Best Languages Apps

250+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated September 2026

Duolingo is the household name in languages, but it's far from the only option. We track 250+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Compare top Languages Apps (September 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Duolingo: Language LessonsDuolingo: Language LessonsFree4.7★ (5.5M)YesYesOct 2026
2Babbel - Language LearningBabbel - Language LearningFree4.7★ (755K)YesYesOct 2026
3Speak: Language LearningSpeak: Language LearningFree4.8★ (62K)YesYesOct 2026
4LingoDeer - Learn LanguagesLingoDeer - Learn LanguagesFree4.7★ (28K)NoYesOct 2026
5Pimsleur | Language LearningPimsleur | Language LearningFree4.7★ (30K)YesYesOct 2026
6Memrise: Language Learning AppMemrise: Language Learning AppFree4.8★ (217K)YesYesOct 2026
7Dialect: Learn Your LanguageDialect: Learn Your LanguageFree5.0★ (2)NoYesOct 2026
8HelloTalk - Language LearningHelloTalk - Language LearningFree4.6★ (44K)YesYesOct 2026

Top Picks for Languages

Duolingo: Language Lessons#1

Duolingo: Language Lessons by Duolingo, Inc

Languages, Math, Music & Chess
Editor's Choice
📚 Education
4.7😊(5.5M ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#1in Education
Duolingo: Language Lessons screenshot 1
Duolingo: Language Lessons screenshot 2
Duolingo: Language Lessons screenshot 3
Duolingo: Language Lessons screenshot 4
Duolingo: Language Lessons screenshot 5
Duolingo: Language Lessons screenshot 6

Learn languages, math, music, and chess through fun, bite-sized lessons. Build vocabulary, grammar, and real-world skills with a science-based methodology. Track progress and stay motivated with a global community.

What We Love

  • 🤩 Fun and entertaining learning experience
  • 🎉 Motivating streak and league features
  • 🎨 Cute and engaging animations
  • 📚 Effective for learning vocabulary and basics
  • 🤖 Useful AI-powered features like voice lessons

Room to Improve

  • 🤖 Issues with voice recognition and pronunciation feedback
  • 🤑 Aggressive monetization tactics and paywall for key features
  • 🤯 Frustrating heart/health system that penalizes mistakes
  • 🤔 Lack of grammar explanations and focus on just memorizing phrases
  • 🤷‍♀️ Inconsistent app experience across platforms
Babbel - Language Learning#2

Babbel - Language Learning by Babbel GmbH

Learn Spanish, French & more
Strong Contender
📚 Education
4.7😐(755K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#8in Education
Babbel - Language Learning screenshot 1
Babbel - Language Learning screenshot 2
Babbel - Language Learning screenshot 3
Babbel - Language Learning screenshot 4
Babbel - Language Learning screenshot 5
Babbel - Language Learning screenshot 6

Master a new language with expert-designed, bite-sized lessons that fit your schedule. Build conversational confidence quickly through interactive practice and a smart review system. Learn Spanish, French, German, and more for travel, work, or fun.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent structured learning
  • 🚀 Effective vocabulary and grammar teaching
  • 👍 Helpful pronunciation guides
  • 👍 Engaging and practical lessons
  • 👍 Useful review and repetition features

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent voice recognition
  • 🐛 Lack of flexibility in lesson progression
  • 🐛 Confusing user interface and navigation
  • 🐛 Overly strict scoring and lack of forgiveness for minor errors
  • 🔋 Drains battery quickly
Speak: Language Learning#3

Speak: Language Learning by Speakeasy Labs

Spanish, Chinese, English +
Worth Considering
📚 Education
4.8😊(62K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#11in Education
Speak: Language Learning screenshot 1
Speak: Language Learning screenshot 2
Speak: Language Learning screenshot 3
Speak: Language Learning screenshot 4
Speak: Language Learning screenshot 5
Speak: Language Learning screenshot 6

This app uses AI to help you improve your speaking fluency in various languages. Engage in simulated conversations, receive instant feedback on pronunciation and intonation, and track your progress to become a confident speaker.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent for practicing speaking
  • 👍 Customizable and practical content
  • 🤖 Helpful AI tutor with good feedback
  • 📚 Covers a variety of useful expressions
  • 🕰️ Bite-sized lessons for busy schedules
  • 🎓 Effective for improving pronunciation

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Expensive subscription cost
  • 🤖 Voice recognition can be inaccurate
  • 🕰️ Timed lessons feel rushed
  • 🔍 Limited language options
  • 🐛 Occasional app crashes and bugs

More Languages apps to explore

FAQ about Languages

What are the best languages apps for iPhone?
Duolingo: Language Lessons tops our languages apps ranking as of September 2026, with a 4.7-star average from 5.5M App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 20 of the top languages apps we rank are free to download, including Duolingo: Language Lessons and Babbel - Language Learning.
Duolingo: Language Lessons shows ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of September 2026.
We track 250+ languages apps on the iOS App Store as of September 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.