Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world.
So if you’ve decided to learn it, that will undeniably bring you only benefits.
And deciding to learn Arabic online is another smart move.
To help you out in your search, we’ve rounded up the 10 best online Arabic courses.
All of them are reliable, effective, and engaging. And quite fun too!
Keep reading to find the best online Arabic course for you.
10 Best Online Arabic Courses & Classes
1. Rocket Arabic
Rocket Languages is a well-known language platform that offers a variety of high-quality online lessons.
And it offers one of the best Arabic courses online.
But does it have exactly what you’re looking for?
Rocket Arabic Features
If you’re searching for a well-structured, relatively standard online program for learning Arabic, then Rocket Arabic might be a good choice.
The course is focused on the Egyptian dialect, and it will also provide you with useful knowledge of Egyptian culture.
The website is very easy to navigate. The Dashboard includes several sections: Interactive Audio, Language & Culture, Writing, and Survival Kit lessons.
So, Rocket Arabic lessons are delivered in podcast-style lessons, audio dialogues, and interactive exercises.
They are designed to take you from beginner to intermediate level.
There are also useful study tools and features such as Benchmark tool (for determining your current level), Custom Flashcards, and Saved Vocab.
And there’s also a Leaderboard to check your position and stay motivated.
Content and Benefits
Interactive audio lessons will gradually introduce you to the Arabic language.
You’ll learn how to speak in the cafe or at the restaurant and get to know all the common phrases and expressions.
As you progress, you’ll get a good grasp of basic practical vocabulary. You’ll be prepared for real-life situations and getting around Arabic-speaking countries.
The other section (Languages & Culture) will teach you all about the correct pronunciation of Arabic words. And you’ll find out more about the fascinating Egyptian culture and history.
Survival Kit lessons are extra vocabulary lessons that cover essential phrases and terminology.
And with the Writing lessons, you won’t only learn how to speak Arabic but also how to write it. The combination of videos and exercises will help you master it quickly and easily.
All in all, Rocket Arabic is a well-rounded course that will help you effectively master the basics. It’s linear and very easy to follow.
Who is Rocket Arabic Best For?
Rocket Arabic is the best online Arabic course for anyone searching for well-structured Arabic beginner lessons.
It combines different formats so it’s suitable for all types of learners. Read our complete Rocket Languages review.
Start your free trial of Rocket Languages Arabic here!
2. Talk in Arabic
Are you interested in a specific Arabic dialect?
Talk in Arabic is one of the very few reliable websites that offer classes in 8 different dialects.
Talk in Arabic Features
Talk in Arabic is actually a learning resource. However, since it combines different formats, it can very well be categorized as an online course.
It offers a collection of lessons, HD videos, and modules produced by native speakers from 8 different Arabic-speaking countries.
If you become a member (it’s very reasonably priced), you’ll get instant access to tonnes of useful content.
You’ll get exclusive lessons modules, downloadable MP3 lessons, and access to the learner forum.
Everything you’ll hear in this course reflects the way language is used in real life, and that’s why you’ll find this course very useful.
Content and Benefits
On the Talk in Arabic website, you can choose from Egyptian, Levantine, Moroccan, Algerian, Saudi, Sudanese, Tunisian, and Iraqi Arabic.
It’s the largest learning resource for all major dialects of Arabic.
Talk in Arabic audio lessons are designed to improve your listening and conversational skills. You’ll learn how to speak colloquial Arabic.
You can also watch videos of native Arabic speakers talking about a variety of topics. You can switch between English and Arabic subtitles. There are interactive subtitles as well.
And Vocabulary and Conversation modules will introduce you to all the relevant phrases and expressions.
All of these lessons are designed to take you from the absolute basics to more advanced content. They are rather short and very easy to follow.
And new material is being added frequently.
Fresh content on social media is another plus.
Who is Talk in Arabic Best For?
Talk in Arabic is the best Arabic learning program for learners interested in different dialects.
It’s a very useful learning resource for anyone wishing to expand their Arabic vocabulary.
3. Glossika
Are you searching for a way to learn Arabic on the go?
Let us introduce you to Glossika.
Glossika Features
Taking Glossika’s Arabic classes is arguably one of the best ways to improve your Arabic conversational skills.
The program is based on a researched, proven method. You’ll be focused on listening and repetition, which will undoubtedly result in memorizing a bunch of new words.
But you’ll learn how to speak Arabic in full sentences. And you won’t learn grammar and vocabulary in a standard way.
Learning the language through lexical chunks is very effective. And you’ll listen to these sequences of sentences at natural speed, which will prepare you for real-life situations right away.
The program offers two modes: Full Practice and Listening Only. You can easily switch modes anytime.
Content and Benefits
Glossika currently offers three varieties: Egyptian, Morrocan, and MSA (Modern Standard Arabic.)
When it comes to content, the program offers training in four key skills integrated with spaced repetition.
After you sign up, you’ll get a personalized learning plan based on your level and interests.
So, the number and complexity of sentences you’ll receive each day depending on your level.
As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll learn Arabic grammar and vocabulary through complete sentences and improve your speaking skills at native speed.
And you can do all of that hands-free; you can learn while you’re commuting, cooking, or jogging, and that’s a huge advantage for people who don’t have much time on their hands.
Who is Glossika Best For?
Glossika is a fantastic learning source for anyone who wants to learn Arabic in a quick way.
It’s ideal for aural learners and people searching for portable, hands-free Arabic courses.
4. ArabicPod101
If podcast-style is your style, check out what ArabicPod101 has to offer.
It’s one of the popular online Arabic programs.
ArabicPod101 Features
ArabicPod101 is largely based on audio lessons. But it also provides video lessons and versatile study tools.
Additional features include flashcards, slideshows, word bank, phrase list, and so on.
But its main focus is on podcast-style audio lessons. They are centered around casual dialogues. By listening to native speakers, you’ll be able to pick up new words and phrases.
Of course, that wouldn’t be so easy without line-by-line breakdowns and slowed-down audio options.
Moreover, the pathway feature will allow you to add more structure to your learning process.
And with a Premium Plus subscription, you’ll get a personalized guidance option. Your teacher will provide you with valuable feedback, corrections, and answers to your questions via private messenger.
ArabicPod101 is also active on Youtube and social media. You can also catch live lessons (one of the live Youtube sessions is streaming at this very moment.)
Content and Benefits
With ArabicPod101 lessons, your focus will be on reading, listening, grammar, and writing.
Lessons range from absolute beginner to advanced.
Each lesson will provide you with thorough grammar explanations. But you won’t feel overwhelmed at any point.
Lesson notes and downloadable MP3s are included as well.
And you’ll get interesting cultural insights.
So, besides the practical vocabulary offered in audio lessons, you’ll learn a lot about the Arabic language in the cultural context, and you’ll get to know its phrases, syntax, morphology, and so on.
That said, ArabicPod101 is a versatile Arabic course that will help you build a solid foundation.
Who is ArabicPod101 Best For?
ArabicPod101 is a great learning source for aural learners of all levels.
It’s ideal for people who want to learn practical vocabulary and strengthen their conversational skills.
5. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a very popular language learning platform.
And it offers one of the best Arabic courses online.
So, how does it work?
Pimsleur Features
First of all, Pimsleur is focused on organic learning and gradual interval recall.
It’s all about repeating the new words at specific time intervals. That’s how you’ll successfully “store” them in your long-term memory.
The Pimsleur Method turned out to be a big hit; after all, the program promises to take you to an intermediate level in only 30 days.
And its lessons take only 30 minutes a day.
The program combines high-quality audio lessons, role-playing speaking exercises, digital flashcards, speed round games, and much more.
It’s a very versatile program and it’s suitable for all types of learners.
You can use Pimsleur as an app, which allows you to learn whenever and wherever you want.
Content and Benefits
Pimsleur currently offers content based on three different varieties of the Arabic language: Egyptian, MSA, and Eastern Arabic (the dialect spoken in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.)
Lessons are centered around dialogues with common topics you might come across in real-life situations.
So, you’ll learn all common expressions, phrases, and useful vocabulary.
With different kinds of exercises (some of them are game-like), you’ll get to know how the Arabic language works.
Pimsleur deliberately limits the amount you learn at any one time. That will give you a chance to internalize each new item before moving on.
You won’t get stressed or overwhelmed with this program, and you can learn at your own pace.
You’ll also get cultural and historical insights, which is an important part of every online program.
Who is Pimsleur Arabic Best For?
Pimsleur Arabic is the best Arabic course for people who are just starting out.
It’s very versatile and engaging, so it’s suitable for all types of learners. Read our complete Pimsleur review.
6. Arab Academy
If you’re looking for accredited online Arabic classes, you should also consider Arab Academy.
It’s available for all levels and ages.
Arab Academy Features
Arab Academy is an online learning platform that offers comprehensive, linear Arabic lessons.
After you enroll with Arab Academy, you’ll attend an orientation session. Your online course advisor will recommend the best course for you based on your learning objectives and current abilities.
You can choose from three-course tracks: Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic, Quranic Arabic, or Islamic Arabic.
After you complete each level, you’ll get a certificate and move on to the next level.
Every course combines online activities, writing assessments, and tests.
Content and Benefits
When you purchase one of the Arab Academy plans, you’ll get access to the extensive library of Arabic courses and one-on-one lessons (8 times a month.)
And being able to get direct feedback from a teacher is a huge advantage.
Moreover, every course has a very clear outline and learning outcomes.
In the beginner lessons, you’ll learn how to write the Arabic alphabet, initiate social interactions, ask for basic information, talk about yourself, and so on.
Eventually, you’ll move up to communicating on more complex and professional topics.
When you reach advanced levels, you’ll read Arabic newspaper articles and be able to understand the main ideas on a variety of topics.
Meanwhile, you’ll also learn a lot about Arab culture, traditions, history, and art.
Who is Arab Academy Best For?
Arab Academy is ideal for anyone searching for an Arabic school online.
It offers online classes for kids, teens, and adults and all skill levels.
7. Arabic Workshop
And if you’re looking for an Arabic immersion online, you should check out Arabic Workshop.
It’s a well-designed platform focused on basic levels.
Arabic Workshop Features
Arabic Workshop has a very comprehensible input for beginners. It’s well-structured and divided into numerous difficulty levels.
Essentially, you’ll use baby steps to acquire new skills. You won’t get overwhelmed or stressed at any point.
You also won’t get overwhelmed by countless features. It’s a very simple and direct program.
Arabic Workshop is based on watching and listening to videos; they contain dialogues and animations. You can control audio tracks by selecting a word and sentence to play.
And the Vocabulary Builder function highlights the phrases in each video’s transcript.
As they explained on their website, Arabic Workshop is a listening resource with comprehensible input and spiral curriculums.
Content and Benefits
Arabic Workshop content is divided into 15 difficulty levels from beginner (A1) to intermediate (B1), and that’s why we decided to include it on the list.
It’s a great way to learn Arabic step-by-step and in a very simple way.
With Arabic Workshop, you’ll expand your vocabulary and master the basics of the Arabic language. Lessons are centered around very useful, practical vocabulary.
Although there’s a lot of content, there’s still room for improvement.
But the platform was founded (started with crowd-funding) by an enthusiastic group of people who wanted to create a comprehensible online program, and we hope that the platform will eventually grow and evolve.
Who is Arabic Workshop Best For?
Arabic Workshop is a good option for people searching for simple beginner Arabic learning lessons.
8. Mango Languages
Mango Languages is a popular language-learning platform.
It’s versatile, fresh, and beautifully designed.
And it offers classes in Egyptian, Iraqi, Levantine, and Modern Standard Arabic.
Mango Languages Features
Mango Languages program is based on the intuitive chunking approach.
If you’ve never tried that kind of program, trust us – it’s amazing. You’ll learn words through colored lexical chunks, and if you’re a visual learner, you’ll memorize everything right away.
It’s a very natural way of learning a new language. And you won’t be overwhelmed with grammar explanations.
This platform uses different study tools and formats including interactive exercises, grammar and culture notes, a speech recording system, and pronunciation practice.
In other words, you’ll improve all the main language skills.
Content and Benefits
In a nutshell, Mango Languages will help you train your pronunciation, pick up on new vocabulary, and learn a lot of cultural facts.
Each chapter begins with lesson material being presented by native speakers in a conversational context. The material is broken up as the lesson progresses and you will finally build it back up.
You’ll also be going through critical-thinking exercises, memory-building exercises, interactive activities, and so on.
And you’ll learn to understand the difference between understood and literal meanings, which is very important in acquiring proper conversational skills.
There are also many activities built to retain what you’ve learned.
Moreover, the program is beautifully designed and its all-in-one interface is very logical. This is an important benefit because you won’t waste time learning how everything works.
Another huge advantage is a personalized review experience that adapts to your progress and learning behaviors.
There’s no doubt: this Arabic course is very smart, fresh, and effective.
Who is Mango Languages Best For?
If you want to learn to speak Arabic online, you should definitely consider Mango Languages.
It’s a well-designed program for all types of learners.
9. Transparent Language
Transparent Languages provides content for two spoken dialects (Levantine and Iraqi) and MSA.
The platform offers a bunch of courses for businesses, schools, and libraries, but today we’ll focus on online courses for individual learners.
Transparent Language Features
With this online Arabic course, you’ll learn all about the Arabic language through interactive lessons, audio tracks, writing tasks, and reading activities.
It’s a pretty standard format, but it’s very clear, comprehensible, and linear. And most importantly – it’s efficient.
They should perhaps improve their pronunciation practice, but otherwise, you’ll actively work on all the important language skills.
And you’ll be able to customize your learning path based on your placement test.
Content and Benefits
In essence, Transparent Language will allow you to build vocabulary, practice grammar, and explore the culture. It’s what they promise to teach you.
You’ll listen to Arabic dialogues at a natural speed. That will prepare you for real-life conversations and force you to listen carefully.
You can also choose a specific skill to work on by instantly launching a custom lesson.
It’s a very flexible program that allows you to focus on what you really want.
Moreover, you can use the program on any device, which allows you to learn on the go.
And last but not least, Transparent Languages offers virtual live instructions. With their Transparent Connect Tutoring, you’ll get to have 30-minute one-on-one sessions whenever you want.
These tutoring sessions are personalized and their content is based on your goals and skills.
Who is Transparent Language Best For?
Transparent Language is a good learning source for anyone looking for a self-study Arabic course combined with the possibility of live tutoring.
It’s also great for people who want to learn Iraqi Arabic.
10. Rosetta Stone Arabic
Rosetta Stone is hands down one of the most popular language-learning platforms.
Although it’s been active for a while, it offers a unique and innovative approach to language learning.
Rosetta Stone Arabic Features
In the Rosetta Stone Arabic course, you won’t get clear explanations and translations right away. You’ll have to use your intuition and draw your own conclusions instead.
In fact, it’s one of the best methods of learning a new language.
The program uses TruAccent speech recognition system so you’ll be able to work on your pronunciation. The feedback is not 100% accurate but it’s helpful.
Rosetta Stone also provides downloadable audio lessons,
It will also provide you with a game plan with curated content and reminders to help you stay on track.
You can use the program on your computer, tabler, or smartphone, and you can simply pick up where you left off.
Content and Benefits
Rosetta Stone Arabic lessons are centered around real-life dialogues.
They are trying to ensure an immersive experience for the learner, and they are focused on all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
However, emphasis is on listening and speaking.
With the Rosetta Stone phrasebook, you’ll learn all the greetings and expressions.
You’ll acquire new vocabulary through stories.
And you’ll have a chance to get help from native coaches.
Rosetta Stone live tutoring will allow you to have short virtual classes. Every session aligns with a unit in your Rosetta Stone course, but you’ll be able to chat with other learners and practice pronunciation.
Overall, Rosetta Stone Arabic offers researched, effective learning methods and useful Arabic (MSA) content that will help you achieve your goals.
Who is Rosetta Stone Arabic Best For?
Rosetta Stone Arabic is a good option for anyone willing to learn in an intuitive way.
It’s ideal for beginners who want to enhance their conversational skills. Read our complete Rosetta Stone review.
How to Choose the Best Online Arabic Courses?
Well, now comes the hard part: making a final decision.
On the other hand, if you know exactly what you’ve looking for, finding the right course won’t be that hard.
You just have to determine your budget, availability (schedule), and goals.
There are also different formats; podcasts, video courses, live tutoring… Of course, you should opt for a course that fits your learning style. Or, you can combine different resources to enrich your learning experience (if that doesn’t turn out too pricey.)
But one of the things that might still confuse you are all the different forms of Arabic.
Should you opt for Modern Standard Arabic? Or Egyptian? Or perhaps Morrocan?
The Arabic language can be categorized into two major subcategories: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic.
There are many forms of Colloquial Arabic. Egyptian is probably the most widely used and understood across Arab countries. Levantine and Maghreb are spoken in multiple countries.
And some of the courses we mentioned today also offer Iraqi and Morrocan classes.
If you’ve never learned Arabic before, starting with MSA is probably a good idea. However, the Egyptian dialect is the most widely used, and it will also immerse you in the fascinating Egyptian culture and history. And that’s very rewarding.
Levantine Arabic is one of the most learned these days after Egyptian Arabic.
So, it all depends on your personal preferences and interests.
In the end, there are common words between all the Arabic dialects, but whether someone from another Arab country will fully understand you depends on that specific dialect.
What Are the Benefits of Online Arabic Classes?
No matter which Arabic dialect you choose to learn, you certainly won’t regret it; the benefits of online Arabic classes are numerous.
Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, and it’s the lingua franca for 25 countries.
Knowledge of Arabic will give you access to a growing market and open up new job opportunities. Arabic is in high demand now (depends on the field though) and this exceptional skill will differentiate you from other candidates.
Moreover, the Arabic language can connect you to a rich history and culture. The Arab world is full of diverse cultures and groups, and speaking their language will allow you to get to know them better.
And why learn Arabic online?
First of all, you’ll have the freedom to make your own schedule. Online classes are very flexible, and they allow you to learn at your own pace and anytime, anywhere.
Some of these courses are even portable, so you can learn Arabic on the go.
On top of that, you can learn from native speakers. If your living area doesn’t have Arabic teachers, finding an online tutor is a great (and only) solution.
But even if you live in a place where you can find Arabic classes, learning a new language online can be a lot more engaging. There’s smart technology, interactive exercises, immersive methods… Online courses always strive to be both fun and effective.
Also, many online language courses are quite affordable, especially if you consider the amount of content they provide.
There’s no doubt: the advantages of learning Arabic online (and in general) are endless.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to wrap it up.
We hope we helped you out with our Arabic course reviews and suggestions.
It’s important to find a course that fits your goals and learning style. Otherwise, you might think that online lessons simply don’t work, and we can assure you that’s not the case.
Once you find the best Arabic course for you, you’ll realize how fun and immersive learning a new language can be.
You won’t only acquire language skills but also improve your cognitive skills and learn a lot about culture and history.
And with a variety of amazing Arabic courses available on the Internet, starting to speak Arabic has never been easier!
