The Top 10 Best Language Learning Tools 2025

A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Best Language Learning Tools

1. Babbel GMBH

• Best for: All learners—beginners to advanced seeking practical conversation skills.
• Base price: ~$6.95 per month (variable based on plan length or lifetime subscription).
• Free version: Yes (first lesson of each course).

Babbel continues to be a frontrunner, expertly designed by linguists to focus on conversational fluency. It offers courses in 14 languages, providing structured lessons that integrate grammar and vocabulary directly into practical dialogues. In 2025, Babbel leverages advanced AI for personalized learning paths and improved speech recognition for pronunciation feedback. Its multimedia approach, including app lessons, videos, podcasts, games, and crucially, live online classes with native speakers, makes it a comprehensive and engaging platform. The short, interactive lessons are ideal for busy schedules, ensuring consistent progress. Babbel’s emphasis on contextual learning and real-world scenarios makes it highly effective for quickly achieving communicative competence.

2. Rosetta Stone

• Best for: Building language skills gradually through immersive, visual learning.
• Base price: ~$7.99/month for 12-month subscription.
• Free version: 3-day free trial.

Rosetta Stone remains a staple for its highly immersive and intuitive learning method. It teaches new languages without translation, relying heavily on visual and audio cues to help learners develop associations directly in the target language. This “Dynamic Immersion” approach fosters natural language acquisition. For 2025, Rosetta Stone has refined its AI-powered TruAccent™ speech recognition technology, offering even more precise pronunciation feedback. The platform’s emphasis on understanding cultural context, alongside its structured lessons covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening, makes it a powerful tool, particularly for visual learners and those committed to deep, gradual immersion. Live tutoring sessions with certified instructors further enhance the learning experience.

3. Pimsleur

• Best for: Diligent learners who benefit from a consistent, audio-based routine and strong conversational foundation.
• Base price: Subscriptions: ~$14.95-$20.95 per month.
• Free version: Free 7-day trial, Free 30-minute lesson.

Pimsleur’s audio-centric methodology, backed by decades of research, is renowned for its effectiveness in building core conversational skills. Its daily 30-minute audio lessons, which encourage active participation and response within simulated conversations, are designed for long-term retention and confidence in speaking. In 2025, Pimsleur continues to offer access to resources for over 50 languages and has integrated advanced Voice Coach features for enhanced pronunciation practice. The program’s portability, allowing users to learn on the go, remains a key advantage. While primarily audio-focused, Premium plans include interactive learning tools. Pimsleur is ideal for learners who prefer auditory learning and are committed to consistent, focused practice to achieve speaking fluency.

4. Preply

• Best for: Personalized one-on-one instruction and targeted skill development.
• Base price: Varies per tutor (starting from a few dollars per hour for trial lessons).
• Free version: Trial lessons often available at reduced rates.

Preply has established itself as a leading platform for connecting learners with thousands of online tutors for individualized lessons across a vast array of languages. This tool is invaluable for those who benefit from direct, personalized feedback and custom-tailored lessons. Learners can choose tutors based on their budget, language, and specific learning goals (e.g., exam preparation, business language, conversation practice). The flexibility of scheduling and the ability to interact with native speakers in real-time make Preply an excellent choice for improving speaking fluency, tackling specific grammar challenges, or preparing for interviews. In 2025, Preply continues to enhance its matching algorithms and virtual classroom features, making the tutor-student connection even more seamless and effective.

5. Lingoda

• Best for: Structured online group and private classes with certified teachers, leading to CEFR-aligned proficiency.
• Base price: Varies depending on class package and type (group vs. private).
• Free version: Occasional free trial classes or challenges.

Lingoda focuses on providing a comprehensive online classroom experience with live, instructor-led lessons. Its curriculum is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), offering clear progression paths from A1 to C1. Learners can choose between small group classes (which are more affordable and offer peer interaction) or private 1:1 lessons for more focused attention. Lingoda provides PDF materials for each lesson, allowing students to review what they’ve learned. In 2025, Lingoda’s robust platform ensures high-quality audio and video, and its commitment to certified, native-speaking teachers provides a consistent and professional learning environment. It’s particularly well-suited for learners who thrive in a structured, interactive class setting and desire official progress documentation.

6. Mondly

• Best for: Gamified learning with innovative AI chatbot and VR/AR experiences.
• Base price: ~$9.99/month or lifetime subscription.
• Free version: Yes (limited lessons).

Mondly differentiates itself with its emphasis on cutting-edge technology, particularly its AI-powered chatbot and immersive VR/AR experiences. It offers lessons in over 40 languages, making it a versatile choice for polyglots. The gamified interface, complete with points, leaderboards, and streaks, keeps learners motivated. In 2025, Mondly’s conversational AI chatbot provides realistic practice dialogues, allowing users to engage in simulated conversations on various topics and receive instant feedback. Its VR and AR features transport learners into virtual environments (e.g., a restaurant, airport), enabling them to practice real-world scenarios. Mondly is an excellent option for tech-savvy learners who enjoy a playful approach and immersive practice opportunities.

7. Rocket Languages

• Best for: Comprehensive learning for auditory and visual learners, focusing on practical communication.
• Base price: One-time purchase per language (often with discounts).
• Free version: Yes (trial lessons).

Rocket Languages offers an extensive, multi-faceted approach to language learning, combining interactive audio lessons, grammar explanations, pronunciation tools, and cultural insights. It’s designed for learners who appreciate a well-rounded curriculum that covers all major language skills. The platform’s emphasis on audio-driven lessons makes it strong for developing listening comprehension and speaking confidence. Its unique “Rocket Record” voice recognition technology provides detailed feedback on pronunciation. In 2025, Rocket Languages continues to update its content and platform, offering a structured path to fluency with clear objectives for each lesson. It’s a great choice for self-motivated learners who want a comprehensive program without the ongoing subscription model of some other apps.

8. Coursera

• Best for: Academic and specialized language learning, often with university accreditation.
• Base price: Varies per course/specialization (free audit available for some).
• Free version: Yes (audit option for many courses).

Coursera collaborates with top universities and organizations worldwide to offer online courses, specializations, and degrees. For language learners, this means access to high-quality, academically rigorous programs. While not a typical “app,” Coursera provides in-depth courses that cover language, culture, and specific professional contexts (e.g., “Spanish for Business”). In 2025, these courses often include video lectures, readings, quizzes, peer-graded assignments, and discussion forums. They are ideal for learners seeking a structured, university-level education in a language, or those who want to combine language acquisition with other academic or professional skills. The verified certificates and degree pathways offer valuable credentials.

9. Udemy

• Best for: Diverse, on-demand video courses for various skill levels and niche topics.
• Base price: Varies per course (often heavily discounted).
• Free version: Limited free courses available.

Udemy is a global online learning marketplace offering a vast library of courses taught by independent instructors. For language learning, this translates to an enormous selection of video-based courses covering everything from “Spanish for complete beginners” to “Advanced Japanese through anime.” Learners can purchase individual courses, giving them lifetime access to the material. This flexibility allows users to pick courses that specifically target their interests or address particular weaknesses. In 2025, Udemy’s strength lies in its sheer volume and variety, catering to a wide range of learning styles and specific needs, including cultural nuances and specialized vocabulary. It’s best for self-paced learners who enjoy video content and want to curate their learning path.

10. Skillshare

• Best for: Creative and practical language learning through project-based instruction.
• Base price: Subscription model.
• Free version: Free trial.

Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes taught by creators worldwide, focusing on creative and practical skills. While often known for design and photography, it also offers numerous language learning classes. These courses tend to be more project-based and hands-on, focusing on applying language skills in real-world creative contexts. For instance, you might find classes on “Writing Short Stories in French,” “Mastering Korean K-Pop Lyrics,” or “Conversational Spanish for Travelers.” In 2025, Skillshare provides a fresh perspective on language learning by integrating it with creative pursuits, making the process more enjoyable and less like traditional study. It’s excellent for learners who are creatively inclined and prefer learning by doing.

Why Use Language Learning Tools?

In the past, language learners were restricted to a few scant resources. From heavy dictionaries to dense grammar books, they were difficult to use on the go. And while in-person classes and courses still have a lot of value for learners, they can be expensive and a big time commitment. By contrast, digital language learning tools give you the opportunity to study at any time, and costs are usually much lower (or even free). They can also bring learning to life, with multimedia resources that can make memorization and language practice much more stimulating. Many language learning tools use techniques rooted in neuroscience and educational research to ensure you’re getting the best results. There are even tools that can connect you with other learners or native speakers, making language learning less of a solitary pursuit. Even if you’re not able to visit a country where your target language is spoken, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to engage with authentic material and practice the key skills.

What Types of Language Learning Tools Are There?

When it comes to language learning apps, you’re spoiled for choice. Many apps focus on vocabulary acquisition and memorization, but how they approach this will depend on the software. Some go for a spaced repetition approach, similar to flashcards. These will help you embed vocabulary by cycling the words you’ve learned so you’re exposed to them frequently over a period of time. Others will integrate vocabulary into short phrases, sentences, or even stories, so you’re getting used to the words in context. Many apps also use game-like features to encourage you to “level up” through repeated practice.

Other apps focus on helping you navigate written or recorded audio material. Sometimes they may be presented together to help you improve your reading skills. Other tools may integrate vocabulary learning to make encountering an unfamiliar text less intimidating. There are even some solutions out there to help you watch TV shows and movies in your target language with the help of subtitles.

When it comes to speaking, there are a number of tools that encourage you to start. This can be through repeating audio material or conducting fake conversations. Some apps even have voice recognition features that will assess your pronunciation.

If you’re keen to work on your speaking and listening skills in a more natural context, there are a number of language learning tools that connect you with a virtual teacher, often a native speaker. This might be the whole focus of the tool, or it can be offered in conjunction with other features. Language lessons could come in the form of 1:1 conversation sessions or structured classes, which obviously make sure the focus is on you and your needs. Alternatively, some apps can connect you with other learners for group lessons, which can help you learn from others’ mistakes. There are also a number of apps that can connect you with people from around the world for language exchanges, which are less formal than lessons and won’t normally cost anything.

How to Choose the Best Language Learning Tool

The first thing to think about when choosing a language learning tool is your budget. There are some totally free tools out there, and lots of them also have premium add-ons if you have a bit more cash to spare. Lessons with virtual teachers can be on the pricier side, but you may be able to vary the frequency of your lessons or choose a group learning option to cut the cost if needed.

If it does, check what level the materials are aimed at. If you’re a total beginner, a tool that offers native-level content might not be the right choice. Conversely, an app that only covers the absolute basics might help at the start, but if there’s no room for progression you might not get as much value from the tool. Some apps let you add your own material, which can help you tailor the content to your own interests, something that might give you added motivation once you get past the basics.

Selecting the particular skill you want to focus on can also guide you in choosing a tool. Perhaps you need to hone your reading, listening, writing, or speaking skills in particular. Or maybe you need to cover all four. Building a suite of tools can help you develop your language more holistically.

Finally, think about the context in which you want to learn. Apps that rely on speaking out loud might be great if you’re studying in your own room, but for learning a language on the go, a bite-sized vocabulary trainer might be more suitable. Similarly, if you have time to commit to a pre-booked virtual lesson or language exchange, these can be a great way to uplevel your speaking and listening. But if you’ve got a tight schedule, you might want to start with an app with smaller chunks of content. Or, go for one that lets you follow your regular hobbies and interests (movies, blog posts, or music) in your target language.

FAQs

When Should You Use Language Learning Software?

You can use language learning software from day 1 of your language learning project. Apps can help you build your vocabulary, start putting together sentences, and connect with native speakers. Using these tools on a regular basis can help you reach fluency faster.

How Much Does Language Learning Software Cost?

The cost of language learning software depends on the tool you choose. Some language learning platforms are totally free or operate a ‘freemium’ model whereby you pay for upgrades and add-ons. Others will have a subscription cost or one-off fee.

What Does Language Learning Software Do?

Language learning software can help you get to grips with the key skills of language mastery. Digital tools can help you learn vocabulary and grammar, build sentences, develop your reading, writing, and listening skills, or connect with virtual teachers.