency.
Fun Facts:
- A ‘streak’ feature to promote consistent learning.
- The speech recognition feature allows users to practice speaking.
- Created by a computer scientist and serial entrepreneur.
Focus-Based Learning
Many best free language learning apps are focus-based. These are designed to cater to a
particular aspect of language acquisition. Additionally, they do not provide a comprehensive all-in-one guide to learning a new language. Instead, they take a step-by-step approach.
The few best free language learning apps that work on this policy are –
2. Memrise
Launch Year: 2010
Headquarters: London, UK
App Rating: 4.6-star on IOS and 4.5-star on Android
Target Audience: Intermediate language learners and beginners
Memrise is a specific focus-based app as it solely focuses on vocabulary acquisition. In its early days, it used a garden metaphor to help users visualize their progress. Users would pant the seeds as words. Upon regular watering (practicing), these seeds would grow into flowers one day. This process made learning more enjoyable and visually appealing.
Additionally, Dr. Ed Cooke is the co-founder of Memrise. He has studied cognitive science and neuroscience as a student. This expertise in learning psychology and memory techniques influenced the use of spaced recognitions and mnemonics on Memrise.
Fun Facts:
- One of the winners of the London Mini-Seedcamp Competition in July 2010.
- The ability to create personalized courses for the users.
- Actor Ashton Kutcher had tweeted about learning Russian through Memrise.
3. Drops
Launch Year: 2015
Headquarters: Estonia
App Rating: 4.4-star on Android
Target Audience: Anyone interested in learning a new language
Drops promote the idea of micro-learning. This approach argues that short, consistent practice is more effective than longer and less frequent sessions. Therefore, each learning session is limited to 5 minutes, to prevent burnout and help the users stay focused.
Moreover, it follows a unique visual learning strategy in which every word is paired with a clear illustration. It is based on the idea that our brain processes visual information faster than text. Thus, it is easier for users to remember and recall the vocabulary.
Fun Facts:
- Vocabulary list for 45+ languages.
- Listening comprehension checks and visual library.
- Learned word search function.
Conversation-Practice Based Learning
4. Tandem
Launch Year: 2015
Headquarters: Berlin
App Rating: 4.0-star rating on Android
Target Audience: Anyone interested in learning a new language
Tandem organizes virtual language exchange parties where users all over the world can practice languages on video calls together. This creates a social and fun way to engage in insightful conversations and meet new users to practice their target languages.
Additionally, it allows the users to send voice messages to each other. Not only this but the native speakers can correct these messages too. This feature creates a sense of community and belonging among the users. Along with that, it strives to improve the pronunciation and speaking skills of the users. This makes Tandem one of the best free language learning apps.
Fun Facts:
- Supports more than 300 languages.
- Named in Apple’s “Best Apps of 2015”.
- Developed by Tripod Technology GmbH.
Traditional Learning
Some of the best free language learning apps apply the traditional learning-based approach. These apps employ classroom-like conventional methodologies to teach a language. It includes structured lessons, vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and exercises similar to a textbook.
Some examples of these best free language learning apps are:
5. Busuu
Launch Year: 2008
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
App Rating: 4.5-star rating on IOS and 4.4-star rating on Android
Target Audience: Young adults
The name “Busuu” comes from a language spoken in Cameron. Surprisingly only eight people were fluent in Busuu when this app was launched worldwide. Hence, it is one of the world’s endangered languages. This name was chosen as it evokes the app’s mission to promote cultural diversity and language learning.
Furthermore, it partnered with McGraw-Hill Education to offer official language certificates. This is a smart move as it added an academic touch to the app. Not just that but it also provides users with a valuable credential.
Fun Facts:
- Offers courses based on CEFR levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1.
- AI-powered grammar review and over 100 million users
- Offline mode is available.
6. 50 Languages
Launch Year: 2008
Headquarters: Leipzig, Germany
App Rating: 4.7-star rating on IOS and Android
Target Audience: Beginners, travelers, language enthusiasts, and students
50 Languages offers audio lessons to its users. The lessons are recorded by native speakers and are available in all the available languages. It benefits the users as they are exposed to authentic pronunciation from the beginning of their language-learning process.
Furthermore, it includes courses for endangered languages like Faroese and Cornish. This way it attempts to raise awareness about lesser-known languages. Additionally, it preserves these languages by providing resources to learn from.
Fun Facts:
- 100 lessons with basic vocabulary.
- Audio and Text files combined for effective learning.
- Trackable learning process and progress.
7. Rosetta Stone
Launch Year: 1992
Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia, USA
App Rating: 4.6-star rating on IOS and 4.4-star rating on Android
Target Audience: Individuals and businesses looking to improve their proficiency in diverse languages
Rosetta Stone developed a specialized language training program for astronauts by partnering with NASA. This project aimed to enhance astronauts’ language skills. It also aimed to facilitate their communication during space missions.
Moreover, Barack Obama, Former U.S. President publicly praised Rosetta Stone during his presidency. He highlighted its effectiveness in language learning. This makes it one of the best free language learning apps.
Fun Facts:
- A patented speech recognition technology to provide real-time pronunciation feedback.
- U.S. agencies and Fortune 500 companies used it for language training.
- Methods based on natural immersion, replicate how people learned their first language.
Audio-focused Learning
These best free language learning apps prioritize providing audio-based content for their users to learn from. This includes audio courses, minimal text, offline text, and language practice.
8. LingQ
Launch Year: 2007
Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada
App Rating: 4.4-star rating on IOS and 4.5-star rating on Android
Target Audience: Learners who prefer a personalized approach to learning
LingQ was founded by Steve Kaufman, a polyglot who speaks 20 languages. Steve developed this app based on his language-learning strategies and experiences.
Additionally, it is one of the best free language learning apps. Why? Because it allows users to contribute to its gallery. This fosters a community-driven approach where every learner can learn and share his/her experience.
Fun Facts:
- Supports offline learning.
- Tracks learners’ vocabulary progress dynamically.
- Provides content in more than 25 languages.
Unique Learning Approach
This approach in some of the best free language learning apps refers to a distinctive method employed by the app to facilitate skill development and language acquisition. Besides, it focuses on specialized techniques or innovative strategies to enhance learning effectiveness.
9. Beelinguapp
Launch Year: 2016
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
App Rating: 4.6-star rating on IOS and 4.4-star rating on Android
Target Audience: All ages
Beelinguapp uses a karaoke-style reading mode. In this mode, the text is highlighted in sync with the audio narration. This helps the readers to enjoy and engage themselves in the process of learning. Not only this but it improves their pronunciation and listening skills as well.
Additionally, this app has a collection of audiobooks for the users to learn from. These are available in multiple languages including novels and fairy tales.
Fun Facts:
- Presents text side-by-side in two languages to make it easy for the users to learn.
- Various genres and difficulty levels to choose from.
- Certified by Mike Sharpels and the educational app store.
10. Innovative Language
Launch Year: 2005
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
App Rating: 4.6-star rating on IOS and 4.5-star rating on Android
Target Audience: All ages who are interested in learning
Innovative Language is one of the best free language learning apps because it allows users to share their lessons and plans. This fosters a collaborative learning community.
Moreover, a few language podcasts feature guest appearances. These appearances are from native-speaking celebrities and experts. It adds an engaging element and a unique style to lessons.
Fun Facts:
- Bonus cheat sheets and review tracks for reinforced retention.
- Personalized learning paths based on user-learning goals.
- Features real-life conversations and cultural insights.
Your Takeaway
The world is at your fingertips with these best free language learning apps. So whether you are a conversation enthusiast or a busy professional seeking byte-sized lessons, there is an app for you!
Lastly, we aimed to introduce you to the 10 best free language learning apps. Reach out to us if you have any questions. Thanks for reading!
