The 17 Best Free Apps to Learn a New Language

Learning a new language is a fun and rewarding experience that's now more accessible than ever. The secret isn't in a huge, overwhelming list of options—it's in finding the best tools that work for you.

You don't need expensive classes or textbooks to start. This guide shares the 17 best free language-learning apps that are truly worth your time, hand-picked to help you master a new language on your own schedule.

The Best Free Language Learning Apps

This first group of apps is all about getting started on your own. Many people start here because they are well-known and use fun methods to help you get the basics down.

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Duolingo

This one is super popular for a reason! It makes learning feel like a game, with fun, bite-sized lessons that help you build a daily habit. You earn points and compete with friends, which can be a great motivator to keep going.

Memrise

If you're looking to build your vocabulary, Memrise is fantastic. It uses special memory techniques to help you remember words and phrases for the long term. It also has a unique feature called "Learn with Locals," which uses short videos of native speakers so you can hear how words are really used.

Babbel

Unlike some other apps that are more like games, Babbel offers structured courses with audio and video lessons. It's designed to get you speaking in real-life situations quickly, which is a big confidence booster.

Rosetta Stone

This is a classic for a reason. Rosetta Stone focuses on teaching you a language the way you learned your first one—through immersion. There's no translation; you learn by connecting new words and phrases to pictures and real-world scenarios.

Busuu

This app has a great mix of learning tools. You get interactive lessons, but the best part is its community. You can submit exercises and get corrections from native speakers, and you can even help others learn your native language.

HelloTalk & Tandem

These two are language exchange apps. They're designed to connect you directly with native speakers who are learning your language. You can chat, send voice messages, or even do video calls to practice in a real, low-pressure setting. This is one of the fastest ways to improve your conversational skills.

Language Learning Platforms & Resources

If you're serious about taking your learning to the next level, or if you prefer a more formal approach, these resources can be incredibly helpful.

Coursera & edX

These platforms are home to online courses from major universities around the world. You can find free courses on a wide variety of languages, taught by professors, which is perfect if you want a more traditional classroom-style experience.

OpenCourseWare

For a deeper dive, check out university-level courses offered for free by institutions like MIT and Yale. While not all of them are language-specific, they offer a great way to explore a language through culture and literature.

YouTube

This is a massive resource for language learners. You can find everything from grammar tutorials and vocabulary lessons to vlogs and interviews in your target language. It's great for listening practice and finding teachers you connect with.

Podcasts

Podcasts are perfect for learning on the go. You can find shows designed for language learners at every level, as well as native-level podcasts to train your listening skills and keep up with what's happening in the culture.

Online Communities

Don't forget the power of community! Joining forums on sites like Reddit or Facebook groups for your target language can be a great way to find tips, get questions answered, and connect with other people on the same journey as you.

Apps for Specific Languages

Sometimes, a general app isn't enough, and you need something that's tailored to the specific challenges of a language. These apps are highly-rated for a reason.

ChineseSkill

This app is designed for Mandarin Chinese beginners and is great for learning everything from Pinyin to grammar. It uses game-like lessons to make the process more engaging.

JapanesePod101 & KoreanClass101

These are popular podcast-style learning platforms. They feature tons of audio and video lessons that focus on real conversations, with detailed explanations for vocabulary and grammar.

SpanishDict

This is a must-have for Spanish learners. It's a comprehensive tool that goes beyond a simple dictionary, offering vocabulary lists, grammar explanations, and lessons to help you master the language.

Consistency is what turns a dream into a skill. So remember to practice often, even for just a few minutes a day, and don't be afraid to try out new things. You have the tools you need to succeed.

Got a favorite free language app that didn't make our list? Share it in the comments and help out your fellow learners!

Sources:

1. Brown, S. (2024, March 11). Best language learning apps for 2024 [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-language-learning-apps/
2. Yuko, E. (2024, July 25). This site offers hundreds of free language learning courses [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://lifehacker.com/tech/this-site-offers-hundreds-of-free-language-learning-courses
3. Wiggers, K. (2024, June 20). Language learning [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/tag/language-learning/
4. Mindinventory. (2020, August). Language learning app [Graphic]. Retrieved from https://www.mindinventory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/language-learning-app.webp