16 Best Language Learning Apps for iPhone (2025)

There are a ton of language learning apps out there. 

Some are fun but don’t really teach much. 

Others feel like a school textbook. 

That’s why I decided to put together this no-nonsense guide to the best language learning apps you can use in 2025.

I’ve tested all of them. 

Looked at what makes each one different. 

Some are perfect for grammar, others for real conversations. 

And a few are just fun in a way that keeps you coming back every day.

In this guide, I’m not just listing apps. 

I’ll tell you why each app is worth your time, who it’s best for, and what you can expect from it, without any fluff.

Let’s keep it simple, useful, and real.

1. Pimsleur – I Like It the Most

Pros

• Super effective for speaking and listening
• Lessons are short and easy to follow (just 30 minutes)
• Feels like real conversations
• Works great for learning on the go

Cons

• Mostly audio, not much reading or writing
• Monthly subscription can feel a bit pricey
• May feel slow for fast learners

If I had to pick just one app for learning how to speak a new language, it would be Pimsleur. 

It’s been around for a long time, and it still beats most modern apps in one simple area—getting you to actually talk in your target language.

The method is based on listening and repeating. 

Each lesson is about 30 minutes long and feels more like a guided conversation than a boring classroom lecture. 

You’re not memorizing words.

You’re learning how to use them in real-life situations.

What I really like is how natural it feels. 

You hear a word or phrase, the app breaks it down for you, and then you say it out loud. 

This helps you remember better, especially if you’re an audio learner. 

The pacing is just right—not too fast, not too slow.

Pimsleur works great when you’re on a walk, doing chores, or stuck in traffic. 

You don’t need to stare at your screen. 

Just pop in your earphones and you’re good to go.

It may not be perfect for people who want to learn to read or write right away, but if your goal is to speak with confidence, Pimsleur nails it.

That’s why it’s my top pick.

2. Duolingo – Best for Beginners

Pros

• Super fun and easy to use
• Gamified lessons that keep you hooked
• Covers tons of languages
• Completely free (with optional paid plan)

Cons

• Not very deep for advanced learners
• Sometimes feels repetitive
• Can lack real-world context

Duolingo is one of those apps that almost everyone tries when they start learning a new language—and for good reason. 

It’s fun, colorful, and makes language learning feel more like playing a game than studying.

If you’re just starting out, Duolingo is a perfect choice. 

The app walks you through vocabulary, basic grammar, sentence structure, and even a little speaking and listening—all in short, bite-sized lessons. 

You’ll find yourself racking up points, earning streaks, and unlocking levels without even realizing how much you’ve learned.

The best part? It’s totally free. 

You can upgrade to Duolingo Plus (now called Super Duolingo) for extra features like offline lessons and no ads.

But the free version works great for most people.

One thing to keep in mind: Duolingo is more about exposure than mastery. 

It’s great for building a base, but it’s not enough on its own if you want to be fluent. 

That said, it’s amazing at helping you stay consistent. 

Just five minutes a day, and you’ll start picking up useful phrases without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s also really helpful for keeping your motivation high. 

The app gently pushes you to come back every day, and those small daily wins really add up over time.

So if you’re a beginner and want something fun, simple, and easy to stick with, Duolingo is your best bet.

3. ChatGPT – Best for Personalized Practice & Conversations

Pros

• Practice real conversations anytime
• Customize it to your learning level
• Works for any language you want
• Super flexible—use it for grammar, vocabulary, writing, and more

Cons

• Not designed as a full language course
• Requires some creativity to get the most out of it
• No gamified system like other apps

ChatGPT might not be a “language learning app” in the traditional sense, but it’s seriously powerful when you use it the right way. 

I call it the Swiss Army knife of language learning, because it can do just about anything.

Want to practice speaking? 

Open up a chat, tap on sound wave icon and tell it, “Talk to me like I’m a beginner learning Spanish.”

It’ll start a conversation at your level, correct your mistakes, and even explain why something is right or wrong. 

Want to write a paragraph in French and get feedback? Done. 

Need to understand grammar rules or get example sentences? Easy.

The best part is how personalized it is. 

You can literally shape the conversation however you want. 

One minute you’re learning restaurant phrases in Italian, and the next you’re having a roleplay conversation at the airport in Japanese. 

No rigid lesson paths. 

Just pure custom learning.

It’s not a full course on its own.

You’ll still want to pair it with structured apps like Pimsleur or Duolingo.

But it’s one of the best tools for practice and support. 

If you want language practice that adapts to you, ChatGPT is a total game-changer.

4. Language Transfer – 100% Free & Effective

Pros

• Completely free with no ads or upsells
• Teaches you how the language actually works
• Great for understanding grammar naturally
• Audio-based and easy to follow

Cons

• Only covers a limited number of languages
• No visual aids or interactive features
• Not ideal for people who want fast results

Language Transfer is one of those hidden gems that more people should know about. 

It’s totally free—like, no sign-up, no upsells, no flashy premium version. 

Just high-quality, thoughtful lessons that help you really understand the language you’re learning.

The method is based on something called “the thinking method,” which is all about helping you connect your native language with the new one. 

So instead of memorizing random phrases, you’re actually learning how and why things work the way they do.

Each lesson is audio-based and feels like you’re sitting in on a tutoring session. 

The teacher explains everything clearly, and there’s a student learning in real-time right alongside you, making the whole experience feel super natural.

What makes Language Transfer stand out is how it focuses on logic. 

You’re not just repeating things.

You’re understanding them. 

This makes it great for learners who want to go deeper than apps like Duolingo or Memrise.

Now, it’s true that it doesn’t have fancy features. 

There’s no gamification, no flashcards, and no live speaking practice. 

But if you’re looking for a solid, free way to build a real foundation in a language—especially Spanish, Italian, French, or German—Language Transfer is a no-brainer.

It’s effective, it’s accessible, and it teaches in a way that actually sticks.

5. YouTube – Best for Free Language Learning Content

Pros

• Tons of free content for every level
• Learn from native speakers
• Great for listening, speaking, and culture
• Visual and engaging

Cons

• Hard to know where to start
• No structured course unless you follow a playlist
• Can get distracted easily

YouTube isn’t an app in the traditional sense of language learning, but honestly, it’s one of the best tools out there if you use it right.

You’ll find everything from beginner-friendly lessons to deep grammar explanations, pronunciation practice, real-life vlogs, and even funny skits—all in your target language. 

It’s a goldmine for both casual learners and serious students.

Want to hear how native speakers actually talk? 

Search for daily vlogs in the language you’re learning. 

Want a beginner’s crash course in Russian or Italian? 

There are entire channels built just for that. 

Some creators also upload “slow speech” videos, which are perfect for improving listening without getting overwhelmed.

The beauty of YouTube is that you can learn exactly what you want, when you want. 

Plus, you get visuals—facial expressions, subtitles, cultural context—which really helps things click. 

Whether you’re doing 10 minutes a day or binge-watching for an hour, it never feels like studying.

That said, YouTube isn’t the most organized learning platform. 

You might need to spend a little time curating your own playlist or finding creators you vibe with. 

But once you do, it’s like having a private tutor on demand—completely free.

Mix YouTube into your language routine, and you’ll absorb the real rhythm, tone, and flow of the language like nothing else.

6. Bunpo – It’s Best for Grammar

Pros

• Super clean and simple interface
• Breaks down grammar in an easy way
• Great for self-paced learning
• Practice quizzes after each lesson

Cons

• Limited to a few languages
• Not much speaking or listening practice
• Doesn’t dive deep into real conversations

If grammar usually gives you a headache, Bunpo might be exactly what you need. 

It takes tricky grammar points and breaks them down into bite-sized, easy-to-understand lessons. 

The app feels more like a grammar guide in your pocket. 

You pick a topic—let’s say “past tense” in Japanese or “articles” in French—and Bunpo gives you a short lesson followed by a mini quiz to lock it in. 

It’s quick, direct, and feels super doable, even if you only have 10 minutes a day.

What’s great is how the app is structured. 

Everything builds on what you’ve already learned, so it’s easy to see your progress. 

And the layout? Smooth and distraction-free. 

You just focus on learning.

Right now, Bunpo supports languages like Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, German, and English. 

It’s especially popular among people learning Japanese thanks to its well-organized lessons and JLPT-focused content.

Now, it’s not a full language learning solution. 

There’s not much speaking, listening, or culture involved. 

But if you’re already using something like Duolingo or Pimsleur, Bunpo is a fantastic companion for mastering the grammar side of things.

It’s grammar made simple, and that’s why I’m a fan.

7. Rosetta Stone – Best for Immersive Learning

Pros

• Immersive “no translation” method
• Strong focus on pronunciation
• Good for building intuition in the language
• Clean, professional interface

Cons

• Feels slow for some learners
• Less helpful if you want grammar explanations
• Subscription can be pricey

Rosetta Stone has been around forever, and there’s a reason it’s still going strong. 

It uses what’s called an immersion method, meaning you’re taught entirely in the language you’re learning. 

No translations, no English crutches—just images, audio, and context.

The idea is to help you think in the language, not just translate in your head. 

At first, it feels strange. 

But over time, you start to build real understanding, kind of like how we learn our first language as kids.

One of Rosetta Stone’s standout features is its speech recognition tool. 

It actively listens to your pronunciation and gives feedback. 

This is super helpful if you’re trying to sound more natural and build confidence when speaking.

The lessons are structured and consistent. 

You go through vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, and even writing, all blended together. 

It’s especially helpful if you like clear pathways and routines.

That said, it can be a little slow and repetitive, especially for learners who like fast results or detailed grammar breakdowns. 

And while the experience is high-quality, the subscription price is on the higher side. 

But they do offer lifetime access deals now and then, which can be a steal if you’re serious.

If you want to build a strong foundation through immersion and develop a natural feel for the language, Rosetta Stone is still one of the best tools out there.

8. LingQ – A Reading-Focused App

Pros

• Learn by reading real content
• Instantly look up and save new words
• Great for building vocabulary naturally
• Supports tons of languages

Cons

• Interface can feel a bit clunky
• Not ideal for complete beginners
• Some advanced features are behind a paywall

LingQ is perfect if you love learning by reading. 

It lets you explore real-world content—like articles, short stories, and even full books—in the language you’re learning. 

And the best part? 

Every time you see a word you don’t know, just tap it, and LingQ tells you what it means and saves it for later review.

Instead of forcing you into a fixed lesson path, LingQ gives you freedom. 

You choose what you want to read, and the app adapts to you. 

This helps you learn in context, which is way more natural than just memorizing flashcards.

It also tracks every word you’ve seen and tells you how well you know it. 

Over time, you’ll notice words going from “new” to “familiar” to “known,” which is pretty satisfying. 

You can also listen to audio along with the reading for extra reinforcement.

Now, the app’s design isn’t the slickest out there, and it might feel a little overwhelming at first. 

Plus, some of the coolest features (like unlimited LingQs or offline mode) need a premium plan. 

But if reading is your jam, this app can take your skills to the next level.

LingQ is especially useful if you’re at an intermediate level and want to expand your vocab and grammar naturally through content you actually care about.

9. Clozemaster – Best for Sentence-Based Learning

Pros

• Teaches vocabulary in full sentences
• Covers tons of languages (even rare ones)
• Perfect for building context and grammar naturally
• Gamified, fast-paced learning

Cons

• Not ideal for total beginners
• UI feels dated
• Limited speaking/listening features

Clozemaster is like the cool cousin of Duolingo—quicker, more focused, and way more about real-world use. 

Instead of teaching you single words or grammar rules, Clozemaster drops you into thousands of full sentences. 

And your job? Fill in the blank.

It sounds simple, but this method is super effective. 

Because every sentence gives you context, you’re not just memorizing vocab.

You’re learning how words actually work together. 

That’s a big win for grammar and comprehension without even feeling like you’re studying grammar.

Clozemaster is built for learners who already know a bit of the language and want to level up fast. 

There’s a game-like vibe to it.

You get points, levels, streaks, and can compete on leaderboards. 

It keeps things fun and fast, even when you’re drilling sentence after sentence.

One thing that’s really cool: it supports a massive number of languages—way more than most apps. 

So if you’re into languages like Serbian, Welsh, or Icelandic, Clozemaster’s got your back.

Now, it’s definitely not the prettiest app out there.

and it doesn’t give much in the way of speaking or listening practice. 

But for reading, vocab, and sentence structure? It’s a beast.

Pair it with something like Pimsleur or Italki, and you’ve got a killer combo for both structure and context.

10. Italki – Best for One-on-One Learning

Pros

• Real conversations with native speakers
• Learn at your own pace
• Great for speaking confidence
• Tons of affordable tutors

Cons

• Not free (but flexible pricing)
• You need to schedule sessions
• Quality depends on the tutor

Italki is the real deal if you want to actually speak the language, not just tap your screen all day. 

It connects you with native-speaking tutors from around the world for one-on-one video lessons. 

You choose the tutor, the time, the budget—it’s all super flexible.

Want a casual conversation to improve your fluency? Done. 

Need help with exam prep or grammar drills? 

You can find someone for that, too. 

Some tutors even give you homework, track your progress, and build a plan just for you. 

The coolest part is that Italki lessons are surprisingly affordable. 

You’ll find professional teachers, but also “community tutors” who are just native speakers willing to help you practice. 

Prices range from $5 to $30+ per hour, so there’s something for every budget.

It’s also perfect for breaking the fear of speaking. 

With regular practice, your confidence grows fast, and you start sounding way more natural. 

You’ll get instant corrections, pronunciation tips, and cultural context that no app can really teach.

That said, it’s not free. 

And because everything’s live, you need to schedule your lessons ahead of time. 

Also, like any marketplace, the experience depends on the tutor, so it’s worth trying a few until you find your match.

If real conversations are your goal, Italki is easily one of the best tools to make that happen.

11. Anki – Best Flashcard App

Pros

• Super powerful spaced repetition system
• Fully customizable
• Great for memorizing vocab, grammar, anything
• Free on most platforms

Cons

• Has a learning curve
• iOS app isn’t free
• Looks a bit outdated

If you’re serious about memorizing vocabulary and grammar long-term, Anki is an absolute beast. 

It’s built around spaced repetition, a smart system that shows you flashcards just before you’re about to forget them. 

This keeps stuff locked in your memory for good without endless reviewing.

Anki is insanely flexible. 

You can create your own decks, add images, audio, and even example sentences. 

Or if you don’t want to start from scratch, there are thousands of pre-made decks online for pretty much every language and level.

What makes Anki special is that it’s built for efficiency. 

Instead of wasting time reviewing what you already know, it focuses on what you’re forgetting. 

Over time, your learning becomes faster and way more effective. 

It’s like a brain workout, optimized just for you.

That said, the app isn’t the flashiest. 

The design feels old-school, and it takes a bit of time to get used to how everything works. 

But once you figure it out, you’ll see why so many polyglots and language nerds swear by it.

Anki is free on desktop and Android, but the iOS version costs around $25. 

Pricey, yeah—but it’s a one-time payment, and honestly worth it if you’re in this for the long haul.

Pair Anki with an app like LingQ, Clozemaster, or Pimsleur, and you’ve got a powerhouse setup that’ll seriously level up your language game.

12. Memrise – Learn from Native Speakers

Pros

• Real videos of native speakers
• Fun and gamified experience
• Great for natural phrases and expressions
• Covers multiple languages

Cons

• Not super in-depth
• Limited grammar explanations
• Some content locked behind a paywall

Memrise stands out from the crowd because it doesn’t just throw flashcards at you—it lets you learn directly from native speakers. 

Real people, real accents, real phrases you’d actually hear in conversations. 

That’s a big win if you want to sound more natural and understand how the language is actually used.

The app uses short video clips of native speakers saying common phrases. 

You see the word, hear it in a natural accent, and match it with its meaning. 

Over time, your ears and brain start to catch on fast.

It’s also super gamified—like a language-learning game that doesn’t feel like studying. 

You get points, streaks, and fun review modes that help you stay motivated without burning out. 

Perfect if you like learning in short, bite-sized sessions.

Memrise is especially good for learning real-world phrases, casual expressions, and even some slang. 

It’s great if you’re planning to travel, talk to locals, or just want to sound more fluent and less robotic.

It does fall a little short if you’re looking for deep grammar lessons or long-form reading content. 

And while there’s a lot available for free, the best stuff (like full video courses and advanced content) comes with the paid plan.

Still, as a tool to train your listening and speaking skills in a fun way, Memrise is easily one of the best out there.

13. Busuu – Best for Structured Learning

Pros

• Well-organized courses for clear progress
• Feedback from native speakers
• Includes grammar, vocab, and conversation
• Useful placement tests

Cons

• Premium features cost extra
• Not ideal if you prefer casual learning
• Can feel repetitive at times

Busuu is like a complete language school packed neatly into an app. 

If you love clear, structured learning paths, Busuu is going to fit like a glove. 

It guides you through grammar, vocabulary, conversations, and even gives you feedback from real native speakers. 

It’s comprehensive, organized, and easy to follow.

One of Busuu’s standout features is its community feedback system. 

After you finish writing or speaking exercises, native speakers correct your mistakes and offer tips. 

This alone can dramatically boost your progress, especially if you’re serious about getting your grammar and pronunciation right.

The app starts you off with a placement test, so you don’t waste time repeating stuff you already know. 

Each lesson feels well-designed.

You’ll learn vocabulary, apply grammar rules, and practice listening and speaking through short, interactive exercises.

Busuu shines for learners who want structure and a clear path from beginner to advanced.

It’s perfect if you need that guided learning experience to keep you on track.

The main downside is that a lot of the best features are premium-only. 

The free version lets you sample content, but to really benefit, the paid subscription is the way to go. 

Still, for what you get—structured lessons, native speaker feedback, and clear progression—it’s worth the investment if you’re committed.

Overall, Busuu is one of the strongest structured language-learning apps around, especially for learners who like clear direction and real feedback.

14. Mondly – Its Speech Recognition is Spot On

Pros

• Amazing speech recognition
• Fun, interactive lessons with AR and VR options
• Good for daily, bite-sized practice
• Covers a large number of languages

Cons

• Feels basic for advanced learners
• Limited grammar explanations
• Interface can be flashy (maybe too flashy)

Mondly takes a fresh approach to language learning with its standout feature—super accurate speech recognition. 

Honestly, it’s one of the best out there for helping you improve your accent and confidence in speaking.

Lessons in Mondly are quick, interactive, and fun. 

Each day, you’ll learn a new set of words and phrases, and then practice them through speaking, matching, and translating exercises. 

It’s designed to be used daily, even if you only have five minutes.

Perfect if you’re busy but still want steady progress.

What makes Mondly unique is its tech-driven approach. 

It’s one of the few apps to include AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) options. 

These features aren’t essential, but they’re cool if you enjoy immersive learning experiences. 

The speech recognition feature is seriously impressive. 

It listens to your pronunciation, gives you instant feedback, and guides you to speak more naturally. 

For beginners or intermediate learners aiming to speak confidently, this is a huge plus.

On the flip side, Mondly might not go deep enough if you’re an advanced learner looking for detailed grammar explanations or long-form reading practice. 

It’s more about fun, daily exposure, and conversational basics.

If you’re into tech, love quick daily lessons, and want spot-on pronunciation practice, Mondly will definitely hit the mark for you.

15. WordReference – Best Dictionary App to Learn Language

Pros

• Extremely accurate and detailed translations
• Includes verb conjugations and usage examples
• Active language forums with real people
• Completely free

Cons

• Interface feels outdated
• Not a full learning app
• Some features only work online

WordReference isn’t flashy.

It doesn’t have gamified lessons, daily streaks, or speech recognition.

But what it does have is one of the most powerful and reliable language dictionaries you’ll ever use.

It’s the kind of tool that every serious language learner ends up bookmarking or installing at some point.

Whether you’re looking up a single word, a tricky verb conjugation, or an expression you just heard, WordReference delivers.

It goes beyond just giving you the meaning.

It shows contextual usage, common phrases, and even regional differences in meaning (especially helpful for languages like Spanish or French).

One underrated gem is the WordReference Forums. 

These are active discussions where real people ask and answer language questions. 

Not sure if your sentence makes sense in Italian? 

Someone has probably already asked it.

And native speakers have answered in detail. 

The app also includes full verb conjugation tables for major languages, which is gold when you’re learning how to properly use verbs in different tenses.

Now, it’s not a learning app on its own.

You won’t find structured lessons or quizzes here. 

And yeah, the interface feels a little 2005. 

But if you’re learning a language and don’t have WordReference on your phone… you’re honestly missing out.

It’s simple, powerful, and free.

Just how we like it.

16. Lirica – Learn Language Through Music

Pros

• Learn with real songs from popular artists
• Fun, engaging way to absorb vocab and grammar
• Cultural immersion through music
• Especially good for Spanish and German learners

Cons

• Limited language options
• Smaller lesson library than other apps
• Requires focus to avoid just jamming to the music

Lirica flips the script on traditional language learning by teaching you through something we all love—music. 

It takes real songs from well-known artists and turns them into interactive lessons where you learn vocabulary, grammar, expressions, and pronunciation.

Each song is broken down with lyrics, translations, and explanations of what’s going on grammatically. 

So instead of just memorizing random phrases, you’re learning how the language is actually used in real, emotional, and memorable ways. 

It’s fun, it sticks, and it doesn’t feel like studying at all.

Lirica is especially great for learners who are tired of textbook-style learning and want something more engaging. 

And because music taps into rhythm and repetition, it naturally helps you remember words and phrases faster.

The app currently focuses mainly on Spanish and German, though they’ve started adding more content slowly. 

If you’re learning one of those, you’re in luck. 

If not, you may need to wait a bit or use it just for the fun of it.

It’s not a full course or a replacement for grammar-heavy apps, but it’s a perfect supplement, especially for auditory learners or music lovers. 

Use it a few times a week, and you’ll find yourself singing along, picking up new words without even trying.

If learning through music sounds fun to you, Lirica is worth checking out. 

It brings language and culture together in a way that no other app really does.

You can even check out my full Lirica review here.

My Final Take

Alright, we’ve covered a lot. 

And the truth is, there’s no one perfect app that fits everyone. 

But the good news? You don’t need just one. 

You can build your own little “learning stack” based on what clicks with you.

The trick is to mix and match. 

Find your style. 

Stick with what works. 

And most of all, don’t quit just because one app didn’t vibe with you. 

Language learning isn’t a sprint, it’s a journey. 

Some days you’ll crush it, other days you’ll just open an app and do one little thing. 

That’s still progress.

So, let’s keep making language learning smarter, simpler, and way more fun.

FAQs