The Ultimate Guide to the Best Language Learning Apps of 2024
Not long ago, learning a language at home meant purchasing a series of books, listening to language course CDs, or hiring tutors. Now, learning a new language is both popular and necessary. Thanks to technology, you can learn multiple languages from the comfort of your own home.
Year on year, language learning apps are growing by 32%. This will only grow in the near future as internet penetration rises and apps enter new markets. The market for language learning apps is not limited by geography.
Your target market is the entire world that has access to the Internet. You can expand your operations into new markets by learning new languages. This shows the tremendous potential of a language learning app.
What Are Language Learning Apps?
Just like we have apps for pretty much everything today, from clothes to food, to social media to what not, there’s a thriving eLearning app industry. Language learning apps, in very simple terms, are mobile apps that help you learn a new language easily from the comfort of your home.
These apps are built with the intention of making language learning a cakewalk. They have unique and interesting layouts, gamification and a community that helps you learn better. You can literally learn any language (no bar).
With the advanced tech stack of the 21st century, it has become so easy to create and scale language learning apps, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective approach to language learning.
Language Learning App Concept
Language learning apps are software applications that can be accessed through mobile devices and computers. They hope to make language acquisition more accessible and efficient than traditional methods like classroom instruction or self-study with textbooks.
You begin by taking short, bite-sized classes to expand your vocabulary and gain practice. Then, apps test your knowledge through games and quizzes to make learning more interactive. The best language learning apps are AI-powered, so your learning progress and activities are customized to your language level and needs.
What Makes Language Learning Apps So Effective And In Demand?
Language learning applications have completely changed the way we learn new languages. These apps' intuitive interfaces and interactive features make language learning accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Gone are the days of those super boring textbooks and uninteresting grammar exercises. There has never been a higher demand for language learning. With people looking to broaden their horizons and connect with people from other cultures, the language learning app market has grown dramatically.
Between 2022 and 2027, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 18.6%. According to market reports, the global online language learning market will increase at a CAGR of 13.1% between 2019 and 2025, reaching $10.5 billion.
The number of people using language learning apps reached 250 million in 2021, and this figure is expected to exceed 500 million by 2025.
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Best Language Learning Apps of 2024
Duolingo
Duolingo is unquestionably one of the best language learning apps on the market. Users can choose from over 35 languages and learn them in fun, bite-sized lessons that emphasise proper grammar and pronunciation. Lessons combine reading, speaking, and listening, and users can supplement their knowledge with stories and audio lessons.
Best of all, Duolingo is free, and users can subscribe to remove advertisements, earn unlimited lesson attempts, and more. The app offers interesting game-like lessons to help you learn over 35 languages—all for free. The app has some methods for teaching which are mainly based on science to help you learn.
Lessons are tailored to your learning style, and you practice a wide range of language skills. The app has over 1.2 million ratings in the app store, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Babbel app
Babbel swiftly became one of the most popular language-learning apps, with over 10 million subscribers paying $13.95 per month. Babbel is the all-around best option for many people. It divides lessons into short, easily digestible chunks and includes interactive, quiz-like aspects to keep you on your toes.
The Babbel app's minimalist layout keeps learning a new language from becoming overwhelming while also keeping it interesting. Each Babbel lesson walks you through the translation of various words and phrases, as well as the common variations.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is yet another popular language learning app. It introduces you to the native speakers for language exchange. During exchanges, tools are available to translate messages and correct your partner. Users can also use the app's community to ask questions or leave comments, as well as learn new vocabulary.
HelloTalk is one of the best free language learning apps for users, but it includes advertisements and only supports one language. The VIP Membership includes additional benefits but costs $6.99 per month, $45.99 per year, or $175 for a lifetime subscription.
Drops app
The Drops app is outstanding at teaching vocabulary in multiple languages. According to the app, this keeps you from overwhelming yourself or trying to learn too much at once. Once a lesson is completed, you must wait 10 hours before proceeding to the next one, unless you upgrade to premium.
Busuu
Busuu helps you learn 14 languages, and some reviews say the quality varies. The basic lessons for a single language are free, but you must subscribe to the Premium plan to remove ads, gain access to some content, and receive AI-powered reviews, priority community feedback, and certificates.
Busuu matches you with a native speaker of the language you're learning, who corrects and comments on your work (both written and spoken); you can do the same for others.
Lingoda
Lingoda gives hour-long online Zoom classes with experienced language teachers. You must purchase classes in blocks, and you will receive downloadable materials to help you prepare for classes and practice what you have learned.
You can take a test to determine your level, sign up with different teachers, and find classes at times that work for you. Classes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, due to their locations in various time zones. Lingoda's strength is the ability to communicate with real people and receive personalised feedback.
Memrise
This Android app is very user-friendly and one of the best app to learn Spanish. It employs a familiar flashcard approach with spaced repetition to help you memorise words and phrases. Memrise teaches users new languages through videos featuring native speakers. It is practical and adds a new twist to creating an immersive learning experience.
As the name implies, the app uses memory techniques to gradually teach you different words or phrases, primarily through the use of flashcards. Memrise is free to use and very effective at that level. However, purchasing a subscription unlocks new adventures.
Rosetta Stone App
Rosetta Stone has been a leader in teaching languages for 25 years, so it ought to go as no surprise that it is on our list of the best language learning apps today. Rosetta stone app is a professional-grade language learning service, but it also provides a free app to help travellers learn basic words and phrases. There are dozens of pictures associated with common phrases spoken aloud in the language you want to learn, and you must repeat the words back to improve your pronunciation.
Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a language learning app that is specifically made to assist with listening and learning, as opposed to other apps that feature interactive games on the screen. Pimsleur uses an audio format, making it simple to learn on the go.
The Pimsleur app has a small user base, but those who do use it give it rave reviews. With approximately 4,400 reviews in the app store, the app has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Mondly
Mondly is a well-known language-learning app because of its gamified lessons. This includes matching phrases with images, swiping for correct answers, selecting accurate translations, rearranging words in a sentence, and responding to multiple-choice questions.
Most impressively, it includes a chatbot feature that enables users to engage in real-life conversations by voice-recording suggested responses. Mondly provides a free, content-limited version.
How to Create a Language Learning App—Step-By-Step Guide
Determine the app's concept
The concept defines what the app will do, how it will respond to user interactions, and what elements and features it will include. Begin describing your concept with a summary of the app. Answer the basic questions: who, what, when, why, and how.
Before you begin writing code or working on design details, ensure that you have a clear definition and description of the app.
Create a mock-up model
A good user experience is critical to the success of your app unless you want them to abandon their course due to inconsistencies in the user interface. App mockups are a frequently overlooked critical step in the design process. It provides a genuine idea about the look and feel of the app once it is ready.
If you want to go for iOS app development, then you must get in touch with an iOS app development company. The experts will help you with the mock-up model and can bring high-end expertise and knowledge to create stunning apps.
Choose the technology stack
Since 80% of online learners use smartphones to learn and 57% use multiple devices, custom eLearning software must be cross-platform. Actually, this is what the major market players do. Duolingo and other popular platforms are now available on Google Play, the Apple Store, and the web in order to reach a wider audience.
Monetize your language learning app
It is not enough to simply own or develop an app. To earn money from the app, you must find the right methods. Depending on the success of your app, there are several ways to generate revenue.
- Subscription: Offer your users a one-of-a-kind suite of features and services. Users can take advantage of offline services, ad-free learning, and personalised attention under the subscription model.
- In-app purchases: Most of these apps allow users to access the majority of their services for free. However, you can persuade them to purchase various value additions or upgraded facilities. Learners can make in-app purchases without exiting the app window.
- In-app ads: This method of generating profits is quite simple. You simply need to place ads for various brands (mostly mobile apps). Though many businesses prefer this approach, it must be used with caution so that ads do not detract from users' learning experiences.
- Premium features: This model assumes that language learning apps with all of the basic features and tools are available for free. However, those who want to broaden their learning experience can pay for advanced functionality.
- Freemium monetization: Freemium monetization is a business model in which users receive basic features of a product or service for free and pay a premium for supplemental or advanced features.
Hire the right developers
The right team of developers can make the app development process much simpler and faster. An efficient team would write the app's code, design it for the platform of your choice, and test it to ensure it runs smoothly, all with your valuable feedback. You can hire an Android app development company to help and guide you through the whole process of creating your language learning app.
Top Features for Creating a Language Learning App
Quality learning resources
There is no point in overburdening your app with unnecessary features. Always remember that quality outweighs quantity. As a result, never make the mistake of compromising the quality of lesson presentation by providing an extensive list of numerous language courses that may not even be useful to your students.
AI-powered chatbot integration
To increase the effectiveness of learning, developers can incorporate an AI-enabled chatbot for a more personalized experience and customized learning. This feature is used by major players, such as the Duolingo app.
Cloud storage
With so many topics on board, there is still a chance of content loss. You can use cloud storage to save course materials or user information. Both Amazon and Google offer highly efficient cloud storage services.
Profile and settings
The personal user profile contains all information about the user and allows him/her to track his/her progress in language training. The profile can be edited, allowing the user to modify his or her data or settings as needed.
Attractive UI/UX design
Learning a language is a difficult task. If there are good visual features, it can make the process go a little faster. A clean and strong design language ensures a consistent and smooth user experience. It will make your app more accessible and encourage users to return.
Gamification in learning
Gamify the entire learning experience. Users are more likely to spend more time on your app if the entire learning process is viewed as a game. The best language learning apps like Duolingo understand this very well, and it is an important part of their experience. This feature simply uplifts the app's feel and experience.
Community building
Allow your users to invite their friends to join your app to create user communities. Allowing users from a specific geographic location to compete in a competition is another excellent way to form communities.
Push notifications
Push notifications may appear to be a minor addition, but they can have a significant impact on a language-learning app. Push notifications are primarily intended to remind users to maintain their daily streaks and to continue learning.
One-on-one lessons
Some serious learners would like to take one-on-one lessons to advance their knowledge. One-on-one personal lessons give an additional and personalised source of revenue for the business. They simply improve the overall learning experience for the users and add value to your app.
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Seize The Market With Your Language Learning App
In today's digital age, developing a successful language learning app can help you stand out from the competition. Partnering with a skilled team can help your app stand out. Hire a mobile application development company in USA to make your vision a reality.
Whether you want to capture the attention of casual learners or serious language enthusiasts, a well-developed app can give you an advantage. Don't pass up the opportunity to make a significant impact in the language learning industry—work with a top mobile application development company to bring your app idea to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best free language learning app?
Duolingo is widely regarded as the best free language learning app available. It offers a diverse set of languages and employs gamified lessons to make learning enjoyable and engaging. Duolingo's reviews speak for themselves: the app has over 1.2 million app store ratings, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons, making it simple to incorporate language learning into your daily routines.
Q2. How effective are language learning apps?
Language learning apps are mostly effective for beginners and intermediate learners. The apps offer best interactive lessons, exercises to practice and real-time feedback which helps in making learning more effective and entertaining. As per the studies, the regular usage of these apps can help you in improving your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and fluency. To achieve fluency, app learning should be supplemented with real-world practice and immersion.
Q3. Can you become fluent using language learning apps?
A language learning app is the best way to begin with a language if you're a complete beginner, and it can also help you revise your vocabulary at all the phases of your study. However, using an app alone may not be enough to improve your language skills. Language learning apps are the best for improving your language skills, but if you wish to become fluent, you may be needing more help than an app.
Q4. Are there any language learning apps for kids?
Yes, several, actually! There are language learning apps that are specifically designed for children. There are apps like Duolingo Kids, Preply, and Little Pim give immersive, interactive and engaging lessons for kids. These apps use graphics with lovely colours, interesting and entertaining stories, and simple games so that the kids learn by using the fun elements. They put weight on the basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and simple phrases to help children begin on a journey of a new language.
Q5. How do I stay motivated while learning a new language?
Motivation is important for learning a new language effectively. Language learning is a process that requires dedication and enthusiasm all along. And, like any long-term goal, we all require encouragement from time to time to keep going. Set specific, attainable goals, and monitor your progress. And, like any long-term goal, we all require encouragement from time to time to keep going.