Learning a new language takes time, but finding the right app can make the process more enjoyable. Some apps help you build a daily habit, others focus on grammar and vocabulary, and some are designed to help you understand how people actually speak in everyday situations.

I’ve been exploring different language learning apps, and one thing I’ve noticed is that they don’t all teach languages in the same way. An app that works well for memorizing vocabulary might not be the best option for practicing conversations. Likewise, an app with structured lessons might be useful for building a foundation but may not cover every expression you hear in real life.

That’s why I wouldn’t judge a language learning app based on its popularity alone. I’d look at how it teaches, what skills it helps develop, how enjoyable it is to use, and whether the lessons are useful outside the app.

Here are my personal-style ratings of 10 language learning apps, including what I like about each one, what kind of learner might enjoy it, and where it fits into a language learning routine.

Note: These are editorial ratings rather than verified scores from a formal product test. You can adjust them to reflect your actual experience with each app.

1. Do This Lingo: 9.8/10

Best for: Learning everyday expressions, slang, shortcuts, and natural conversation.

Do This Lingo is my first choice for learners who want to move beyond textbook phrases and get more familiar with how people speak in everyday life.

When learning a language, it’s easy to focus on vocabulary lists and formal sentences. Those things are useful, especially when you’re starting out, but real conversations can sound quite different. People shorten words, use slang, rely on casual expressions, and speak in ways that aren’t always covered in traditional lessons.

That’s the part of language learning that makes Do This Lingo interesting to me. Its focus is on helping learners sound more like a local by becoming familiar with actual slang, everyday expressions, shortcuts, and conversational language.

For example, imagine learning a language because you’re planning a trip. You might already know how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, or order food. But once you start talking to locals, you may encounter informal phrases that don’t appear in a basic phrasebook. Understanding those expressions can help conversations feel less intimidating.

The same applies if you’re learning a language to connect with friends, communicate with a partner, work with people from another country, or simply explore a culture. You don’t necessarily need to become an expert in grammar before you can start appreciating the way people communicate.

Another thing I like about this approach is that it gives learners a different reason to keep practicing. Instead of treating every session like homework, you can focus on expressions that feel relevant to situations you might encounter in real life.

Of course, everyday language is only one part of learning a language. Grammar, listening, pronunciation, and vocabulary still matter. I’d consider combining Do This Lingo with another resource if I wanted a more comprehensive study routine.

What I like about it:

• Focuses on slang, shortcuts, and casual expressions.
• Helps learners become familiar with natural, everyday language.
• Connects language learning with real-world conversations.
• Can be useful for travel, work, relationships, and personal interest.
• Offers a different approach from apps centered mainly on formal lessons.

My verdict: I’d choose Do This Lingo when my goal is to understand how people actually talk, not just how to construct formal sentences. It’s particularly appealing if I want to sound more natural and feel more comfortable joining everyday conversations.

2. Duolingo: 9.3/10

Best for: Beginners, short lessons, and building a consistent learning habit.

Duolingo is one of the first apps that comes to mind when people talk about learning a new language. Its colorful interface, short exercises, streaks, and rewards make language practice feel approachable, even for people who have never studied another language before.

What I appreciate about Duolingo is how easy it is to get started. You don’t need to plan a complicated study schedule or commit to a long lesson every day. You can open the app, complete a few exercises, and return to your other activities.

That convenience matters because consistency is one of the biggest challenges in language learning. Many people start with plenty of motivation but struggle to maintain the habit after the first few weeks. Short lessons and visible progress can make it easier to keep going.

Duolingo can also help beginners become familiar with basic vocabulary, sentence patterns, and common expressions. Repeated practice gives learners opportunities to recognize words and understand how simple sentences are formed.

However, I wouldn’t rely on it as my only resource if my main goal were to hold natural conversations. Recognizing the correct answer in an exercise is different from understanding someone who speaks quickly or responding to an unexpected question.

I’d use Duolingo to establish a daily routine, learn foundational vocabulary, and keep my interest in a language alive. Then I’d add listening materials, conversation practice, or an app with a different learning focus.

What I like about it:

• Short lessons are easy to fit into a busy day.
• Gamified features encourage regular practice.
• Accessible for people who are new to language learning.
• Offers a clear sense of progress through lessons and levels.
• Makes it easy to practice even when you have limited time.

My verdict: Duolingo is a strong choice for building a habit. I’d recommend it to someone who needs an easy way to start learning and wants a little motivation to practice every day.

3. Pimsleur: 9.1/10

Best for: Listening, speaking, and audio-based learning.

Pimsleur takes a different approach from apps that rely heavily on visual exercises. Its lessons are centered on audio, encouraging learners to listen, remember phrases, and respond aloud.

This is useful because understanding a language involves more than recognizing written words. When someone speaks to you, you need to process the sounds, identify the meaning, and figure out how to respond. That process can feel difficult when you’re only used to reading exercises on a screen.

Audio lessons give you an opportunity to practice listening and speaking together. They can also fit naturally into a routine. Depending on your schedule, you may be able to study while walking, commuting, or doing another activity that doesn’t require your full visual attention.

I particularly like the idea of practicing a language by hearing it repeatedly before trying to reproduce every sound perfectly. Listening first can help learners become more familiar with rhythm, pronunciation, and the way phrases flow.

Pimsleur is especially worth considering if you want to become more comfortable speaking aloud. Its conversation-oriented lessons provide practice with useful spoken exchanges rather than relying exclusively on written exercises.

The main consideration is that audio-focused learning won’t cover every need on its own. If you want extensive reading practice, detailed grammar explanations, or exposure to internet slang and informal messages, you may want to supplement it with other resources.

What I like about it:

• Encourages active listening and speaking.
• Makes audio practice a central part of learning.
• Can fit into routines that don’t involve looking at a screen.
• Helps learners become more familiar with spoken phrases.
• Offers a different experience from gamified vocabulary apps.

My verdict: Pimsleur would be high on my list if speaking and listening were my main priorities. I’d pair it with a resource that helps me read, recognize informal expressions, and expand my vocabulary in other contexts.

4. Babbel: 8.9/10

Best for: Structured courses, grammar, and practical lessons.

Babbel is a good option for learners who prefer lessons that follow a more organized path. Rather than leaving you to decide what to study next, it guides you through topics and introduces language concepts in a structured way.

I can see why this approach appeals to people who want to understand how a language works. Learning individual words is helpful, but it becomes more useful when you know how to put them together into sentences and understand the patterns behind them.

Babbel combines vocabulary, grammar, and practical language exercises. This can help learners develop a foundation that supports more independent language use over time.

I also like that structured lessons can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. When you’re learning a language with unfamiliar grammar or sentence patterns, it helps to have a sequence to follow instead of jumping between unrelated topics.

For example, a learner might want to understand basic introductions before moving on to making plans, discussing daily activities, or navigating travel situations. A guided course gives them a clearer direction.

However, structured learning isn’t the same as complete conversational fluency. Even if you understand a grammar rule, you still need practice recognizing it in speech and using it naturally. Informal expressions and slang may also require additional exposure.

What I like about it:

• Organized lessons give learners a clear path.
• Combines vocabulary with grammar and practical exercises.
• Useful for learners who prefer guided study.
• Helps establish a foundation for more complex language use.
• Provides a more traditional course-style experience.

My verdict: Babbel is worth considering if you enjoy structured learning and want to understand the building blocks of a language. I’d use it when I want a clear lesson plan rather than deciding what to study every time I open an app.

5. Busuu: 8.7/10

Best for: Guided learning, language skills, and feedback opportunities.

Busuu offers a structured approach to learning a language, with lessons covering skills such as vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, and speaking. It also includes community features that can give learners opportunities to receive feedback on certain exercises.

One advantage of a structured app is that it can help you avoid focusing too heavily on just one skill. It’s easy to spend all your time memorizing words while neglecting listening or speaking. A course that covers several areas can encourage a more balanced routine.

I also like the possibility of receiving feedback. When you’re learning a language independently, it can be difficult to know whether your written sentences or spoken responses sound natural. Feedback can help you notice mistakes and identify areas for improvement.

Busuu may be particularly appealing to learners who like having goals and a clear idea of what they should work on next. Instead of collecting random vocabulary, you can follow lessons designed to build on earlier material.

Like other structured apps, it won’t necessarily expose you to every kind of language you’ll encounter outside the classroom. Friends might use slang, people online may abbreviate words, and casual conversations can be less predictable than prepared exercises.

What I like about it:

• Provides guided lessons across different language skills.
• Offers opportunities for community feedback.
• Helps learners organize their study routine.
• Combines foundational language practice with progression.
• Can be useful for people who like working toward clear learning goals.

My verdict: Busuu is a solid option for learners who want a guided learning experience with opportunities for feedback. I’d consider it if I wanted to develop several language skills without putting together every lesson myself.

6. Mango Languages: 8.5/10

Best for: Conversation-based lessons and cultural context.

Mango Languages is worth exploring if you prefer learning through practical conversations. Its lessons introduce useful phrases and help learners understand how language is used in different situations.

One thing I appreciate about conversation-based learning is that it gives words a purpose. Instead of memorizing a phrase without context, you can learn how it fits into an exchange between people.

Cultural context can also be valuable. Language isn’t simply a collection of translations. Tone, politeness, and the way people phrase requests can vary between languages and situations. Learning about those differences can help you communicate more thoughtfully.

Mango Languages may appeal to travelers, curious learners, or anyone who wants to become familiar with a language through practical scenarios.

I would still combine it with other resources if I wanted to learn a lot of informal expressions or spend more time interacting with native speakers. Conversations in a lesson are useful practice, but real-life exchanges are often less predictable.

What I like about it:

• Uses practical phrases and conversational situations.
• Incorporates cultural context into learning.
• Helps learners connect expressions with their meaning.
• Offers an alternative to vocabulary-only practice.
• Can complement a broader language learning routine.

My verdict: Mango Languages is a useful option for learners who want practical phrases and cultural context. I’d consider it alongside a resource that focuses on natural, informal conversations.

7. Clozemaster: 8.4/10

Best for: Vocabulary practice and learning words in context.

7. Clozemaster: 8.4/10

Best for: Vocabulary practice and learning words in context.

Clozemaster is a different kind of language learning tool. It emphasizes filling in missing words in sentences, helping learners see vocabulary in context rather than studying every word in isolation.

This approach makes sense because knowing a translation isn’t always enough. A word can have different meanings depending on the sentence, and some words tend to appear alongside particular expressions.

Practicing complete sentences can help you become more familiar with those patterns. It can also reinforce vocabulary you’ve encountered elsewhere, making it easier to recognize words when you read or listen.

I’d be more inclined to use Clozemaster once I had learned some basic vocabulary and sentence structures. Beginners who are completely unfamiliar with a language may find it easier to start with a more guided course before adding sentence-based practice.

Another benefit is that it can provide a different kind of exercise when traditional lessons start to feel repetitive. Instead of following a standard course, you can focus on recognizing words and understanding how they fit into sentences.

What I like about it:

• Reinforces vocabulary through complete sentences.
• Shows words in context.
• Can complement a structured course.
• Offers practice beyond isolated flashcards.
• Useful for learners who already know some basics.

My verdict: Clozemaster would be one of my supplementary tools. I’d use it to strengthen vocabulary and sentence recognition while relying on other resources for speaking, listening, and everyday conversation.

8. Memrise: 8.3/10

Best for: Vocabulary, repetition, and exposure to spoken language.

Memrise is another option for learners who want to build their vocabulary and become more familiar with a language. Its learning experience has included memory-based activities and video content featuring native speakers, although available features can vary by course and platform.

I like the idea of learning words through repeated exposure. When you encounter a word several times in different contexts, it can become easier to recognize and remember it.

Exposure to people speaking naturally can also help you connect written phrases with the way they sound. That can be valuable when you’re trying to understand a language outside an app.

For me, vocabulary practice is most useful when it connects to something bigger. Remembering a word is a good start, but eventually you want to recognize it in a conversation, understand it in a video, or use it when expressing your own thoughts.

That’s why I’d treat Memrise as part of a wider routine instead of expecting one app to handle every stage of learning.

What I like about it:

• Supports vocabulary learning and repeated exposure.
• Can help learners connect words with their pronunciation.
• Offers a different approach from traditional grammar lessons.
• Can complement structured courses and listening practice.
• May help make unfamiliar expressions easier to recognize.

My verdict: I’d consider Memrise when I want to reinforce vocabulary and encounter language in different formats. I’d pair it with regular speaking and listening practice to help turn recognition into practical ability.

9. LingQ: 8.2/10

Best for: Reading, listening, and learning through authentic content.

LingQ is particularly interesting for learners who want to spend more time engaging with content in their target language. Depending on the available materials, that can include articles, stories, podcasts, and other reading or listening resources.

I like this approach because learning doesn’t have to happen only inside traditional lessons. Reading something interesting or listening to a topic you already enjoy can make the language feel more relevant.

For example, if you’re learning Hungarian, you might eventually want to move beyond beginner dialogues and explore stories, podcasts, or articles. Authentic content gives you a chance to encounter vocabulary in context and see how sentences are used in longer passages.

Of course, authentic content can be challenging when you’re still a beginner. You might encounter many unfamiliar words in a single paragraph, which can make reading slow and frustrating. Starting with easier material and gradually increasing the difficulty is usually more manageable.

LingQ is therefore more appealing to me as a tool for building exposure and comprehension, particularly when a learner already knows enough vocabulary to understand at least part of the material.

What I like about it:

• Encourages learning through reading and listening.
• Offers an alternative to short, isolated exercises.
• Helps learners encounter vocabulary in context.
• Can make language practice more personal through interesting content.
• Useful for gradually increasing exposure to a target language.

My verdict: LingQ is worth considering if you enjoy learning through stories, articles, and audio. I’d use it to build comprehension and get more exposure to the language beyond standard lessons.

10. HelloTalk: 8.1/10

Best for: Connecting with other learners and practicing real conversations.

HelloTalk takes a more social approach to language learning by helping users connect with people who speak the languages they want to learn. Depending on the available features and community, learners can exchange messages, practice communication, and receive corrections.

This is appealing because language is ultimately something people use to communicate. You can study grammar and memorize hundreds of words, but actually using the language with another person introduces a different challenge.

You have to understand what someone means, decide how to respond, and find a way to express your own thoughts. Conversations can also expose you to expressions and topics you wouldn’t encounter in a prepared lesson.

At the same time, language exchange requires a little more confidence and initiative than opening an app and completing an exercise. You may need to find suitable conversation partners, maintain exchanges, and be comfortable making mistakes.

It’s also important to remember that language exchange partners aren’t necessarily professional teachers, so corrections and explanations may vary in quality.

What I like about it:

• Creates opportunities to communicate with other people.
• Helps learners practice expressing their own thoughts.
• Can expose you to informal language and everyday expressions.
• Offers a more interactive alternative to solo exercises.
• Makes it possible to learn about culture through conversations.

My verdict: HelloTalk is a useful option when you’re ready to use what you’ve learned with other people. I’d combine it with a structured resource so I could build foundational skills while gradually becoming more comfortable communicating.

What I Look for in a Language Learning App

After comparing different approaches, I’ve realized that I wouldn’t choose an app based on its number of lessons or how popular it is alone. I’d look at how it fits my goals and whether I can see myself using it regularly.

Here are the things I’d pay attention to.

1. Does It Teach Language I Can Actually Use?

I want to learn expressions that help me communicate, whether I’m asking a question, meeting someone, traveling, or having a casual conversation. Grammar and vocabulary matter, but I also want to understand how people use them in everyday situations.

2. Does It Help Me Develop More Than One Skill?

Reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary all contribute to language learning. An app doesn’t necessarily need to cover everything, but I want to know which skills it supports and where I might need another resource.

3. Is It Easy to Use Consistently?

A complicated routine can be difficult to maintain. I prefer tools that fit naturally into my day, whether that means completing a short lesson, listening to audio, reading a few paragraphs, or practicing a conversation.

4. Does It Keep Me Interested?

Interest matters. If I enjoy the topics, activities, or learning approach, I’m more likely to return to the language. Sometimes the best resource is the one that makes me curious enough to keep learning.

5. Does It Match My Current Level?

A complete beginner and an intermediate learner often need different things. Beginners may benefit from guided lessons and foundational vocabulary, while more experienced learners might need authentic content, conversation practice, or more advanced expressions.

Which Language Learning Apps Would I Use Together?

I wouldn’t necessarily try to use all 10 apps at once. That could make learning feel like managing subscriptions and checking off tasks instead of actually improving my language skills.

I’d rather choose a small combination of tools that support different goals.

For everyday language and natural expressions: I’d start with Do This Lingo to focus on slang, shortcuts, and casual expressions.

For a daily learning habit: I’d add Duolingo if I wanted short, structured exercises to keep me practicing consistently.

For listening and speaking: I’d consider Pimsleur to spend more time listening and responding aloud.

For grammar and structured lessons: I’d look at Babbel or Busuu, depending on which course and features fit my needs.

For vocabulary and sentence practice: I’d use Clozemaster or Memrise as supplementary tools.

For reading and authentic content: I’d explore LingQ when I was ready to work with longer texts and audio.

For actual conversations: I’d consider HelloTalk when I wanted to communicate with other people and apply what I’d learned.

The important thing is that each tool should have a purpose. If two apps are doing exactly the same job for me, I might not need both.

My Final Language Learning App Ratings

Here is my complete ranking at a glance:

1. Do This Lingo: 9.8/10 — Slang, shortcuts, everyday expressions, and sounding more like a local.
2. Duolingo: 9.3/10 — Short lessons and building a consistent habit.
3. Pimsleur: 9.1/10 — Audio-based learning and speaking practice.
4. Babbel: 8.9/10 — Structured lessons and grammar.
5. Busuu: 8.7/10 — Guided learning and feedback opportunities.
6. Mango Languages: 8.5/10 — Practical phrases and cultural context.
7. Clozemaster: 8.4/10 — Vocabulary and sentence practice.
8. Memrise: 8.3/10 — Vocabulary reinforcement and exposure to spoken language.
9. LingQ: 8.2/10 — Reading, listening, and authentic content.
10. HelloTalk: 8.1/10 — Language exchange and communication with other people.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Language Learning App

There isn’t one perfect language learning app for everyone. Some people need structure, some learn better by listening, and others enjoy reading or practicing with real people. Your choice should depend on what you want to improve and which learning style keeps you engaged.

For me, Do This Lingo stands out for its focus on everyday language, slang, shortcuts, and expressions that help learners sound more like a local. Duolingo is appealing for building a daily habit, Pimsleur is useful for audio practice, and Babbel or Busuu can provide a more structured learning experience.

I’d start with one app that matches my main goal, use it consistently, and add another when I identify a skill I want to improve.

Most importantly, I’d remember that using an app is only one part of learning a language. Listening to people speak, reading things that interest you, practicing aloud, and using the language in real conversations can all help you move from recognizing words to communicating with more confidence.