Conquering a new language is exciting, but navigating the endless language-learning apps can be overwhelming.
As hip and modern as they feel, they also might not be the right choice for you, depending on the challenge you are facing.
For instance, if you are visiting France for a vacation or work, you might get away - scratch that - you might even excel with the right, personalized tool.
However, if you, for instance, are moving to Canada for good, you might want to seriously consider a professional institution to get your everyday speaking skills up to date with tried and true methods, like MFT for private or group lessons.
Nevertheless, language learning apps are getting more sophisticated by the day. And if learning languages (for travel, work, or just as a hobby), it is good to keep on top of what is on offer.
This tier list will help you pick the perfect virtual tool based on your learning style and goals.
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S-Tier: Amazing
Duolingo
Duolingo's gamified app makes learning vocabulary and basic grammar fun, with bite-sized lessons and a motivating streak system. It's fantastic for beginners on a budget.
Memrise
Memrise uses spaced repetition and flashcards with a unique meme-based approach to keep vocabulary sticking. It's a fantastic option for visual learners who struggle with rote memorization.
Anki
For those who love customization, Anki is a powerful flashcard app that allows you to tailor your decks to your specific needs. It's a fantastic choice for serious learners who want complete control over their studies.
A-Tier: Great
italki
italki connects you with native speakers for personalized online lessons. It's perfect for practicing conversation and getting immediate feedback on pronunciation.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk allows you to connect with native speakers for free conversation practice via text, voice messages, or video calls.
Babbel
Babbel offers comprehensive courses that focus on practical conversation skills. It's a solid choice for learners who want a structured approach with high-quality audio lessons.
B-Tier: Good
Busuu
Busuu provides interactive lessons with grammar explanations and vocabulary building exercises. It's a good option for those who want a balanced approach to learning.
Lingodeer
Lingodeer offers gamified lessons with a focus on Asian languages like Korean and Japanese. It's a fun option for learners interested in those specific languages.
YouTube Channels
Many excellent YouTube channels offer free language lessons and cultural insights. It's a good resource for supplementing your main learning tool. Accurate summaries from your documents in seconds
C-Tier: Situational
Translation Apps
While translation apps can be helpful for basic needs while traveling, they shouldn't be your primary learning tool. Overreliance can hinder your own language development.
Games
Games like Minecraft or Duolingo can be a fun way to pick up vocabulary in a casual setting, but they shouldn't be your only resource.
Remember: The best tool is the one you'll consistently use. Try out a few options, find what works best for your learning style, and most importantly, have fun on your language learning journey!
