12 Best iPhone Apps to Learn Italian in 2025

A few months ago, a friend of mine told me he wanted to learn Italian.

He had no idea where to start, so I did what I do best—diving deep into the world of apps.

Since I run a blog about apps, I figured this was a perfect chance to test out some of the best options myself.

I downloaded everything from beginner-friendly apps like Duolingo to more immersive options like Rosetta Stone.

Some apps were surprisingly fun, while others felt frustratingly slow.

But after weeks of testing (and even picking up a few Italian phrases myself), I found the ones that truly stand out.

If you’re looking for the best iPhone apps to learn Italian, whether you’re starting from zero or refining your skills, this list will save you time.

I’ll break down what worked, what didn’t, and which app fits different learning styles—so you can find the perfect match without wasting hours experimenting like I did.

Let’s dive in.

1. Pimsleur – I Like it the Most

What worked for me:

• Feels like real conversations – The lessons make you think in Italian instead of just memorizing words.
• Audio-based learning – You can practice while driving, walking, or doing chores.
• Makes words stick – It brings back old words at the right time, so you don’t forget them.
• Good pronunciation practice – You have to say words out loud, which helps you get used to speaking naturally.
• Works offline – You can download lessons and listen anytime.

What didn’t work for me:

• Lessons are slow – Each one is 30 minutes, and you can’t skip ahead. If you like fast learning, this might feel too rigid.
• No reading or writing practice – It’s all listening and speaking, so you’ll need another app for grammar and reading.
• Expensive – The free version doesn’t give you much, and the full subscription costs a lot.

Get it from – App Store

I wasn’t sure about Pimsleur at first.

Most language apps feel like a game, but this one was different.

It felt like a real lesson, almost like someone was guiding me through an Italian conversation.

The app didn’t just tell me words—it made me recall them at just the right time.

That part was tricky, but it worked.

I actually started remembering phrases without trying too hard.

What I liked most was how natural it felt.

Instead of translating in my head, I was just speaking.

It took a few lessons to get used to, but once I did, it felt like my brain had switched to Italian mode.

After a few weeks, I could respond without pausing to think.

The way Pimsleur structures lessons makes it feel like you’re picking up Italian the way a child would—by listening, repeating, and using the language in context.

One thing that took some getting used to was the pacing.

Pimsleur sticks to its 30-minute lesson format, and there’s no way to skip ahead.

If you’re in a hurry to learn, this can feel frustrating.

I found myself wanting to move faster at times, but I also realized that the slow pace helped everything sink in.

It forced me to focus, and by the end of each session, I felt like I had truly learned something instead of just breezing through exercises.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Pimsleur doesn’t teach reading or grammar.

If you want to study sentence structure or practice writing, you’ll need another app.

This one is all about listening and speaking.

If your goal is to speak Italian confidently, Pimsleur is one of the best options.

It won’t give you flashy games or grammar drills, but it trains your brain to think in Italian, and that’s something most apps don’t do well.

Similar guide: Top iPhone apps to master Japanese fast

2. Duolingo – Best for Beginners

What worked for me:

• Easy to use – The bite-sized lessons make it simple to learn without feeling overwhelmed.
• Great for building a habit – The daily streaks and reminders help keep you motivated.
• Covers a lot of vocabulary – You learn useful words and phrases across different topics.
• Interactive exercises – Matching words, filling in blanks, and speaking exercises keep things engaging.
• Completely free to start – The free version offers a solid learning experience.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not enough speaking practice – The app doesn’t really prepare you for real conversations.
• Grammar explanations are basic – It teaches grammar through examples, but it’s not always clear why certain rules exist.
• Too much repetition at times – Some exercises feel repetitive instead of introducing new content.
• Ads in the free version – Frequent ads can be distracting unless you pay for Super Duolingo.

Get it from – App Store

Duolingo was one of the first apps I tried when I started looking into Italian learning apps, and I get why so many people love it.

It makes learning feel easy and fun, which is exactly what you need as a beginner.

Instead of long lessons, it gives you quick exercises where you match words, translate sentences, and practice pronunciation.

It never feels like hard work, which is why it’s great for beginners who just want to get started without overthinking it.

One thing Duolingo does really well is building a habit.

The app is designed to keep you coming back every day, whether it’s through streaks, XP points, or little rewards when you finish a lesson.

I found myself opening the app even when I wasn’t planning to, just to keep my streak going.

It’s a simple trick, but it works.

That said, Duolingo has its limits.

It’s great for learning words and phrases, but it doesn’t do much for real conversation skills.

The speaking exercises are there, but they don’t actually simulate real dialogue.

I could recognize sentences and pronounce words correctly, but when it came to having a conversation, I didn’t feel prepared.

Another thing I noticed is that grammar explanations are pretty basic.

Duolingo teaches you through example sentences instead of detailed grammar rules.

This works for some people, but if you like knowing “why” a rule exists, you might get frustrated.

Despite that, I think Duolingo is the best place to start if you’re new to learning Italian.

It’s simple, fun, and free, and it gives you a solid foundation before you move on to more advanced apps.

Similar guide: Best iPhone apps to learn Spanish

3. Speekoo – It’s Focused on Your Speaking Skills

What worked for me:

• Builds sentences step by step – You start with simple words and gradually form full sentences.
• Strong pronunciation practice – You hear words spoken clearly and repeat them often.
• Focuses on speaking early – Unlike other apps, this one pushes you to speak from the start.
• Simple and distraction-free – The lessons are clean and to the point, with no unnecessary extras.
• A bit of cultural insight – Some lessons include facts about Italy and its language.

What didn’t work for me:

• Limited content – It’s great for beginners, but it doesn’t go very deep into grammar or advanced topics.
• Speaking isn’t truly interactive – You practice pronunciation, but there’s no real back-and-forth conversation.
• No personalized feedback – If you mispronounce something, the app won’t correct you.
• Not a full course – It’s useful for getting started, but you’ll need another app to go beyond the basics.

Get it from – App Store

Speekoo surprised me.

I wasn’t expecting much when I first opened the app, but it quickly got me speaking in Italian right away.

Instead of bombarding me with long explanations, it gave me small, manageable phrases to learn.

Then, lesson by lesson, it built on those phrases until I was forming full sentences without even thinking about it.

What I liked most was how structured and simple it was.

There were no random exercises or unnecessary features—just focused lessons that taught me useful phrases step by step.

The app also makes sure you repeat words often, which helped with pronunciation.

Even if I didn’t fully understand a phrase at first, hearing it over and over made it stick.

But while Speekoo is great for learning to say basic sentences, it does have limits.

The app doesn’t really test your pronunciation, so even if you say something incorrectly, there’s no feedback.

Also, while it focuses on speaking, it’s not a true Italian conversation app—you’re just repeating words and sentences rather than having an actual dialogue.

I also noticed that the content doesn’t go very deep.

It’s a fantastic starting point, but once you’ve gone through the lessons, you’ll probably need another app to learn more grammar, expand your vocabulary, and practice real conversations.

All in all, Speekoo is a solid choice for beginners who want to get comfortable speaking early on.

It’s not a full learning course, but if your goal is to start forming sentences quickly, it’s worth trying.

Similar guide: Top Japanese translation apps

4. Busuu – Best for Structured Learning

What worked for me:

• Lessons felt well-organized – I liked how everything followed a clear path, so I always knew what to learn next.
• Native speaker feedback – I could submit exercises and get corrections from real Italian speakers, which helped a lot.
• Balanced learning approach – Unlike some apps that focus only on words or speaking, Busuu covered listening, reading, and writing too.
• Short, manageable lessons – I didn’t have to spend hours studying—just a few minutes a day felt productive.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not much real conversation practice – While the app taught useful phrases, I didn’t get much back-and-forth interaction.
• Grammar explanations were a bit basic – Sometimes, I wished for more in-depth explanations instead of just example sentences.

Get it from – App Store

Busuu felt like a proper Italian language course but in an app format, which I really appreciated.

Some language apps feel too casual, like they’re just throwing random words at you, but this one had a clear structure.

I always knew what to expect next, and that made it easy to stay consistent.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the native speaker feedback.

I could submit written exercises, and real Italian speakers would correct my mistakes.

That was something I didn’t get in most other apps.

Seeing actual feedback from people who speak the language fluently gave me confidence that I was on the right track.

The lessons themselves were well-balanced.

Instead of just memorizing words or repeating sentences, I got to practice reading, writing, listening, and even a bit of speaking.

It felt like I was getting a well-rounded experience instead of just focusing on one skill.

Plus, the lessons were short enough that I could do them in five to ten minutes, which made it easy to stay on track even on busy days.

That said, the free version was frustrating.

Without paying, I missed out on key features like native speaker feedback and full lesson access.

I also found that while Busuu covered a lot, it didn’t give me real conversation experience—it taught me useful phrases, but I didn’t get to actually talk with anyone.

Grammar was another thing that felt a little too basic at times.

Busuu teaches through example sentences, which works well for learning naturally, but sometimes I wanted a deeper explanation of why certain rules existed.

Overall, I think Busuu is a great choice if you like structured learning and want feedback from native speakers.

It’s not perfect for conversation practice, but if you’re looking for an app that guides you step by step, this one does it well.

5. Mondly – Its Speech Recognition is Spot On

What worked for me:

• The speech recognition was surprisingly accurate – When I spoke in Italian, Mondly could tell if I got the pronunciation right.
• Conversations felt interactive – I liked how the chatbot simulated real-life dialogues, making speaking practice more engaging.
• Lessons were visually appealing – The colorful design and interactive exercises kept me interested.
• Good mix of vocabulary and phrases – I learned practical words and sentences instead of just random vocabulary.
• Daily lessons made consistency easy – The app encouraged me to practice every day without feeling overwhelming.

What didn’t work for me:

• Chatbot conversations were still scripted – While it helped with speaking, I wasn’t having a real back-and-forth discussion.
• Some translations felt unnatural – A few sentences didn’t sound like how a native speaker would actually phrase them.
• Grammar coverage wasn’t deep – It introduced grammar, but I had to use other apps to fully understand the rules.

Get it from – App Store

Mondly grabbed my attention right away because of its speech recognition.

Some apps let you practice speaking but don’t actually check if you’re saying things correctly—this one does.

When I repeated Italian phrases, Mondly would analyze my pronunciation and let me know if I got it right.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was one of the better systems I’ve tried for speaking practice.

Another thing I enjoyed was the interactive chatbot.

Instead of just repeating words, I could take part in simulated conversations, which made it feel more like real-world practice.

Of course, it wasn’t as natural as speaking to a real person, but it still helped me get comfortable forming sentences on my own.

Visually, Mondly stands out.

The colorful interface and interactive exercises kept me engaged, and I never felt bored while using it.

Plus, the lessons were short and easy to complete, making it simple to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.

That said, I quickly ran into the limits of the free version.

Without upgrading, I could only access a small part of the content, and a lot of the best features—like more chatbot conversations—were locked behind a paywall.

Also, while the chatbot was useful, it wasn’t a true conversation.

It still followed a scripted pattern, so I wasn’t actually practicing real, unpredictable interactions.

And occasionally, I noticed that some translations felt a little off—not exactly wrong, but just not how a native Italian speaker would phrase things.

Mondly is a great choice if you want to improve pronunciation and practice speaking, but it works best as a support tool rather than a full learning program.

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to reinforce what you learn elsewhere, it’s definitely worth trying.

6. Rosetta Stone – Best for Immersive Learning

What worked for me:

• Full immersion from the start – Everything is in Italian, so I had to think in the language instead of relying on translations.
• Great pronunciation practice – The speech recognition tool helped me refine my accent.
• Lessons were well-structured – Each lesson built on the previous one, making learning feel natural.
• Focused on listening and speaking – It pushed me to understand Italian by context rather than memorizing word lists.
• No distractions – The minimalist design helped me stay focused without unnecessary extras.

What didn’t work for me:

• No grammar explanations – I had to figure out the rules by observing patterns, which wasn’t always easy.
• It felt slow at times – Progressing through the lessons required a lot of repetition, which wasn’t always engaging.
• Pricey compared to other apps – It’s one of the more expensive language apps out there.

Get it from – App Store

Rosetta Stone felt different from other apps because there was no English at all.

Right from the first lesson, I was immersed in Italian, figuring out meanings through pictures, audio, and repetition.

At first, it felt a bit overwhelming, but after a while, I started recognizing words and phrases without needing translations.

It was like my brain was being forced to think in Italian, which I imagine is the whole point.

One thing I really liked was the speech recognition tool.

Unlike some apps where speaking practice is just repeating phrases into your microphone, Rosetta Stone actually analyzes your pronunciation and gives you feedback.

I won’t say it’s as good as a real tutor, but it did push me to improve my accent and pronunciation over time.

The lesson structure was also solid.

Each new concept built on what I had already learned, so I never felt lost.

And because it focused so much on listening and speaking, I got used to understanding Italian naturally rather than memorizing words and grammar rules.

That said, this method isn’t for everyone.

There were no grammar explanations, which meant I had to figure out rules on my own just by seeing patterns.

Sometimes that was fun, but other times, I wished there was a simple explanation to clear things up.

Another thing I noticed was the pacing—it felt slow.

If you like quick progress, this method might frustrate you since it focuses on gradual learning through repetition.

Also, compared to other apps, Rosetta Stone is pricey, so it’s a bigger commitment.

Overall, Rosetta Stone is a great choice if you want to learn through full immersion.

It’s not the fastest way to learn, but if you’re patient and stick with it, it helps you develop a deep understanding of Italian without relying on translations.

7. LingQ – A Reading-Focused App

What worked for me:

• Lots of real-world content – I could learn from actual articles, stories, and even transcripts from podcasts.
• Built-in dictionary was handy – Tapping on unfamiliar words gave instant translations and saved them for review.
• Great for passive learning – I could listen to audio while following along with the text, which helped reinforce vocabulary.
• Progress tracking kept me motivated – Seeing how many words I had learned made me want to keep going.
• Offline mode was useful – I could download lessons and read without needing the internet.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not for absolute beginners – If you don’t know any Italian, it can feel overwhelming at first.
• Grammar isn’t really taught – I had to use other resources to understand grammar rules.
• Some content wasn’t beginner-friendly – Even “easier” texts still had a lot of complex words.
• Flashcard system felt basic – The way it handled reviewing vocabulary wasn’t as good as Anki or other flashcard apps.

Get it from – App Store

LingQ stood out because it wasn’t just another flashcard or lesson-based app—it was all about learning Italian through reading and listening.

Instead of memorizing random words, I was immersed in real content, like news articles, short stories, and podcast transcripts.

It felt like I was learning the way native speakers do—by consuming actual Italian rather than relying on exercises.

One of my favorite features was the built-in dictionary.

Any time I saw a word I didn’t know, I could just tap on it, and LingQ would give me a translation while saving it for later review.

This made learning vocabulary feel seamless instead of frustrating.

Plus, I could listen to audio while reading, which helped me connect the written and spoken language.

That said, this app isn’t for total beginners.

Since it relies on reading real content, if you don’t already know some basic Italian, you might feel a little lost at first.

There aren’t structured lessons or guided explanations like you’d find in Duolingo or Busuu.

And if you’re looking for a solid grammar breakdown, you won’t really get that here—you’ll need to supplement with other resources.

Another thing I found was that some beginner-level content still felt tough.

Even when I selected “easy” readings, there were still a lot of unfamiliar words, so I had to tap constantly to check meanings.

It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it slowed me down at times.

Also, while LingQ saves words for later review, its flashcard system felt pretty basic.

Compared to something like Anki, which has a smarter spaced-repetition system, LingQ’s approach to vocabulary review didn’t feel as effective.

Overall, LingQ is perfect for people who love reading and listening as a way to learn languages.

If you’re comfortable with a more immersive, self-directed approach, it’s one of the best tools out there.

But if you’re a complete beginner or someone who needs structured lessons, you might struggle with it at first.

8. Clozemaster – Best for Sentence-Based Learning

What worked for me:

• Learning through full sentences – Instead of just memorizing words, I learned them in real contexts.
• Huge database of sentences – There were thousands of sentences, so I never ran out of material.
• Spaced repetition helped retention – Words and phrases I struggled with appeared more often, reinforcing learning.
• Multiple game modes kept it interesting – Fill-in-the-blank and multiple-choice exercises made learning feel like a challenge.
• Great for intermediate learners – It helped me bridge the gap between beginner apps and real-world fluency.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not for complete beginners – If you don’t know basic Italian, the sentences can feel overwhelming.
• No real grammar explanations – It’s great for exposure, but you’ll need other resources for grammar.
• Some sentences were a bit unnatural – A few translations didn’t feel like how a native speaker would actually talk.
• The interface felt outdated – It wasn’t as polished as other language apps.

Get it from – App Store

Clozemaster wasn’t like any other app I tried—it skipped the traditional lessons and threw me straight into real Italian sentences.

Instead of memorizing isolated words, I was learning through context, which made a huge difference in how well I remembered new vocabulary.

Seeing words in actual sentences helped me understand their meaning and usage naturally, instead of just relying on definitions.

What really impressed me was the sheer amount of content.

The app had thousands of sentences, and since it used spaced repetition, I kept seeing words I struggled with until I finally got them right.

It felt like an efficient way to reinforce vocabulary without the boredom of traditional flashcards.

I also liked the variety of exercises.

The fill-in-the-blank mode forced me to actively recall words, while the multiple-choice mode was a bit easier when I just wanted quick practice.

The whole app felt more like a game than a language course, which made it fun to use in short bursts.

That said, this isn’t an app for total beginners.

If you don’t already have a foundation in Italian, you might feel lost, since Clozemaster doesn’t guide you through the basics.

It also doesn’t explain grammar, so while you’ll pick up patterns over time, you’ll still need another app or resource to fully understand why sentences are structured the way they are.

Another small issue I noticed was that some sentences didn’t feel 100% natural.

They weren’t exactly wrong, but a few translations sounded a bit off compared to how native speakers actually talk.

Also, the interface felt outdated compared to more modern apps like Duolingo or Mondly—it worked fine, but it didn’t look as sleek.

Overall, Clozemaster is a fantastic tool for intermediate learners who want to expand their vocabulary and reinforce sentence structures.

It’s not for beginners, but if you already have some Italian under your belt, it’s one of the best ways to practice real-world usage.

9. HelloTalk – Learn with Native Speakers

What worked for me:

• Real conversations with native speakers – I could chat with real Italians, which helped me learn natural expressions.
• Built-in translation and correction tools – If I made a mistake, my language partner could correct it easily.
• Voice messages improved my pronunciation – Speaking practice felt more natural than in most apps.
• A mix of casual and structured learning – I could practice freely or use language exchange features for structured learning.
• A huge global community – There were always people available to chat with.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not ideal for complete beginners – If you don’t know basic Italian, conversations can feel intimidating.
• Quality of exchanges varied – Some people just wanted to chat in English instead of helping with Italian.
• Free version had some limits – Features like translations were limited without a subscription.
• Not a full course – It’s great for practice but won’t teach grammar or structured lessons.

Get it from – App Store

HelloTalk felt completely different from other language apps because instead of lessons or exercises, I was learning by actually talking to native speakers.

From the very first day, I was chatting with real Italians, exchanging messages, voice notes, and even short calls.

It was a refreshing change from memorizing words in isolation because I was learning in a natural, conversational way.

One of the best features was the built-in correction tool.

If I made a mistake, my chat partner could easily correct my sentences, and I could do the same for their English.

This made learning feel interactive and personal, and I picked up common mistakes quickly just by seeing how real Italians would phrase things.

The app also had a built-in translator, which was a lifesaver when I got stuck.

But I tried not to rely on it too much, since figuring things out myself helped me remember words better.

Voice messages were another game-changer, letting me practice pronunciation and get real feedback—something most apps don’t offer.

That said, HelloTalk isn’t perfect.

If you’re a complete beginner, it can feel overwhelming to jump straight into real conversations without much guidance.

It also depends a lot on who you match with—some people were really helpful, while others just wanted to chat in English instead of doing a true language exchange.

The free version had some limits, like restricting the number of translations per day, and while the premium version unlocked more features, it wasn’t necessary to get value from the app.

Also, HelloTalk is not a full course, so if you need structured lessons, you’ll have to use it alongside another app.

Overall, HelloTalk is one of the best ways to get real-world Italian practice.

It’s not a replacement for structured learning, but if you want to practice conversation, improve your pronunciation, and learn naturally, this app is hard to beat.

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

What worked for me:

• Real lessons with native Italian tutors – Talking to actual teachers helped me learn faster.
• Flexible scheduling – I could book lessons whenever it suited me.
• Different tutors for different needs – Some focused on grammar, while others helped with conversation.
• One-on-one learning felt personal – Tutors corrected my mistakes in real time.
• Good mix of casual and structured lessons – Some lessons were relaxed conversations, while others followed a structured plan.

What didn’t work for me:

• Lessons can get expensive – Since you pay per lesson, costs add up quickly.
• Quality depends on the tutor – Some were amazing, but others weren’t a great fit.
• No free lessons – Unlike other apps, there’s no way to practice without paying.
• Not ideal for complete beginners – If you don’t know basic Italian, jumping into live lessons can be tough.

Get it from – App Store

Italki was the closest thing to taking private Italian lessons, but without needing to go to a physical classroom.

Instead of automated exercises or AI-generated feedback, I was learning directly from native speakers, which made a huge difference.

I could book lessons with professional teachers or casual tutors, depending on what I wanted to focus on.

Some tutors helped me with conversation skills, while others broke down grammar concepts I struggled with.

Having a real person guide me made learning feel more natural and interactive.

Whenever I made a mistake, my tutor corrected me on the spot, helping me fix bad habits before they stuck.

I also liked that I could choose my own learning style—sometimes I had relaxed chats, while other times, my tutor gave me structured lessons with exercises.

One thing I noticed was that lesson quality depended on the tutor.

Some were amazing and knew exactly how to teach, while others weren’t as engaging.

I had to try a few before finding the right one, but once I did, learning felt effortless.

Since you pay per lesson, costs can add up quickly, especially if you take lessons regularly.

It’s not the most budget-friendly option, but the personalized learning experience made it worth it.

Unlike some apps, there’s no free version, so you’ll need to be ready to invest in your learning.

For complete beginners, jumping straight into one-on-one lessons can feel intimidating, but if you already know some Italian, Italki is one of the best ways to improve speaking skills.

11. Anki – Best Flashcard App for Italian

What worked for me:

• Spaced repetition really worked – The app showed me words right before I was about to forget them.
• Completely customizable flashcards – I could add pictures, audio, and even example sentences.
• Thousands of pre-made decks – I didn’t have to create everything from scratch.
• Great for memorizing vocabulary – It helped me remember words long-term.
• No time limits or daily streaks – I could study at my own pace.

What didn’t work for me:

• Takes time to set up – Creating my own decks was useful but took effort.
• Not the most beginner-friendly – The interface felt a bit outdated and confusing at first.
• No built-in pronunciation practice – I had to find my own ways to practice speaking.
• Can get repetitive – Just reviewing flashcards every day wasn’t as engaging as other learning methods.

Get it from – App Store

Anki was different from the other apps I tried because it didn’t teach Italian—it helped me remember it.

Instead of lessons or exercises, it worked like a smart flashcard system that showed me words at the right time to make them stick.

I could either use pre-made decks or create my own, adding pictures, audio, and example sentences to make my learning more effective.

Spaced repetition was the real game-changer.

Instead of just reviewing everything randomly, Anki showed me words right before I was about to forget them, so I wasn’t wasting time on things I already knew.

This made a huge difference in building long-term vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.

I liked that I could study at my own pace, without feeling pressured to maintain a streak or complete daily goals.

Some days, I went through a lot of cards, and on other days, I took it slow.

This flexibility made it easy to fit into my routine without stress.

Setting up my own decks took some time, but it was worth the effort because I could focus on words that actually mattered to me.

Still, I appreciated the huge collection of pre-made decks, which saved me a lot of work.

The app wasn’t perfect, though.

The interface felt outdated compared to modern language apps, and it took a bit of time to figure out how to use everything.

It also didn’t help much with pronunciation or conversation practice, so I had to use it alongside other apps for a complete learning experience.

Even though it wasn’t the most engaging app, Anki was one of the most effective tools for memorizing Italian vocabulary.

If you’re serious about learning and don’t mind a bit of setup, it’s one of the best flashcard apps out there.

12. WordReference – Best Italian Dictionary App

What worked for me:

• Extremely detailed definitions – It provided meanings, usage examples, and even idioms.
• Reliable translations – Unlike Google Translate, it gave accurate and context-based translations.
• Great verb conjugation tool – I could quickly check how to conjugate any Italian verb.
• Active forums for tricky words – Native speakers answered questions about difficult phrases.

What didn’t work for me:

• Not a full learning app – It’s a dictionary, so it doesn’t teach grammar or structure.
• No offline mode on iPhone – I needed the internet to look up words.
• Could feel overwhelming – Some definitions had too much detail, which made them harder to digest.
• Forums weren’t always reliable – Some answers were great, but others weren’t always accurate.

Get it from – App Store

WordReference quickly became my go-to dictionary for Italian, and honestly, I don’t know how I would have managed without it.

Unlike Google Translate, which sometimes gave me weird or inaccurate translations, WordReference provided detailed, reliable definitions with real usage examples.

Whenever I came across a word I didn’t understand, I could look it up and see different meanings, idioms, and even synonyms, which helped me understand how to use it correctly.

One of my favorite features was the verb conjugation tool.

Italian verbs change depending on the tense, and instead of searching for conjugation tables online, I could quickly check all the forms in one place.

This saved me a ton of time, especially when I was writing or speaking and needed to confirm I was using the right verb form.

Another thing that made WordReference stand out was the community forums.

Whenever I was confused about a phrase or idiom, I could check if someone had already asked about it.

Most of the time, native speakers had answered with detailed explanations, which was really helpful.

But not all answers were reliable, so I had to double-check some responses before trusting them completely.

The app wasn’t perfect, though.

There was no offline mode on iPhone, which was frustrating when I needed a quick translation but had no internet.

Also, while the app was super detailed, some definitions were too much, making it harder to find a simple explanation.

Even though it’s just a dictionary, WordReference is one of the most useful tools for learning Italian.

It won’t replace a full language course, but if you need a trustworthy dictionary with in-depth explanations, this is the best one out there.

Final Verdict

Learning Italian isn’t just about memorizing words—it’s about finding the right tools that fit your learning style.

After trying all these apps, I found that each one had its own strengths, and the best choice really depends on what you need the most.

• If you want an all-in-one audio-based course, Pimsleur is hands down the best option.
• For a fun, game-like experience, Duolingo keeps learning light and engaging.
• If speaking practice is your main focus, Speekoo and Mondly do a great job.
• If you prefer a structured learning path, Busuu is worth considering.
• If you’re after a fully immersive experience, Rosetta Stone is the way to go.
• For reading practice, LingQ is a solid choice.
• If you want to master Italian sentence structures, Clozemaster is surprisingly effective.
• To practice real conversations with native speakers, HelloTalk and Italki are the best.
• If you need a powerful flashcard tool, Anki is unbeatable.
• And if you just need a reliable Italian dictionary, WordReference is a must-have.

There’s no single “best” app for learning Italian, but by using a mix of these, you can cover listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary retention in a way that works best for you.

If I had to personally recommend just one for serious learners, it would be Pimsleur because it helped me the most with pronunciation and speaking confidence.

But if you’re just getting started, Duolingo is a good way to build the habit.

At the end of the day, consistency matters more than the app you choose.

As long as you practice a little every day, you’ll make real progress.

So pick the one that feels right for you and start learning.

FAQs

Which app is best for learning Italian from scratch?

If you’re a complete beginner, Duolingo is a great place to start. It’s free, easy to use, and helps you build a habit of daily learning. But if you’re serious about speaking Italian, Pimsleur is a better choice since it focuses on real conversations.

Can I become fluent in Italian using language apps?

Apps are a great tool, but they won’t make you fluent on their own. To really master Italian, you’ll need to practice speaking with native speakers, listen to real conversations, and immerse yourself in the language. Italki and HelloTalk are great for conversation practice.

What’s the best app for improving my Italian pronunciation?

Pimsleur is the best for pronunciation because it makes you repeat words and sentences out loud while training your ears to recognize native sounds. Mondly also does a good job with speech recognition.

Is there a free app that’s actually effective for learning Italian?

Yes. Duolingo, Clozemaster, and WordReference are great free options. HelloTalk also has a free version that lets you chat with native speakers. But most advanced features in these apps require a paid upgrade.

How long does it take to learn Italian with these apps?

It depends on how much time you spend learning every day. If you practice 30 minutes daily, you could reach a conversational level in 6 to 12 months. But real fluency takes longer and requires speaking practice outside of apps.

Which app helps the most with Italian grammar?

Busuu and Rosetta Stone offer structured lessons that include grammar explanations. WordReference is also useful for looking up verb conjugations and tricky grammar rules.

Can I learn Italian just by using flashcards like Anki?

Flashcards are great for memorizing vocabulary, but they won’t teach you grammar, pronunciation, or conversation skills. It’s best to use Anki alongside another app that focuses on speaking and listening.

What’s the best app for learning Italian fast?

If you need to learn quickly, Pimsleur is the best because it focuses on real conversations and gets you speaking fast. Speekoo also helps with speaking skills in a structured way.

Is Rosetta Stone worth it for Italian?

It depends on your learning style. If you like an immersive experience without translations, Rosetta Stone can be useful. But it’s not the fastest way to learn, and some people prefer apps like Busuu or Pimsleur instead.

Which app should I use for everyday Italian phrases?

If you just need quick translations, WordReference is the best. If you want to learn useful phrases, Clozemaster and Pimsleur both focus on real-world Italian.