It is not an easy task to learn any language, especially when you’re learning a foreign language. But now, in the digital world, with the help of the right application, you can practice vocabulary daily by communicating with an app, listen to pronunciation when you’re travelling, or even practice it with native speakers on the other side of the globe. 

But because of so many apps available nowadays, which ones can be considered to truly stand out? Hence, here is a list of the best language learning apps along with their best features that make them unique to appeal to any learner:

10 Best Language Learning Apps

Learning a new language is not so hard now. With the right app, you can practice daily in a fun and easy way. These apps help with speaking, listening, and remembering words.

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is the most recognisable name in the language learning sphere presently. It associates with the user by maintaining streaks, XP points, and rewards, turning learning into a daily game. The activities are short, so if you have a few moments here or there, you can take a quick lesson. This app stands out for its wide range, covering mainstream languages like Spanish and French as well as rarer ones such as Navajo, Klingon, and even pop-culture favourites like High Valyrian. Duolingo is created for casual beginners, though it might work well for casual learners who are looking for best language learning apps.

Features:

• Over 40 languages.
  
• Quick, interactive lessons designed for daily practice.
  
• Game-like progression with badges, streaks, and XP points.
  
• Exercises for listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  

2. Babbel

This app has adopted the idea of a classroom environment to put emphasis on useful conversations, so the lessons seem presently useful. If real-life application is your primary concern, you can start with dialogue-based learning here.

It is research-based and developed by linguistic experts, and the lessons are scientifically justified, perfect for someone who intends to gradually push themselves from being able to speak only simple phrases and understand them to intermediate fluency.

Features:

• Lessons developed by language experts for everyday conversations.
  
• Thematic courses (travel, culture, business, etc.).
  
• Includes cultural information and grammar explanations.
  
• Offers voice recognition tools for pronunciation.

3. Busuu

Busuu has a community-driven approach. It offers structured lessons, and native speakers correct your exercises, be it writing or speaking. It promotes self-learning with feedback that works in the direction of a traditional classroom, but is more flexible.

Here, the AI builds a personal study plan based on your learning speed, so you can see your progress. Busuu deals with the four probable great aspects: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening. 

Features:

• 12-language courses.
  
• AI-powered personalised study plans.
  
• Native speaker community for practice and feedback.
  
• Integrated grammar and vocabulary reviews.

4. Memrise

Memrise is an app designed especially for remembering new words. The app uses spaced repetition, a technique where the learner reviews words just when they’re about to fade from memory, ensuring they stick in long-term memory. Also, there are short videos where a native speaker says these words or phrases in actual conversations to give an authentic touch. Memrise is pretty versatile in teaching travel vocabulary, academic vocabulary, or even slang. 

Features:

• Real-life video clips of native speakers.
  
• Use of spaced repetition for long-term retention.
  
• Thousands of courses are prepared by the community.
  
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate levels.
  

5. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone has long been a well-known name in language learning. It refers to the learning system “Dynamic Immersion,” which is achieved by associating images, sounds, and repetition, without relying on translations. Such immersion helps one begin to “think” in the target language within a given timeframe.

Another method involves live tutoring, so one can connect with an instructor directly. To help with pronunciation, another feature that comes with the software is TruAccent, which makes sure it sounds natural. 

Features:

• An immersive method of learning, free from translations
  
• Live tutoring sessions with professional teachers
  
• TruAccent speech recognition for precise pronunciation
  
• 25 languages available

6. Drops

Drops involves a positive visual approach to learning vocabulary. It consists of short sessions up to five minutes. Instead of long presentations of grammar rules, colored illustrations are used to link words to images. The incorporated design is user-friendly and attractive. It maintains the philosophy of encouraging practice without forcing a student into it. 

Features:

• Short sessions of five minutes each.
  
• Over 45 languages.
  
• Visual language learning with illustrated word associations.
  
• Only vocabulary words; no grammar.

7. Pimsleur

Pimsleur emphasises audio learning and is suitable for learners on the go. It can be used while driving to work, in the gym, or even while cleaning up one’s apartment. It puts forth large incentives for developing conversational ability and comprehension.

The lessons are designed to get learners speaking and using the language from day one. Every lesson builds on what the previous one has taught, with a natural progression that prompts the learners to recall and use the phrases in context.

Features:

• Audio lessons on the go
  
• Preference for speaking and listening.
  
• Offline downloads available.
  
• Lessons push real-life conversation.

8. HelloTalk

By integrating the social aspect into language learning, HelloTalk allows users to communicate with native speakers. Users get options like texting, voice, and video chatting, and it’s like a language exchange where you teach them, and they teach you. Besides chatting one-on-one, there is the option of group discussions for interaction and updates, like a mini social media feed.

Features:

• Connect with native speakers across the globe.
  
• Chat via text, voice, and video.
  
• Built-in translation and correction.
  
• Support for 150+ languages.

9. LingoDeer

For Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Asian languages, LingoDeer is a useful choice. While most apps would only give you vocabulary, LingoDeer gives importance to grammar and sentence construction. The explanations are detailed, which makes it great for learners who want to conceptualise the “why” of a language.

The lessons develop logically with activities that practice reading, listening, and writing. You can even download a lesson and enjoy it offline. LingoDeer is really helpful when learning Asian languages.

Features:

• Focused on grammar with a logically structured set of lessons.
  
• Detailed explanation involved in sentence building.
  
• Offline mode for learning.
  
• Special focus on the East Asian languages.

10. Mondly

Mondly increases the level of learning experience for the student using augmented and virtual reality, which is a rare and unique feature among the best language learning apps available online. Besides regular sessions, one can have conversational practice with AI-based chatbots.

Given the colourful hues of the interface, better structuring is done for daily, weekly, and monthly plans to track progress. Additionally, it has a kid-friendly mode, so families can use it together. 

Features:

• AR and VR for immersive learning.
  
• Chatbots for natural conversational practice.
  
• 33 languages.
  
• Family-friendly version for kids.

Choosing the Right Language Learning App

Choosing from the best language learning apps available depends on your style. Consider these if you are: 

• Being casual: Duolingo and Drops.
  
• For structured lessons: Babbel, Busuu, and LingoDeer are the best.
  
• For the best immersion: Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur.
  
• The community aspect: HelloTalk.
  
• For the cutting-edge feel: Mondly with AR and VR. 

Conclusion

Different apps have different strengths: Duolingo motivates through gamification, Babbel offers more structured lessons, Busuu and HelloTalk provide actual feedback from native speakers, with Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur immersing you in a type of natural acquisition. Drops is good for vocabulary. Memrise also excels at vocabulary-building. LingoDeer works well for grammar-oriented Asian languages, and Mondly brings VR and daily conversations to the forefront.

Usually, these vocabulary-focused applications lack the basics of grammar, while the immersion ones will take a little time to show their benefits, and chat-based apps require an initiator. The best way is to pair up the best language learning apps that complement each other. For example: Beginner: Duolingo + Drops + HelloTalk, Grammar: LingoDeer + Babbel + Busuu, Immersion: Rosetta Stone + Pimsleur + Memrise. However, consistency is the key. Whichever app you pick, practice daily, even ten minutes a day will progress you into fluency sooner or later.