Discover the top 10 good language learning apps and platforms to help you learn a new language easily. From Duolingo on your phone to tutoring on iTalki and Preply, find the right app for you.
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I've always had a passion for languages. When I was a teenager, I was learning 3 foreign languages at the same time: English, French, and Spanish. Today, I speak 4 languages fluently (including Polish, my native language), and I can't imagine what my life would have been without them.
With that said, back then, there was no Google, no Duolingo, and hardly any online resources. I learned via private in-person classes with a tutor, at a language school, and by reading books. But today, learning languages is accessible and easy for everyone–you can easily learn on your own if you want to or find native speakers who specialize in teaching their language to foreigners, like me (I'm a native Polish tutor).
So, if you're thinking about learning a language and wondering where you could find tutors and resources online, here are 10 good language learning apps on the internet where you can learn languages online (with a bonus mention).
10 Good Language Learning Apps on the Internet
Ready to improve your language skills from the comfort of your couch? Whether you're brushing up on your Spanish or learning a completely new language, these apps make it easier than ever. Here are 10 of the best language learning apps to get you speaking in no time (plus a bonus pick for the overachievers)!
1. iTalki
iTalki connects you with native-speaking tutors from around the world for personalized language lessons tailored to your needs. It also connects you with the community of language learners like you. The platform’s unique feature is the “language exchange” option, allowing you to practice your target language with others who are learning your native language.
On iTalki, you can:
Get a 1:1 tutor online
Take group lessons
Practice for free via language exchange
Best for: Personalized 1:1 online language lessons.
Languages: You can choose from 150+ languages.
Price point: Lessons start at $8 per hour.
🎁 Get $5 back on your first $20 purchase on iTalki by signing up through my link HERE
2. Preply
Preply offers a diverse range of over 44,000 tutors, allowing you to filter by specialty, such as business language or exam preparation. The platform’s integrated video chat system ensures seamless communication during lessons. Additionally, Preply provides a wide variety of learning resources, including practice questions and lesson plans created by the tutors.
Best for: Customized online lessons for individual learning goals.
Languages: You can choose from 120+ languages.
Price point: Lessons start at $10 per hour.
🎁 Get 30% off your first lesson on Preply by signing up through my link HERE
3. Busuu
Busuu provides structured online language courses with a unique feature called “Busuu Language Certification,” which gives you a recognized certificate after completing assessments. The app incorporates community feedback, allowing you to submit written exercises and receive corrections from native speakers. This collaborative approach helps reinforce your learning and build confidence.
Best for: Structured lessons for vocabulary and grammar.
Languages: You can choose from 14 languages.
Price point: Busuu Premium plans start at $6.95 per month for a yearly subscription
🔗 Sign up for Busuu HERE
4. Lingoda
Lingoda offers live classes with certified teachers using a fully interactive platform that supports both group and private sessions. On Lingoda, you can take private 1:1 classes with a tutor or live group classes with a small group of 5 people, as well as participate in their live online courses and challenges. Their “Sprint” program challenges you to take 15 live Zoom classes in 2 months or 30 classes in 3 months–and if you attend all the classes and follow the rules, you can win 50% back in class credit.
Lingoda’s curriculum is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ensuring a standardized learning path.
Best for: Intense learning sprints or small group lessons
Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian
Price point: Price depends on the plan you've chosen, language, and level.
🔗 Sign up for Lingoda HERE
5. Babbel
Babbel focuses on real-life conversations and practical scenarios, with courses developed by language experts who incorporate cultural insights. Babbel uses its own Babbel method, which has helped 92% of its users improve their proficiency in just two months. So, will you be next?
On Babbel, you can choose between a self-paced course via the Babbel app, live lessons with 1:1 tutors, or group classes in groups of 6 people in 13 languages, such as Spanish, German, Russian, or Polish.
Best for: Real-life conversational skills
Languages: You can choose from 13 languages
Price point: Subscription plans start at $4.80 for a 12-month plan.
🔗 Sign up for Babbel HERE
6. Memrise
Memrise combines fun, interactive lessons with native speaker videos, so you’re not just learning words—you’re hearing them in real-life contexts. The app uses spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary and features a wide array of languages to keep things fresh and engaging. Memrise is perfect for learners who love gamified learning and enjoy seeing progress through short, focused sessions.
Best for: Visual learners who enjoy gamified learning
Languages: 23 languages, including pretty unique ones like Swahili, Galician, or Mongolian
Price point: Free with an option to go pro at $59.99 per month
🔗 Sign up for Memrise HERE
7. Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages offers a comprehensive approach to language learning, blending audio lessons, interactive exercises, and cultural insights. Their structured courses focus on teaching grammar and conversational skills from day one. With downloadable content, you can learn anytime, anywhere, even offline, making it ideal for busy learners.
Best for: Learners seeking structured lessons with offline access
Languages: 14 languages, including Korean, Hindi, and Sign Language
Price point: One-time purchase for full courses starting at $99.95
🔗 Sign up for Rocket Languages HERE
8. Mondly
Mondly brings language learning to life with virtual reality and augmented reality lessons that simulate real-world conversations. The app’s chatbot technology helps you practice speaking with instant feedback, and it also includes daily lessons and quizzes to track your progress. Mondly is a great choice if you want a highly interactive learning experience.
Best for: Learners who enjoy immersive, tech-driven lessons
Languages: Over 40 languages, including Polish
Price point: Free with the option to go pro at $9.99 per month for 1 language
🔗 Sign up for Mondly HERE
9. Go Student (for Children)
Go Student is a tutoring platform specifically designed for young learners. It offers personalized, one-on-one lessons with certified teachers, ensuring kids get the attention they need to thrive. The app supports a wide variety of school subjects, including language learning, with a focus on creating a fun, interactive environment for children.
Best for: Children needing personalized tutoring
Languages: 30+ school subjects, including English, German, Spanish & French
Price point: Lessons start at $28 per session
🔗 Sign up for Go Student HERE
10. Duolingo
Duolingo is a mobile app that makes learning a language feel like a game, offering bite-sized lessons that adapt to your progress. With its iconic streak feature and cute owl mascot (which gets angry at you when you miss your streak), Duolingo keeps you motivated to practice daily. It's perfect for beginners or casual learners who want to pick up vocabulary and phrases without feeling overwhelmed.
Fun fact: Duolingo has a Klingon course! If you're an avid fan of Star Trek like Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj (if you know, you know), this is something for you.
Best for: Casual learners and beginners
Languages: Over 30 languages, including Swahili, Ukrainian, and Hebrew
Price point: Free with an ad-free premium option starting at $6.99 per month
11. Skillshare
Skillshare is a bonus mention on this list, because it isn't really a language learning platform per se, but rather an educational platform where you can short online courses on a variety of topics–ranging from IT programming to cooking.
But, as a language learner, you can find plenty of language classes on Skillshare as well. Whether it's for a specific language (like Business English or Spanish for Beginners), you can also find courses that will enhance your ability to learn languages (like a course on how to learn any language fast) or improve your overall communication skills (like a course on public speaking).
Best for: Learners who want access to multiple courses and topics
Languages: Courses available for languages and other skill sets
Price point: Subscription starts at $14 per month
🔗 Sign up for Skillshare HERE
What Is the Best Language Learning App?
So, what’s the best language learning app out there?
It really depends on your learning style and what you want to achieve. If you’re looking for a fun, free way to get started, Duolingo is probably the most popular language learning app. With its gamified approach, you'll feel like you're playing a game rather than hitting the books—complete with cute little birds cheering you on!
However, Duolingo isn't great for learning practical language that will actually help you communicate with native speakers.
If you want to take your learning more seriously and find an online tutor, my personal opinion is that either iTalki or Preply is the best choice (personally, I sometimes take conversation classes on iTalki to brush up on my rusty French).
These platforms are like the ultimate matchmaking sites for language learners. They connect you with native-speaking tutors for one-on-one lessons or group classes, which is ideal for improving both your speaking skills and grammar.
Overall, the best app for you will be the one that aligns with your learning goals and budget.
Other Ways to Learn Languages for Free
Learning a new language doesn’t have to be expensive! If you're not ready to invest in a teacher or a course, there are tons of free resources online that can help you reach fluency, many of which are right at your fingertips. Here are a few of the most accessible and engaging ways to improve your language learning journey without spending a dime.
YouTube Channels
YouTube is an amazing resource for language learners. With millions of videos available, you can easily find channels dedicated to teaching your target language, whether through lessons, travel vlogs, or lifestyle content. What makes YouTube especially effective is the variety—watching native speakers in real contexts helps you pick up vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances.
💡 My tip: To get the most out of YouTube, find channels that match your interests. Travel channels, cooking tutorials, or even lifestyle vloggers who speak the language you’re learning can immerse you in both the language and the culture. For example, if you’re learning French, follow French-speaking travel vloggers or influencers to practice listening and expand your vocabulary.
Podcasts
Podcasts are perfect for passive language learning. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or doing household chores, you can improve your listening skills and build your vocabulary. What makes podcasts so great is that you can tailor them to your level—choose beginner-friendly language learning podcasts or, if you’re more advanced, go for storytelling or conversational podcasts in the language you’re learning.
💡 My tip: If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with podcasts specifically designed for language learners. For intermediate and advanced learners, try diving into native-speaking podcasts that discuss topics you enjoy—true crime, history, or even pop culture in your target language.
Netflix
Yes, Netflix can be your language-learning buddy! Watching TV shows and movies in your target language is an excellent way to absorb new words, phrases, and cultural expressions in context.
Back when I was learning Spanish, I used to binge-watch Mexican telenovelas—there was no Netflix at the time, so I didn’t have subtitles. At first, I didn’t understand much, but gradually, I began to pick up more words and improve my comprehension (and sigh whenever the exotic Juan José Rodriguez Gonzalez appeared on the screen).
💡 My tip: Watch a series made in the language you’re learning with subtitles in that same language. For example, if you’re learning Italian, watch the original Italian series on Netflix and turn on Italian subtitles to connect spoken words with their written form. This way, you can strengthen your listening and reading skills at once!
Books
Reading books in your target language is one of the most effective ways to grow your vocabulary and improve grammar. When I was learning English, I read the entire Harry Potter series in English, and while it was difficult at first, I gradually built up my reading comprehension. I used to underline every word I didn’t know and look them up in a dictionary.
FYI, this was long before the convenience of Google (and I swear I'm not that old). Nowadays, you can find e-books or audiobooks in almost any language, often for free, which makes it easier to practice reading in a fun and immersive way.
💡 My tip: Start with children’s books or young adult fiction, which are often simpler in vocabulary, and work your way up to more challenging texts as you progress.
Ready to Learn a New Language?
Ready to learn a new language? With these apps, you've got all the tools you need to start speaking like a pro. Whether you're mastering Polish, perfecting your Spanish, or dabbling in something completely new, the world of languages is at your fingertips. So, grab your phone, pick a language learning app, and let the adventure begin—your future self will thank you!
Disclaimer: FYI, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you sign up for the platform via my link, I'll get a small commission. This will help me keep the blog alive, so thank you!
