So, you want to learn a new language but Duolingo isn’t quite hitting the mark? Whether you’ve outgrown its quirky owl or you’re simply curious about other fun ways to study, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore some exciting Duolingo alternatives that can make language learning more exciting.
TL;DR
Duolingo is great, but it’s not the only app around. There are many fun, effective alternatives that fit different learning styles. Some focus on speaking, others on vocabulary, and some even feel like playing a game. Keep reading to find which one suits you best!
Why Look Beyond Duolingo?
Duolingo is popular, free, and playful. But it’s not perfect for everyone. Some people want to speak more, understand grammar deeply, or learn cultural context. Others want less repetition or fewer ads. Luckily, there are lots of other apps ready to help, and some might even be better for your style of learning.
1. Babbel – Practical and Professional
If you want serious language learning but still in bite-sized chunks, Babbel might be a good match.
- Focus: Everyday conversation and grammar.
- Languages: 14, including German, Spanish, and French.
- Strengths: Lessons are made by language experts. Good for travelers and professionals.
Babbel teaches through real dialogue. Unlike Duolingo’s sometimes odd sentences (like “the bear wears a hat”), Babbel gives you phrases you’ll actually use.
2. Memrise – Vocabulary Comes First
Memrise is perfect if you’re looking to build your vocabulary fast and remember it for the long haul.
- Focus: Vocab, phrases, and memory tricks.
- Languages: Over 20, including Japanese, Korean, and Icelandic.
- Strengths: Uses spaced repetition and video clips from native speakers.
It feels like watching mini TikToks that teach you words! Plus, it adapts to how you learn, showing words just when you’re about to forget them.
3. Busuu – Talk with Real People
If you’re serious about speaking and getting feedback, Busuu shines.
- Focus: Complete language courses plus speaking with native speakers.
- Languages: 12, like Arabic, Mandarin, and Russian.
- Strengths: Feedback from native users, grammar tips, and real conversations.
Busuu combines the structure of a school course with social media vibes. You finish a writing or speaking task, send it off, and a real person responds. It’s like making pen pals who help correct your grammar!
4. LingQ – Read and Listen Naturally
LingQ is for learners who love to read and listen more than click and drag.
- Focus: Immersion through real content – books, podcasts, interviews.
- Languages: 40+ from Spanish to Swahili.
- Strengths: Learn from content you choose. Create your own lessons.
You explore articles, audiobooks, or even YouTube videos turned into reading lessons. Learn by doing – like a baby does. It’s perfect for intermediate learners trying to level up fast.
5. Beelinguapp – Love Stories? This One’s for You
Beelinguapp teaches you new languages through stories. Read in your target language next to your native one.
- Focus: Reading and listening through side-by-side storytelling.
- Languages: 14, including Turkish and Hindi.
- Strengths: Narrated stories and karaoke-like text marking for better understanding.
This app is ideal for bookish types. Whether it’s Sherlock Holmes or fairy tales, reading in another language becomes enjoyable, not intimidating.
6. Tandem – Like Tinder but for Talking
Want to make friends while you learn? Tandem does that.
- Focus: Language exchange through chat, voice, and video.
- Languages: 160+. Yes, really!
- Strengths: Match with partners who want to learn your language.
You talk to real people who want to exchange languages. You help them with English, they help you with whatever language you’re learning. Everyone wins!
And don’t worry, they have built-in translation tools in case you get stuck.
7. Drops – Quick, Visual Fun
Drops is like a beautiful flashcard game.
- Focus: Vocabulary with visuals and simple games.
- Languages: 45 including Maori and Hawaiian!
- Strengths: 5-minute sessions with catchy visuals and zero grammar (on purpose).
Each session is short and sweet. Perfect if you’re waiting in line or only have a few spare minutes. It’s colorful, addictive, and feels more like play than study time.
Which App is Right for You?
Let’s match some apps to your learning style:
- Like speaking? Try Busuu or Tandem.
- Love reading? Go with LingQ or Beelinguapp.
- Want fast vocab? Use Memrise or Drops.
- Need structure? Check out Babbel.
Free vs Paid – What’s the Real Deal?
Most of these apps offer free versions. But the best stuff—like real corrections or offline content—is usually paid. Don’t worry though! Start free, get comfy, then decide if it’s worth it for you.
Pro Tips for Using These Apps
Whichever app you use, here are some ways to boost your learning:
- Use it every day, even for 5 minutes.
- Speak aloud often—it helps!
- Mix apps if you want. Vocabulary in Drops + practice in Busuu? Yes, please.
- Set goals. Tiny ones. “Learn 5 words a day” is perfect.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to stick with just one app—or Duolingo. Language learning should be exciting, flexible, and fun. With all these cool alternatives, the right one is just a tap away.
So go ahead, try a few. Talk to strangers. Read fairy tales. Collect words like they’re Pokémon. Your future multilingual self will thank you!
