In today’s globalized world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages has become an increasingly valuable asset. Whether you’re a student looking to broaden your academic horizons or a professional seeking to expand your career opportunities, mastering a new language can open up a world of possibilities.
Fortunately, in the digital age, learning a new language has never been easier. This is thanks to the abundance of free language learning apps at our fingertips. These innovative platforms harness the power of technology to deliver engaging, personalized, and efficient language instruction.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best free apps for learning new languages quickly and effectively. From immersive audio lessons to gamified vocabulary exercises, these cutting-edge tools are designed to cater to a wide range of learning styles and preferences.
10 Best Free Apps for Learning New Languages Quickly
1. Duolingo: Best Overall Free Language Learning App
Duolingo offers a comprehensive curriculum structured as a skill tree where users progress through increasingly complex lessons. Each lesson contains multiple exercise types, including translation, listening comprehension, speaking practice, and matching activities.
The app uses a hearts system (lives) in the free version—you lose hearts for incorrect answers and must wait for them to regenerate or watch ads to restore them immediately. The gamification elements include:
- XP (experience points) for completed lessons
- Leaderboards where you compete with other learners weekly
- Gems/lingots earned as virtual currency
- Streaks tracking daily usage
- Achievements for various milestones
Recent updates have added “Stories” for reading comprehension and “Legendary Level” challenges for mastering content. The app employs an adaptive algorithm that repeats concepts you struggle with more frequently.
Strengths:
- Comprehensive curriculum covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Gamified system with streaks, leagues, and achievements
- Short, manageable lessons (5-10 minutes each)
- Well-structured progression from basic to intermediate concepts
- Available on iOS, Android, and web browsers
Potential limitations:
- Sometimes teaches unusual phrases (“The duck drinks milk”)
- Less emphasis on conversational fluency in early stages
- Basic grammar explanations (though these have improved substantially)
- Ad interruptions in the free version
Best for: Beginners and casual learners who benefit from game-like motivation and consistent daily practice.
Languages offered: 40+, including Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and more unusual options like Hawaiian and Navajo
Truly free? Yes, with ads. The premium version (Duolingo Plus) costs $6.99/month when billed annually, removing ads and adding offline access.
Pro tip: Join a Duolingo classroom (free feature) to access additional grammar explanations and tests not available in the regular app version.
2. Memrise: Best for Real-World Vocabulary
Memrise takes a multimedia approach to vocabulary acquisition with a heavy emphasis on videos of native speakers in authentic environments.
The learning methodology follows three steps: “Learn” (introducing new words with videos and example sentences), “Review” (spaced repetition practice), and “Immerse” (watching clips of natives using the words in context).
The app’s spaced repetition system tracks exactly when you’re likely to forget vocabulary and prompts review at optimal intervals for memory formation.
The video content stands out from competitors—instead of studio recordings, many feature people on the streets of countries.
Each language course is divided into levels containing sets of words and phrases grouped thematically. The app employs “mems” (mnemonic devices) to help with difficult vocabulary, often with visual or association-based memory aids.
Strengths:
- Videos of native speakers in authentic settings
- Focus on practical, conversational vocabulary
- “Learn with Locals” feature shows how real people speak (not just textbook examples)
- Excellent spaced repetition system for efficient memorization
- Strong emphasis on listening comprehension
Potential limitations:
- Free version restricts access to certain courses and features
- Less structured grammar progression than Duolingo
- Occasional technical issues with user-created courses
- Limited speaking practice in free version
Best for: Visual learners who want exposure to authentic accents and practical expressions used by native speakers.
Languages offered: 23 official courses plus community-created content for dozens more
Truly free? Partially free. The free version includes basic courses with limited features. Premium costs $8.99/month (annual billing) or $119.99 lifetime, adding all courses, speaking practice, and grammar features.
Pro tip: Use the web version to access more free features than the mobile app offers.
3. Clozemaster: Best for Vocabulary in Context
Clozemaster takes a unique “fill-in-the-blank” approach to language learning. Rather than starting with individual words, it immediately places vocabulary in the context of complete sentences with a missing word you must supply.
The platform contains millions of sentences pulled from open-source databases, organized by frequency of word usage in the target language. This means you’ll encounter common, practical vocabulary first. Each sentence includes audio pronunciation by native speakers.
The interface resembles a retro video game, with points awarded for correct answers and a global leaderboard tracking high scores.
Learning modes include multiple choice (easier) and text input (more challenging). The spaced repetition system ensures you review difficult words more frequently than those you’ve mastered.
Recent additions include “Cloze-Reading” (longer text passages with multiple blanks) and “Cloze-Listening” (audio-focused exercises testing comprehension).
Strengths:
- Teaches vocabulary through context (fill-in-the-blank sentences)
- Massive database of authentic sentences
- Gamified approach with points and leaderboards
- Options to customize difficulty and topics
- Works well for intermediate learners plateauing elsewhere
Potential limitations:
- Minimal grammar explanations
- Less polished interface than bigger apps
- Requires some basic knowledge to start effectively
- Limited speaking practice
Best for: Intermediate learners looking to expand vocabulary and understand how words work in natural contexts.
Languages offered: 50+ languages with various proficiency levels
Truly free? Yes, with core functionality available free. The pro version costs $8/month or $60/year, adding features like custom sentence collection, offline mode, and more detailed progress tracking.
Pro tip: Start with the “Most Common Words” feature to focus on high-frequency vocabulary first.
4. HelloTalk: Best for Language Exchange
HelloTalk functions as a social network specifically designed for language exchange. After creating a profile indicating your native language and the language(s) you’re learning, the app connects you with native speakers of your target language.
The communication interface includes numerous language learning tools:
- Text/voice/video messaging with built-in correction features
- Translation tool for unknown words or phrases
- Transliteration for languages with different writing systems
- Voice-to-text for practicing listening comprehension
- Pronunciation correction with voice recordings
The “Moments” feature functions like a language-focused social media feed where you can post content for native speakers to correct or comment on. Search filters allow you to find partners based on location, age, interests, and languages.
HelloTalk employs a point system that rewards active community members who help others. Higher points provide more visibility and features.
Strengths:
- Connect with native speakers for authentic conversation practice
- Text, voice, and video chat options
- Built-in translation and correction tools
- Moments feature for posting questions or thoughts to the community
- Language exchange format (you help others learn your language too)
Potential limitations:
- The quality of exchange depends on finding good partners
- Some users may be more interested in socializing than serious language practice
- Occasional unwanted romantic advances (though reporting features work well)
- Translation limits in the free version
Best for: Intermediate learners ready to practice real conversations and build cultural understanding.
Languages offered: 150+ languages through native speaker connections
Truly free? Yes, with core functionality available free. VIP membership costs $6.99/month and adds translation limit removal, voice-to-text conversion, and profile verification.
Pro tip: Be specific about your learning goals in your profile to attract serious language exchange partners rather than casual chatters.
5. Lingvist: Best for Efficient Vocabulary Building
Lingvist uses artificial intelligence and computational learning techniques to create a highly personalized vocabulary acquisition system.
The core learning method centers around digital flashcards presented in sentence contexts, with the target word missing.
Plus, the app’s algorithm tracks every response—correct or incorrect—and uses this data to optimize the review schedule for each word. Words you struggle with reappear more frequently while mastered words space out to longer intervals.
Lingvist focuses on teaching the most frequent 5,000 words in each language, arranged in optimal learning order. Each card includes:
- Target word in context sentence
- Native speaker audio pronunciation
- Alternative translations and usage examples
- Grammar notes when relevant
The clean, distraction-free interface displays detailed statistics tracking your learning rate, accuracy, and projected timeline to reach specific vocabulary milestones. The app also features specialized vocabulary decks for business, travel, and technology.
Strengths:
- Uses AI to adapt to your personal learning curve
- Focus on high-frequency, practical vocabulary
- Clean, distraction-free interface
- Excellent for learning vocabulary in context
- Tracks detailed statistics on your learning progress
Potential limitations:
- More limited language selection than other apps
- Free version is extremely limited (only 20 cards)
- Primarily focused on vocabulary rather than comprehensive language skills
- No community or conversational practice
Best for: Efficient learners who want to maximize vocabulary acquisition in minimal time and are willing to pay for a streamlined, scientifically optimized system.
Languages offered: Spanish, French, German, Russian, and Estonian
Truly free? Limited free trial only. Full access requires a subscription at $9.99/month, $79.99/year, or $159.99 lifetime.
Pro tip: Use Lingvist’s “Custom Word” feature to add vocabulary specific to your interests or professional needs.
6. Tandem: Best for Finding Conversation Partners
Tandem operates on a similar language exchange principle as HelloTalk but with a more structured approach to finding specific types of partners. The platform emphasizes longer-term language partnerships with scheduled practice sessions rather than casual chatting.
After creating a detailed profile, Tandem’s matching algorithm suggests potential partners based on:
- Native/target language combination
- Proficiency level
- Learning goals
- Interests and hobbies
- Communication preferences (text/audio/video)
The interface includes tools specifically designed for language learning:
- In-chat translation
- Audio message recording
- Text correction with explanations
- Reference system rating partners’ helpfulness
- Topic suggestions to inspire conversation
Tandem also features a “Tutor” section where professional teachers offer paid lessons, though this is separate from the free exchange functionality.
Strengths:
- Intuitive partner-finding system with detailed filters
- Video, audio, and text chat options
- Topic suggestions to spark conversations
- Community reference system to identify reliable partners
- Calendar integration for scheduling regular sessions
Potential limitations:
- Free version limits some filtering options
- Popular language combinations (e.g., English-Spanish) have more partner options than rare ones
- Some users may be inconsistent with practice sessions
- Initial membership approval can take 1-2 days
Best for: Motivated learners ready for real conversation practice who prefer a structured partner-finding system.
Languages offered: 160+ languages through human connections
Truly free? Yes, with core functionality free. The pro version costs $6.99/month, adding unlimited translation, advanced filters, and no advertisements.
Pro tip: Start with text chat to build confidence before advancing to voice or video conversations.
7. Drops: Best for Visual Vocabulary Learning
Drops takes a distinctive approach to vocabulary acquisition through visually appealing animations and a gesture-based interface. The app completely eliminates traditional text-based learning in favor of associating words directly with images.
Each learning session presents vocabulary through:
- Clean, minimalist illustrations
- Native speaker pronunciation
- Interactive swipe/tap/drag gestures to indicate comprehension
- Progress visualization through filling “drops”
The vocabulary is organized into practical thematic categories like food, travel, business, and nature. Recent updates have added “Word Sauce” (sentence construction) and “Scripts” (writing system practice) features for some languages.
The app employs a sophisticated review algorithm that reintroduces words at increasing intervals as you demonstrate mastery. All learning sessions are timed, creating a sense of focus and urgency.
Strengths:
- Beautiful visual design and animations
- Focus on practical vocabulary with clear categories
- Quick 5-minute daily sessions
- Engaging swipe-based interaction
- Excellent for visual learners
Potential limitations:
- Free version strictly limited to 5 minutes per day
- Vocabulary-focused with minimal grammar
- Limited sentence construction practice
- No conversation or free speech production
Best for: Visual learners who enjoy game-like interfaces and have very limited daily study time.
Languages offered: 45+ languages
Truly free? Partially free. The free version is limited to 5 minutes per day. Premium costs $9.99/month, $69.99/year, or $159.99 lifetime, providing unlimited learning time.
Pro tip: Use Drops to learn vocabulary in specific categories before trips or events where you’ll need that specialized language (food terms before a culinary tour, for example).
8. Beelinguapp: Best for Learning Through Reading
Beelinguapp uses parallel text reading as its core learning method. The app presents texts in two languages side-by-side—your native language and the language you’re learning. This allows you to compare sentence structures, vocabulary usage, and expressions directly.
The content library includes:
- Classic literature and folk tales
- News articles and contemporary stories
- Science and history texts
- Song lyrics with playable music
- Travel guides and practical dialogues
Each text includes professional audio narration by native speakers, with a karaoke-style highlighting feature that follows along with the narration. This helps users connect written words with pronunciation.
The app categorizes readings by difficulty level from beginner to advanced. Additional features include a built-in dictionary, the ability to save vocabulary words, and adjustable reading/audio playback speeds.
Strengths:
- Side-by-side reading of texts in your target language and native language
- Audio narration by native speakers
- Content across various difficulty levels and topics
- Karaoke-style text highlighting as audio plays
- Music lyrics, stories, news, and science articles
Potential limitations:
- Limited free content (though still substantial)
- Fewer interactive exercises than gamified apps
- Best for supplemental rather than primary learning
- Some languages have more content than others
Best for: Intermediate learners building reading comprehension and those who enjoy learning through literature, news, and culture.
Languages offered: 14 languages
Truly free? Partially free. Free version includes limited texts. Premium costs $7.99/month or $39.99/year, unlocking all content.
Pro tip: Start with content you’re already familiar with in your native language to make comprehension easier.
9. Busuu: Best Free Structured Courses
Busuu offers structured language courses developed by linguistic experts following the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) language proficiency standards. Each course aims to take learners from the complete beginner (A1) to the upper intermediate (B2) level.
The learning methodology integrates multiple components:
- Vocabulary and phrase introduction with audio
- Dialogue practice with comprehension questions
- Grammar explanations with interactive exercises
- Writing exercises submitted for native speaker correction
- Speaking practice with pronunciation feedback
- Review quizzes and progress tests
A standout feature is the “Conversations” section, where learners can submit written or spoken exercises for correction by native speakers in the Busuu community. In exchange, users are expected to correct exercises from people learning their native language.
The “Study Plan” feature allows you to set a daily study goal and target date for completion, with the app calculating the required daily activity to reach your goal.
Strengths:
- Well-structured courses with clear progression
- Native speaker feedback on writing and speaking exercises
- Comprehensive grammar explanations
- Study plans tailored to goals (travel, business, etc.)
- Community corrections from native speakers
Potential limitations:
- More limited free content than Duolingo
- Many features behind premium paywall
- Fewer supported languages than other platforms
- Community corrections vary in quality
Best for: Serious learners who benefit from a structured curriculum and personalized feedback.
Languages offered: 12 languages including Spanish, French, Japanese, and Arabic
Truly free? Partially free. Free tier provides basic lessons. Premium costs $9.99/month (annual billing) and adds grammar lessons, offline mode, and native speaker feedback.
Pro tip: Take advantage of the community feature to get writing corrections from native speakers, even in the free version.
10. LingoDeer: Best for Asian Languages
LingoDeer was originally developed specifically for Asian languages, with particular attention to the challenges these languages present to English speakers. The app has since expanded to include European languages but maintains its strength in Asian language instruction.
Each language course is structured into units focusing on specific themes and grammar points. Lessons typically follow this sequence:
- Vocabulary introduction with native audio and images
- Grammar explanation with examples
- Interactive exercises (multiple choice, word ordering, etc.)
- Listening comprehension activities
- Speaking practice with recording and comparison
- Review quizzes with spaced repetition
For character-based languages (Chinese, Japanese), LingoDeer includes specialized writing system lessons that break down character components, stroke order, and radical meanings. The app also features “Stories” and “Travel Phrasebook” sections for contextual learning.
LingoDeer Plus, a companion app, adds grammar-focused games and speaking drills for more intensive practice.
Strengths:
- Exceptional grammar explanations for Asian languages
- Carefully structured progression ideal for beginners
- Clear audio from native speakers
- Thorough coverage of writing systems
- Offline mode available
Potential limitations:
- Very limited free content
- Primary focus on East Asian languages
- Some exercises can be repetitive
- Premium subscription more expensive than competitors
Best for: Beginners in Japanese, Korean, or Chinese who need structured guidance through these complex writing systems and are willing to pay for quality instruction.
Languages offered: Focus on Asian languages (Japanese, Korean, Chinese) plus European languages
Truly free? Limited free content. A premium subscription costs $11.99/month, $29.99/quarter, or $79.99/year, unlocking all lessons and features.
Pro tip: Complete all the writing system lessons before moving to conversational content for more efficient overall progress.
How to Maximize Your Learning with Free Apps
Having experimented with dozens of language learning approaches, I’ve found these strategies particularly effective when using free apps:
1. Combine Complementary Apps
No single app provides everything you need. Create a powerful learning system by combining apps with different strengths:
- Core progression: Duolingo or Busuu for structured advancement
- Vocabulary expansion: Memrise or Lingvist for practical word acquisition
- Real conversation: HelloTalk or Tandem for authentic practice
- Reading comprehension: Beelinguapp for immersive content
Experienced language learners often report that spending 10 minutes on Duolingo each morning, using Memrise during lunch breaks, and connecting with language partners on HelloTalk twice weekly provides comprehensive skill development that no single app could deliver.
2. Establish a Consistent Routine
Language learning effectiveness correlates more strongly with consistency than duration:
- 15 minutes daily beats 2 hours once a week
- Link language practice to existing habits (morning coffee, commute, before bed)
- Use app notifications strategically rather than silencing them
- Track your streaks for accountability
3. Set Specific, Measurable Goals
Vague intentions lead to vague results:
- “Complete Italian food vocabulary unit before my trip to Rome next month.”
- “Have a 5-minute conversation about hobbies with my language partner by Marc.h”
- “Understand 80% of lyrics in my favorite Spanish song by Summer.”
Language learning experts recommend keeping a language journal with quarterly goals broken down into weekly targets to improve focus and satisfaction compared to simply “using the app regularly.”
4. Supplement with Authentic Content
Apps provide structure, but real-world immersion builds fluency.
- YouTube videos in your target language (start with subtitles)
- Music with lyrics you can follow along with
- Netflix shows in your target language
- Podcasts designed for learners (like the “Coffee Break” series)
Many successful language learners begin with shows specifically designed for language learners, like “Extra” on YouTube, which features clear speech and engaging storylines that bridge the gap between structured app learning and authentic content.
Conclusion
The landscape of free language learning apps offers unprecedented opportunities to acquire new languages with minimal financial investment.
While premium features and paid subscriptions certainly add value, the free versions of many apps can take you surprisingly far—especially when combined strategically.
Remember, every fluent speaker began as a beginner. The best time to start learning a new language was years ago, and the second best time is now.
