- Teaches 38 different languages.
- Uses a gamified language learning approach.
- Free with ads.
- Pro ($6.99/ month) offers additional features and removes ads.
- Access to 25 languages
- $199.00 Lifetime ($179.00 with promotions)
- Select languages available on IOS and Android
- 10-minute lessons on or offline
- Offers 1-on-1 lessons in over 150 different languages.
- Lessons starting at $5
- Excellent Trustpilot rating
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Introduction: Best Language Learning Apps and Websites
So, you’ve decided about learning a new language in 2024.
Congratulations, you’re going to have a great year!
Learning a second language is one of the most valuable investments you’ll ever make in your lifetime.
Next comes the fun part of your journey; choosing the best language learning website .
The best language learning platforms help students effectively learn new languages, acquire new language skills, and develop fluency.
The best platforms also offer engaging and interactive lessons and activities that help users to learn a language more effectively.
Each of the below language learning platform offers its own unique approach to learning. Most of the platforms also have associated Apps available for download!
In this article, we will overview our top picks of the 12 best websites to learn a new language. (Including those with associated Apps) along with descriptive overviews.
How to Choose the Best Language Learning Platform for You
There are many language learning apps and websites available on the market. But not all of them are equal. So, how do you choose the best one for you?
The first thing to consider is your budget. If you are on a limited budget, then you may want to consider the ones that include free (or free trial) options that can help you get acquainted and decide if it’s the right one for you.
If you eventually want to learn more than one language, then it is better to invest in a platform that offers a paid or subscription plan.
The second thing is to consider your learning style and preferences. Some people prefer audio-based lessons while others prefer video or text-based lessons.
Thus, it is valuable to become acquainted with what kind of learner you are before ultimately choosing a language learning platform.
The best language learning platforms are those that are easy to use, offer a wide variety of languages to learn, and deliver high-quality content. Let’s get started and take a look at our best picks! ✅
1.) Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning platforms with over 300 million users worldwide.
Duolingo offers courses in Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, plus 33 more languages. The Duolingo app is also available for both iOS and Android devices.
Duolingo also uses a gamified approach to language learning, making it fun and engaging for users of all ages.
Duolingo has a wide variety of language courses, with options for beginners and advanced users.
Features
- Teaches 38 different languages.
- Uses a gamified language learning approach.
- Provides a language engine for every challenge, with personalized recommendations for learning.
- Focuses on two (Duo) language pairings.
- Free with ads.
- Pro ($6.99/ month) offers additional features and removes ads.
2.) Italki
Italki is an online language learning platform that connects language teachers with students.
Italki has a huge global community of language learners and teachers.
There’s a high demand for language teachers and Italki offers an effective avenue to teach online.
Italki is easy to sign up for. All you need is an email address for registration.
After that, you’ll be able to start searching for teachers who offer 1-on-1 lessons in over 150 different languages.
The course instructor and pricing for each course is also listed as you search.
You can also use Italki as an alternative to hiring someone privately.
3.) Rosetta Stone
The gold standard in language learning, Rosetta Stone is one of the world’s most popular language-learning programs. It is used by millions of people around the world to learn new languages.
In fact, Rosetta Stone has been around for over two decades and is one of the most well-known and established language learning platforms in the world.
Rosetta Stone uses a unique method to teach languages, which means that you won’t find it in any other language learning platform.
Rosetta Stone Languages
- Spanish (Latin America and Spain
- English (American and British)
- French
- Italian
- German
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Dutch
- Filipino (Tagalog)
- Greek
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Irish
- Japanese
- Korean
- Persian (Farsi)
- Polish
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Russian
- Swedish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
4.) Lingoda
Lingoda is a popular platform for learning new languages. This online language school offers language courses for English, Business English, German, French and Spanish.
It has a variety of courses for all types of learners: beginner, intermediate or advanced.
Start with the beginner level if you’re new to learning a foreign language, Then move on to the intermediate or advanced levels once you’ve mastered the basics.
Lingoda’s courses are taught by native speakers who are experts in their field of study.
These teachers have years of experience working with students from different backgrounds around the world so they know what works best when teaching how to speak another language fluently
Features
- Certified, native-speaking teachers.
- Flexible Zoom 60 minutes online classes
- The option to learn 1-on-1 or in small groups
- Downloadable learning materials
- Free 7 Day Trial
Lingoda Languages
- German
- English
- Business English
- French
- Spanish
5.) Babbel
Babbel is a language learning platform that was founded in August 2007 by Thomas Holl and Markus Witte.
Babbel offers up to 14 different languages for you to choose from with multiple price options: 3–month, 6-month, annual, and lifetime subscriptions.
Babbel’s goal is to make learning both fun and effective through podcasts, games, videos and live online classes that help you build a foundation of knowledge in a foreign language so you can communicate with confidence.
Features
- Uses the empirically proven Babbel Method
- 14 languages
- Over 50,000 lessons
- 13,000 hours of content
- 10 minutes a day of learning
Babbel Languages
- German
- Spanish
- French
- Dutch
- Italian
- Portugese
- Polish
- Indonesian
- Norwegian
- Danish
- Russian
- Turkish
- Swedish
6.) Memrise
Memrise is an app that’s been around for a while now and it’s one of the best language learning platforms out there.
Memrise has over 15 million users who are using it to learn 23 different languages. Memrise’s focus is on teaching real-life conversational words and phrases.
It’s fun to use, you can learn different languages and it works well on your phone or tablet. The app uses spaced repetition so you remember what you learn. You can also learn in different ways like flashcards, listening, typing, and more!
7.) Busuu
Busuu is an online platform that helps you learn a language by making it fun and easy to practice your skills.
The site offers lessons in 12 different languages, with native speakers correcting your writing, feedback on your pronunciation, and more.
Busuu also offers audio and video lessons so you can practice listening to native speakers while learning new vocabulary.
In addition to its interactive features, Busuu provides adaptive learning content so the platform adjusts lesson difficulty based on your individual needs.
This way, if you’re a beginner learner looking for basic grammar explanations and examples of common words or phrases used in everyday conversation, then Busuu will provide those types of lessons for you automatically.
Busuu Languages
- Arabic
- Chinese
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Turkish
8.) Mosalingua
Mosalingua is an online language learning platform that offers courses in 8 different languages:
The program was founded in 2012 by two French developers, who were frustrated with the lack of quality, easy-to-use tools available for learning languages online.
Mosalingua offers a 15 day free trial of the premium version. Mosalingua is also available online (including IOS and Android).
In addition, Mosalingua offers a printable Language Aptitude Certificate.
There are no complicated user interfaces or confusing settings — everything is laid out clearly in front of you so that you can start learning right away!
9.) Open Culture
If you’re looking for a free wide range of learning resources, Open Language (Open Culture) is the place to go.
Founded in 2006 Open Culture’s about page states that “Our whole mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you access to this high quality content whenever and wherever you want it.” Source: Openculture
In addition to language learning, there are many other types of media featured on the platform including
audiobooks and podcasts, e-books and movie trailers. All of the material is categorized and linked out to various learning sources, MOOC’s (Massive Open Online Courses) and platforms across the web.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t get lost trying to find what you are looking for. Instead, open the links in new tabs where applicable. Also, be sure to bookmark on this site. It links to various platforms across the Internet.
10.) Glossika
Glossika is a language learning company that offers courses in over 60 different languages.
The company was founded in 2012 by Michael Campbell. Glossika’s mission is to help people learn new languages quickly and easily
It’s one of the few language learning apps that I’ve tried where it has been effective for me to learn new words, and the spaced repetition system helps get me to recall them.
Glossika uses “Full sentence practice in context, meaning your vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar acquisition is more natural. All of this leads to fluency.” Source: Glossika.com.
Features
- 7 day free trial
- $31.00 Monthly Plan features unlimited use of all the languages
- IOS App with Android App in development as of the time of this update (September 2022)
- Features over 60 languages
- An adaptive learning algorithm that selects the most relevant material to study at any given time, based on on your progress, learning style and activity history.
- A powerful Spaced Repetition algorithm helps you learn and retain what you learn at the right time and in the right way.
- The intuitive interface makes learning fun by showing you a storyboard of all your stuff.
Glossika Languages
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Japanese
- Mandarin (Beijing)
- German
- Italian
- View All…
11.) SuperMemo
SuperMemo is a spaced repetition flashcard system.
The program uses a sophisticated algorithm to determine the optimal time to review cards, which is superior to traditional approaches such as rote memorization or cramming.
The program is available in several languages including English, Thai, Turkish, Norwegian, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Finnish, French, Danish, Dutch, Russian, Czech, Arabic, and Chinese.
SuperMemo also features a mobile App version for iOS and Android.
Features
- Learn 19 Languages (See Above)
- Over 200 high-quality courses
- Uses SuperMemo Spaced Repetition Algorithm
- First Month is Free! ($9.99 per month thereafter)
- 5 courses In Business English
- Create Your Own Course Option
- Available for iOS, Android and PC Windows.
- Learn both On and Offline
12.) FluentU
A great way to learn a new language, FluentU takes real-world videos like music videos, commercials, news, and inspiring talks and turns them into language learning experiences.
It’s a video based training platform that enables you to learn English through authentic content.
FluentU brings together the best videos for language learning – with attention to grammar and vocabulary – so that learners can understand as they watch.
FluentU is designed to immerse viewers in the language and culture of the original video.
It’s an extraordinary approach to learning and the most engaging way to get you fluent fast while having fun at the same time!
What are the Benefits of Learning a New Language?
1. Improved Communication Skills
When you learn a new language, you improve your ability to communicate with people who speak that language. This can be helpful in both professional and personal contexts.
Being able to communicate in more than one language also gives you an edge in the workplace and in social settings.
You’ll be able to connect with more people and understand them on a deeper level.
2. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities
Research has shown that learning a new language can actually help improve your cognitive abilities, including your memory and problem-solving skills.
Bilingualism has been shown to improve mental agility and reflexes by up to 50%.
Bilingualism has also been shown to improve executive function skills such as planning, problem-solving, and task flexibility.
3. Greater Job Prospects
In today’s global economy, being bilingual or multilingual can give you a significant leg up when it comes to finding a job. Many employers are looking for candidates who have language skills.
Bilingual employees often earn 10-15% more than their monolingual counterparts.
4. Improved Cultural Understanding
Learning a new language can help you better understand the culture of the people who speak that language.
Learning about another culture can also help you see the world from a different perspective.
You’ll be able to appreciate other cultures’ customs, values, and beliefs.
5. Enhanced Travel Experiences
If you love to travel, learning a new language will allow you to have more enriched travel experiences.
Being able to speak more than one language can really open up a world of travel possibilities.
You’ll be able to visit countries where English is not the primary language without having to rely on translation services or bilingual friends/family members
6. Higher Test Scores
Students who learn a second language often outperform their monolingual peers on standardized tests such as the SAT and TOEFL.
Keeping your mind active by learning a new language can help keep you sharp as you age and may even help ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
7. Brain Health Benefits
In addition to the mental stimulation that comes from learning a new language, there are also brain health benefits that come from being bilingual or multilingual.
Bilingualism has been linked with improved executive function and increased grey matter in the brain.
8. Social Benefits
Learning a new language can also have social benefits, such as making new friends and expanding your social network. It can also help you connect with other people who share your interests in different cultures and languages.
9. Fun and Enjoyment
Learning a new language doesn’t have to be all work and no play!
There can be a lot of fun and enjoyment that comes from learning a new language, especially if you’re passionate about it.
10. A Sense of Accomplishment
Achieving something difficult like mastering a new language can give you a great sense of accomplishment that can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
11. Improved Reading and Writing Skills
Learning a new language can also help improve your reading and writing skills in your native tongue as well as the new language itself. Since languages share commonalities, understanding one can often help with understanding others too.
12. Improved Multitasking Abilities
Last but not least, studies have shown that those who know more than one language are better at multitasking than those who only know one. This is because they’re used to switching between languages regularly.
What are the Most Common Spoken Languages?
1. English – The global language
English is the most spoken language in the world with over 1 billion speakers. It’s the official language of 54 countries, and it’s one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
2. Mandarin Chinese – The language of the future
Mandarin Chinese is the 2nd most spoken language in the world with over 1 billion speakers. It’s the official language of China and Taiwan, and it’s one of the four official languages of Singapore.
3. Spanish – The language of love and international business
Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world with over 417 million speakers. It’s the official language of 21 countries, and it’s one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
Summary
- Language Learning and Productivity Platforms are great options for anyone seeking to learn and become more effective in any environment.
- Spaced repetition is the most effective way to learn a new language, and the best language-learning platforms use it.
- Flashcards can be very helpful for vocabulary, but they’re not so helpful for grammar or pronunciation.
- Vocabulary is just as important as grammar when it comes to speaking and writing a foreign language fluently.
- Vocabulary is often considered more difficult than grammar because there are so many words that exist in any given language (which can make it hard not to get overwhelmed).
- Grammar is necessary if you want people to understand what you’re trying to say. Don’t worry if you don’t fully grasp all the intricacies of how each word functions grammatically—it takes time.
- And remember: even native speakers make mistakes. Everyone has trouble with one thing or another when speaking their native tongue.
That being said, most people don’t know all there is to learn about their own primary language (even people who were born into bilingual families), so don’t feel bad if your native tongue isn’t perfect yet either!
When learning a new skill or language it’s best to take things slowly and keep practicing every day until those pesky mistakes disappear completely!
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