Best Free Language Learning Apps
Only the apps that fit "best free language learning apps", tested by learning Spanish from zero for 30 days on each and scored on the public rubric.
Last Updated: Sep 2026Suggested language learning apps for you
DDuolingo
Fair
7.8
Free tier covers the whole courseLearn More
MMemrise
Fair
7.2
Native-speaker video for every phrase — the best...Learn More
Best Free Language Learning Apps
Language learning appsApp to learn spanishApp to learn japaneseApp to learn frenchLanguage apps for speaking practice
1
Busuu - CEFR-structured courses with your writing and speaking corrected by native speakers in the community Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Courses follow CEFR levels A1–B2 with certificates
- Native speakers correct your exercises, usually within hours
- Study plan sets a target date and schedules review
Fair
7.9
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$6.95 · checked Sep 11
14
Premium from $6.95/mo on the annual plan; free tier
2
Duolingo - The habit-forming free app with 40+ languages; great for daily practice, thin on grammar Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Free tier covers the whole course
- Streaks and leagues built a daily habit better than any other app
- 40+ languages including Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi
Fair
7.8
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$0 · checked Sep 11
40
Free; Super $6.99/mo annual; Max $29.99/mo
3
Memrise - Vocabulary from thousands of video clips of native speakers, with spaced repetition that actually sticks Tested Aug 2026 by Team RankingRight
- Native-speaker video for every phrase — the best listening practice here
- Spaced repetition that scheduled reviews we remembered
- AI conversation partner (MemBot) on Pro
Fair
7.2
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$8.49 · checked Sep 11
23
Pro from $8.49/mo annual; free tier
Frequently asked questions about language learning apps
Can an app actually make me fluent?
No app in our test claims to take you past B1–B2, and most stop at A2. Apps are excellent for the first six months of vocabulary, listening and basic grammar. Speaking fluency needs conversation — italki, Pimsleur or Babbel Live get you there faster than any self-study app.
Is Duolingo enough?
For habit and vocabulary, yes, and it is free. In our 30-day test it produced the lowest A1 score of the paid-quality apps because it explains little grammar. Add a grammar source or a tutor and it works.
Which app is best for Japanese or Korean?
Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur teach writing systems and pronunciation from scratch; Duolingo's Japanese course is good for kana and kanji drilling. Babbel does not offer Japanese or Korean.
How do you test language apps?
One team member with no Spanish uses each app 30 minutes a day for 30 days, in turn, then takes the same A1 placement test. We log speaking practice, grammar explanation and review scheduling, and price each app on its annual plan.
*Scores: Teaching method 30 · Measured result 25 · Languages & depth 15 · Value 20 · Experience 10; score = Σ ÷ 10, ties break on the earlier test date. Prices shown were checked on the date beside each and may change. Affiliate links are added only after a score is locked and can never change it. How we rank.
#1 Busuu7.9 · $6.95
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