15 Best Language Learning Programs That Will Make You Fluent Faster
Are you hoping to learn a new language soon but feel overwhelmed by the variety of language-learning programs available?
As a bilingual speaker and continuous learner of languages, I can confirm the claims that learning a new language improves memory and boosts creativity and confidence in stepping out of one’s comfort zone. However, with many language learning programs offering the best language programs, you may wonder what the differences are. I know I did!
Today, many language programs are designed to help users learn a new language with full customization and options. These range from Zoom calls in group settings and 1-on-1 with native speakers to playing language games, reading in a foreign language, and watching your favorite Netflix show.
With many options available, we’ll cover the best 15 language learning programs so you can quickly go from translating to fluent!
1. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has spent over 30 years helping millions of users learn a new language through its numerous language-learning features, including its Dynamic Immersion approach. This research-based method mimics how children learn a new language with visual cues, audio spoken by native speakers, and even practice with live tutors.
Rosetta Stone is great for those who may not have enough time to sit down for an entire lesson. Its short lessons can be taken on the app.
2. Duolingo
Do you think Duolingo isn’t as serious of a language program as others? Think again! And maybe check out these studies of Duolingo’s efficacy.
Even with its free version, Duolingo is one of the best programs for learning a new language because it combines fun and science-backed teaching methods from the very first lesson.
As a past user myself, I’ve always appreciated Duolingo’s bite-sized lessons and the customizations to tailor the lessons to your language goals. Plus, keeping up your streak was always motivating!
3. Babbel
Babbel’s goal is simple: to help you speak your new language effectively and quickly.
With the knowledge of over 200 language experts, a customized approach to listening, writing, and pronunciation, and extra language material to immerse yourself in the language, it’s easy to see why Babbel is a favorite in the language learning community.
Aside from its award-winning testimonies, Babbel offers two different options to learn a new language: the Babbel App, which allows a learn-at-your-own-pace approach, and Babbel Live, which offers small classes with a language expert.
4. Memrise
Memrise focuses on teaching the new language how natives speak it and pushing you along until you finally understand it.
With its game-like activities, videos describing real-world scenarios, plus bonus customizations based on your language goals, Memrise is a winner for its active community of 70 million speakers.
Plus, you get the help of both a native speaker and an AI tutor.
5. Busuu
Busuu uniquely teaches language while sharing cultural insight and context to help its users understand the language and the everyday words locally used.
Thanks to its group approach and courses developed with the Common European Framework of Reference, Busuu introduces its users to a language learning format that puts them in speaking scenarios with locals as they move from beginner to upper intermediate.
It’s go-at-your-own-pace, appealing to those seeking live tutors, even in a pinch!
6. Pimsleur
With only 30 minutes a day, Pimsleur ensures that you’ll be speaking your new language in a close-to-native accent in no time, with its varied learning features ranging from digital flashcards to speed round language quizzes, and AI voice coach, roleplay conversations, and much more.
Exclusively utilizing the Pimsleur Method from Dr. Paul Pimsleur, a language-learning academic, lessons are developed with a focus on memory to create new neurological pathways that support a new language bit by bit.
7. Drops
Award-winning and a popular program in the language learning field, Drops refreshes the traditional methods of learning a new language with interactive games.
If you’re a visual learner who likes to learn through associations, Drops is the perfect language-learning program. The short games are designed in beautiful bright colors with a dose of mnemonic associations for better internalization.
Uniquely, Drops has a version for kids called Droplets. To practice writing in your new language, check out the supplemental program Scrips.
8. Mondly
Perfect for those for whom English isn’t their native language, Mondly offers learners the chance to learn a new language from the 1,000 language combinations available.
Mondly teaches its users everything from formal language to slang using games and interactive online lessons ranging from daily lessons to weekly quizzes and monthly challenges. It is also one of the first language programs to offer augmented reality and speech recognition for an immersive digital learning experience.
Its low premium pricing is also a tempting reason why Mondly has gained popularity and rave reviews from both learners and publications.
9. Lirica
Do you love music? Then Lirica is for you! This unique learning approach to language learning is perfect for music lovers who can still recite the lyrics of songs they forgot about years later.
With Lirica, learners practice a language with music while gaining cultural insight. Learning a language through song helps promote the memory of vocabulary while impulsing critical thinking in a foreign language without even realizing it.
From experience, learning Brazilian Portuguese and singing Brazilian songs enriched my awareness of the culture and made learning so much fun! Who doesn’t love learning (and signing) songs?
10. Lingoda
If you’re looking for accountability and learning a new language in a traditional group setting, Lingoda is your best option.
Combining small group classes or private tutor sessions, Lingoda offers different intensity level courses based on a placement test you can take with them and your language learning goals. Classes are held online, with class materials. All you need to attend is a computer, good internet, and access to a video chat platform.
11. iTalki
Unlike other language learning programs, iTalki allows students to book classes directly with a language teacher, making the classes unique. Students can choose between 1-on-1 classes or even a few group sessions with students worldwide.
The benefit of a program like iTalki is the flexibility and options of teachers and teaching styles you can get from a platform like this. For example, you can take lessons with different teachers in the same language for variety.
12. Idlewild
Whether or not you’re based in New York and can attend in person, you can learn a new language with Idlewild, a popular book store-turned language learning hub.
Popular among locals and those in the language learning community, Idlewild offers 7-week language courses that take students straight into language proficiency from whatever stage they are in their language journey.
From translating to thinking in the new language, Idlewild’s Zoom classes allow you to engage with language professionals in conversational and highly engaging lessons.
13. Yabla
Yabla is a language learning program that uniquely combines video watching and language learning to make learning a new language exciting and highly immersive.
Using features like Yabla’s “Smart Subtitles,” students can browse a library of educational and entertaining videos and click the subtitles to learn their definitions and meanings within the videos’ context. Students learn vocabulary while practicing listening skills directly from locals speaking colloquially.
14. Lingopie
Like Yabla, Lingopie combines video with language learning, but it’s with Netflix this time.
All you have to do is log in to Netflix on your computer, activate Lingopie, and start watching and learning as you’re entertained. Lingopie offers 2 sets of subtitles you can click on and translate in real time.
In addition, students get access to quizzes, review lessons, and even live classes with other students and teachers.
15. Beelinguapp
One key element to learning a new language is reading in the new language, and Beelinguapp is all about that.
With Beelinguapp, users can consume foreign reading materials, audiobooks, and music for just a few minutes daily. The more you learn via reading, the more the brain can process and acquire new vocabulary.
With Beelinguapp, you can listen to a live narration in the native accent of the material in real-time while learning grammar structure.
What Foreign Language Do You Want to Learn? Which Language Learning Program Convinced You the Most?
