These Language Apps Take You From Clueless to Confident

^{Photo by Kate Bezzubets via Unsplash}

Looking for the perfect language-learning app to kickstart your next adventure?

The holidays are known for taking time to travel, and if you're taking off to a new destination, you may feel inspired to start learning a new language. On top of fun and leisure, learning a new language can open doors to all kinds of new opportunities—whether it’s connecting with future employers, colleagues, or clients.

For those who are already convinced, these are some of the best language-learning apps you can pay to subscribe to that'll help you make the most out of your next trip!

The Best Language-Learning Apps to Try

1. uTalk Language Education lifetime subscription (any two languages): Best for budget language learners
2. Beelinguapp Language Learning App lifetime subscription: Most unique approach with story-based learning
3. Babbel Language Learning lifetime subscription (all languages): Best for busy language learners who have careers
4. Rosetta Stone lifetime subscription (all languages): Best for language learners who learn by example more than by explanation

What to Look for in a Language-Learning App

When subscribing to language-learning apps, consider the following:

• Languages
  • How many languages are offered? 
  • Are the languages you want to learn (or may want to learn in the future) available?
• Price 
  • Is it available for budget language-learners?
  • Is it a lifetime subscription or does it require regular payments?
• Courses
  • Does it feel like it takes a practical approach to teaching a new language?
  • Do its instructors seem reputable and have solid reviews?
  • Does it promote conversational learning or more reading comprehension?

Check Out These Effective Language-Learning Apps

uTalk Language Learning lifetime subscription

You can learn over 150 languages by signing up with uTalk. If its expansive lifetime subscription is more than you need, you can also pay less for a discounted version that gives you access to two languages for life.  

Features

• Over 150 languages are available
• Localized lessons—letting you learn in the language you're studying
• Able to slow down native speak to help users understand
• Achievement measurements 

Pros

• Highly reviewed 
• Offers more languages than any other app here 
• Focuses on real-world situations
• Features over 180 hours of lessons on any topic 

Cons

• Not compatible with Windows 10 Mobile 
• Only two languages available with discounted version

Budget pick: Lifetime subscription, any two languages for $20
Full version: Lifetime subscription to all languages for $90

Beelinguapp Language Learning App lifetime subscription

Learn a new language by diving into stories you actually want to read. With Beelinguapp, you can pick up new vocab and phrases by following along with your favorite tales, articles, and more—presented side-by-side in your language of choice and your native language. Perfect for the curious and the busy alike, Beelinguapp keeps learning fresh, fun, and flexible.

Features

• Multiple languages available, including Spanish, German, French, and more
• Side-by-side text for easy bilingual reading
• Narration by native speakers to fine-tune your pronunciation
• Offline access for language practice wherever you are

Pros

• Engaging stories and articles make learning enjoyable
• Caters to both visual readers and audio learners
• Offline access for learning without Wi-Fi

Cons

• Only accessible on mobile
• Deal available only to new users
• Language selection may vary

Get it now: One-time payment of $40 for lifetime access

Babbel Language Learning lifetime subscription (all languages)

Bounce between 14 languages as much as you want. Order pasta in perfect Italian on Monday, chat up a new friend in German on Tuesday, and tackle Spanish slang by the weekend! Babbel’s quick lessons fit into any schedule. Travel, impress, or just keep people guessing—this is your all-access pass to a world of new words.

Features

• 14 languages available for study 
• Offline access 
• Speech-recognition technology for help with pronunciation
• Personalized review sessions with real tutors 

Pros

• The most popular language-learning app in the world
• Focuses on real-life topics
• Short lessons for busy professionals
• Intuitive interface
• Over 10 million users

Cons

• Only 14 languages are available
• The deal is valid for new users based in the US only

Get it now: One-time payment of $150

Rosetta Stone lifetime subscription (all languages)

Start your journey towards speaking a new language with this proven app that's been serving users for just under three decades. From immersive lessons to real-world practice with native speakers, Rosetta Stone combines reading, writing, and pronunciation exercises to help you achieve fluency. The app’s TruAccent technology fine-tunes your pronunciation, so you sound like a pro from day one. 

Features

• Teaches languages in a way that mimics how we learn our native languages
• Speech-recognition technology
• 25 languages available
• Progressive learning structure with everyday focuses 

Pros

• Prepares users for real conversations
• Highly reputable and long-standing
• Progressive design throughout the app
• Large language selection 

Cons

• Not the newest, most modern language-learning app
• Can only study one language at a time

Get it now: One-time payment of $180

FAQ 

Q: Are these apps available for mobile and desktop use?

A: All apps above, with the exception of Beelinguapp (only available on mobile), are accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.

Q: How fast can I learn a new language?

A: This, of course, depends on your own learning process, as well as how much time you choose to spend "studying". Native speakers of most languages will tell you that there's always more to learn. At the same time, apps like Babbel have said they can get dedicated users conversational in as little as three weeks.

Want to know more about what it's like to learn a language with Babbel? Read our full Babbel review.

Q: How do I choose the right language-learning app for me?

A: In addition to this handy guide, feel free to peruse the product pages of the above language-learning apps and see which one has a philosophy that makes the most sense to you. While they're each proven in their own right, they also each offer a unique approach to teaching. 

Expanding on Your Language Studies

Once you dive into a language-learning app, you’re officially on the road to chatting like a local! Sure, these apps have helped millions get the basics down, opening doors to conversations across cultures and continents, but let’s be real—they can only take you so far.

Because here’s the thing: Language is all about connecting with real people. So, while you’re busy building up your skills solo with your phone or laptop, the real fun starts when you take those new phrases out into the world and actually start talking while on your international vacays. That’s where the magic happens!

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