7 Best Language Learning Apps for Spanish 2025

A while back, I decided to learn Spanish using a language app.

At first, it was fun—tapping through lessons, repeating words into my phone, feeling like I was making progress.

But when I actually tried speaking Spanish with a native speaker… let’s just say my brain froze, and all I could remember was “El gato es negro.” (Not exactly useful in a real conversation.)

That’s when I realized something: not all language apps are built the same.

Some are great at drilling vocabulary but don’t teach you how to speak naturally. Others focus on grammar but make you feel like you’re back in school.

Since I review apps for a living, I took it upon myself to test out the best ones for learning Spanish.

After hours of trying different apps, I found the ones that actually help—whether you’re starting from scratch or levelling up your skills.

Let’s dive into the best language-learning apps for Spanish that truly work.

How I Picked and Tested: I didn’t just throw together a list of language learning apps—I spent months researching, testing, and digging deep into what actually works. I started by scouring the internet and listing over 43 different apps. Then, one by one, I downloaded them, used them extensively, and analyzed their features. But I didn’t stop there. I dived into forums and communities like Reddit and Quora, reading thousands of real user experiences. I wanted to understand what people truly love (and hate) about these apps. Combining all that insight with my own hands-on testing, I carefully narrowed down the best options.

1. Pimsleur – I Like it the Most

What worked for me:

• Actually helps you speak – Unlike other apps that make you memorize words, Pimsleur gets you talking from day one.
• Lessons fit into my daily routine – Since it’s all audio-based, I could learn while walking, commuting, or making coffee.
• Words actually stick – Thanks to its spaced repetition system, I found myself remembering words without even trying.
• Real-life conversations, not random vocab – Instead of learning useless words, I was practicing phrases I’d actually use.
• Offline mode – Super useful for learning on the go without relying on Wi-Fi.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not for visual learners – If you need pictures or interactive games, Pimsleur might feel too plain.
• Limited grammar explanations – You pick up grammar naturally, but if you like structured rules, you might need another resource.
• Repetitive at times – Since lessons build on each other, you’ll hear the same words often. Helpful for retention, but some might find it boring.

When you review as many apps as I do, you start noticing patterns.

Some apps feel like glorified flashcards.

Others teach you grammar but don’t help you use it in real life.

Pimsleur is different.

Out of every language learning app for Spanish I’ve tried, this is the one that actually made me feel comfortable speaking Spanish.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the audio-only format.

No flashy animations? No drag-and-drop exercises?

But within a few lessons, I realized something: I was speaking in full Spanish sentences—without even thinking about it.

Pimsleur uses a spaced repetition system, meaning it reintroduces words at just the right moments so you don’t forget them.

I’d finish a lesson thinking, “Wait, how do I say that again?” And then, bam—Pimsleur would bring it up exactly when I needed it.

It felt almost effortless.

Another thing I love is how the app forces you to speak out loud.

A lot of apps let you get away with just tapping answers, but Pimsleur makes you say words back—like you’re in a real conversation.

I remember the first time I ordered coffee in Spanish without hesitating: “Quisiera un café, por favor.”

The words just came out.

No second-guessing, no overthinking.

That’s when I knew Pimsleur was doing something right.

And since it’s 100% audio based, I never had to carve out “study time.”

I’d do my lessons while cooking, driving, or going for a walk.

No screens, no distractions—just pure language immersion.

Plus, you can download lessons and learn offline, which was a game-changer for me when I was traveling.

Now, is Pimsleur perfect?

Not for everyone.

If you’re a visual learner, the lack of pictures and interactive exercises might feel too dry.

And while it does a great job teaching grammar naturally, it doesn’t explicitly explain rules, so if you love breaking down conjugations, you might need a separate grammar guide.

But if your goal is to speak Spanish with confidence, this is the best tool out there.

I review language apps all the time, and most are forgettable.

Pimsleur? It’s the one that actually worked.

2. Duolingo – It is Best for Beginners

What worked for me:

• Engaging and User-Friendly: Duolingo’s gamified approach makes learning Spanish enjoyable and easy to stick with.
• Free Access: Offers a comprehensive Spanish course at no cost, making language learning accessible to everyone.
• Daily Practice Encouragement: Features like streaks and reminders help maintain consistent learning habits.

What didn’t work for me:

• Limited Depth: May not provide the depth needed for advanced proficiency in Spanish.
• Aggressive Reminders: I find the app’s notifications to be overly persistent.
• Pronunciation Challenges: The audio quality might not always match native speaker pronunciation.

If you’re searching for the best language learning app for Spanish beginners, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Duolingo.

And let me tell you—there’s a reason why it’s everywhere.

I’ve tested plenty of Spanish language learning apps, but Duolingo is the one I keep coming back to.

Not because it’ll make you fluent overnight, but because it’s hands-down the most fun, addictive, and beginner-friendly way to start learning Spanish.

When I first downloaded Duolingo, I wasn’t expecting much.

A fun Spanish learning app that actually works?

Sounds too good to be true.

But then, five minutes in, I was already stringing together simple sentences.

Ten minutes in, I had convinced myself that “El gato bebe leche” was an essential phrase for survival.

And before I knew it, I was checking my streak every day like my life depended on it.

And that’s where Duolingo wins.

It’s not just a language learning app—it’s a daily habit builder.

The gamified lessons, streak tracking, and bite-sized exercises make it ridiculously easy to stay consistent.

I’ve ignored social media, emails, and even Netflix just to squeeze in my daily lesson.

If you’re someone who struggles with motivation, Duolingo has a way of keeping you hooked.

But is it the best way to learn Spanish?

That depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re a beginner, Duolingo is an amazing starting point for Spanish vocabulary and basic sentence structure.

The interactive exercises, spaced repetition, and visual cues make it easy to pick up words and phrases naturally.

It’s perfect for casual learners or anyone who wants to get a feel for the language before committing to something more intensive.

But if your goal is to actually speak Spanish fluently, Duolingo alone won’t cut it.

The lessons help you recognize words, but they don’t fully prepare you for real-world conversations.

I’ve had moments where I confidently completed an entire lesson in the app, only to freeze when trying to have a basic chat with a native speaker.

The lack of speaking practice and natural dialogues is Duolingo’s biggest weakness.

And let’s talk about the pronunciation.

Some of the audio clips sound a little off, and the speech recognition feature?

Let’s just say I’ve mumbled complete nonsense, and the app still marked it correct.

So, is Duolingo the best Spanish learning app?

Absolutely—for beginners.

It’s engaging, effective for building vocabulary, and perfect for establishing a daily learning habit.

But if you’re serious about fluency, you’ll need to supplement it with speaking practice, native content, and real conversations.

3. Language Transfer – 100% Free & Effective

What worked for me:

• Logical Approach – Instead of memorization, it teaches the why behind Spanish, making it easier to remember.
• Engaging Audio Lessons – The tutor’s interactive style makes learning feel natural and effortless.
• Completely Free – No ads, no paywalls—just high-quality language learning.
• Perfect for Beginners – The lessons start from zero, so you don’t need any prior knowledge.
• Great for Passive Learning – You can listen while commuting, cooking, or doing chores.

What didn’t work for me:

• No Speaking Practice – It’s all listening, so you’ll need another app to practice pronunciation.
• No Grammar Drills – You’ll understand concepts, but there are no structured grammar exercises.
• Lack of Interaction – No quizzes, games, or exercises to reinforce learning.
• Not Ideal for Advanced Learners – If you already know some Spanish, it might feel too slow.

If you’ve been searching for a completely free way to learn Spanish without ads, paywalls, or hidden subscriptions, Language Transfer is a hidden gem.

I’ve tried a ton of apps, and this one stands out because it actually teaches you how Spanish works, rather than just making you memorize random words.

You get 90 audio-based lessons, where the instructor breaks down Spanish in a way that makes you go, “Oh, that actually makes sense.”

The biggest reason I love Language Transfer is that it makes learning feel effortless.

The lessons are conversational and interactive, even though you’re just listening.

The instructor asks questions, gives you time to think, and then explains everything in a way that actually sticks.

You start seeing patterns in Spanish instead of memorizing rules.

Another major plus? No distractions.

No gamification, no flashy animations—just pure, effective teaching.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with Duolingo’s repetitive exercises or other apps that focus more on streaks than actual learning, this app is a breath of fresh air.

So, what’s the catch?

Honestly, there isn’t one—but Language Transfer isn’t for everyone.

Since it’s entirely audio-based, there’s no speaking practice, quizzes, or written exercises.

If you’re someone who likes interactive games or visual aids, you might want to pair it with another app.

If you’re serious about learning Spanish as a beginner and want the best free language learning app, Language Transfer is unbeatable.

4. Memrise – Learn from Native Speakers

What worked for me:

• Native Speaker Videos – Helped me pick up real pronunciation instead of robotic voices.
• Spaced Repetition – Kept words in my memory way better than other apps.
• Fun & Easy – Felt more like a game than studying. Kept me consistent.
• Offline Mode – Super handy for learning on the go.
• Chatbot Practice – Gave me a way to practice forming sentences without pressure.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not Enough Grammar – Great for vocab, but I had to look elsewhere for grammar.
• Repetitive Exercises – The drills got a bit monotonous over time.
• No Pronunciation Feedback – No way to check if I was saying things correctly.
• Inconsistent Features – Some tools worked better on mobile than on the web.

Alright, so here’s the thing—I’ve been using Memrise for a while now, and if you’re thinking about learning Mexican Spanish, I’ve got some thoughts.

First off, Memrise is actually fun.

It doesn’t feel like one of those boring Spanish language apps where you just memorize random words and never use them.

The best part? You get short video clips of native speakers saying words and phrases in a natural way.

It’s a small thing, but trust me, hearing real people instead of some robotic voice makes a huge difference.

You start picking up the rhythm and pronunciation without even realizing it.

The way it teaches vocabulary is super smart, too.

It uses spaced repetition, which basically means the app shows you words right before you’re about to forget them, so they stick in your brain better.

I’ve tried other apps that just throw a hundred words at you and expect you to remember them all—Memrise actually helps you hold on to what you learn.

But here’s where it gets a little tricky.

Memrise is amazing for learning words and phrases, but if you want to dive deep into Spanish grammar, it’s not the best at that.

You won’t get long explanations about verb conjugations or sentence structure.

It’s more about getting comfortable with the language, hearing it in action, and recognizing patterns naturally.

Honestly, that works for a lot of people, but if you’re someone who likes rules and structure, you might need to use something else alongside it.

Another thing—sometimes the exercises can get a bit repetitive.

I mean, they work, but after a while, it can feel like you’re just going through the motions.

I still stuck with it because I liked the way it introduced words, but I did have moments where I wished for a little more variety.

So, should you use it?

If you’re looking for an easy, engaging way to get into Mexican Spanish and actually remember what you learn, absolutely.

Just know that it won’t teach you everything—you might need to pick up a grammar book or another app to fill in the gaps.

But for learning vocabulary and getting a feel for how real Spanish sounds?

It’s honestly one of the best apps I’ve tried.

5. Babble – It’s Speech Recognition is Good

What worked for me:

• Short, easy-to-digest lessons – Perfect for squeezing into a busy day without feeling overwhelming.
• Teaches useful, real-world conversations – No robotic phrases, just things I could actually say in real life.
• Speech recognition helps with pronunciation – It pushed me to speak Spanish out loud, which helped with confidence.
• Offline access – I could keep learning even when I had no internet, which was a game-changer.

What didn’t work for me:

• Exercises felt repetitive – Sometimes I wished for more variety in the activities.
• Content depth varies – Some lessons were packed with great info, while others felt too simple.
• Not ideal for advanced learners – If you’re already good at Spanish, you might find it too basic.

When I started looking for the best apps to learn Spanish, I wanted something that actually helped me speak the language—not just recognize words on a screen.

Babbel turned out to be one of those apps that made learning feel useful rather than just another thing to check off my to-do list.

I’ll be honest—at first, I wasn’t sure if Babbel would be any different from other apps I had tried.

But a few lessons in, I realized it was teaching me things I could actually use in real conversations.

Instead of just memorizing random vocabulary like “el perro” (the dog) or “el coche” (the car), I was learning how to introduce myself, order food, and ask for directions.

The first time I confidently said, “¿Me puedes recomendar un buen restaurante?” (Can you recommend me a good restaurant?) to a native speaker, I knew Babbel was doing something right.

One thing I really appreciated was the speech recognition feature.

Now, I won’t say it was perfect—sometimes it let me slide when I knew I mispronounced something—but it did make me practice speaking out loud, which was a big deal for me.

It’s easy to just tap answers on an app, but actually saying the words?

That’s where real learning happens.

Another huge plus was the ability to download lessons.

I travel a lot, and the fact that I could keep practicing Spanish even without Wi-Fi made a big difference.

Of course, Babbel isn’t flawless.

Some exercises felt repetitive, and while the lessons were solid for beginners and intermediate learners, I could see how an advanced speaker might outgrow it.

But for someone like me—who wanted to learn Spanish in a practical, no-nonsense way—it absolutely earned its spot on this list of the best language learning apps for Spanish.

6. HelloTalk – Talk to Native Speakers

What worked for me:

• Talk to real native Spanish speakers – The best way to learn is by speaking with actual people.
• Text, voice, and video chat – Start with messages and move up to calls when you’re ready.
• Built-in translation and correction tools – No need to switch between apps when you get stuck.
• A massive global community – You’ll always find people to talk to.

What didn’t work for me:

• Some users treat it like a dating app – Not everyone is there to learn, but you can block/report them.
• Free version has limitations – You can only talk to one language partner per day unless you upgrade.
• Conversations can be hit-or-miss – Some people are super helpful, while others disappear after a few chats.

If you’re looking for the best language learning app for Spanish and want to actually talk to native speakers, HelloTalk might be exactly what you need.

Unlike apps that make you repeat random phrases, HelloTalk connects you with real people who speak Spanish fluently.

I spent hours reading thousands of comments on Quora, Reddit, and other forums just to get a real feel for how people experience HelloTalk.

And here’s the honest truth—people either love it or get frustrated by it.

Some say it’s the best way to get real-world practice because you’re learning from actual native speakers, not an AI or a textbook.

Others complain that some users treat it like a social app or even a dating platform instead of a language exchange.

But from what I’ve seen, if you focus on the right people, it’s an incredible tool for improving your Spanish.

Here’s how it works: You find a language partner, start with text messages, and as you get more comfortable, you can move on to voice messages or even video calls.

The best part? If you make mistakes (which you will), your partner can correct you in real-time, and the app even has built-in translation to help when you get stuck.

Now, does it make you fluent overnight?

Nope.

But it gives you something that no textbook or app can—the experience of talking to native speakers in a natural way.

And that’s what really makes a difference when learning a language.

So, if you’re serious about learning Spanish and want to chat with real people, HelloTalk is one of the best apps to start practicing conversations today.

7. Lirica – Learn Spanish Through Music

What worked for me:

• Music-Based Learning – A unique and fun way to learn languages through songs, making it engaging and enjoyable.  
• Engaging Challenges – Reinforced vocabulary, listening, and grammar in a way that kept me motivated.  
• No Sign-Up Required – Easy access to free lessons without the hassle of creating an account.  

What didn’t work for me:

• Inconsistent Lesson Content – Some lessons lacked listening or grammar challenges, making them feel incomplete.  
• Technical Glitches – Occasional issues, like missing earned awards in the achievements tab, were frustrating.  
• No Speaking Practice – The absence of a speaking feature felt like a missed opportunity to improve pronunciation and fluency.

If you’re learning Spanish and love music, Lirica might be one of the best language learning apps you can try.

Instead of boring grammar drills, it teaches you through real songs from Spanish-speaking artists, making learning feel natural and fun.

When I first opened the app, I was immediately hooked.

The songs are broken down into vocabulary, listening, and grammar challenges, so you’re not just listening—you’re actively engaging with the language.

I found myself memorizing words effortlessly, thanks to the spaced repetition system that keeps bringing back key terms until they stick.

One thing I really appreciated was how natural the learning experience felt.

Instead of robotic phrases, you’re learning the kind of Spanish people actually use in conversation.

The app also rewards you with Gold and Diamond discs, which kept me motivated to improve my scores.

That said, Lirica isn’t perfect.

While it’s fantastic for learning new words and improving listening skills, it doesn’t offer much speaking practice or pronunciation feedback.

Also, if you’re looking for in-depth grammar lessons, you might need to use another app alongside it.

Still, if you want to learn Spanish in a fun, engaging way, Lirica is worth checking out.

I wrote a detailed Lirica review covering everything about the app, including its best features, pricing, and how it compares to other Spanish learning apps.

Final Take on Spanish Learning Apps

Honestly, there’s no single app that does everything perfectly.

I’ve tried a bunch, and each one has its own thing that makes it great.

Some make learning feel effortless, some are just fun to use, and others push you to actually start thinking in Spanish without realizing it.

The trick is finding the one that fits you.

If you stick with it—whichever one feels right—you’ll see progress.

And that’s really all that matters.

So pick one, dive in, and enjoy the ride.

You’ve got this.