Ever wanted to learn a new language but had no idea where to start? I can think of a few I would love to learn—Spanish, for instance, or Russian, simply to sound menacing. But while traditional language schools often come with a hefty price tag and require a significant time investment, tech solutions today have made it a little easier and somewhat manageable to learn a new language.
Anyone who has ever wanted to learn a new language has likely come across—and even tried—Duolingo. After all, it’s one of the most well-known language-learning apps. But today’s focus isn’t on Duolingo itself—it’s on the top five alternatives. Not because Duolingo falls short—it’s actually user-friendly and great for learning basic phrases and structures—but because every app has its strengths and limitations.
So, if you’re looking to switch things up or find an app that better suits your learning style, here are five other language-learning apps you could try.
NB: Gamified learning basically refers to applying game design elements (like points, badges, and leaderboards) to learning environments to increase engagement and motivation, making learning more enjoyable and effective.
(1). Babbel – Best for Structured Learning
Babbel is an excellent choice for proponents of a more structured, curriculum-based approach. Unlike Duolingo’s gamified experience, Babbel is focused on real-life conversations, ensuring that what you learn is immediately applicable. Lessons are short and digestible, making it easier to fit learning into your daily schedule. Plus, its speech recognition feature helps with pronunciation. However, while Duolingo is a freemium app (with ads), Babbel requires a subscription, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious learners or those just trying out the application.
Pros:
Courses designed by linguistic experts
Focuses on real-life conversations
Short, manageable lessons (10-15 minutes)
Integrates speech recognition for pronunciation improvement
Cons:
Requires a paid subscription
Limited to 14 languages
(2). Memrise – Best for Learning with Native Speakers
Memrise’s greatest selling point is its use of real-world video clips featuring native speakers, enhancing the learning experience by making it more natural and engaging. Where Duolingo will type you a word or sentence with AI-generated audio on how to pronounce it, Memrise will provide a video of an actual native speaker showing you how to pronounce the words. It’s an excellent option for those who want to hear and understand how languages are spoken in everyday situations, with natural expression.
The Memrise app furthermore employs spaced repetition to reinforce vocabulary retention. However, unlike Duolingo, which provides more grammar explanations, Memrise focuses mainly on vocabulary, so you may need additional resources to get a well-rounded grasp of a language.
Pros:
Use of short video clips featuring native speakers
Gamified content for engaging learning
Effective spaced repetition system
Cons:
Less focus on grammar
Some advanced features require a subscription
(3). Rosetta Stone – Best for Immersive Learning
Rosetta Stone has been a language-learning powerhouse for decades, and its immersive approach remains its strongest feature, albeit for equally strong and willing learners. Unlike Duolingo, which translates words into your native language, Rosetta Stone forces you to learn through visual and audio context—just like how we learn our first language as children—you listen, see the actions and eventually conceptualize and eventually learn…the absolute hard way. This method can be highly effective but also slow and frustrating for learners who prefer quicker translations or explanations. If you’re patient and want a deeply immersive experience, this is a solid choice.
Pros:
Use of full immersion for language acquisition
No translations—learn through context
Wide language selection
Speech recognition to perfect pronunciation
Cons:
Requires a paid subscription
The learning process can feel slow compared to other apps
(4). Busuu – Best for Community-Based Learning
Busuu is ideal for learners seeking an interactive experience with native speakers. The app allows users to submit writing and speaking exercises for real-time corrections and feedback from native speakers, a feature Duolingo lacks. Busuu also creates personalised study plans, helping you stay on track with your learning goals. However, if you enjoy Duolingo’s gamified approach, you might find Busuu less engaging, as it leans more toward structured learning than playful challenges.
Pros:
Personalised study plans
Native speakers provide real-time feedback
Offline mode available
Cons:
Some features require a premium subscription
Not as gamified as Duolingo
(5). Pimsleur – Best for Audio-Based Learning
Pimsleur is an excellent choice for auditory learners. Unlike Duolingo, which is heavily text-and-image-based, Pimsleur focuses on spoken language and pronunciation through audio lessons. This makes it ideal for people who want to learn while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. However, if you rely on visual learning aids, Pimsleur might not be the best fit.
Pros:
Hands-free, audio-based learning
Focus on pronunciation and conversation
Great for learning on the go
Cons:
Less visual content
Requires paid subscription
Which App Should You Choose?
The right language-learning app for you depends on your goals, learning style, and budget… especially the budget part. Many language-learning Apps reserve their best and most useful features for premium subscriptions.
Given this, if you prefer structured lessons, Babbel might be your best option. If learning from native speakers excites you, Memrise or Busuu could be great fits. For want immersion, go for Rosetta Stone, and if you’re always on the go, Pimsleur’s audio-based approach is perfect.
Ultimately, no single App is perfect, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. The best approach, according to me at least (3 foreign languages learnt to the conversational level), is to try a combination of apps! You could use Memrise for vocabulary, Babbel for structured learning, and Pimsleur for pronunciation practice. The goal is to make language learning fun, consistent, and, most importantly, effective—because, in the end, you want to see tangible results from your effort and dedication.
