Best Apps for Learning Foreign Languages in 2025: A Complete Guide
Today, learning a new language is easier than ever. All you need is a smartphone and the right app. But with hundreds of options out there, how do you choose?
We’ve rounded up the best apps for learning foreign languages — the ones that truly deliver and are highly rated by learners worldwide.
The Best Language Learning Apps: 2025 Full Guide
1. Duolingo: Turning Learning into a Game
Why you should try it:
Duolingo makes language learning feel like playing a game. You earn points, level up, and compete on leaderboards. It's perfect for those who stay motivated through friendly competition and small achievements.
Fun fact:
Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded education app, with over 500 million installs!
(Source)
Downside:
It sometimes sticks to basic (and funny) phrases like "the duck has an apple" — but hey, it keeps things fun!
2. Memrise: Learn Real, Everyday Language
Why you should try it:
Memrise uses real videos of native speakers, helping you pick up not just words, but natural intonation, slang, and everyday speech.
Fun fact:
The platform uses Spaced Repetition (SRS) technology, scientifically proven to boost memory retention.
(Source)
Downside:
The free version has limited features.
Why you should try it:
Duolingo makes language learning feel like playing a game. You earn points, level up, and compete on leaderboards. It's perfect for those who stay motivated through friendly competition and small achievements.
Fun fact:
Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded education app, with over 500 million installs!
(Source)
Downside:
It sometimes sticks to basic (and funny) phrases like "the duck has an apple" — but hey, it keeps things fun!
2. Memrise: Learn Real, Everyday Language
Why you should try it:
Memrise uses real videos of native speakers, helping you pick up not just words, but natural intonation, slang, and everyday speech.
Fun fact:
The platform uses Spaced Repetition (SRS) technology, scientifically proven to boost memory retention.
(Source)
Downside:
The free version has limited features.
3. Busuu: Practice with Native Speakers
Why you should try it:
Busuu lets you complete assignments that are corrected by real native speakers — giving you practical feedback on your writing and speaking skills.
Fun fact:
Busuu partners with McGraw-Hill Education, one of the biggest names in educational publishing.
(Source)
Downside:
Premium features require a paid subscription.
4. HelloTalk: A Language Exchange Social Network
Why you should try it:
Connect directly with native speakers through text, voice, and video chats. It's a fun, social way to practice languages in real-life situations.
Fun fact:
HelloTalk supports over 150 languages and has millions of users worldwide!
(Source)
Downside:
As with any social network, you should choose conversation partners carefully.
5. Anki: Flashcards for Serious Learners
Why you should try it:
Need to build a strong vocabulary? Anki lets you create custom flashcards and uses smart repetition techniques to make learning stick.
Fun fact:
Anki is based on research into memory mechanisms like the famous Ebbinghaus forgetting curve.
(Source)
Downside:
The interface can be intimidating for beginners.
6. Beelinguapp: Read in Two Languages Side-by-Side
Why you should try it:
Beelinguapp offers a unique approach: you read texts in two languages at once while also listening to the audio. Great for immersive learning.
Fun fact:
Beelinguapp features everything from classic literature to news articles and modern short stories.
(Source)
Downside:
Content for some languages is still limited.
7. ChatGPT: Your Personal Language Coach
Why you should try it:
ChatGPT can act as a conversation partner, explain tricky grammar rules, create personalized exercises, translate texts, and even simulate real-world dialogues. You can customize the conversation level — anything from casual kitchen talk to formal business emails.
Fun fact:
According to OpenAI, by 2025, ChatGPT handles over a billion requests daily — and language learning is one of the top uses!
(Source)
Downside:
While ChatGPT is a powerful practice tool, it’s still artificial intelligence. For building true conversational skills, it’s best to combine it with real interactions with native speakers.
Ask yourself three key questions:
No app — no matter how good — can fully replace real conversation with native speakers.
Only through live dialogues can you truly master accents, react quickly, build natural speech patterns, and understand cultural nuances.
That's why at Native Speakers Courses, every class is led by certified native-speaking instructors — making learning easy, engaging, and completely natural.
👉 Try a free trial lesson with us and experience the magic of real conversations!
See you in class! 🚀
Why you should try it:
Busuu lets you complete assignments that are corrected by real native speakers — giving you practical feedback on your writing and speaking skills.
Fun fact:
Busuu partners with McGraw-Hill Education, one of the biggest names in educational publishing.
(Source)
Downside:
Premium features require a paid subscription.
4. HelloTalk: A Language Exchange Social Network
Why you should try it:
Connect directly with native speakers through text, voice, and video chats. It's a fun, social way to practice languages in real-life situations.
Fun fact:
HelloTalk supports over 150 languages and has millions of users worldwide!
(Source)
Downside:
As with any social network, you should choose conversation partners carefully.
5. Anki: Flashcards for Serious Learners
Why you should try it:
Need to build a strong vocabulary? Anki lets you create custom flashcards and uses smart repetition techniques to make learning stick.
Fun fact:
Anki is based on research into memory mechanisms like the famous Ebbinghaus forgetting curve.
(Source)
Downside:
The interface can be intimidating for beginners.
6. Beelinguapp: Read in Two Languages Side-by-Side
Why you should try it:
Beelinguapp offers a unique approach: you read texts in two languages at once while also listening to the audio. Great for immersive learning.
Fun fact:
Beelinguapp features everything from classic literature to news articles and modern short stories.
(Source)
Downside:
Content for some languages is still limited.
7. ChatGPT: Your Personal Language Coach
Why you should try it:
ChatGPT can act as a conversation partner, explain tricky grammar rules, create personalized exercises, translate texts, and even simulate real-world dialogues. You can customize the conversation level — anything from casual kitchen talk to formal business emails.
Fun fact:
According to OpenAI, by 2025, ChatGPT handles over a billion requests daily — and language learning is one of the top uses!
(Source)
Downside:
While ChatGPT is a powerful practice tool, it’s still artificial intelligence. For building true conversational skills, it’s best to combine it with real interactions with native speakers.
How to Choose the Right App?
Ask yourself three key questions:
- How much time can I realistically spend learning each day?
- Is grammar, conversation practice, or reading my priority?
- Do I prefer structured lessons, casual chats, or game-style learning?
One Last Secret...
No app — no matter how good — can fully replace real conversation with native speakers.
Only through live dialogues can you truly master accents, react quickly, build natural speech patterns, and understand cultural nuances.
That's why at Native Speakers Courses, every class is led by certified native-speaking instructors — making learning easy, engaging, and completely natural.
👉 Try a free trial lesson with us and experience the magic of real conversations!
See you in class! 🚀
Book your free trial!
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