Best apps to learn English

English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. There are over 1.5 billion people who speak English, and about 400 million of them are native English speakers. That’s a lot of people! So, why is it so important to learn English?

Well, for starters, English is the language of business. If you want to get ahead in your career, it’s essential that you can communicate effectively in English. English is also the language of the internet – over 60% of all web content is in English, representing 25.9% of worldwide internet users.

And finally, if you want to travel the world, English will be a huge help. In many countries, English is the only second language spoken by tour guides and hotel staff.

So how can you improve your English language skills? One great way is to use a language learning app. There are now many different apps available that can help both beginning language learners as well as those striving to improve their English skills – and best of all, many of them are free! Here are our top picks for the best apps for learning English:

But First, Why Should You Try Langster?

Basic Plan: free

Premium Plan: $12.99 per month

As you can see, there are many English language learning apps you can find online completely for free. Some of them concentrate on building your English vocabulary, others can help you learn new grammar rules or boost your listening skills, and a few will even provide you with personalized content.

However, while our Langster app is relatively new and constantly developing, it already has a few advantages over other English apps. Langster is a flashcard app for learning English in a fast, fun, and effective way. It’s intuitive, straightforward, and uses an immersive concept that provides a high level of exposure to the language.

Enjoy learning English with bite-size stories supported by grammar explanations and audio from native speakers that will boost your fluency. You can also save words and phrases that you want to remember and review them later.

Duolingo

Basic Plan: free

Duolingo Plus: $6.99 per month

Duolingo is one of the most popular language apps, and for good reason! It covers all the basics of English grammar and vocabulary, and it's also easy to use. The app is designed to be engaging and interactive, so you won't get bored as you learn. Plus, you can keep track of your progress and earn rewards as you go.

Moreover, Duolingo makes learning fun by using a gaming-like approach. You “earn” points for each lesson you complete and can level up as you go. There are also periodic rewards that motivate you to keep learning.

If you're looking for a comprehensive language learning app, Duolingo is a great option. The app offers short, bite-sized lessons that are easy to fit into your busy schedule. You can also compete with friends to see who can progress further in the app.

Busuu

Basic Plan: free

Busuu Premium: $9.99 per month

Premium Plus: $13.99 per month

Busuu is another free English learning app that also offers other 12 languages to practice. One of the best things about busuu is that it’s an English learning app created by native speakers. It additionally works as a social media platform, meaning that you can connect with different people from all over the world for language exchange.

The app offers both free and paid features. With the free version, you’ll have access to limited lessons and won’t be able to track your progress. However, you can still get a lot of value from the free version, and it’s a great way to dip your toe into the world of language learning.

Babbel

Free Version: access to 40 lessons

One-Month Subscription: $13.95

Babbel is another great option for those looking to improve their English language skills or learn another foreign language – the app offers programs in 13 languages. One thing that sets Babbel apart from other apps is its focus on real-world conversations. Babbel’s grammar lessons are designed to teach you the vocabulary you need for everyday situations.

This makes Babbel a great choice if you’re planning a trip to an English-speaking country and want to learn some key English words and phrases before you go. The app also offers a handy live speaking practice feature that allows you to hone your conversation skills with native speakers.

While Babbel’s free version has very limited access to its content, there is also a possibility to get six months free when you sign up for a six-month Babbel subscription.

Hello English

Basic Plan: free

Hello English Pro: $59.99 per year

Hello English is an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn English from scratch. The app starts with basic English lessons and gradually builds up your knowledge. It covers all the essential topics, such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, which makes it a very immersive method to learn English.

Hello English also offers some fun features to keep you engaged, such as games and interactive quizzes. Plus, you are assigned a little homework on a daily basis, such as vocabulary exercises or video and audio lessons you need to complete to unlock new English lessons. This way, you can stay motivated and consistent in learning languages.

Best apps to learn English

Memrise

Basic Plan: free

Premium Plan: $8.49 per month

Memrise is a crowd-sourced language learning app that features lots of interactive games and vocabulary lessons. One of the best things about Memrise is that it's designed to help English learners study vocabulary in context. Rather than just presenting you with a list of words to memorize, the app shows you how those words are used in real-life situations.

It is a great and fun app for those who want to learn English (or one of many other languages) through spaced repetition. The app works by showing you a word or phrase and then testing you on it later to see if you can remember it. This is one of the most effective learning methods to expand your vocabulary.

There are also tons of fun and engaging activities and video lessons from native speakers to keep English learners motivated as you dive into a new language. You can even compete against friends to see who can learn more words!

Beelinguapp

Basic Plan: free

Premium Plan: $1.99 per month

With Beelinguapp, you can learn English by reading and listening to stories in the language. This is a great way to pick up new vocabulary in a natural and enjoyable way. The app offers a huge selection of audiobooks, all in English. You can choose from classic novels, short stories, and even children’s books.

What’s more, Beelinguapp syncs the audiobook with the corresponding text. It also allows you to compare the English text with the text in your native language, so you can easily understand what’s going on. This allows you to follow along and pick up new words and phrases while also boosting your listening skills.

You can also adjust the speed of the audiobook to practice English at your own pace. Plus, you can keep track of your progress to see how much you’ve improved.

Best apps to learn English

HelloTalk

Basic Plan: free

VIP Membership: $6.99 per month

If you want to learn English through conversation, then HelloTalk is a great option. The app connects you with native speakers from all over the world who are looking to learn your own language. This way, you can have conversations in both languages and help each other out.

HelloTalk also offers some great features to help you learn, such as translation, transcription, and a built-in dictionary. Plus, you can use the app to practice your listening and speaking skills.

The British Council’s LearnEnglish Grammar

Price: completely free

The British Council is a well-known and respected authority on the English language. So, it’s no surprise that their app, LearnEnglish Grammar, is one of the best apps to learn English grammar.

The app covers all the major topics, such as verb tenses, prepositions, and phrasal verbs. There are also quizzes at the end of each lesson to help you test your knowledge. Plus, the app keeps track of your progress, so you can see how much you’ve learned.

Rosetta Stone

Basic Plan: free

3-Month Subscription: $36

Rosetta Stone is one of the most popular language learning programs, and it’s available in app form, too. The app offers a comprehensive approach to learning the English language, with lessons covering topics such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

One of the best things about Rosetta Stone is its focus on speaking and listening. The app uses an immersive approach, which means you’ll be exposed to a lot of English content from the very beginning. This can help you pick up the language quickly and start using it in real-world situations, which makes it one of the best English language apps out there.

Best apps to learn English

The Bottom Line

Best apps to learn English

There are many different apps to learn English effectively, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs. We’ve compiled a list of the best English learning apps, so you can start improving your language skills today! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there’s sure to be an English app on this list that’s perfect for you.

If you're looking to improve your English skills, implementing apps into your language learning routine is a great place to start. With so many different options available, you are sure to achieve your language learning goals. So, what are you waiting for? Choose your new favorite tool!

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Ellis

Ellis is a seasoned polyglot and one of the creative minds behind Langster Blog, where she shares effective language learning strategies and insights from her own journey mastering the four languages. Ellis strives to empower learners globally to embrace new languages with confidence and curiosity. Off the blog, she immerses herself in exploring diverse cultures through cinema and contemporary fiction, further fueling her passion for language and connection.