Do you want to brush up on your English?
Using an app to do that is a great idea.
English study apps are convenient, affordable, and fun.
And they will certainly help you improve your skills and build confidence.
To help you get on the right track, we’ve rounded up the best apps to learn English.
We will show you their main features and highlights.
We’ve included different types of apps and programs, so we’re sure you’ll find something that’s right up your alley!
10 Best Apps to Learn English
1. Rocket Languages English
Rocket Languages is a reliable and popular language-learning platform that offers classes in various languages.
And it has one of the best apps for learning English.
Rocket English Features
The Rocket English app is suitable for all types of learners, and it’s focused on writing, speaking, reading, and listening.
The app offers a full language course.
It’s a mix of audio lessons, exercises, and study tools.
You’ll also be able to work on your accent thanks to the app’s speech recognition engine.
The Saved Vocab feature also comes in handy, as well as the Benchmark tool.
And the Rocket Reinforcement activities are designed to help you test and strengthen your knowledge.
The app has everything you need for a smooth, productive learning experience. And without a doubt, you’ll have a chance to enhance any skill you want.
Lessons are linear, but you can jump back and forth if you want to.
Content and Benefits
With the Rocket English app, you can learn at your own pace.
The app will give you the structure you need, but you won’t feel restricted or overwhelmed.
The Interactive Audio lessons include natural dialogues. By listening to native speakers, you’ll pick up new words, phrases, and expressions.
Lessons cover different topics, but they are focused on practical vocabulary useful for real-life situations.
Some lessons will also give you interesting facts about American culture.
And the Survival Kit lessons will teach you more advanced vocabulary.
All things considered, Rocket English is a great learning source, and it’s great for beginners who want to take their skills to the next level.
Who is Rocket English Best For?
Rocket English is the best app to learn English for anyone searching for a well-structured, versatile program.
It’s great for beginners and intermediate learners who want to work on the improvement of all main language skills. Read our complete Rocket Languages review.
2. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is another popular language-learning platform.
It offers English courses for Spanish speakers, Italian speakers, and Korean speakers, just to name a few.
So, what does the Pimsleur app look like?
Pimsleur Features
The Pimsleur app is well-designed and very practical.
Regardless of which course you choose, you’ll get 30-minute core lessons, Speak Easy conversational practice, reading lessons, and so on.
Quick match and speed round games are also included.
All courses are well-rounded and focused on the development of conversational skills.
And they are based on the Pimsleur method. It’s an effective method focused on organic learning and gradual interval recall.
According to Pimsleur, if you repeat the words you’ve learned at specific time intervals, they will move into your long-term memory.
So, the Pimsleur app entails a lot of repetition, but that’s how you’ll internalize everything you learn.
Content and Benefits
Every Pimsleur English course has different content. For example, English for Spanish speakers covers 3 levels, and English for Vietnamese speakers covers one level (but it has many bundles.)
However, all courses will help you improve your communication skills.
You’ll expand your vocabulary, increase your fluency, and work on the near-native pronunciation.
And you’ll learn English through cultural and historical context as well.
Moreover, the app is designed to take you to the next level in only 30 days. So, if you’re in a hurry, this app would be a great choice.
Also, you can take Pimsleur lessons anytime, anywhere. In a hands-free mode, you can also use the app while you’re driving, jogging, or taking a walk.
You can even download lessons and take them offline.
Overall, it’s a very efficient app that will undoubtedly help you fit language learning into your daily routine.
Who is Pimsleur Best For?
Pimsleur is the best English learning app for learners of specific nationalities – Italians, Russians, Chinese and German speakers, and so on.
You can find the full list of English courses on the Pimsleur website and see if there’s a course that works for you. Read our complete Pimsleur review.
3. Babbel
Babbel is an award-winning app that currently offers classes in 14 languages including English.
So, how does it work?
Babbel Features
The Babbel English app contains bite-sized lessons, standard exercises, games, and much more.
It’s very easy to use. It isn’t very gamified, but you’ll learn in a relaxed and motivating environment.
The spaced repetition method will help you memorize everything.
And speech recognition software will allow you to work on your pronunciation.
Moreover, you’ll get lessons suitable for your level and time commitment.
And if you opt for the Babbel Live subscription, you’ll gain access to live virtual classes taught by qualified language teachers, available at a variety of days, times, and levels.
Content and Benefits
If you’re a beginner, or you’ve never officially studied English grammar, you can start with beginner and newcomer lessons and then move forward.
They will teach you grammar rules, vocabulary, common phrases, and so on.
You can also take lessons focused on a specific topic or skill (grammar, words and sentences, and so on.)
These lessons are great for people who are well-familiar with the language and know exactly what they want to learn or improve.
Nevertheless, the app is designed to teach you how to speak English better.
You’ll also improve your listening and reading skills.
And you’ll get valuable cultural insights along the way.
All things considered, Babbel is one of the most popular language apps for a reason, and it will certainly help you achieve your goals.
Who is Babbel Best For?
Babbel is a good learning source for anyone searching for quality English lessons online. Read our complete Babbel review.
4. Duolingo
And if you like simple, game-like apps, you should try Duolingo.
After all, it’s the most downloaded education app.
And it’s completely free!
Duolingo Features
Duolingo is one of the free English learning apps, but if you want to use it offline and get some extra features, you can opt for Duolingo Plus.
Either way, it’s a very convenient and simple app. And that’s perhaps why it became so popular.
It’s most beneficial to beginners.
However, Duolingo uses CEFR levels to set goals for different levels.
And it seems like they’re trying to improve it every year. Well, they have to keep up with competitors.
Nonetheless, if you want to expand your vocabulary, you should give Duolingo a try.
And since it’s free, it works great as an additional learning resource.
Content and Benefits
Duolingo lessons are short and straightforward, and they are centered around translation and repetition.
The app is also very gamified, which can be an advantage if you like that sort of thing. In short, you’ll be earning points and unlocking levels.
In a way, learning with Duolingo does feel very rewarding. You can track your progress and feel the satisfaction of unlocking a new level.
On the other hand, if you want to delve deeper into the grammar or other elements of the language, you should look for a different app. Although Duolingo does have Grammar Skills courses, they are still not available for English.
Compared to some other options, Duolingo won’t give you a well-rounded, thorough online education.
But it’s definitely charming, fun, and very practical.
Who is Duolingo Best For?
Duolingo is best for beginners searching for free English language apps.
And it’s great for anyone who prefers game-like language programs. Read our complete Duolingo review.
5. EnglishClass101
Do you want to enhance your English language skills by listening to podcasts?
EnglishClass101 offers podcast-style lessons, video lessons, and much more.
EnglishClass101 Features
With this learn English app, you can increase your comprehension and come closer to fluency.
By listening to native speakers, you’ll work on your pronunciation. And you’ll expand your vocabulary.
Line-by-line breakdowns and the slowed-down audio option will help you understand every word.
The app also features slideshows, audio tracks, flashcards, and word lists.
And with the Premium Plus subscription, you’ll get the opportunity to get direct feedback and corrections from a real teacher (via private messenger.)
Content and Benefits
The EnglishClass101 app will prepare you for real-life conversations.
Even if you already know the basics, you’ll expand your vocabulary and learn how to express yourself a little better.
And you’ll learn about English and American culture.
On the Browse Lessons page, you can explore the curriculum and see exactly what you’re going to learn in every course.
In the vast lessons library, you can find beginner-friendly courses as well as advanced English lessons.
You can also pick a topic you like. For example, there are advanced lessons about American films, British regions and cities, tourist destinations, and so on.
Overall, EnglishClass101 will give you the freedom to focus on what you really want.
And it has advanced content too, which is important if you’re an intermediate learner.
Who is EnglishClass101 Best For?
EnglishClass101 is suitable for learners of all levels.
And since the course is audio-based, it’s great for aural learners.
6. Beelinguapp
Beelinguapp is a well-designed and immersive app for learning English.
But does it fit your learning style?
Beelinguapp Features
Beelinguapp contains audiobooks and reading material.
The app uses the parallel texts method to unlock the brain’s natural ability to learn languages in context.
In other words, you’ll improve your English skills by reading and listening to stories.
You’ll practice new vocabulary with flashcards, test your knowledge with quizzes, and so on.
In the Glossary you can save all the vocabulary you find important.
And you can add the text you like to your Favorites. These texts are downloadable, so you can read them offline too.
The app also features songs. So, if you like listening to music and reading, Beelinguapp is perfect for you.
And it’s completely free – unless you want an ad-free experience and extra content.
Content and Benefits
Beelinguapp library covers a wide range of topics.
You can filter texts by the level of difficulty or select a specific content category.
There are news articles, classic stories (like Snow White and Sherlock Holmes), folktales, and texts about science and politics. There’s a little bit of everything so you’ll surely find something to your liking.
Also, you can improve your skills with Beelinguapp regardless of your level. There are stories suitable for beginners as well advanced students.
Nevertheless, you’ll expand your vocabulary and enhance your listening and reading skills.
And you’ll get a better understanding of English grammar.
Beelinguapp is a very engaging and creative app. If you like books and music, you’ll enjoy it very much.
Who is Beelinguapp Best For?
Beelinguapp is the best English language app for people who like reading.
It’s a unique and immersive app suitable for all skill levels.
7. Memrise
Memrise offers short English lessons and naturally-voiced audio and video clips.
It’s a very practical flashcard app that used to offer community-created courses, but it’s now focused on courses created by linguists, translators, and language researchers.
Memrise Features
The Memrise app uses mnemonics and spaced repetition system to help you memorize new words.
The app will also adapt to your individual needs.
However, all Memrise lessons are designed to teach you how to use the language in daily life.
With the app’s talk-first approach, you’ll make fast progress.
And you will feel immersed.
The app is completely free to download, but you can also go for a paid Pro version.
Content and Benefits
The Memrise app consists of short practice lessons and real-life examples.
Lessons include the most current and used English words and phrases and thousands of audio and video clips.
You can browse courses and pick something you like.
From getting around London to more complex conversations, Memrise covers a wide range of topics.
And all of them are relevant for daily life.
Therefore, if you want to brush up on your English and learn how to speak like a local, you should give Memrise a try.
Who is Memrise Best For?
Memrise is ideal for people looking for a free English learning resource.
It’s also great for anyone who wants to expand their vocabulary and improve their conversational skills in an easy way.
8. italki
Are you maybe interested in virtual one-on-one English lessons?
If yes, you can’t go wrong with italki.
italki Features
In short, italki is a platform that connects learners and tutors.
You can find a tutor you like and book a trial lesson to see how it goes.
On a teacher’s profile, you can find all the information you need: their hourly rate (and 30 minutes trial rate), their calendar/schedule, and a short video introduction. You can also check other students’ reviews.
And the Instant Teacher feature will allow you to find a teacher who’s available right now.
You can also take a free language assessment on italki.
All in all, it’s a very useful app that can help you achieve your goals.
Content and Benefits
Virtual English lessons are a great way to improve your conversational skills.
You can get valuable feedback, ask questions, practice your pronunciation, and so on.
And your teacher will create a study plan based on your level and needs.
The opportunity to work on a specific skill is one of italki’s biggest advantages. That’s also possible with some other apps, but having a private virtual tutor is really amazing.
You can get suggestions and advice on how to work on your weaknesses, which can be incredibly helpful.
This app is actually perfect for intermediate and advanced students who want to practice and really sharpen their skills.
But it’s also convenient for beginners who need clear guidance.
Who is italki Best For?
Italki is the best English app for anyone searching for virtual one-on-one English classes.
It’s suitable for learners of all levels.
9. Rosetta Stone
With Rosetta Stone, you will be totally immersed in the English language.
And if you know the basics, this popular language-learning app would be a great choice.
Rosetta Stone Features
Rosetta Stone is well-known for its unique approach. It’s focused on intuitive learning.
So, the app won’t give you translations and explanations right away. You’ll learn through context and intuition instead.
Although it’s one of the older learning programs, the app looks and feels fresh.
And it’s created with the intent to provide learners with a thorough and immersive learning experience.
You’ll get curated plans tailored to your goals, and you’ll have useful study tools at your disposal.
The app also has speech recognition software so you’ll work on your pronunciation too.
On top of that, Rosetta Stone offers optional livestream tutoring. This will make you feel even more productive and involved.
Content and Benefits
The Rosetta Stone English app will provide you with short 10-minute lessons.
They include examples of everyday scenarios. And you will make your own conclusions while you’re learning. For instance, you’ll start by connecting the word with a picture.
Lessons build upon each other nicely, and they are designed to improve your English skills step-by-step.
The app entails a lot of repetition, but at least you’ll memorize everything.
With Rosetta Stone, you can learn without feeling like you have to make quick progress. It’s all about immersion and getting to know the language.
And with all the visual cues and interactive exercises, you won’t feel bored.
So, if you want to increase your fluency, you should consider downloading Rosetta Stone.
Who is Rosetta Stone Best For?
Rosetta Stone is a great English learning source for people who like immersive learning.
It’s well-structured and effective.
If you want to practice English with real-life videos, you should check out FluentU. Read our complete Rosetta Stone review.
10. FluentU
It’s a practical English learning app you can use anytime, anywhere.
FluentU Features
The FluentU app is a combination of authentic videos, exercises, and quizzes.
Like some of the other apps we mentioned today, FluentU is centered around the idea that you need to surround yourself with the language in order to fully understand it.
And listening to native speakers and watching real-life videos is one of the ways to do it. You might think that you can do it by simply watching Youtube videos or movies, but FluentU uses interactive subtitles. And they are a game-changer.
Also, audio dialogues are downloadable for offline listening.
They are suitable for all skill levels, but absolute beginners would probably feel a bit confused.
Content and Benefits
FluentU content includes movie trailers, news, music videos, and talks. It’s a mix of everything you might like.
Every video comes with a transcript and a list of words.
But interactive subtitles are probably the best part of the app.
But one of the best things about FluentU is that it allows you to learn with the content you love. And that can be very motivating.
On the other hand, if you prefer structured learning, this might not be a good option for you.
Also, although it has beginner-friendly material, FluentU is the best app for people who are familiar with the language and want to enhance their listening and reading skills.
FluentU perhaps won’t provide you with a detailed, well-rounded online education, but it’s useful and enjoyable.
Who is FluentU Best For?
FluentU is a good English learning app for people who want to improve their listening and reading skills.
How to Choose the Best App to Learn English?
If you’re still wondering how to choose the best app to learn English, you should ask yourselves a couple of questions.
First of all, what are your goals?
If you want to prepare and get a language certificate, you should look for a well-structured app with in-depth grammar lessons.
And if you simply want to improve your conversational skills and build confidence, you should choose an app that will get you to speak right away.
There are also virtual one-on-one classes, gamified English apps, and so on.
English language learning apps should also have more advanced content. People who already speak English should take more challenging lessons to increase their fluency.
If you want to have near-native pronunciation, you need to make sure that the app has audio tracks (or exercises) voiced by native speakers or lessons based on natural, real-life dialogues.
On the other hand, if you’ve learned English by ear, it’s good to use an app that has a lot of reading and writing exercises.
So, it’s actually pretty simple – you should find an app that fits your learning style, abilities, and goals.
And if you’re still not sure about it, you can always test the waters. Many of the apps on our list offer free trials.
What Are the Benefits of Using an App to Learn English?
Well, the benefits of using an app to learn English are endless.
First of all, applications to learn English are usually less expensive than traditional English classes.
And they include some things that traditional lessons don’t.
For example, some apps use cutting-edge technology and modern online study tools. All of that will help you enhance your skills in a quick and easy way.
And some of them feature gamified elements. Earning points and unlocking levels might motivate you to make progress. In most cases, you can also check your position on the app’s Leaderboard.
You can sometimes compete against a friend or try to beat your own personal best in a quiz. Apps can really make learning a language fun and engaging.
But they can also help you focus on a specific goal. When it comes to English, many people already know the basics and they have a reason why they want to improve their skills (applying for a job, traveling, etc.)
And if you simply want to become more fluent and feel more confident, that’s also great. An English-improving app will help you get on the right track.
Apps are also very practical. You can learn on the go and if there’s a hand-free mode, you can take your lessons while you’re doing something else. And that’s a huge advantage for people with busy schedules.
Also, using an app to learn English will boost your brainpower and memory. Some apps have exercises that will improve your cognitive skills.
In addition to grammar and vocabulary, you’ll learn about English and/or American culture and history. If you think you’ve learned everything from the books, movies, and TV shows, trust us – there’s always more.
Yes, learning a new language is always very rewarding.
And when it comes to improving English, that’s also incredibly useful. It’s needless to say that English is one of the most important languages in the world.
Becoming fluent in English will open up new opportunities, make traveling easier for you, and also make you feel better about yourself.
Final Thoughts
One thing is for sure: speaking English became a necessity. We are all surrounded by English, especially in the virtual world.
But knowing English can also bring you new business and educational opportunities and connect you to different people and cultures.
Therefore, investing in your English classes is investing in yourself.
And with so many great language-learning apps out there, improving English has never been easier (and more affordable.)
Whether you want to use an app as an additional learning tool or you want to take a thorough, well-structured English course, there’s an app for that.
And all of the apps we mentioned today are reliable, popular, and efficient. You just need to pick the one that meets your needs.
