Benji and Soren sitting at the restaurant, Benji says “¿puedes traerme unos tacos, por favor?”

Learning a new language can seem like a daunting experience, as you have to invest a lot of your time and money to reach fluency. But, the truth is, that with enough motivation and consistency, improving your Spanish language skills can be a fun and exciting way to broaden your horizons.

So, if you're ready to start learning something different from your native language but you're tired of the same old textbook, why not try something new? There are dozens of apps that can help you learn Spanish from the comfort of your home and without the old and boring approach that relies on memorization.

Plus, with an app, you can find a language learning program that will allow you to learn at whatever pace suits your lifestyle.

Who knows, maybe you'll even end up ordering your tacos in Spanish on your next trip to Mexico or asking for help from native speakers when visiting Spain. Keep on reading, and discover the best Spanish learning apps in 2024.

Why Should You Use an App to Learn Spanish?

Before diving deep into the apps themselves, let’s talk about all the benefits of using an app to learn Spanish.

Accessibility

Learning Spanish through an app is convenient because you can study whenever and wherever you want, as long as you have a mobile device and an internet connection. This means you can practice your target language at any time, whether you are on the bus, waiting in line, or just relaxing at home.

Soren at the bus stop, smartphone in hand, repeating “las rosas son rojas, las violetas son azules…”

Also, Spanish learning apps are typically straightforward and easy to use, which means you won't have to spend a lot of time or effort trying to understand how to use the software. You can just jump in and start learning Spanish!

Flexibility

The best apps to learn Spanish also allow you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can choose when and for how long you want to practice Spanish, which can be particularly helpful if you have a busy life.

Different from a traditional Spanish course, these lessons are very short and focused, so you can take them on the ride home from work and make the most out of your commute time.

Interactivity

Many Spanish learning apps offer interactive features such as quizzes, games, and conversation practice with native speakers, which can make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

For example, the app Ling has a chatbot that lets you speak Spanish and record yourself, so you can improve your pronunciation and diction even if you don’t have a conversation partner.

Personalization

If you decide to use an app to learn the Spanish language, you should know that some of them use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to personalize your learning experience.

This way, you'll get better recommendations based on your proficiency level, interests, and learning style.

Cost-Effectiveness

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get started learning Spanish. Many apps for learning Spanish are free or offer a free trial, making them an affordable option compared to traditional language courses or private tutors.

Whenever you feel ready to step up your game, you can access their pro versions, which have more features available to help you become fluent and speak Spanish quickly.

Access to Native Speakers

Many language learning apps provide access to native Spanish speakers for conversation practice, giving you the opportunity to practice your speaking and listening skills with someone who speaks the language fluently.

7 Best Language Learning Apps to Learn Spanish Now

Learning a new language can be a challenging and rewarding experience, and if you're looking to learn Spanish, you're in luck.

In today's digital age, there are a variety of Spanish learning apps available that can help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, these apps can provide you with the tools and resources you need to improve your Spanish skills as quickly as possible.

Here are our top 7 best Spanish apps, so you can choose the one that's the perfect fit for you.

Langster

Looking for a Spanish-learning app that advances your skills using real-life materials? Then, Langster is the perfect choice for you — as biased as it may sound.

Our free app uses interesting short stories as source materials to teach you vocabulary in your target language. Plus, the app does not demand an excessive time commitment: each story lesson can be completed in 15 minutes or less.

We at Langster work on customizing the target vocabulary to align with your skill level, gradually increasing the story difficulty and Spanish grammar features to ensure a simple yet effective learning experience.

As a result, you'll learn new Spanish vocabulary and grammar rules in context instead of just memorizing random phrases.

the picture of a smartphone’s screen showing Langster for Spanish learners.

You can even choose whether to listen to the stories at a regular or reduced pace, allowing you to learn how the words sound without effort.

And finally, after each story, you'll find short quizzes that assess your comprehension, measure your progress, and reveal how much you have learned during a particular time frame.

Pros

  • Learn the language with stories.
  • Engaging, real-life materials, along with Flash Fiction section.
  • Creative flashcards to remember vocabulary.
  • New stories added every day.

Cons

  • Aimed at beginners and intermediate learners only.

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most famous language-learning apps for a reason: it uses game-like lessons and quizzes to help you learn a new language, making it a fun and entertaining experience.

Their bite-sized lessons cover a range of language features—including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure—that revolve around a certain topic (like food, the family, and so on). Each lesson is designed to be engaging and interactive and builds on what you've learned before.

Duolingo uses a game-like approach to language learning, which can make the process more enjoyable and motivating. For example, you can earn points, badges, and rewards as you progress through the Spanish lessons, which can be a fun and rewarding experience.

You won't be working only with grammar and vocabulary: this Spanish app offers a variety of exercises that focus on listening and speaking practice, too.

Pros

  • A fun way to remember new words
  • Exercises are interactive and varied
  • Daily reminders to be consistent
  • Well-defined lessons.

Cons

  • Too much focus on vocabulary.
  • Exercises can turn repetitive after some time.

Drops

Drops can become your best ally if you're a visual learner and have difficulty remembering new terms and phrases. It uses visual and interactive methods, like short videos and illustrations, to help you build your Spanish vocabulary.

Drops categorizes vocabulary by topic, including food, travel, and everyday conversations, so you can learn words that are relevant to your needs.

In addition to seeing beautiful illustrations that depict concepts, you'll also find interactive exercises that help you practice and reinforce new vocabulary. These exercises include matching games, word order puzzles, and pronunciation practice.

Drops also includes audio recordings of native Spanish speakers pronouncing words and phrases, which can help you improve your pronunciation and listening skills.

Pros

  • Great for visual learners.
  • Access to recordings by native speakers.
  • Flexible learning experience.
  • Free and premium plans are available.

Cons

  • Grammar explanations can be a bit scarce.
  • The free version is only available for 5 minutes a day.

Italki

Looking for the best way to learn Spanish with a native-speaking tutor? Use Italki! This online platform connects students with professional Spanish tutors from around the world. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, you'll find one-on-one or group lessons that suit your needs.

Benji using his laptop, Soren is on the screen (they are in an online Spanish lesson).

You can schedule your Spanish lessons at a time that's convenient for you. Whether you prefer to study early in the morning, in the evening, or on the weekends, there is surely a tutor available to fit your schedule.

The best thing about Italki is that it offers a unique opportunity to practice your Spanish conversational skills with a native speaker. You can choose to focus on a specific topic, such as travel or business, or let the teacher do the planning.

Pros

  • Great for visual learners.
  • Access to recordings by native speakers.
  • Flexible learning experience.
  • Free and premium plans are available.

Cons

  • Grammar explanations can be a bit scarce
  • The free version is only available for 5 minutes a day.

Pimsleur

If you'd like to focus exclusively on learning how to speak Spanish, you should choose Pimsleur. This language learning platform takes an original approach with interactive audio lessons to help you develop conversational skills by listening and repeating spoken phrases.

Benji at home, smartphone in hand and headphones, repeating “Hola, ¿como estás?

Pimsleur prioritizes spoken language over written language, which means that you will spend most of your time listening to and speaking Spanish rather than reading or writing it. This can be especially helpful for people who want to work on their vocabulary acquisition in order to become comfortable using the language in real-world conversations.

Pros

  • A practical approach to learning.
  • Available for different devices.
  • Great digital flashcards.
  • Very fast-paced.

Cons

  • You'll only practice speaking and listening
  • The free version is very limited.
  • Premium plans are expensive.

Babbel

In the pursuit of a cost-effective yet highly efficient method for learning Spanish, Babbel emerges as a frontrunner, outshining competitors like Duolingo by offering unmatched value for money.

What sets Babbel apart is its exceptionally engaging lesson structure. Designed for quick completion, each lesson lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and is surprisingly enjoyable.

Babbel's learning process is genuinely fun, largely due to the diverse array of quick-hit exercises it incorporates into its lessons. Language learners can expect to engage in activities ranging from fill-in-the-blanks and multiple-choice questions to speech drills and rapid mock conversations.

With around 8 different exercise types packed into a short time, Babbel ensures that learners stay motivated and entertained throughout.

Superior Speech Recognition Software

Babbel stands tall among its peers with exceptional speech recognition technology. While programs like Rosetta Stone (more on that later on) are known for their speech software, Babbel offers a level of accuracy that competes with the best in the market.

From personal experience, the voice recognition software proves highly effective, even when intentional mispronunciations were tested. This precision greatly aids learners in mastering Spanish pronunciation, making Babbel a valuable tool in any language learner's arsenal.

Integrated Grammar Instruction

Unlike many other language apps, Babbel seamlessly incorporates grammar lessons into its curriculum. Grammar tips are smooth, non-disruptive, and intuitively interspersed within lessons, and every few exercises focus on underscoring a key grammar concept.

This method ensures that grammar learning is neither overwhelming nor boring. Babbel strikes an excellent balance, emphasizing grammar's importance without making it tedious. This approach to grammar instruction is a testament to Babbel's thoughtful course design.

A Cutting-Edge Digital Experience

Lastly, Babbel's digital platform is nothing short of exemplary. It boasts a sleek and modern interface, enhanced by a responsive mobile app that stands out for its user-friendly design.

The platform excels in offering a visually appealing and smooth navigational experience. From engaging visuals to fluid exercise transitions, Babbel provides a polished and attractive digital environment that enhances the overall learning experience.

Pros:

  • Diverse exercise types, from fill-in-the-blanks to speech drills.
  • Advanced speech recognition recognition technology that rivals top competitors.
  • Integrates grammar lessons smoothly within the curriculum.
  • A cutting-edge user experience with a sleek interface and a responsive mobile app.

Cons:

  • Limited free trial.
  • The structured lessons may not accommodate learners who want more flexibility in pacing or skip topics.

Read our review on how Babbel compared to Duolingo here.

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone, a household name in the language learning domain, has been successfully paving the way for learners to master new languages for over three decades. Its longevity in the industry is a testament to its effective learning programs.

Among these, the Rosetta Stone Spanish course stands out, particularly for those who prefer learning through visual cues.

Immersive Learning Through Imagery

The core of Rosetta Stone's learning strategy is its immersive approach, heavily reliant on visuals. Nearly all its exercises and drills incorporate vivid images or graphics, making it the most visually intensive course reviewed by our team. This design philosophy caters exceptionally well to individuals who absorb and retain information more effectively through visual stimuli.

Comprehensive Supplemental Resources

In addition to its primary lessons, Rosetta Stone enriches its Spanish course with a wide array of supplemental materials. These include engaging short stories and practical phrasebooks that complement the visual learning experience.

Rosetta Stone's supplemental materials, like short stories, enhance the learning experience. Among these supplementary tools, short stories are a favorite, offering an enjoyable method to reinforce vocabulary learned in the standard lessons.

Value for Money

Rosetta Stone’s subscription plans are competitively priced, ranging from approximately $10 to $15 per month. This affordability, combined with the program's comprehensive visual learning focus and supplementary materials, positions Rosetta Stone as a highly attractive option for learners prioritizing visual learning methodologies and value.

Rosetta Stone Spanish earns its reputation not just through its longevity but also by being intrinsically designed for visual learners. Its reliance on images, supplemented by an extensive suite of additional resources and affordable pricing, makes it a top choice for those who learn best visually.

Whether you're starting from scratch or aiming to brush up on your Spanish, Rosetta Stone provides an engaging, effective, and visually rich learning experience.

Pros:

  • Visually-driven learning.
  • A wealth of additional materials like short stories and practical phrasebooks.
  • Provides competitive subscription plans that offer great value for a comprehensive language learning tool.

Cons:

  • Limited focus on speech recognition.
  • May not cater to all learning styles.

Wrapping Up

Before we move to the conclusion, here is a handy comparison table that includes a comprehensive overview of several key features of the apps we've in the article:

FeatureBabbelRosetta StoneLangsterPimsleurDuolingoDropsItalki
Prices $13.95 to $9.95/month (varies by subscription length) $10 to $15/month Free, premium features vary $14.95 to $19.95/month Free, optional premium for $6.99/month Free, optional premium for $9.99/month Depends on tutor rates, typically $10-$30 per session
Content Access Subscription-based, unlimited as long as subscribed Subscription-based, unlimited as long as subscribed Unlimited with free access, premium offers more Subscription-based, unlimited as long as subscribed Unlimited free access, Plus offers more Unlimited free access, premium offers more Per session, packages available
Lesson Length 10-15 minutes 5-30 minutes, depending on the activity 15-20 minutes 30-minute audio lessons 5-20 minutes 5 minutes 30-60 minutes or as agreed with the tutor
Grammar Instructions Yes, integrated within lessons Less focus, more immersive learning Yes, includes grammar in context Audio-focused, less grammar instruction Gamified grammar lessons Minimal grammar, focuses on vocabulary Depends on tutor, often personalized
Primary Learning Style Textual, visual aids Visual, imagery based learning Story based learning Audio focused, conversational practice Gamified, interactive lessons Visual, word image association One on one conversational practice
Additional Features Practicing pronunciation with speech recognition Immersive visual learning tools Real-life and fictional stories, news Role play, real world conversations Streaks, leaderboards for motivation Quick, engaging word games Personalized feedback, tailored lessons
FeatureBabbelRosetta StoneLangsterPimsleurDuolingoDropsItalki
Prices $13.95 to $9.95/month (varies by subscription length) $10 to $15/month Free, premium features vary $14.95 to $19.95/month Free, optional premium for $6.99/month Free, optional premium for $9.99/month Depends on tutor rates, typically $10-$30 per session
Content Access Subscription-based, unlimited as long as subscribed Subscription-based, unlimited as long as subscribed Unlimited with free access, premium offers more Subscription-based, unlimited as long as subscribed Unlimited free access, Plus offers more Unlimited free access, premium offers more Per session, packages available
Lesson Length 10-15 minutes 5-30 minutes, depending on the activity 15-20 minutes 30-minute audio lessons 5-20 minutes 5 minutes 30-60 minutes or as agreed with the tutor
Grammar Instructions Yes, integrated within lessons Less focus, more immersive learning Yes, includes grammar in context Audio-focused, less grammar instruction Gamified grammar lessons Minimal grammar, focuses on vocabulary Depends on tutor, often personalized
Primary Learning Style Textual, visual aids Visual, imagery based learning Story based learning Audio focused, conversational practice Gamified, interactive lessons Visual, word image association One on one conversational practice
Additional Features Practicing pronunciation with speech recognition Immersive visual learning tools Real-life and fictional stories, news Role play, real world conversations Streaks, leaderboards for motivation Quick, engaging word games Personalized feedback, tailored lessons

As you can see, learning Spanish has never been easier. With so many options available, all that’s left is to download the Spanish app that best suits your needs and learning style.

Another great insight is that you don't have to stick to just one, especially considering that many of them offer free access and features. Download our Langster app to start learning Spanish with stories and see where the inspiration takes you next!

With real-life materials, enough practice, and a lot of motivation when using an app such as Langster, you’ll soon find yourself using Spanish as fluently and accurately as a native speaker!

Blog Author Image

Daniela

Daniela brings over a decade of expertise as a university-level ESL instructor, guiding students from diverse global backgrounds in learning both English and Spanish languages. Beyond her pedagogical pursuits, Daniela's passions extend to writing, painting, and cooking delicious Argentinian dishes. With boundless enthusiasm, she endeavors to impart her wealth of knowledge on languages and cultures, inviting you to learn more!