Do you want to learn Arabic but you don’t know where to start?
We might have a perfect solution – check out our pick of the best apps to learn Arabic!
You’ll come across different types of language-learning apps, so you’ll surely find something to your liking.
Arabic is a challenging language to learn, but these apps make everything a bit easier (and more fun.)
They use cutting-edge technology, adaptive algorithms, and modern teaching methods.
And they are, in most cases, focused on the most important elements of learning a new language.
So, let’s explore the best Arabic apps and find the best one for you!
10 Best Apps to Learn Arabic
1. Rocket Languages Arabic
Let’s start with one of the most popular language-learning platforms: Rocket Languages.
The platform offers a fantastic Arabic course called Rocket Arabic.
You can also use it as an app.
Now, let us tell you why we think it’s one of the best apps to learn Arabic.
Rocket Arabic Features
First of all, Rocket Arabic is focused on the development of all four language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
In fact, the app actually offers a full language course designed to take your skills to another level.
Rocket Languages currently offers an Egyptian language course.
And it’s designed for beginners.
Audio-based lessons are linear, but you can easily jump back and forth.
The app’s speech recognition engine will help you master the Egyptian accent.
And useful study tools (Saved Vocab, Benchmark, etc) will make your learning process much easier.
The app isn’t very gamified, but it has some game-like elements such as an in-built leaderboard, points, and badges.
But Rocket Arabic is primarily focused on getting you to speak and write Arabic.
Content and Benefits
Rocket Arabic’s Interactive Audio lessons are centered around natural dialogues. So, you’ll listen to native speakers and pick up new words, phrases, and grammar rules.
Everything will be thoroughly explained to you, but you won’t feel overwhelmed and confused (probably.)
Language & Culture lessons will introduce you to the Arabic language as a whole. And they will give you cultural insights.
The Writing sections will teach you the Arabic alphabet. With videos and exercises, you’ll manage to grasp it in no time.
Finally, the Survival Kit lessons contain more advanced vocabulary.
Overall, the Rocket Arabic app is a well-structured, comprehensible course that will undoubtedly help you achieve your goals.
Who is Rocket Arabic Best For?
Rocket Arabic is the best app to learn Arabic for anyone searching for well-rounded Egyptian classes for beginners. Read our full Rocket Languages review.
Start your free trial of Rocket Languages Arabic here!
2. ArabicPod101
If you’re an aural learner, you’ll probably like ArabicPod101.
It’s a popular Arabic learning app that offers Morrocan, Egyptian, and Modern Standard Arabic classes.
ArabicPod101 Features
The ArabicPod101 is based on podcast-style lessons, but it also offers visual lessons and exercises.
It features flashcards, slideshows, a word bank, a phrase list, and so on.
Lesson notes and downloadable MP3s are also included.
The app is flexible, but the Pathway feature can add more structure to your learning.
It’s ideal for beginners, but intermediate learners will also find useful material in the lesson library.
And if you opt for a Premium Plus subscription, you’ll get a chance to have personalized guidance. You can get direct feedback, corrections, and answers to your questions from a qualified teacher.
The platform also has an active Youtube channel where you can find free useful tutorials and video lessons.
Content and Benefits
The ArabicPod101 app will enhance your speaking, writing, and listening skills. You’ll also get pronunciation exercises and grammar explanations (although the app isn’t heavy on grammar.)
You’ll mostly be listening to audio lessons. They are centered around natural dialogues so you’ll learn from native speakers. A slowed-down audio option and line-by-line breakdowns will help you understand everything.
And you’ll learn a lot about Arab culture too.
If you’re already familiar with the language, you can find a course or topic you’re interested in. For example, there are lessons focused on the alphabet, survival phrases, Morrocan culture, and so on.
All things considered, you certainly won’t regret using this how-to-speak Arabic app. It’s well-structured, practical, and easy to use.
Who is ArabicPod101 Best For?
ArabicPod101 is great for people who want to learn practical vocabulary and improve their conversational skills.
It’s also perfect for anyone who wants to take Morrocan lessons.
3. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is another super popular name among language-learning apps.
And it offers lessons in different Arabic dialects: Egyptian, MSA, and Eastern Arabic (the dialect spoken in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.)
Pimsleur Features
This Arabic learning app is based on the Pimsleur Method – it’s an effective method focused on organic learning, the principle of anticipation, and gradual interval recall.
In other words, you’ll learn Arabic in a natural, partially intuitive way, and you’ll be able to internalize new material through spaced repetition.
According to Pimsleur creators, that’s how you’ll successfully store new words in your long-term memory.
Pimsleur Arabic lessons feature real-life dialogues, exercises, and visual cues.
The app also features digital flashcards, Quick Match and Speed Round games, and so on.
It’s a rather gamified app, but it won’t overwhelm you with too many features.
Content and Benefits
Pimsleur is a great app for anyone who wants to learn Egyptian Arabic, MSA, or Eastern Arabic.
Each course has a couple of packages, so you choose a subscription plan suitable for your level. Most courses cover only beginner levels though.
Nevertheless, regardless of what you choose, you’ll get 30-minute core lessons, reading practice, a digital booklet, and visual aids.
All lessons are focused on practical vocabulary that is useful for everyday situations. They also contain cultural and historical insights.
And as they are audio-based, you can learn Arabic anywhere, anytime. With the hands-free mode, you can even learn while you’re jogging, cooking, or walking your dog.
Without a doubt, Pimsleur will help you fit language learning into your daily routine.
Who is Pimsleur Best For?
Pimsleur is ideal for beginners interested in learning MSA, Eastern Arabic, or Egyptian Arabic.
And it’s perfect for people with busy schedules who want to learn on the go. Read our full Pimsleur review.
4. Duolingo
Many believe that Duolingo is the best free Arabic learning app.
Well, that depends on your goals and expectations.
But one thing is for sure: Duolingo is one of the most practical and simple language-learning apps on the market.
Duolingo Features
Duolingo is based on translation and repetition. So, it’s an ideal tool if you want to expand your vocabulary.
The app will teach you new words and phrases, day by day, in a rather slow but effective way.
The app is currently focused on MSA.
There are also fun games, challenges, exercises, visual aids, and useful study tools.
Also, lessons are designed to help you learn at the right level and pace. And Duolingo promises to ensure you a personalized learning experience.
Either way, it’s a very simple and charming app – you won’t get stressed, confused, or overwhelmed at any point.
You can download it for free, but if you want an ad-free experience and some extra features, you can opt for Duolingo Plus. There’s also a free 7-day Duolingo Plus trial.
Content and Benefits
In short, Duolingo will teach you practical vocabulary and common expressions.
Lessons are linear, and you’ll be unlocking new stages as you progress. You’ll also be earning points.
With the Duolingo app, learning Arabic will feel like playing a game. Sort of.
Nonetheless, this app makes learning any language fun, engaging, and easy. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect to become a fluent speaker after completing Duolingo.
On the other hand, the app will teach you the basics. And it could work as an additional learning tool, especially because it’s free.
Who is Duolingo Best For?
Duolingo is great for anyone searching for the best free app to learn Arabic. Read our full Duolingo review.
5. Memrise
And if you’re looking for an Arabic flashcards app, you should check out Memrise.
Memrise Features
Memrise offers a lot of free content, and it’s a great language-learning resource.
It offers thousands of video examples of language used in real life.
And it combines immersive lessons and gamified tests to help you develop a learning habit.
Also, the app is focused exclusively on official courses created by their team of linguists, translators, and language researchers. But it used to offer community-created courses.
Nevertheless, it’s a very versatile app that can make your learning process much easier.
Content and Benefits
There are different Arabic courses within the Memrise app: from Iraqi classes to Levantine Arabic courses.
You can learn the Arabic alphabet, basic Egyptian words, near-native pronunciation, and much more.
In other words, you can focus on what you really want.
And if you want a dialect that isn’t so popular to learn, you should check if Memrise has it.
The Memrise app is free to download, and that’s surely an advantage, but the premium subscription will give you access to additional features and extra content.
And there’s an active blog and forum, so you can stay updated, join a conversation or meet fellow students.
Who is Memrise Best For?
Memrise is a great learning tool for people who want to learn different Arabic dialects.
It’s also convenient for anyone searching for free Arabic learning resources.
6. Rosetta Stone
When it comes to language-learning platforms, Rosetta Stone is a familiar name.
The platform also offers a popular Arabic course.
Let’s see if grabs your attention.
Rosetta Stone Features
First of all, Rosetta Stone is based on immersive learning.
The app won’t give you clear explanations and translations right away. You’ll draw your own conclusions and learn through context instead.
While some people find this unattractive, it’s actually a rather natural and effective method.
You’ll learn Arabic (MSA) words, phrases, and important grammar rules.
The app uses the TruAccent speech recognition system so you’ll be able to work on your pronunciation too.
Content and Benefits
With the Rosetta Stone app, you’ll get a well-rounded online education.
Of course, the results also depend on your persistence and self-discipline.
But Rosetta Stone’s Arabic classes will introduce you to the language in an engaging and interesting way.
And even though their lessons tend to become a little repetitive, they will give you a solid foundation to build on.
Moreover, Rosetta Stone also offers live virtual classes, which is a great way to learn more about the Arabic language and culture.
All in all, this popular app will certainly enhance your speaking and listening skills, and it will allow you to really immerse yourself in the language and start speaking it right away.
Who is Rosetta Stone Best For?
Rosetta Stone is a good learning source for people who like immersive learning.
The app will allow you to actively work on your communication skills. Read our full Rosetta Stone review.
7. Mango Languages
If you want to learn the basics of the Arabic languages in a fun and engaging way, you should try Mango Languages.
It’s a beautifully designed app that offers lessons in Egyptian, Iraqi, Levantine, and Modern Standard Arabic.
Mango Languages Features
Mango Languages is a fresh-looking app. It’s very practical and easy to use.
It’s based on an intuitive chunking approach – it uses colors and semantic color mapping to help you connect Arabic with your native language.
By pointing out lexical chunks, the app will help you understand how the Arabic language works, step-by-step.
You’ll gain access to high-quality audio tracks and all sorts of useful exercises.
Native speaker instructors will guide you through everything.
And with the app’s simple design and an all-in-one interface, you’ll figure out how everything works in a second.
Content and Benefits
In a nutshell, the Mango Languages app is focused on vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture.
You’ll get grammar notes, memory-building and critical-thinking exercises, listening and reading activities, and pronunciation practice.
And you’ll have a chance to learn Arabic through cultural context.
So, this app is a whole package.
But one of its biggest advantages is definitely the number of Arabic dialects it covers. While there are many Egyptian Arabic and MSA courses, you won’t find that many quality Levantine and Iraqi learning apps out there.
Nonetheless, Mango Languages is definitely worth a try, especially if you want to work on the development of all language skills simultaneously.
Who is Mango Languages Best For?
Mango Languages is great for beginners who want to grasp the basics of the Arabic language.
8. italki
Our next suggestion is a little bit different.
But if you’re looking for one-on-one Arabic online lessons, you will find it very useful.
italki Features
In short, italki is a popular platform that connects learners and tutors. And you can use it as an app.
Your only job is to find a suitable teacher. Their profiles will tell you everything you need to know: their hourly rate (and 30 minutes trial rate), schedule, and a short video introduction.
And you should check other students’ reviews too.
Some tutors offer Egyptian lessons, others are specialized in teaching Levantine Arabic, and so on.
Once you make a decision, you can book a lesson (probably a trial lesson) and see how everything goes. Getting in touch with a tutor and having a trial lesson will allow you to see how well you get along together.
There’s also an Instant Teacher feature, so you can find a teacher who’s available right now.
Moreover, italki allows you to test your level with a free language assessment.
And you can take part in the italki Language Challenge.
Content and Benefits
Italki content really depends on your abilities, goals, and interests.
But that’s also one of the best things about italki – your teacher will focus on your needs and create an appropriate learning plan.
In general, the benefits of one-on-one lessons are numerous. You can get personalized feedback, ask questions, and learn from a real, qualified teacher.
And talking to a native teacher can motivate you to learn more, but also give you an opportunity to hear an authentic accent.
Also, hiring an online tutor on italki can be much more affordable compared to some other options.
All things considered, if you prefer this kind of language learning, italki won’t let you down.
Who is italki Best For?
Italki is the best app for learning Arabic for anyone searching for private virtual Arabic lessons.
It’s perfect for learners who want to focus on a specific skill or dialect.
9. Drops
Do you want to learn new Arabic words every day?
Have you heard of the app called Drops?
Let us tell you why you need to consider downloading it.
Drops Features
As the name suggests, this language-learning app will drop new words on your smartphone’s screen every day.
It will help you practice your vocabulary and review the words you’ve learned.
It will provide you with short 5-minute daily lessons. With every new word, you’ll get memorable visual associations so you can memorize them more easily.
And you can use the app for free. However, you’ll be limited to only one lesson per day. You can opt for a paid version to get more.
Either way, Drops creates well-curated Arabic word lists. You can customize them to fit your learning needs.
Every word also comes with accompanying high-quality audio.
Content and Benefits
With the Drops app, you’ll learn something new every day.
You will expand your vocabulary, listen to the correct pronunciation, and keep track of your progress.
Lessons are also beautifully illustrated.
If you’re a visual learner, interesting and quirky visual representations of a particular Arabic word will certainly be helpful.
But one of the best things about Drops is the possibility to set your native language as a home language. This will allow you to learn more quickly and effectively.
The app has many languages in the database, so hopefully, there’s your native language too.
Nevertheless, Drops is a well-designed and useful app that can be a very helpful additional learning tool.
Who is Drops Best For?
Drops is ideal for people searching for an additional free Arabic learning source.
And it’s perfect for people who want to expand their vocabulary by taking bite-sized daily lessons.
10. Busuu
Busuu is also a popular language-learning app – it’s effective, well-structured, and versatile.
But does it offer what you’re looking for?
Busuu Features
Firstly, Busuu currently teaches Modern Standard Arabic (MSA.)
Also, there are two versions of the Busuu app: free and Premium. As you might assume, the free account is very limited, but it can be used as a supplemental learning resource.
But the great thing about Busuu is the possibility to choose between two options: the Complete Arabic course and Arabic for Travel.
Therefore, you can focus on your goals and needs.
The Busuu app features interactive vocabulary and grammar lessons accompanied by audio, translation, and practice exercises.
The app also has many useful functions such as the Vocabulary Review feature and Study Plan.
And thanks to the app’s Conversations feature, you’ll get feedback and corrections from Busuu’s community of native speakers.
Moreover, you’ll get Busuu’s certificate of completion when you finish the course.
Content and Benefits
The Busuu Arabic app will provide you with bite-sized lessons.
It will teach you the Arabic language in chunks. So, you’ll learn phrases and sentences and then use them in practice activities.
You’ll also get writing exercises (corrected by native speakers) and voice recognition exercises.
In essence, you’ll learn key vocabulary and important grammar rules. And you’ll have a chance to master your pronunciation.
You can also download lessons and learn offline. That’s a huge advantage for people who want to learn on the go.
And for an extra fee, Busuu also offers one-on-one or group virtual lessons. These 45-minute lessons will give you a chance to learn from a qualified teacher.
Moreover, you’ll get Busuu’s certificate of completion when you finish the course. Therefore, if you want evidence of your language skills, Busuu might be a good option for you.
Who is Busuu Best For?
Busuu is a reliable Arabic language app for all types of learners. It offers app-based lessons as well as live virtual classes.
It’s also ideal for people who want to get a language certificate.
How to Choose the Best App to Learn Arabic?
And now you’re probably wondering: how am I supposed to know what’s the best app for me?
Well, the answer lies in your motivation for wanting to learn Arabic.
Do you have an extended family from Lebanon? Do you want to work with refugees? Or maybe you’ve always been fascinated by pyramids and Egyptian culture.
If you have a specific reason, then everything probably seems pretty clear.
But if you’re simply want to learn a new language or you’re vaguely interested in Arab culture, then you’re probably wondering which Arabic dialect you should learn.
The Arabic language is categorized into two major subcategories: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic. And Colloquial Arabic consists of Levantine, Egyptian, Morrocan, Sudanese, etc.
Egyptian is the most widely used and understood across Arab countries. That’s why there are so many online Egyptian classes.
There are also Levantine (spoken in multiple countries), Morrocan, and Iraqi courses.
Many people believe that MSA is a good start. If you’ve never studied Arabic before, it might be.
But if you’re passionate about Egyptian culture or you want to travel to Morroco or Jordan, then it’s better to stick with the dialect of that specific area.
There are common words between all the Arabic dialects, but whether someone from another Arab country will be able to completely understand you depends on that specific dialect.
After you decide which dialect you want to learn, you need to consider a few more things.
First of all, your Arabic learning app needs to meet your needs – your learning style, goals, and time commitment.
Every language-learning app is designed with a specific learner in mind. Some apps are ideal for serious learners who want to become fluent and others are perfect for people who want to learn practical vocabulary for traveling.
You should also look for a well-designed app. Apps should be practical, user-friendly, and eye-catching at the same time. That way, you won’t waste time trying to figure out how everything works. And you will feel more motivated to learn.
Also, many of these apps offer a free trial. And that’s a great way to see what the app looks like. However, some free trials don’t include all the available functions, but they should be a nice opportunity to test the waters.
What Are the Benefits of Using an App to Learn Arabic?
Perhaps you want to use an app to learn Arabic because there aren’t any Arabic classes in your living area.
Well, that’s definitely one of the biggest advantages of Arabic language apps. You can learn Arabic no matter where you live. And you can even learn it on the go.
Without a doubt, using an app to learn a new language will save you a lot of time. And probably of a lot of money – affordability is another benefit.
Some of the apps we mentioned today are also completely free.
They are also very practical and equipped with modern study tools. And if you add smart technology and adaptive algorithms to the mix, you’ll get a highly effective learning resource.
And that’s the charm of Arabic apps – they will make your learning process productive yet relaxed.
On that note, learning Arabic might be challenging, but it’s not as hard as it seems.
Arabic grammar is, in fact, quite logical. And you’ll also get used to the alphabet.
After all, it’s all about practice, practice, practice. And an Arabic learning app will help you develop a learning habit as well as motivate you to move forward. Especially if you opt for a gamified app.
Many language-learning apps use visual cues, interactive exercises, spaced repetition systems, and so on. In other words, they are designed to help you memorize everything you hear and see.
Furthermore, learning any new language is incredibly rewarding.
And when it comes to Arabic, you’ll find that very useful too.
Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, and it’s the lingua franca for 25 countries.
Arabic language skills will give you access to a growing market and open up new job opportunities.
And you’ll learn a lot about Arab culture, art, and history. The Arab world is full of diverse cultures and groups, and learning the Arabic language will allow you to get closer to them.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article made things a little clearer.
As you can see, there are many great Arabic apps out there. You just need to find an app that’s best for you.
But regardless of what you choose, we’re sure you’re going to enjoy your Arabic lessons.
Once you start using your app, you’ll realize that learning Arabic isn’t as difficult as some people claim it is.
After all, if you’re passionate about the Arabic language and culture, or you have a strong reason why you want to master it, then nothing will stand in your way.
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