Top Language Learning Apps: Expand Your Skills

The best apps for learning new languages

Want to expand your vocabulary and become fluent in a new language? Language learning apps are a practical and accessible solution. 

With them, you can study at your own pace and wherever you are, taking advantage of features that make learning engaging.

Below, see the best tools for learning languages and start expanding your vocabulary and fluency in a practical and efficient way.

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps, with an intuitive interface and quick lessons. 

Its lessons are divided by levels and themes, such as travel, business and everyday life. 

The app uses gamification elements to make learning more fun by offering daily rewards and challenges.

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
• Paid or free: Free (with premium version for additional features)

2. Babbel

Babbel is known for its high-quality content and focus on conversation. 

The lessons are prepared by experts and offer speaking, reading and listening exercises, simulating real conversation situations.

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
• Paid or free: Paid (with free trial)

3. Memrise

Memrise relies on memorization methods, with videos and flashcards to improve vocabulary retention. 

Additionally, the app offers lessons based on cultural themes, allowing the user to learn about the context of each language.

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
• Paid or free: Free (with premium version)

4. Busuu

Busuu is an app that combines interactive learning with community-based practice. 

The difference lies in the real-time feedback from native speakers, allowing for correction and improvement of pronunciation.

• Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
• Paid or free: Paid (with limited free version)

5. HelloTalk

HelloTalk is an app aimed at exchanging languages between users. 

Here, you can talk directly to native speakers of the language you want to learn and help those who want to learn your language. 

The app also has translation and correction tools to facilitate dialogue.

• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Paid or free: Free (with subscription options)

Tips for getting the most out of your language app

Using language learning apps is a practical and convenient way to study, but learning can be even more productive with some study strategies. 

Adopting consistent habits and practices helps maximize app usage and makes learning more effective.

Here are some tips to enhance your learning and get the most out of the app:

• Create a study routine: Consistency is key to retaining content and ensuring progress. Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, studying daily helps build a solid habit and prevent forgetfulness.
• Set clear goals: Having specific goals makes learning more focused and helps maintain motivation. Examples of goals include:
  • Learn 20 new words per week.
  • Complete one lesson every day.
  • Review previous lessons at the end of the week.
• Practice speaking and listening: Many apps offer audio features so you can listen to and repeat phrases. Whenever possible, speak out loud to practice pronunciation and improve your confidence when communicating.
• Review the content regularly: Reviewing past lessons is essential to consolidate content and avoid forgetting. Set aside one day a week to review what you have learned and reinforce important concepts.
• Use gamification features: Many apps include daily challenges, rewards, and missions to make learning more interesting. Participate in these challenges to stay motivated and make studying fun.

With these strategies, language learning through the app becomes more effective, helping you stay focused and achieve your goals in a consistent and enjoyable way.

What to consider when choosing a language learning app

Choosing the right app can make a big difference when learning a new language. With so many options, it’s essential to consider a few criteria before you start. 

First, think about your goals: do you want to learn a language to communicate while traveling, for personal interest or for professional purposes? 

Defining your goal helps you identify which app best meets your needs.

Here are some important points to consider:

• Essential features: Do you prefer short or more in-depth lessons? Consider which resources are essential for your learning, such as:
  • Videos and audios with native speakers, which help with understanding and pronunciation.
  • Speaking, reading and grammar exercises, essential for complete learning.
  • Gamification, which makes the process lighter and more fun.
• Compatibility with the language of interest: Make sure the app supports the language you want to learn, especially for less common languages. Apps like Duolingo and Memrise have a wide range, but it’s important to make sure the app has adequate support for the language and level you need.
• Payment model: Many apps offer free versions, but these usually have limited functionality. Consider whether the free version is right for you or whether it’s worth investing in a subscription to access full content and advanced lessons.

Considering these factors will help you choose the app that best aligns with your goals and learning style, whether you’re learning a language as a hobby, for travel, or for professional use.

How to learn a new language faster using apps?

For those who want to learn a new language quickly, apps offer efficient methods and features that speed up the process. 

Structuring a study routine and making the most of the features available in apps can make all the difference. 

Additionally, specific usage strategies enhance learning and help save time.

Here are some practical tips to help you absorb the content more efficiently:

• Study in short, intensive blocks: Breaking your study into 10- to 15-minute sessions several times a day is more effective than long periods of studying without a break. This method helps you retain the content better and prevents fatigue.
• Use multimedia resources: Choose apps that offer a combination of audio, video, and pronunciation exercises. Being exposed to different content formats, such as short videos and audio with native speakers, makes learning more engaging.
• Perform frequent reviews: Repetition is key to memorizing vocabulary and grammatical structures. Many apps, such as Babbel, include daily review to reinforce what you’ve learned.
• Practice with native speakers: Apps like HelloTalk and Tandem allow you to have conversations with native speakers, providing an immersive experience. This helps you gain fluency and improve your communication confidence.

These practices, combined with the intelligent use of the apps' resources, make it easier to learn a new language in less time.

Is it possible to learn a language using just apps?

Language apps are powerful tools, especially for beginners. They provide a solid foundation and allow you to learn at your own pace. 

However, to achieve fluency, it is important to consider both the advantages and limitations of learning with apps alone.

Positive points of the apps:

• Practicality: Apps allow users to study anytime, anywhere, adjusting their learning to their routine, which is ideal for those with a busy schedule.
• Cost-benefit: Many apps offer free access or cost much less than in-person courses, making learning accessible to more people.
• Interactivity and gamification: Practical exercises, such as pronunciation and listening comprehension, make learning more engaging and help keep the user motivated.

App limitations:

• Lack of real practice: Many apps don’t provide opportunities for spontaneous conversations and real interactions, which are essential for developing fluency and confidence in speaking.
• Limited resources: In some cases, important features, such as native speaker feedback or advanced lessons, are only available in paid versions.

Therefore, to achieve complete fluency, it is recommended to combine the use of apps with other activities, such as watching films in the target language, reading books and talking to native speakers. 

This way, learning becomes more immersive and comprehensive.

Advantages of using an app instead of traditional methods

The popularity of language apps is largely due to the many advantages they offer compared to traditional teaching methods. 

For those with busy routines, apps represent an accessible and practical way to learn a new language, without the rigidity of conventional courses.

Here are some advantages of apps over traditional methods:

• Flexibility: The apps allow users to study at their own pace, choosing the most convenient time to practice. There are no fixed schedules, and content can be reviewed as needed.
• Interactivity and engagement: Unlike conventional methods, apps use interactive resources, such as pronunciation and listening comprehension exercises, which are more stimulating. Gamification makes the process fun and less tiring.
• Customizing learning: In the apps, you can choose the language, level and pace of learning, adapting the lessons to your progress. This allows each user to have a personalized experience, progressing according to their performance.
• Low cost: Many apps are free or offer affordable paid subscriptions, making learning more democratic. Compared to in-person courses, apps represent an economical option without compromising quality.

These features make apps an attractive alternative for those who want to learn a language efficiently and accessibly, adjusting their learning to their needs and routine.

How to stay motivated when studying languages with apps?

Staying motivated is one of the biggest challenges when learning a new language, especially when using apps. 

As practical as they may be, applications depend heavily on the user's commitment and consistency. 

To avoid losing interest, setting clear and achievable goals is essential.

For example, instead of trying to learn a large number of words at once, set small daily goals, such as studying for 15 minutes or learning 5 new words a day. 

These small goals are easier to maintain and give you a sense of progress, which motivates you to keep going.

Another interesting feature is gamification. Many apps offer rewards, daily challenges, and milestones such as trophies and badges. 

Participating in these challenges and achieving rewards within the app can be a great motivator. 

Duolingo, for example, has daily study series that encourage users not to interrupt the habit.

For those looking for a greater challenge, establishing a weekly study plan can also help. 

In addition to daily goals, set a weekly goal, such as learning a new category of words or reviewing all of the week's lessons. 

This helps create a routine and increases motivation in the long run, as each achievement becomes a step towards a bigger goal.

How many hours per week should I dedicate to studying on the app?

The ideal amount of study time in the app depends on several factors, such as the desired level of fluency, the time available and the difficulty level of the language. 

However, experts recommend an average of 3 to 5 hours per week for steady progress.

For beginners, studying for about 30 minutes a day can be a good strategy. This time allows for a gradual introduction to the language without overwhelming the student. 

Ideally, these sessions should be divided throughout the day into short blocks of 10 to 15 minutes to maintain concentration.

For intermediate level students, study time can be increased to 45 minutes to 1 hour per day. 

At this stage, the student already has basic knowledge and is ready to deepen their vocabulary, grammar and listening comprehension.

For advanced students, the focus may be more on speaking and writing activities. 

A workload of 1 to 1.5 hours per day may be necessary to achieve fluency, dividing the time between reading, listening and speaking practices with native speakers or other learners.

What skills can I develop besides speaking?

Learning a language is much more than developing the ability to speak. 

Language learning apps allow you to improve a variety of skills, such as reading, writing, listening and grammar, all of which are essential for balanced learning.

Reading is a skill often trained in apps like Babbel and Memrise, which offer texts and vocabulary exercises. 

As the user progresses, the texts become more complex, challenging the student to increase their understanding.

Listening comprehension is another skill that apps encourage. Many of them offer audio with native speakers, providing immersion in the language and getting the user used to different accents and pronunciations.

Grammar is approached through exercises and grammatical explanations, which allow the student to understand the rules of the language. 

This knowledge is essential for constructing sentences correctly and better understanding the structure of the language.

How can apps help with pronunciation?

Pronunciation is one of the most challenging areas of language learning, and apps can be great allies in this regard. 

Many apps offer speech recognition tools, which allow users to practice pronouncing words and phrases, receiving instant feedback on their performance.

Speech recognition is a powerful feature as it helps identify errors and correct nuances in pronunciation. 

Additionally, listening to and repeating complete sentences out loud helps develop the correct intonation and rhythm of the language.

Tips for improving pronunciation with apps:

• Practice with complete sentences: Many apps suggest that the user repeat entire sentences. This helps to learn not only the pronunciation of individual words, but also the intonation and rhythm of the sentences.
• Use speech recognition regularly: Feedback features help you identify mistakes and adjust your pronunciation.
• Record your voice and compare: Many apps allow users to record their own voice and compare it with that of native speakers. This practice is effective in noticing details and improving clarity when speaking.
• Focus on intonation and rhythm: Intonations and rhythms are specific to each language, so listening to and imitating native speakers helps you capture these subtleties, making your speech more natural.

When is the right time to get a paid subscription?

For many people, the free versions of the apps are sufficient for the first stages of learning. 

However, as the student progresses, it may be necessary to invest in a paid version. 

Deciding when to make this transition depends on each person's needs and progress.

If the user feels limited with the free version, this is a sign that the premium plan may be useful. 

Paid versions often offer advanced features like more detailed lessons, personalized feedback, and conversation practice with native speakers.

For beginners, it's best to start with the free version and progress to the point where the basic tools are no longer sufficient. 

On the other hand, those looking to become fluent in a short time may prefer the paid version from the start, taking advantage of the full features.

Tips for practicing the language outside the app

Complementing learning in the app with practices outside of it is an efficient way to reinforce knowledge. 

These activities help students see the language in real contexts, increasing their vocabulary and confidence in expressing themselves.

• Watch movies and series in the language: It's a fun way to familiarize yourself with the language and expand your vocabulary. Choose content with subtitles to better understand the context.
• Listen to music and podcasts: Music and podcasts are ideal for improving listening comprehension and learning new expressions and slang.
• Chat with natives: Whether through video calls or chats, practicing with native speakers provides an immersive experience and helps improve speaking and comprehension.
• Read books and articles: Reading is essential for fluency, allowing the student to learn new words and become familiar with grammatical structure.

How to adapt your learning to achieve fluency?

Fluency requires in-depth learning, which can be achieved with some adaptations to your study routine. 

Following an intensive plan and maintaining consistency are essential to reaching an advanced level in the language.

Tips for achieving fluency with apps:

• Adjust the difficulty level: If the app allows, choose more advanced lessons as you progress.
• Complete advanced lessons: Apps like Babbel and Memrise offer lessons specifically for advanced learners, including complex topics and specific vocabulary.
• Practice daily: Constant practice is essential to achieving fluency. Study every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
• Imitate native speakers: Try to reproduce the accent, intonation and rhythm of native speakers' speech to make your speech sound more natural.

Key Points: What You Need to Remember

• Choosing the app: Consider your goals, features, desired language support, and payment model before selecting a language app.
• Recommended apps: Some of the best language learning apps include Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, Busuu, and HelloTalk, each with specific features and free or premium usage options.
• Study strategies: Create a consistent routine, even if it’s short, set clear goals, and review content regularly to improve learning retention.
• Use of gamification: Take part in daily challenges and enjoy the rewards offered by the apps to stay motivated and make studying more fun.
• Pronunciation improvement: Use speech recognition tools, practice with full sentences, and record your voice to compare with native speakers.
• Study time: On average, dedicating 3 to 5 hours per week to studying on the app is recommended, with daily sessions of 15 to 30 minutes.
• Practices outside the app: Complementing your learning by watching movies, listening to music, reading articles and talking to native speakers helps you gain fluency.
• Fluency and premium subscriptions: As you progress in your learning, consider a paid subscription to access more in-depth content and opportunities to practice with native speakers.
• Adapt your app usage as you progress: As you progress, choose more complex lessons, practice daily, and explore advanced features.

Apps to edit photos on your cell phone

In addition to learning languages, photo editing apps on your cell phone are an excellent way to explore your creativity. 

These apps offer tools to adjust light, color, filters and even remove unwanted elements from images.

Our next article will explore the best photo editing apps, covering their main features and tips for getting the most out of each tool. 

Want to give your photos a professional touch? Check out the next content and discover how apps can transform your images!