Are you looking for the best way to learn a new language?
If you’ve done a little research, you’ve probably heard a lot about Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone.
They are both popular companies and widely-used language-learning resources.
Rosetta Stone has been around longer, but Rocket Languages quickly became one of the favorites.
If you’re short on time, here’s a brief conclusion on the Rocket Languages vs Rosetta Stone debate…
Rocket Languages offers overall better-structured courses that encompass a more well-rounded curriculum. It’s more engaging than Rosetta Stone and places a higher emphasis on conversation skills. Rosetta Stone on the other hand is more focused on intuitive learning, which can be challenging at first.
So, Rocket Languages vs Rosetta Stone, which platform is the winner?
We think Rocket Languages is the overall better platform to learn a new language, visit their website here!
But, please read the rest of our review for more info on both platforms.
Rocket Languages vs Rosetta Stone Review
If you’re wondering how to choose the best course to learn a new language, you should ask yourself a couple of questions first.
You should determine your goals and needs.
And you need to know what type of learner you are.
The thing is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You should choose a course that works for you.
Some learners prefer game-like apps, and others want to take linear audio lessons.
However, there are some general characteristics that make some programs better than others. They might be more effective or have better functions, for example.
So, in today’s article, we will look at the features and benefits of each program and try to determine “the winner.”
Pricing and Plans
First of all, some online courses are simply more affordable than others.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you should know that both Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages offer lessons to their paying subscribers.
Both offer free trials and money-back guarantees though. So, even if you change your mind after you purchase something, that’s not a problem.
Rosetta Stone offers:
- 3-months subscription plan for a chosen language (for $13/month)
- 12-months plan and unlimited languages (for $11/month)
- Lifetime access to all languages (for $194)
Rocket Languages, on the other hand, offers only lifetime plans. The price of each plan depends on how many levels you want to purchase.
Let’s take Spanish as an example. You can currently get:
- Rocket Spanish (Levels 1,2 & 3) for $449.85
- Rocket Spanish (Levels 1 & 2) for $299.90
- Rocket Spanish (Level 1) for $99.95
We said currently because Rocket Languages offers discounts and special deals quite often.
Either way, when it comes to pricing, Rosetta Stone seems to get the win.
However, you also need to consider what comes with each package. Just because something is less expensive, it doesn’t mean it’s a better deal.
On the other hand, both Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages packages cover a lot of material. But more on that in a second.
Structure and Features
When you’re purchasing one of the Rosetta Stone subscription plans, you’re not completely sure what you’re going to get. Even in the FAQs, the answer to the question “What comes with my subscription?” is very vague.
If you want to find out what comes with your Rosetta Stone subscription, you need to dig a little deeper.
And with Rocket Languages, everything is crystal clear. If you opt for Rocket Spanish (Levels 1,2,3) you’ll get 370 hours of lesson time, 98 interactive audio lessons, 87 Language & Culture lessons, and so on.
As we’ve already mentioned, Rosetta Stone has been around for quite a long time. However, it’s still considered one of the most unique language-learning courses on the market.
And that’s true to some extent. Rosetta Stone is a very immersive program based on visual cues and intuitive learning.
The program won’t provide you with clear explanations and translations right away. You’ll have to figure it out yourself.
In the beginning, you’ll have to match words with corresponding pictures.
And while that’s a truly unique and interesting approach, it’s also the main complaint about Rosetta Stone; people simply feel confused.
But learning through context and immersion is actually quite effective. So one thing is for sure: Rosetta Stone will help you build your vocabulary and increase your comprehension.
It will also help you master the pronunciation – it uses speech recognition software that will provide you with instant feedback.
Rocket Languages has a different approach.
First of all, it’s more focused on speaking than Rosetta Stone.
The Rocket Languages program is a mix of audio tracks, interactive exercises, and useful study tools.
Lessons are linear, comprehensible, and focused on the development of all main language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking.)
They are based on casual conversations between native speakers.
Everything is very clear – you’ll get feedback and explanations right away.
You’ll get valuable cultural insights too. In some courses, there’s also a Travelogue section that will take you on a virtual tour to a foreign country.
And if the language you’re learning has a different writing system, you’ll also learn how to write.
All things considered, Rocket Languages offers a well-rounded, versatile course that will undoubtedly help you achieve your goals.
It’s focused on practical vocabulary, grammar, and cultural facts.
Plus, it has game-like components so you will always be motivated to learn more.
What about levels?
But how much will you actually know when you complete each program?
Can you become a fluent speaker?
Rosetta Stone program is broken down into levels, units, and lessons. There are five levels, and each level has four units.
However, some languages have only three levels. So, if you’re supposed to learn how to speak a new language properly, three beginner-friendly levels simply aren’t enough.
But even if you complete all the five levels, you won’t become fluent. The thing is, the Rosetta Stone
It’s a similar case with Rocket Languages – levels vary per language. But most of them cover intermediate levels. In general, there are three levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced.)
Rocket Languages will teach you everything you need to know to have a fluid conversation in another language. But even the advanced course won’t introduce you to more specific and complex topics.
For instance, Rocket Italian Level 3 covers the following topics:
- Socializing
- Food
- Relationships
- Italian culture
- Travel destinations
- When things go wrong
As you can see, these are practical topics, but they won’t introduce you to more complex and advanced vocabulary.
You’ll probably learn more complex grammar concepts though, and learn how to express yourself in a clear way.
The truth is, if you want to reach proficiency levels, you need to find an extra learning resource or an online tutor.
And that’s not the complaint about Rocket Languages or Rosetta Stone. It’s a general disadvantage of online learning platforms – they are incredibly useful and efficient, but only if you don’t expect to become fluent in a month.
Learning any foreign language takes time. There are no shortcuts to fluency.
But there are some language hacks, tools, and methods that can make your learning process easier and more enjoyable. And that’s what language learning apps like Rocket Languages are all about.
Both Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone are designed to teach you a new language in a fresh, efficient, and convenient way.
And what about design?
Well, both programs are very practical and easy to navigate. And that’s really important, of course.
But if we talk about aesthetics, Rosetta Stone’s app is slightly more eye-catching.
Rocket Languages is very plain and simple. And for some people, it’s perhaps too plain.
And it’s always better to use an app with a nice, aesthetically pleasing design.
But in the end, it all comes down to content and the way it’s being delivered.
If you like to learn in a very simple and effective way, then you should opt for Rocket Languages.
And if you’re interested in immersive and intuitive learning, then you can give Rosetta Stone a try.
Both programs offer a ton of useful material.
However, Rocket Languages seems to be more straightforward and complete.
But don’t jump to any conclusions yet. There are more elements we need to discuss that might affect your final decision.
Benefits
Both Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages have their advantages.
Rosetta Stone has innovative methods and it’s great for visual learners.
It’s very immersive and it will offer you a chance to focus on any type of vocabulary you want.
And it offers something that Rocket Languages doesn’t – live coaching. You can get personal guidance from a native speaker of the language you’re learning. That way, you can significantly improve your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
There are three types of Rosetta Stone coaching sessions:
- On-Demand Videos
- Live Lessons
- Live Coaching Sessions
You can practice a new language in real-time in a small group or during one-to-one virtual classes.
Either way, you can benefit a lot from these sessions.
Live coaching is not an option for all the languages though.
However, generally, Rosetta Stone covers more language than Rocket Languages. It covers around 25 languages, and Rocket currently covers 14 (including English and sign language.)
That said, if you want to learn a language that’s not so popular, Rosetta Stone is obviously a better choice.
Nonetheless, Rocket Languages became one of the most popular language-learning programs for a good reason.
Unlike Rosetta Stone, Rocket Languages lessons are based on contextual learning and active participation. You’ll be required to respond in proper times in real conversations, and that will give you an idea of how the language works.
Plus, there’s no guessing – you’ll get clear grammatical explanations and translations.
And with Rocket Reinforcement activities, you’ll be able to test your knowledge and retain new information.
Also, one of the things that Rocket Languages does really great is the integration of grammar and culture. You’ll learn how the language works and you’ll learn cultural facts along the way.
You won’t feel overwhelmed – lessons are bite-sized, and the app won’t provide you with too much information at once.
Another thing that makes Rocket Languages more practical than Rosetta Stone is the flexible format. You can take lessons anytime, anywhere. And learning on the go is ideal for people with tight schedules.
Portable language programs are very convenient, and they will help you fit language learning into your daily routine. Moreover, you can download Rocket Languages lessons and use them in situations when you don’t have an Internet connection. That’s also pretty cool.
But Rosetta Stone has also found a way to be portable – it has the Audio Companion option. It’s available through the Rosetta Stone app and it will allow you to learn hands-free.
Rosetta Stone’s Audio Companion is also a great way to take a break from the screen and work on your listening skills. But in a way, that should be a part of the program in the first place.
You can’t learn how to speak just by matching pictures, expanding vocabulary, and practicing pronunciation. Yes, that’s a good start, but you also need to use the language. You need to communicate.
Rosetta Stone includes some conversations as well as pronunciation practice, but it’s not the same.
Although Rocket Languages won’t give you a chance to talk to native speakers, it will at least put you in an environment that mimics real-world situations and conversations.
But if you want to build strong conversational skills, you need to find another way to practice. Apps and courses like Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages are meant to teach you the basics and help you get on the right track.
Both programs will help you build a solid foundation to build upon. But if you want to become a fluent speaker, you need to do the extra work.
You need to push yourself and continue to improve your language skills by yourself.
And the best way to do it is to travel to a foreign country or get in touch with native speakers.
After all, the main reason you want to learn another language is to be able to communicate, right?
What Do Users Say?
Before you purchase a language course, it’s good to check users’ reviews.
Be careful though – some users are clearly exaggerating while they’re writing their emotional and highly descriptive reviews.
You should also bear in mind that people have different expectations and learning styles.
Nevertheless, we did a little digging on the Internet to see what other people have to say about Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone.
As far as Rocket Languages is concerned, many users are happy with how it works in the sense that it’s very straightforward and easy to use.
Some users pointed out how the app is great for practicing tenses and voices, and others like the friendly and natural tone of audio lessons.
However, some people have reported faulty scores and said that the app’s microphone doesn’t pick up short words.
Moreover, PCMag pointed out the obvious problem with the design. The app uses red and green to indicate if what you said or wrote is correct. So, it doesn’t work for anyone with red and green color blindness.
We tried to find more reviews on Trustpilot, but surprisingly, there are only two reviews. Both of them are great though.
Rosetta Stone has a lot more reviews on Trustpilot.
Many users reported technical bugs. They’re having problems with accessing the program, updating it, and so on.
Some of the users don’t like that Rosetta Stone sometimes teaches vocabulary that won’t help you in real life.
Other people find the usage of images very helpful, and they genuinely enjoy the learning process.
Final Verdict
All things considered, both Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone are evidently popular for a good reason.
Their apps are practical and easy to use, and their curriculum is thoughtfully crafted.
But at the end of the day, Rocket Languages seems to be more engaging and stimulating than Rosetta Stone. It’s simply more versatile, and it puts emphasis on speaking skills.
Rosetta Stone is interactive too, but it’s based on intuitive learning that can be kind of daunting if you want to master the basics as quickly as possible.
And while Rosetta Stone seems to be more affordable, Rocket Languages has a more straightforward pricing system.
Plus, it has a slightly better structure, a well-rounded curriculum, and a rather flexible format. You won’t get bored, but you also won’t be distracted by too many useless features.
However, you should also think about your goals and learning style. You should opt for a program that will help you feel satisfied and productive.
So, although it’s important to choose a reliable, well-structured language course, it’s essential to find a learning source that you actually like.
That way, you’ll develop good learning habits and keep your motivation high.
In the end, mastering a foreign language is all about inner motivation, dedication, and consistency.
