Comparison

LingQ | Learn Languages vs Words

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

LingQ | Learn Languages

Learn languages naturally by reading and listening to real content. Expand your vocabulary and improve comprehension with interactive tools and AI-powered features. Supports over 50 languages and offers a global community for support.

Highlights
  • Massive content library
  • Import your own content
  • Interactive reader with word definitions
  • AI-powered learning tools
  • Progress tracking
  • Offline learning
  • Community support and tutoring
Features
Read full description

Experience Language Learning with LingQ — the natural and effective way to learn a new language. LingQ is a language learning app that lets you grow your vocabulary and improve comprehension through meaningful exposure to the language with real content. Follow your interests and enjoy an immersive learning experience in over 50 languages. Learn Spanish, English, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Arabic, and other languages. Trusted by Learners Worldwide: ◆4.7 star rating from over 45000 reviews. ◆Featured in CBC, Men’s Health, La Vanguardia, El País. Designed for Real Language Learning LingQ uses an input-based approach: you learn languages by reading and listening to real, interesting content at your level. ◆ Massive Content Library: Thousands of lessons from podcasts, books, interviews, videos, articles, and more — all with matching text for easy listening and reading. ◆ Follow Topics You Enjoy: Choose content you love and progress naturally through immersion, not drills. ◆ Import Your Favorite Content: Turn Netflix, YouTube, podcasts, books, and articles into personalized lessons. ◆ Powerful Reader: An effective, optimized reader that tracks every word you encounter to boost your vocabulary. ◆ Interactive Learning: Listen, read along, tap words for instant definitions, and learn naturally as you go. ◆ Advanced Progress Tracking: Monitor your listening, reading, study time, and vocabulary growth. ◆ Learn Anytime, Anywhere: Study offline and sync your progress automatically. Learn whenever you want. AI Language Learning Tools • AI Audio Transcription: Turn podcasts and audiobooks into interactive lessons. • AI Voices: Make your lessons, reviews and chats more immersive with natural sounding text-to-speech voices. • Advanced Chatbot: Get detailed tutor responses and real-time web search with our advanced Lynx AI Chatbot. • AI-Simplified Lesson: Take advantage of more interesting content earlier on in your learning journey by generating simplified versions of lessons. Read and Listen with Interactive Tools • SRS vocabulary review for long-term retention; • Mini Stories that build a strong foundation at any level; • Grammar guides with clear, accessible explanations; • Audio playlists for hands-free listening; • Karaoke Mode to follow the text while listening; A Global Community to Support You • Writing Exchange for real corrections from native speakers; • Tutoring sessions tailored to your goals; • Community forum for questions, guidance, and motivation; • Challenges that help you stay consistent and build strong habits; Built by Language Learners LingQ was co-founded by Steve Kaufmann, a polyglot who learned more than 20 languages using this same natural approach. Learn Multiple Languages LingQ supports more than 50 languages, including Spanish, English, Japanese, Korean, Italian, German, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Arabic and more. Get LingQ Premium and Accelerate Your Learning • Unlimited vocabulary lookup and SRS review; • Comprehensive word tracking to boost your progress; • Unlimited content imports; • Access to AI features; Start learning from real content. Download LingQ and begin today. Feedback? Let us know. Send suggestions and feedback to iosapp@lingq.com. Terms of Service - https://www.lingq.com/terms/

About

Words

Master vocabulary in 14 languages with flashcards and interactive exercises. Features native speaker audio and a structured learning list to reinforce memorization. Ideal for on-the-go language learning.

Highlights
  • 14 languages supported
  • Thousands of words per language
  • Native speaker audio
  • Flashcard review
  • Multiple choice exercises
  • Spelling exercises
  • Listening exercises
Features
Read full description

Learn 1000's of words in 14 languages including French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Korean, German, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional scripts), Hebrew, Greek, Russian, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese and now Inglés! * French - 4,400 words in 111 topics * Spanish - 3,800 words in 86 topics * Japanese - 6,500 words in 111 topics * Chinese (simplified and traditional) - 5,700 words in 125 topics * Italian - 5,000 words in 110 topics * Korean - 6,200 words in 126 topics * German - 2,400 words in 98 topics * Hebrew - 4,100 words in 139 topics * Greek - 4,500 words in 119 topics * Russian - 3,400 words in 105 topics * Brazilian Portuguese - 3,300 words in 83 topics * Portuguese - 3,100 words in 60 topics * Inglés! - 5,500 words in 141 topics Each language includes 1000s of words organised by topic, And each and every word with REAL native speaker audio. Start by reviewing the words in groups of ten (the learning list). Then jump into the exercises - multiple choice, spelling and listening. Get one answer wrong and you have to redo all the exercises for that word - reinforcing the words that words that need most attention. Features and benefits: * Every language includes 1000s of words. * Every word includes a native speaker's audio recording. * Flashcard review and exercises to aid memorization. * Strict Learning-List testing technique ensures word retention. With Declan FlashCards, learning a language is as simple as turning on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Packed with over 1000s of words and phrases, Declan FlashCards is an easy way to learn a language's fundamentals, such as the days of the week, numbers, useful phrases and expressions, articles, verbs, and nouns. All words and phrases come with a native speaker's audio recording, making it easier for you to learn the correct pronunciation. So, whether you're a beginner, or simply need to polish up your language skills, pull out Declan FlashCards wherever you are -- on the bus, waiting at the doctor's office, or even in line at the supermarket. Details: The Learning List: The words are learned based on a Learning List. The Learning List contains a subset of all the words in the WordFile – 10 words by default (although this can be changed by users). The Learning List allows users to concentrate learning a small group of words at any one time. Once a word is learned (by reviewing the Learning List and completing the Exercises) it is removed from the Learning List and is replaced by another, as yet unlearned word from the WordFile. This continues until the whole WordFile is learned. Exercises: Words in the learning list should first be Reviewed using the “Review Learning List” option. Then users can move to the Exercises which include the Meaning Exercise, the Word Exercise, the Spelling Exercise and the Listening Exercise. Once all the exercises have been correctly completed, the word is marked as complete, removed from the Learning List and replaced by a new word. However, if the user gets one answer wrong in any of the exercises, then all the exercises must be completed again for that one word. This ensures comprehensive learning and retention. All personal data is handled under the terms and conditions of Declan Software's privacy policy here: declansoftware.com/privacy-policy.html and terms of use here: declansoftware.com/terms-conditions.html

Screenshots

LingQ | Learn Languages4 screens
Words4 screens

Verdict

The call

LingQ | Learn Languages and Words both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 80% of LingQ | Learn Languages's written reviews are positive against 50% of Words's. LingQ | Learn Languages also leads on ratings volume (10K vs 47) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). Words's advantage is iOS requirement (12.4 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. LingQ | Learn Languages sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month and Words sells 19 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

LingQ | Learn Languages holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LingQ | Learn Languages has 10K ratings behind it against 47, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of LingQ | Learn Languages's written reviews are positive against 50% of Words's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LingQ | Learn Languages ships an update weekly, Words every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
LingQ | Learn Languages versus Words: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLingQ | Learn LanguagesWords
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (10K ratings) — better4.6 (47 ratings)
Positive reviews80.5% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings10K — better47
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#181 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.012.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size407 MB13 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperLingQ Languages LtdDeclan Software

Customer experience

LingQ | Learn Languages

All ratings10,401 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral2.3%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews1,224 reviews
Positive80.5%
Neutral6.0%
Negative13.6%

Words

All ratings39 ratings
Positive92.3%
Neutral2.6%
Negative5.1%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

LingQ | Learn Languages

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes and freezes
  • Sync issues between app and web version
  • Incorrect translations and definitions
  • Unreliable streak tracking and progress reporting

Requested features

5 requests
  • Improved user interface and navigation
  • Better sync and performance across devices
  • More content and language options
  • Enhanced vocabulary management and review tools
  • Affordable subscription plans

Words

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

12 purchases

LingQ | Learn Languages

Subscriptions12
  • LingQ Premium (Monthly)7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • LingQ Premium (Monthly)$14.991 Month
  • Premium Plus Monthly$29.991 Month
Show 9 more
  • LingQ Premium (6 Months)7 Days trial$80.996 Months
  • LingQ Premium (6 Months)$80.996 Months
  • LingQ Premium$89.991 Year
  • LingQ Premium$99.991 Year
  • LingQ Premium$101.991 Year
  • LingQ Premium2 variants$109.991 Year
  • LingQ Premium (12 Months)7 Days trial$119.991 Year
  • LingQ Premium (12 Months)$119.991 Year
  • Premium Plus Yearly7 Days trial$269.991 Year
19 purchases

Words

Subscriptions6
  • Hebrew: 1 month subscription7 Days trial$7.991 Month
  • Korean: 1 month subscription7 Days trial$7.997 Days
  • Russian: 1 month subscription7 Days trial$7.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Italian: 1 year subscription7 Days trial$47.991 Year
  • Hebrew: 1 year subscription7 Days trial$47.991 Year
  • Korean: 1 year subscription7 Days trial$47.991 Year
One-time13
  • Ingles Lifetime Purchase$4.99
  • French Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Chinese Lifetime Purchase$14.99
Show 10 more
  • German Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Hebrew Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Italian Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Russian Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Brazilian Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Korean Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Traditional Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Japanese Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Spanish Lifetime Purchase$14.99
  • Greek Lifetime Purchase$14.99

Questions

Is LingQ | Learn Languages free?
LingQ | Learn Languages is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Words free?
Words is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, LingQ | Learn Languages or Words?
LingQ | Learn Languages is rated higher. LingQ | Learn Languages averages 4.7 out of 5 from 10K ratings, while Words averages 4.6 from 47 ratings.
Do LingQ | Learn Languages or Words have ads?
Neither LingQ | Learn Languages nor Words shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LingQ | Learn Languages or Words?
LingQ | Learn Languages ships an update weekly, and Words every 2 weeks. Most recently, LingQ | Learn Languages was updated on November 1, 2026 and Words on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons