Best Language Learning Apps of 2025: Top Picks for Online Language Courses
Discover the leading language learning apps of 2025 – from gamified Duolingo to immersive Rosetta Stone – rated and reviewed by experts.
Language learning apps have made it easier than ever to pick up a new tongue. Experts note that you can use these apps for travel or studycnn.com– one travel agent even says they can help you 'order food, ask for directions and other basic things' in a foreign country . We tested and researched the top apps of 2025 to recommend ones suited for beginners, casual learners, and anyone needing structured lessons.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is known for its immersive approach. CNN Underscored editors found it had an “easy-to-use design and logical lesson format”,cnn.com making it their top pick overall. The app uses interactive activities and native-speaker audio to teach vocabulary and grammar. It offers instruction in 25 languagescnn.comand includes leading speech-recognition technology for pronunciation.rosettastone.com A free 3-day trial is available.
Pricing
Key Features
- Immersive, native-speaker audio lessonstechradar.com
- Covers 25 languagescnn.com
- Speech-recognition to correct pronunciationrosettastone.com
- Offline mode with bite-sized lessons
- Customizable to your fluency level
Pros
- Highly intuitive, proven method of learning with long-standing reputation
- Broad language coverage (25+ languages available)cnn.com
- Strong speaking practice with speech recognitionrosettastone.com
- Free trial to test commitment
- Immersive content (photos, audio, text) for real-world context
Cons
- Subscription is relatively expensivetechradar.com
- Lesson format can feel repetitive over timetechradar.com
- No free tier beyond short trial
- App interface locked in landscape mode on phones
Duolingo (Super Duolingo)
Duolingo disguises language lessons as fun games.techradar.com It offers free core courses in 38 languages with a gamified interface that uses points, crowns and streaks to motivate daily practice. CNN Underscored editors found Super Duolingo very easy to usecnn.com– lessons move in small, steady steps that make learning feel effortless . Premium Duolingo (Super Duolingo) costs $12.99/monthdealnews.com(removing ads and unlocking extra features), according to DealNews.
Pricing
Key Features
- Game-like lessonstechradar.com(points, badges, streaks)
- Over 38 languages availablecnn.com
- Free access to all basics; optional Super Duolingo for power features
- Adaptive daily practice with audio and text exercises
- Offline downloads and progress quizzes (Super Duolingo)
Pros
- Free version offers extensive content and many languagestechradar.com
- Highly engaging, encourages consistent use
- Audio and verbal practice modules
- Ability to set reminders and track streaks
- Fun interface improves learner motivation
Cons
- Lessons can be too short or vaguetechradar.com(lacks in-depth grammar)
- Ads in free version can interrupt learning
- Some users report repetitive phrasing
- Not ideal for advanced grammar study
Babbel
Babbel offers structured online lessons built by language experts.techradar.com It begins by asking about your goals and experience, then tailors a curriculum to fit your commitment level.techradar.com CNN Underscored notes Babbel starts at a brisk pace,cnn.com giving a few new words at a time . It also offers live virtual classescnn.com(Babbel Live) for conversational practice . Subscriptions start around $13/monthcnn.comwith multi-month plans .
Pricing
Key Features
- Expert-designed lesson plans for clear progressiontechradar.com
- Tailored course setup based on your goals and scheduletechradar.com
- Short interactive dialogues and listening exercises
- Babbel Live: optional live group classes for conversation
- Includes original podcasts and games for extra practice
Pros
- Thorough course structure provides solid foundation
- Customizes to learner level and availabilitytechradar.com
- Variety of supplemental materials (podcasts, games)
- Live classes foster speaking skills
- Reputable, with millions of subscribers
Cons
- No free tier (subscription required)
- Reported glitches in voice-recognition exercisescnn.com
- Supports about 13 languages onlytechradar.com
- Lesson repetition may feel tedious to some
Memrise
Memrise emphasizes vocabulary retention through videos and memory techniques. Lessons use clips of native speakers to teach phrases in context.techradar.com CNN Underscored found Memrise’s content more advanced and travel-focused,cnn.com but noted you need to concentrate to earn rewards (“only pay rewards if you approach it seriously”) . TechRadar calls Memrise fun and easy to start with,techradar.com though less comprehensive in structure than some rivals. Premium subscriptions (about $15/mo) unlock all content.
Pricing
Key Features
- Immersive video clips of native speakerstechradar.com
- Spaced-repetition flashcards for memory
- Typing answers to reinforce learning
- Playful quiz and game modes
- 23+ languages covered
Pros
- Engaging multimedia content enhances retention
- Uses scientific memory techniques for effective learningtechradar.com
- Good for travel-oriented phrases
- Active recall (typing out answers) improves recall
- Large free portion of course is available
Cons
- Requires more focused effort and persistencecnn.com
- Not as structured or complete as some appstechradar.com
- Limited grammar instruction
- Full access requires paid subscription
Busuu
Busuu combines lessons with social feedback. It first quizzes you on your goals, then creates a study plan to meet your deadline.techradar.com Lessons include practical phrases and exercises. The Premium Plus plan (about $14/mo) adds offline mode, grammar lessons, and up to 12 language courses.techradar.com Your writing and speaking can be reviewed by native speakers. CNN Underscored liked Busuu’s bite-sized approach but noted the app frequently prompts users to upgrade.cnn.com
Pricing
Key Features
- Personalized schedule to hit learning goalstechradar.com
- Interactive exercises with audio and review quizzes
- Premium adds offline mode and up to 12 languagestechradar.com
- Corrections from native speakers on your practice
- 0-14 day money-back guarantee on subscriptions
Pros
- Creates a clear, personalized study plantechradar.com
- Feedback and corrections from native speakers
- Offline learning available (Premium)
- Progress tracking keeps you on target
- Good for intermediate learners with schedule
Cons
- Frequent upgrade prompts in the appcnn.com
- Free version limited to one language
- May be challenging for absolute beginners
- Monthly subscription needed for full features
Conclusion
The best language app depends on your needs. For quick daily practice, gamified apps like Duolingo or Memrise keep you engaged.techradar.com For in-depth study, Rosetta Stone and Babbel offer structured immersion. Busuu’s focused schedule suits those with deadlines. Ultimately, the most important factor is consistency. As TechRadar notes, game-like elements (points, streaks) help make daily practice a habit.techradar.com Choose the app that fits your style and commit to using it regularly.