9 Best Free Language Learning Apps in 2024

Thinking of picking up a new language this year? We’ve all been there: New Year, new you, right?

We get it – life gets busy. Between demanding jobs and hectic schedules, finding time for language lessons can be challenging.

But don’t give up on your resolutions just yet!

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to fit language practice into your busy life: free language learning apps. These apps offer low-risk commitment and flexibility, allowing you to learn whenever and wherever you like.

To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the top 9 free language learning software based on their features, pros, cons, and G2 user reviews. Discover which platform aligns with your learning style, and start learning today.

How did we select and evaluate the best free language learning apps?

At G2, we rank software solutions using a proprietary algorithm that considers customer satisfaction and market presence based on authentic user reviews. Our market research analysts and writers spend weeks testing solutions against multiple criteria set for a software category. We give you unbiased software evaluations - that's the G2 difference! We don’t accept payment or exchange links for product placements on our list. Please read our G2 Research Scoring Methodology for more details.

Top 9 best free language learning apps of 2024

The list of free language learning apps below contains real user reviews from the best free language learning software category page. It’s important to note that in the context of this list, software that requires payment after a free trial is considered free. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Provide multiple courses based on competency level

• Facilitate interactive learning experiences
• Provide practice and feedback opportunities
• Support for multiple languages

This data was pulled from G2 in 2024. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity. 

1. Speexx

Speexx is a language and business coaching platform designed for corporate learners. Through artificial intelligence (AI), it tailors content to individual needs, offers live coaching sessions and provides a variety of interactive learning tools to enhance language proficiency and business communication skills.

What users like best:

“Speexx is a solid choice for language learning. It offers diverse content in many languages and various techniques for learning grammar, writing, and reading. You can also connect with fellow learners or native speakers from around the world. The platform is accessible from any device, and technical support is always available to help with log-ins or setup issues.”

- Speexx Review, Jose Angel D.

What users dislike:

“You don’t receive any study material after the fact unless you make your own screenshots. For example, grammar is only explained through exercises, so if you need to see verb conjugations in all tenses and modes, you'll have to find this information elsewhere. There’s no search engine for specific information within Speexx.

For advanced learners, the homework seems endless, and even after completing all the exercises, you might not receive an expert qualification. 

Online sessions are engaging, but the interaction with trainers is brief, and you don’t get feedback on your speaking accuracy. Some trainers may disappear for 15 minutes, leaving your conversations with other trainees unassessed, so you might not know if you spoke correctly.”

- Speexx Review, Cristina R.

2. ELSA Speak

ELSA Speak serves as an AI-powered English pronunciation coach. It provides personalized feedback to help users improve their pronunciation, accent reduction, and fluency. Through a range of speaking exercises, users can receive detailed analysis to improve their English speaking skills.

What users like best:

“The best thing about ELSA speak is that it highlights the words I mispronounce, corrects the pronunciation, and does not let me move forward until I get it right. The free version is comprehensive and has many features that help you customize your learning experience.”

- ELSA Speak Review, Maria Camila B.

What users dislike:

“While practicing, sometimes the intonation sounds unnatural despite receiving high scores. ELSA doesn’t support standard British English pronunciation which makes it hard to achieve a high score with my accent. I feel like I’m being forced to use American English every time I practice.”

- ELSA Speak Review, Andrian Kuncoro A.

3. Busuu

Busuu offers structured courses, vocabulary building, and grammar exercises, but its standout feature is the ability to connect with native speakers to practice pronunciation, gain cultural insights, and exchange local language tips.

What users like best:

“I’m really enjoying learning German on Busuu. The grammar lessons are well-crafted, and the tips help reinforce the concepts. The exercises improve both writing and speaking skills with instant feedback from native speakers, and the dialog exercises are excellent for learning conversation patterns. The review feature is great for revising vocabulary and grammar.”

- Busuu Review, Shilpa P.

What users dislike:

“Busuu offers a relatively small selection of 12 languages and requires a subscription for premium features. It mainly focuses on conversational skills, which might leave writing practice underdeveloped, and lacks adaptive learning to adjust lesson difficulty based on user performance.”

- Busuu Review, David S.

4. Memrise

Memrise stands out by incorporating over 48,000 conversations between native speakers, allowing users to familiarize themselves with authentic accents and commonly used words and phrases. Memrise is well known for its use of spaced repetition, a vast library of vocabulary flashcards, and interactive exercises, which help learners memorize new words efficiently. 

What users like best:

“Memrise helped me learn basic German in just a few months. The platform offers a unique learning experience with its interactive fonts and engaging interface. Frequent practice tests helped me track progress effectively. It also provides short videos that allow users to observe the language in use and develop a mild accent.”

- Memrise Review, Suraj M.

What users dislike:

“The main disadvantage of the platform is that it focuses primarily on vocabulary, which makes it challenging for those looking to learn the grammatical aspects of the language. It would be beneficial if they could offer a web version that includes more comprehensive grammatical content.”

- Memrise Review, Amit K.

5. Babbel for Business

Babbel for Business targets professionals with its tailored language training programs. The program is customized based on your proficiency level, interests, and time commitment, enabling learners to acquire practical skills. Within just three weeks, users can start having real-life conversations.

What users like best:

“I love that my colleagues and I can pursue a language together or independently, studying at our own levels and paces on Babbel. It requires being a self-starter and making time for classes and lessons, but once you build the habit, it's easy to keep the momentum going.”

- Babbel for Business Review, Ericka C.

What users dislike:

“I wish the audio could be slowed down to hear each syllable. This feature has been very helpful to me on other language-learning sites. Additionally, the lack of e-tutoring or live help in Babbel can be a drawback when you have questions or need clarification.”

- Babbel for Business Review, Linda H.

6. Mondly by Pearson

Mondly by Pearson is a language learning app that emphasizes real-life conversations and immersive learning experiences.  It uses a mix of interactive dialogues, speech recognition, and gamification to teach grammar and conjugation.

What users like best:

“I enjoy the daily challenges and the variety of topics available. I appreciate being in control of my learning and prioritizing the content that is most relevant to me.” 

- Mondly by Pearson Review, Jesus U.

What users dislike:

“Although Mondly provides an overall positive experience, its conversation simulations may lack realism, and it might not offer enough advanced content for experienced learners.”

- Mondly by Pearson Review, Adriana L

7. Duolingo

Duolingo is a popular language-learning app known for its gamified approach. It offers free language education with no hidden fees or premium content. The app provides bite-sized language lessons, interactive quizzes, and speech recognition to teach vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. 

What users like best:

“I’ve used Duolingo for a year and love revisiting lessons to refine my knowledge. It complements my Spanish coursework, and the flexibility to advance at my own pace is a huge advantage over traditional classrooms. It fits well with my busy schedule and helps me progress in Spanish without needing to live in a Spanish-speaking country.”

- Duolingo Review, Seychelle D.

What users dislike:

“Duolingo may teach simplified and formal language that doesn’t fully reflect real-world nuances and complexities. Additionally, its limited vocabulary might not be sufficient for advanced language learners seeking specialized language and communication skills.”

- Duolingo Review, Abhishek G.

8. Mango Languages

Mango Languages offers in-depth language courses that target the 6 critical skills necessary for language learning: vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, culture, comprehension, and retention. These courses are enriched with cultural insights and real-life conversations to help learners develop communicative competence.

What users like best:

“Mango Languages allows us to review previous lessons. As I progress slowly, this feature helps ensure I retain what I’ve learned. Having studied French in high school and college, I already know the basics, and I can confidently say that the program excels in sharing cultural tips and grammar rules as new concepts are introduced”

- Mango Languages Review, Lindsay B.

What users dislike:

“I dislike the lack of pictures on the Mango Languages platform, which forces me to supplement my visual learning with other programs. Incorporating images to relate words to objects would reduce mental translation. I also hope for a more robust video-learning section.”

- Mango Languages Review, Christina W.

9. Lingvist

Lingvist is an adaptive tool that leverages AI to tailor the learning experience to your needs. Its smart algorithms assess your level and then focus on building essential vocabulary and grammar, helping learners develop a solid foundation in the language.

What users like best:

“Lingvist offers impressive content even at no cost. The word memorization section is interactive, and I managed to memorize lots of French words in just 10 minutes. By double-clicking any sentence in the reading section, the English translation is revealed and the tool allows you to listen to it in French. This innovative and effective approach makes language learning more accessible and enjoyable."

- Lingvist Review, Dicle B.

What users dislike:

“While listening to the audio, there is no option to slow down the speed—it always plays at its default pace. I would like to see this feature added to the app so that slow learners like me can learn more easily”

- Lingvist Review, Lokendra Y.

Comparison of the best free language learning apps

If you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information about free language learning apps, this comparison table will help you with all the important aspects:

Frequently asked questions on free language learning apps

Q. What features should I look for in free language learning software?

Look for essential features like vocabulary building, listening, speaking, progress tracking, and personalized learning.

Q. Are there any limitations to free language learning software?

Yes, free language learning apps often contain limited content, irrelevant ads, and a lack of personalized feedback. For faster progress, consider paid language learning software.

Q. How do I choose the right free language learning software?

Consider your budget, experience level, and desired features. Start by exploring free options or demos of paid software. Many offer free trials to allow you to test-drive their functionalities.

Q. What other resources can complement free language learning apps?

Practice speaking with native language speakers, immerse yourself in the language through movies and music, use the features of the top study tools, and connect with fellow learners for support and motivation.

You got this!

With the right language learning app, mastering a new language is easier than ever. Experiment with different platforms to find the perfect fit for your learning style and budget. Remember, consistency is key! 

Master your pronunciation and boost your confidence with the best speech recognition software. 

Edited by Monishka Agrawal