Learning Portuguese is becoming more and more popular.
Therefore, there are many great apps to learn Portuguese on the market.
And as all of them claim to be fun and effective, it’s easy to feel a bit confused.
That’s why we’re here – to help you choose an app that’s suitable for your level, learning style, and goals.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best apps to learn Portuguese.
We will show you their main features and highlights, so you can see if they offer what you’re looking for.
Since we’ve included different types of apps, we’re sure something will grab your attention!
10 Best Apps to Learn Portuguese
1. Rocket Portuguese
It’s not easy to determine the best app to learn Portuguese, because it all depends on your preferences and goals, but Rocket Portuguese is definitely one of the candidates.
It was developed by Rocket Languages, one of the most popular language-learning platforms.
Thanks to its versatility and well-structured curriculum, the Rocket Portuguese app is suitable for all types of learners.
Rocket Portuguese Features
If you’re searching for a well-structured app focused on the development of all main language skills (writing, speaking, reading, listening), Rocket Portuguese is a great option for you.
The app isn’t too gamified, although you’ll earn points, solve quizzes, etc.
In a nutshell, it’s a mix of interactive exercises, audio tracks, and helpful study tools.
You can use a Saved Vocab feature, flashcards, and the Benchmark tool to check your current level.
The Rocket Reinforcement activities will help you strengthen your knowledge.
And the Rocket Record feature (speech recognition engine) will allow you to have a near-native pronunciation.
Moreover, lessons are linear and easy to digest. This Portuguese learning will surely help you build a solid foundation.
Content and Benefits
Rocket Languages has developed an app focused on Brazilian Portuguese.
Lessons are divided into several sections: Interactive Audio, Language & Culture, and the Survival Kit lessons.
Interactive Audio lessons are centered around casual dialogues. Speakers will break them down to you line-by-line, and you’ll pick up on new words quite easily.
They cover different topics, but all of them will prepare you for real-life situations. You’ll learn how to order a drink, talk about people and places, and so on.
Language & Culture lessons will tell you how the Portuguese language works. They will also provide you with cultural insights.
Finally, the Survival Kit lessons are here to teach you essential terminology. You’ll expand your vocabulary and learn everything you need to know to get around a Portuguese-speaking country.
All in all, the Rocket Portuguese app is ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of the Brazilian Portuguese language and culture.
The app is well-structured, efficient, and very easy to use.
Who is Rocket Portuguese Best For?
If you’re looking for the best app to learn Brazilian Portuguese, you should definitely consider Rocket Portuguese.
The app offers a full language course that will help you master the basics. Read our full Rocket Languages review.
Start your free trial of Rocket Portuguese here!
2. Babbel
Babbel is another popular language learning platform.
With the Babbel app, you’ll learn how to speak Portuguese in a rather quick and easy way.
But does it offer what you’re searching for?
Babbel Features
The Babbel app will teach you the basics of Brazilian Portuguese.
Just like Rocket Portuguese, it’s focused on the development of all language skills.
It provides effective, bite-sized lessons, standard exercises, games, podcasts, and so on.
And there’s a speech recognition software to give you feedback on your pronunciation.
The app allows you can jump back and forth, which gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace and focus on what you want.
And with the spaced repetition method, you’ll be sure to memorize everything you’ve learned.
The Babbel is app is quite affordable (compared to some other options), and it also offers a Babbel Live subscription.
Babbel Live will give you access to live virtual Portuguese classes with a qualified teacher.
These classes are limited to six people, so you’ll get personalized guidance. And they are currently available for all skill levels (A1-C1.)
Content and Benefits
Before you start with your lessons, you’ll take a placement quiz. That’s how the app will curate content based on your level.
But it will also adjust to your time commitment and learning style.
If you’re just starting out, you’ll begin with Newcomer lessons. They will teach you basic grammar rules and phrases.
Beginner lessons will introduce you to more vocab, and they will teach you how to initiate a discussion about various common topics.
There are also lessons focused specifically on grammar, as well as Countries and Traditions lessons, Words and Sentences course, and Specials (featuring tongue twisters, pronunciations, idioms, and so on.)
Overall, Babbel is a well-designed and efficient app that will take your skills to another level step-by-step.
Who is Babbel Best For?
Babbel is the best app to learn Brazilian Portuguese for anyone who wants to improve their conversational skills.
It’s ideal for beginners but it also offers content for intermediate learners. Read our full Babbel review.
3. PortuguesePod101
PortuguesePod101 is a brilliant app for aural learners.
Although it’s audio-based, it delivers content in other formats too.
Let’s see what makes it one of the best Portuguese apps.
PortuguesePod101 Features
The PortuguesePod101 app offers podcast-style lessons, video clips, and exercises.
The app also has slideshows, voice-recording tools, flashcards, quizzes, and other useful learning tools.
But for the most part, you’ll listen to audio lessons centered around casual, native dialogues.
Line-by-line Audio and Vocabulary features will allow you to repeat specific parts of the dialogue.
As you progress, you’ll pick up new words and learn practical vocabulary. You’ll also get detailed transcripts of everything.
And you’ll get cultural insights on the way.
And if you want to add more structure to your learning process, you’ll find the Pathway feature very useful.
If you subscribe to Premium Plus, you’ll also have a personal guidance option (via private messenger.) This is perfect for learners who want to get direct feedback and corrections from a real teacher.
Content and Benefits
In a nutshell, PortuguesePod101 will prepare you for real-world situations.
It’s largely audio-based, so it’s ideal for people who like to learn by listening.
On the other hand, the app is versatile enough to be convenient for all types of learners.
Lessons are easy to follow, and they cover all popular topics you might come across in different situations.
You can also download all the PDFs and MP3 lessons and use them whenever you want.
All things considered, it’s a very useful app, and it will certainly help you build conversational skills.
And if you want extra material, you can check the platform’s Youtube channel. There are also frequent live stream lessons focused on a certain skill.
Who is PortuguesePod101 Best For?
PortuguesePod101 is the best Portuguese learning app for beginners who want to improve their conversational skills by listening to podcast-style lessons.
4. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a popular and highly effective language learning program.
It offers both Brazilian and European Portuguese language classes.
Pimsleur Features
If you’re looking for the best European Portuguese app, Pimsleur is a great option.
But it’s also a good choice if you want to learn Brazilian Portuguese.
Either way, the app provides short lessons focused on activating anticipation skills and learning core vocabulary.
With Pimsleur, you can learn new words within the context and begin to speak Portuguese right away.
In fact, the app promises to take you to an intermediate level in only 30 days.
While that depends on your continuity and focus, the fact that Pimsleur delivers its content in a very efficient way is quite true.
The Pimsleur Method is based on the so-called graduated 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.
And the app won’t overwhelm you with too much information at the same time.
Content and Benefits
The Pimsleur app offers 30-minute core lessons as well as reading practice, speed round games, speak easy challenges, and vocabulary exercises (with digital flashcards.)
If you’re a newcomer, you’ll learn all the greetings, expressions, phrases, and practical vocabulary.
Pimsleur Portuguese lessons are also available as Pimsleur Audio only if you prefer hands-free apps.
You can also use the app on all your devices as well as learn Portuguese on the go. You can learn while you’re commuting, jogging, or walking a dog – it’s up to you.
Pimsleur is a very flexible and convenient app, and it will surely help you fit language learning into your daily routine.
Who is Pimsleur Best For?
Pimsleur offers a great way to learn Portuguese for people who want to learn on the go.
It’s ideal for beginners who want to have quick results and learners with a busy schedule. Read our full Pimsleur review.
5. LingQ
LingQ is a very useful app for learning Portuguese.
Let us tell you why we love it.
LingQ Features
First of all, LingQ is a unique app because it allows you to create your own content.
You can import anything into LingQ and instantly turn it into an interactive lesson.
In short, the app has a vast library of courses based on real-world material. It has content from YouTube, Quora, CNN…
And interactive subtitles will help you understand everything. So, you’ll learn how to speak Portuguese through context.
According to LingQ, earning in context is more effective than drilling random words.
Their spaced repetition system will help you memorize everything properly.
Also, the LingQ Dictionary contains over 8 million translations. You can look up and save words and phrases to your database.
And the Playlist feature will help you to manage your audio files and play your lessons from where you left off.
Content and Benefits
The LingQ app uses material from various sources (news sites, streaming platforms, etc) and turns it into interactive lessons.
So, this Portuguese app allows you to surround yourself with the content you love.
You can choose topics and learn vocabulary related to your interests.
There are lessons about entertainment, politics, food, and science, just to name a few.
But people mostly like LingQ because they can import their own content. From books and podcasts to songs and articles.
The app will track everything you do and measure your progress, so you can have a nice linear learning experience.
Who is LingQ Best For?
The LingQ app offers unique Portuguese learning tools. It’s ideal for people who like immersive and customizable language apps.
6. Memrise
Memrise Portuguese is another useful learn Brazilian Portuguese app.
There are both free and paid versions of the app.
So, how does it work?
Memrise Features
The Memrise app is a very popular language-learning app. And offers great online courses in Brazilian and European Portuguese.
Courses are a combination of video and audio lessons.
The app uses mnemonics and spaced repetition system to help you memorize everything properly.
Lessons are designed to teach what’s relevant for daily life. They are focused on the language that’s used now, so you’ll learn practical vocabulary.
Memrise is definitely a great tool for memorizing words. But it works best if it’s not your only learning source.
Otherwise, the app is very user-friendly and well-designed.
The premium subscription provides access to additional features and extra content.
Content and Benefits
Memrise used to offer community-created courses, but they have been removed from the “Search” function.
Now it focuses on official courses created by their team of linguists, translators, and language researchers.
Nevertheless, if you’re a beginner, you’ll find plenty of useful courses on Memrise.
It’s a great learning source for learning Portuguese (both Brazilian and European) but as we’ve already mentioned, it works best if combined with another app.
But if you simply want to expand your vocabulary and learn the basics, then Memrise will be more than enough.
Who is Memrise Best For?
Memrise is a good extra learning source for people who want to expand their vocabulary.
And since it offers free content, it’s great if you’re searching for free apps to learn Portuguese.
7. Mondly
Without a doubt, Mondly is the best program to learn Portuguese for people who like immersive learning and innovative apps.
And if you want to learn Portuguese in virtual reality, your search might be over.
Mondly Features
Besides the standard version, the platform currently offers three more apps: Mondly VR, Mondly AR, and Mondly Kids.
Mondly VR is actually the first virtual reality application that helps you learn to speak Portuguese.
But even if you opt for a standard version, you’ll surely have an interesting and immersive learning experience.
On the other hand, the way the app works is pretty standard – it offers audio tracks with dialogues, interactive exercises, quizzes, and challenges.
Daily lessons are rather short and concise, and you can make progress by studying only 5 minutes a day.
And the speech recognition software will provide you with instant feedback on your accent.
All things considered, Mondly does have similar features as other Portuguese apps, but it feels somewhat fresh and engaging. In fact, with the Mondly app, learning Portuguese feels a bit like a game.
So, if you like game-like apps, but you also want to take quality Portuguese lessons, you should definitely consider downloading Mondly.
Content and Benefits
With the Mondly app, you’ll listen to real conversations, learn basic grammar, work on your pronunciation, and expand your vocabulary.
You’ll learn useful Portuguese phrases for real situations and practical vocabulary that will allow you to introduce yourself, get around the city, buy a ticket, rent a hotel room, and so on.
So, if you’re planning to visit a Portuguese-speaking country anytime soon, this app could be great preparation.
But one of the best things about Mondly is the app’s Portuguese Chatbot. This will be your conversational buddy who will talk to you similar to how a real native person would (kind of.)
Either way, the chatbot feature is very beneficial since it will help you build strong conversational skills in a rather fun way.
Who is Mondly Best For?
Mondly is an ideal app for learning Portuguese for people who prefer gamified apps.
Mondly also offers VR and AR apps, so if you’re looking for a fully immersive learning experience, you should check them out.
8. Mango Languages
Mango Languages also looks very fresh and innovative.
The app is efficient, versatile, and beautifully designed.
But what makes it different from other Portuguese language apps?
Mango Languages Features
Firstly, the Mango Languages app is based on intuitive language construction.
It will teach you Portuguese by pointing out lexical chunks and using semantic color mapping.
Mango Languages creators believe this is the easiest way to learn Portuguese.
Well, that’s definitely true to some extent. The colors and chunking approach will help you memorize things better, especially if you’re a visual learner.
Lessons are focused on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, culture, comprehension, and retention.
And as you progress, the app will adapt to your learning style – you’ll get lessons based on your progress and unique learning behaviors.
Moreover, you can browse lessons by topic, which is great for people who are already familiar with the language and want to focus on a specific topic.
Content and Benefits
Mango Languages core lessons (chapters) are engaging and very easy to follow.
Each chapter of the course starts with the lesson material being presented by native speakers in a conversational context. And then you’ll proceed by building everything back up.
Everything will make more sense once you try it; it’s a rather simple method.
The app will provide you with audio tracks, pronunciation practice, memory-building activities, and critical thinking exercises.
You’ll also get grammar and culture notes.
As you move forward, you’ll apply relevant vocabulary to the grammatical structures you’ve already learned.
You’ll learn to interpret idioms, figures of speech, and non-translatable concepts, which is incredibly important.
So, it’s a well-structured app with a smart curriculum that will help you acquire basic conversational skills very quickly.
Who is Mango Languages Best For?
Mango Languages is perfect for visual learners and people who prefer intuitive learning.
It’s most beneficial to beginners who want to have a well-rounded curriculum and personalized lessons (due to adaptive algorithms.)
9. Drops
Do you want to learn a couple of new Portuguese words every day?
Let us introduce you to Drops.
Drops Features
Drops is a very useful European Portuguese app. And it’s focused on the very foundation of every language: words.
The app creates memorable visual associations with new words.
You’ll also get reviews, exercises, and customized word lists.
In fact, you can customize word lists to fit your goals and interests. That’s how you can focus on what you really want.
And if you’re just starting out and you want to master the basics, Drops will keep dropping new words to your smartphone screen every day.
Also, Drops lessons are available in adjustable periods of time, so you can make it a 5-minute or a 15-minutes lesson – whatever fits your schedule.
Content and Benefits
One of the great things about Drops is that you can set any language as your home language while you’re learning Portuguese. And there are really many languages in the database.
And if you’re wondering how to learn Portuguese for free, we have good news: you can download Drops without any charges or subscription packages. However, you’ll be limited to only one lesson per day.
With the premium version, you’ll have unlimited access and an ad-free learning experience.
Either way, Drops is a very useful learning tool, and it works perfectly as a supplemental Portuguese learning resource.
Lessons are bite-sized and beautifully illustrated, and you can easily make them a part of your daily routine.
Who is Drops Best For?
Drops is the best app for learning Portuguese for people searching for an extra learning tool.
It’s also great for anyone who wants to expand their vocabulary.
10. Duolingo
Speaking of free apps to learn Portuguese, Duolingo is arguably the most popular one.
It’s a simple and practical app with millions of active users worldwide.
In fact, Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded education app.
So, what’s all the fuss about?
Duolingo Features
Well, Duolingo is incredibly simple and easy to use.
It’s also gamified, so it’s designed to keep you motivated (and hungry for more.)
It’s focused on translation, so it perhaps isn’t as immersive as some other apps we mentioned today.
However, Duolingo is getting better and better. After all, it has to keep up with competitors.
But it remained simple and charming; you can still earn lingots, and there’s still Duo the owl watching over your shoulder.
As we’ve already mentioned, the Duolingo app is free. But if you want to use it offline and have some extra features, you can pay for Duolingo Plus.
Content and Benefits
In short, the Duolingo app offers short lessons, games, exercises, and fun challenges.
You’ll be unlocking new levels as you progress.
You can also work on your reading and listening comprehension through Duolingo Stories.
But is Duolingo Portuguese Brazilian or European?
Well, Duolingo currently teaches Brazilian Portuguese.
It will teach you Brazilian pronunciation, phrases, and other basic elements. And it will do that through a lot of translation and repetition. And that’s why it’s probably most beneficial to people who want to expand their vocabulary.
Overall, Duolingo perhaps won’t provide you with a well-rounded, thorough online course, but it will undoubtedly help you understand Portuguese a little better.
Who is Duolingo Best For?
Duolingo is a great learning tool for people who want to expand their vocabulary and learn the basics.
It’s also great for anyone searching for free Portuguese apps. Read our full Duolingo review.
How to Choose the Best App to Learn Portuguese
All of the Portuguese apps we mentioned today are reliable, popular, and trustworthy.
So, how are you supposed to pick the best one?
First of all, you don’t have to pick only one. On the other hand, most of these apps offer a full Portuguese course, which means you can work on all four language skills by using only one app.
It all depends on your preferences and learning style.
Before choosing an app (or apps) to learn Portuguese, you need to consider a few things.
Of course, you must first decide whether you want to learn European or Brazilian Portuguese.
It’s the same language, and you’ll be able to understand and talk to Brazilians if you learn European Portuguese and vice versa.
But there are some significant differences.
The biggest difference is probably pronunciation. They sound different; Brazilian Portuguese has a lot of open vowels so many people find it more phonetically pleasing.
Furthermore, there are some differences in spelling and grammar. And when it comes to vocabulary, some words are completely different in both languages.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your needs and goals. And if you simply want to learn Portuguese (and you’re not traveling to Portugal or Brazil anytime soon), you should think about which culture interests you more.
Apart from that, you should look for a Portuguese learning app that suits your goals, abilities, and schedule.
Luckily, most of these apps are very flexible and allow you to learn at your own pace. However, some of them are created to provide you with bite-sized lessons that are more effective if you take them every day.
There are also apps that can help you prepare for a visit to a Portuguese-speaking country. And there are ones that will provide you with a well-rounded online education.
Moreover, you’ve probably noticed that we mentioned a good design in our reviews. Well, it’s not only about looking good (although, if the app is eye-catching, that’s always a plus.) It’s about being easy to navigate.
If the app has a good design that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, you won’t have to waste time figuring out how everything works. And you’ll be motivated to keep learning.
In a nutshell, you should look for a practical, well-designed app that can help you achieve your goals.
And once you do, learning Portuguese will be easy and enjoyable!
What Are the Benefits of Using an App to Learn Portuguese
Using an app to learn Portuguese can be very engaging.
After all, language learning apps are designed to keep you interested and motivated.
When it comes to the best apps to learn Portuguese, they are often a mix of audio tracks, games, and interactive exercises.
They also use smart technology, adaptive algorithms, and speech recognition engines. All of this will make your learning process much easier.
And some of these app-based lessons will also improve your cognitive skills as well as critical thinking capacities.
Moreover, the best online Portuguese courses and apps will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture. And that’s always valuable knowledge.
Nevertheless, learning a new language can really broaden your horizons.
And if you study in a comfortable and relaxed environment, you’ll make more progress.
In other words, Portuguese language apps will help you be more productive. Most of these apps are very flexible and customizable, and they will allow you to learn at your own pace.
Therefore, there won’t be any reason to feel discouraged or stressed.
After all, learning languages should always be fun and interesting. But when it comes to traditional classes, some people feel exposed or anxious to catch up.
And if you use an app, you can set your own daily goals and study by yourself.
On top of that, you can focus on what’s relevant to you. For example, if you don’t want to study in-depth grammar, you can simply choose an app that’s focused on building conversational skills.
And last but not least, using an app to learn Portuguese is extremely convenient. You can learn on the go; while you’re driving, cooking, or jogging.
It will undoubtedly save you a lot of time. And probably a lot of money, as most of these apps are quite affordable (compared to other options.)
Final Thoughts
It’s time to wrap it up.
We hope this article helped you find what you were looking for and motivated you to start with your Portuguese learning journey.
One thing is for sure: you won’t regret it. Because in the end, it’s not about fun games and cool features (although that helps a lot); it’s about getting to know a new language and culture.
And learning a new language is incredibly rewarding.
And if you’ve chosen to study Portuguese, you’ll learn one of the most charming languages in the world!
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