Best language learning apps
Apps and services for learning a language: course apps, AI speaking partners, flashcards, reading and video immersion tools, tutors and language exchange.
34 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All language learning apps
- Alternatives to Duolingo
Free, game-like app for short daily lessons in dozens of languages, plus maths, music and chess.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Anki
Free, open-source spaced-repetition flashcard app used by language learners and students.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web - Alternatives to italki
- Alternatives to Babbel
Subscription language course with structured lessons, grammar explanations and live classes.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Cambly
- Alternatives to LingQ
Learn languages by reading and listening to content you enjoy, with built-in lookups and review.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android, Browser extension - Alternatives to Migaku
Immersion toolkit that turns shows and websites into interactive lessons and flashcards.
PaidBrowser extension, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Preply
Online tutoring marketplace for languages and other subjects, with lesson-plan subscriptions.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Speak
AI speaking tutor that gets you talking out loud through guided lessons and open conversations.
PaidiOS, Android, Web - Alternatives to Memrise
Language app built on short videos of native speakers, spaced review and AI practice.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Busuu
Language course app with short lessons and feedback from a community of native speakers.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Pimsleur
Audio-first language courses built on spaced recall and speaking out loud.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Clozemaster
Fill-in-the-blank sentence game for building vocabulary in context in 50+ languages.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to LingoDeer
Grammar-focused language app, especially strong for Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Lingopie
Streaming service of foreign TV shows with interactive subtitles for language learners.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to WaniKani
Spaced-repetition app for learning Japanese kanji and vocabulary with mnemonics.
Free plan + paidWeb - Alternatives to Readlang
Read web pages and ebooks in a foreign language with click-to-translate and auto flashcards.
Free plan + paidWeb, Browser extension - Alternatives to HelloTalk
Language exchange app for chatting with native speakers who are learning your language.
Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web - Alternatives to Glossika
Sentence-repetition training for listening and speaking in 60+ languages.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Praktika
- Alternatives to Bunpro
Japanese grammar and vocabulary practice with spaced repetition, organised by JLPT level.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Drops
Visual vocabulary app with five-minute word games in 55+ languages.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Rosetta Stone
Long-running immersion language course that teaches without translations.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - DuAlternatives to Du Chinese
Graded Mandarin reading and listening lessons for learners at every level.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Lingvist
Adaptive vocabulary app that teaches the most useful words in sentence context.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Language Transfer
Free, donation-funded audio courses that teach you to think your way into a language.
FreeWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to FluentU
Learn languages from real videos with interactive captions, quizzes and an AI tutor.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Lingoda
Live online language school with group and private classes from certified teachers.
PaidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to HelloChinese
Game-based Mandarin Chinese app with speech recognition and character writing.
Free plan + paidiOS, Android - Alternatives to Renshuu
Free, all-in-one Japanese learning site and app for vocabulary, kanji and grammar.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Tandem
Language exchange app that matches you with native speakers for chat and video practice.
Free plan + paidiOS, Android, Web - Alternatives to Mango Languages
Language course app for 70+ languages, often free through public libraries.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Promova
Language app with personalised daily plans, an AI tutor and optional live lessons.
Free plan + paidWeb, iOS, Android - Alternatives to Ling
Our picks by need
Popular comparisons
Common questions
What are the best language learning apps?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading language learning apps right now are Duolingo, Anki, italki, Babbel and Cambly.
Are there free language learning apps?
Yes. Duolingo (free plan + paid), Anki (open source), LingQ (free plan + paid), Memrise (free plan + paid) and Busuu (free plan + paid) have a free option, out of 21 free or freemium apps we track.
Which language learning apps are open source?
Anki.