So, you want to learn a new language. Maybe it’s for a trip, maybe you’ve got a long-standing obsession with anime and want to watch Attack on Titan without subtitles, or maybe you just want to flex on your friends by casually ordering your coffee in flawless Italian.
Whatever the reason, you’ve realized one important thing: self-study is hard as hell.
The internet is full of language learning apps, all promising to make you fluent in three months if you just “practice five minutes a day!” Spoiler: That’s bullshit. Learning a language takes time, effort, and a strategy that works for you. The right app can help—but only if you know which ones are actually worth your time.
I’ve used almost every major language app out there, from the OGs to the hidden gems. Some are incredible and will genuinely transform your learning. Others are overhyped gamified nonsense that teach you how to say “the cat drinks milk” but leave you speechless the second a real human asks you a question.
So, let’s cut through the noise. Here are the best language learning apps that actually work—without wasting your time.
1. Studycat – The Most Underrated Language Learning App
Look, before Duolingo gamified language learning with streaks and guilt-tripping owls, Studycat was already doing it—but in a way that actually helps you retain information. This one doesn’t get as much mainstream attention as it should, probably because people assume it’s just for kids. It’s not. If you like learning in a fun, interactive way (or just have the attention span of a hyperactive goldfish), this is one of the best apps to start with.
Why It Works:
- Game-based learning that doesn’t feel dumbed down—interactive stories, matching exercises, and pronunciation practice that actually stick.
- Perfect for casual learners—if you’re not trying to pass a formal exam and just want to get comfortable with a language, this app makes learning feel effortless.
- Covers multiple languages—including Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
Best for: Absolute beginners or anyone who finds traditional learning methods too dry.
🚀 Try it here: Studycat
2. Duolingo – The One You’re Already Using (But Here’s How to Use It Right)
Ah yes, Duolingo—the app that will happily remind you that you’re on a 120-day streak right before making you feel dumb for forgetting the difference between “ser” and “estar.” It’s by far the most popular language learning app out there, but let’s be real—it’s also deeply flawed if you don’t use it strategically.
How to Actually Learn with Duolingo (Instead of Just Stacking XP Points):
- Treat it like a vocab booster, not a full course. It’s great for building a foundation, but terrible for conversation practice.
- Use the “Stories” feature. This is where the real language learning happens—narrative-based learning is scientifically proven to be more effective than memorizing random words.
- Ignore the leaderboard. Competing for XP sounds fun, but it can lead to rushing through lessons without actually retaining anything.
Best for: Beginners who want to build vocabulary fast or need a structured daily practice habit.
🔗 Try it: Duolingo
🚨 Heads-up: You won’t get fluent with Duolingo alone. Pair it with something that actually teaches conversation skills (like Tandem or Pimsleur).
3. Babbel – Best for Actually Speaking a Language
If you’re serious about learning a language and want something structured, Babbel is miles ahead of Duolingo in terms of real-world usability. It’s designed by actual linguists and focuses on practical conversation skills, which means you’re way less likely to end up only knowing useless phrases about drinking milk and owning ducks.
Why It’s Worth Paying For:
- Dialogue-based lessons that actually prepare you for conversations.
- Speech recognition tools that help with pronunciation.
- Short lessons (10-15 minutes) that fit into real life without feeling overwhelming.
Best for: People who actually want to have conversations instead of just memorizing vocabulary.
🔗 Try it: Babbel
🚨 Downside: It’s not free, but if you’re serious about learning a language, it’s worth it.
4. LingQ – Best for Learning Through Reading
If your learning style leans more towards reading and immersion, LingQ is one of the best tools out there. Instead of flashcards or grammar drills, it gives you real articles, stories, and podcasts in your target language, with built-in tools to help you understand as you read.
Why It’s a Game-Changer:
- You learn through real-world content—not AI-generated sentences.
- Saves words you don’t know so you can review them later.
- Perfect for intermediate learners who want to go beyond textbook vocab.
Best for: Anyone who learns best through context rather than memorization.
🔗 Try it: LingQ
🚨 Downside: Not great for absolute beginners—you’ll need some foundation first.
PS here’s an article on best language apps for kids; and here’s one on spanish learning apps.