10 Best Spanish Language Apps in 2024 (Tested & Reviewed)
- Jul 19, 2024 |
- 6 min
Are you considering learning Spanish? Learning this language is a great move for anyone who wants to enrich their skills, as it’s the second most popular language in the world today. Are you learning from scratch or revisiting it?
Fortunately, there are many ways to learn languages now, and thanks to technology, apps are emerging as a very common way to do so. With their accessibility and fun built-in features, apps have really revolutionized the way we learn.
Are you ready to explore the 10 best Spanish language-learning apps in 2024? We’ve tried and tested each one. There are plenty of options, which means that finding one that’ll suit your preferences and learning style the most is key.
On a personal level, I can confidently say how much Spanish learning apps have helped me develop my skills. When I first decided to revisit the language, I purchased some textbooks to get me started. It’s safe to say I quickly lost interest in them and found myself endlessly scrolling online for another method.
When I realized I could use an app to practice Spanish on the go, I felt a lot more willing to participate in the activities and daily learning exercises. I spent time trying them all out, as this felt necessary due to the sheer number out there! I got a feel of them all pretty quickly and felt in a strong position to offer you my verdict!
Before we explore the top 10, here is a table of the top 5 best apps to learn Spanish:
Language Learning App | Pros | Cons | Best For | Cost |
MakesYouFluent | AI tutor with 24/7 availability, interactive learning experience, instant feedback | Lack of human interaction | All levels | Subscription required |
Pimsleur | Accessible learning, research-backed method, active listening | Less focus on reading and writing skills, not much variety | Audio learners on the go | 7-day free trial |
Busuu | Grammar lessons, cultural insights | Limited options with a free account | All levels | Free and premium option |
Duolingo | Fun approach to learning, leaderboard, bite size lessons | Basic for advanced learners, can become repetitive | Beginners | Free with ads, subscription option available |
FluentU | Authentic videos of native speakers, interactive captions, | Not many offline features | All levels | 14-day free trial |
1. MakesYouFluent- The Best App Overall
MakesYouFluent stands strong as the best app for learning Spanish due to its convenient and accessible features. There are different topics you can choose from which will personalize your experience.
One of the app’s standout features is the AI tutor. With 24/7 availability, you can use it to practice real-life conversations and get instant feedback to keep you right.
This Spanish learning app does require either a three-month, a six-month, or a 12-month plan. You will get access to the AI tutor, the user-friendly interface, and the progress-tracking feature.
The MakesYouFluent reviews are extremely positive, with so many users praising the app for developing their skills and confidence. The varied content and stress-free environment are also widely enjoyed, and many users comment on their progression since using the app.
Pros:
- Personalized learning experience
- AI tutor
- Real-life conversation practice
Cons:
- Not much human interaction
2. Pimsleur- The Best App For Audio-Based Learning
One of the best Spanish learning programs is Pimsleur, an app that’s all about audio. The approach is research-backed by Paul Pimsleur, a linguist who believed in the power of memory and learning combined. The method involves listening to native speakers’ audio for 30 minutes every day.
Pimsleur is well-known for its convenience. Just like you’d listen to music, you can listen to native conversations any time and place!
You will need a subscription to access all of the features. But you can do a 7-day free trial first.
There are so many positive reviews online for this app, with people praising the app’s technique and accessible approach. Users enjoy the immersive technique and comment on the drastic way it’s improved their Spanish conversational skills.
Pros:
- On-the-go learning
- Conversational practice
- Research-backed method
Cons:
- Less focus on reading and writing
3. Busuu- The Best App For Conversational Practice
Busuu is a great Spanish learning app because it prioritizes conversation and speaking skills. This is ideal for learners who want to build their confidence. The app is very enjoyable to use and aims to make learning fun with interactive games and exercises.
One of the app’s features is the option to mingle with the community of native speakers. You can complete an exercise and send it out to receive helpful feedback from experts!
You can use either the free or paid option, but you can access a lot more features as a premium member. If you subscribe, you can use the app offline, personalize your study plan, receive a certificate, and more.
The reviews are really positive about Bussu. Many users enjoy the app’s community aspect. Furthermore, many enjoy the up-to-date content, which many state is a great starting point for real-life scenarios.
Pros:
- Community of native speakers
- Option to receive a certificate
- Personalized learning path
Cons:
- Limited features with the free plan
4. Duolingo- The Best App For Beginners
One of the best language learning apps for Spanish is Duolingo. It’s especially useful for beginners! The app uses a gamified approach to teach you the basics, and you can progress up the leaderboard from there.
Duolingo is great for using bitesize lessons to keep you motivated. The interface is also very easy to navigate, helping you focus more on language learning.
You can use Duolingo for free; you just need to expect ads! If you upgrade, you can use it add-free and look back over your mistakes.
Users seem to enjoy the experience of using Duolingo, and there are many positive reviews about the gamified approach and how it helps to aid learning.
Pros:
- Fun and engaging learning
- Free version (with ads)
- Great for laying solid foundations of vocabulary and phrases
Cons:
- Not much conversation practice
5. FluentU- The Best App For Interactive Videos
FluentU is another popular app that uses interactive videos to help users learn Spanish. The app focuses mainly on engaging videos of native speakers and adds interactive subtitles to help users learn and take in the information.
A standout feature of the app is the quizzes alongside the videos. Through spaced repetition, the user remembers the words and phrases.
Depending on your starting level and goal, you can either use the pay-as-you-go plan and pay monthly or you can pay annually. You can also make the most of the 14-day free trial.
The online reviews for FluentU are excellent, especially surrounding the video quizzes and how well they work to solidify the learning. Furthermore, the fun and interesting nature of the app is mentioned a lot, with users expressing how it’s kept them motivated and engaged.
Pros:
- Engaging videos of native speakers
- Interactive subtitles
- Personalized learning experience
Cons:
- Limited speaking practice
6. Babbel- The Best App For Structured Learning
One of the best language-learning apps for Spanish is Babbel. This app offers an in-depth and structured approach, with games, lessons, podcasts, and more, to help users begin their path towards becoming fluent in Spanish.
One great feature that makes Babbel stand out is the option of joining in with live classes with language teachers to improve your skills. You can opt for this to practice pronunciation and listening, or you can watch some of the videos on the app and experience real-life conversations.
You can create an account for free and do the first lesson of every course. Or, you can choose either a 6-month, 12-month, or lifetime subscription to access all of the features.
Many users have reviewed the app positively. Users enjoy the combination of speech, writing, and grammar, and find the structured approach great for their progression.
Pros:
- Structured learning
- Live lessons available
- Great for conversational language practice
Cons:
- Limited features with the free version
7. LingoDeer- The Best App For Learning Grammar
LingoDeer is a great app for learning Spanish, as it really understands the complexities of understanding and using grammar in a new language. Language teachers have crafted the curriculum, and it aims to target every aspect of Spanish with built-in flashcards and audio from native speakers.
LingoDeer offers users the chance to hear engaging stories with interesting cultural facts. Based on what you learn, you can pick up new phrases and words, which makes learning more fun.
You can use the app for free and access the phrasebook, the alphabet section, the first few lessons, and the option to review your progress. But, you need to upgrade to the premium plan if you want access to all of the features the app offers.
Users enjoy the app’s structure and express their positive experiences when learning Spanish. Furthermore, there are many positive reviews surrounding the grammar explanations and their usefulness.
Pros:
- Free travel phrasebook included
- Focus on grammar
- Audio from native speakers
Cons:
- Limited speaking practice
8. MosaLingua- The Best App For Vocabulary
MosaLingua is another ideal Spanish language app. It focuses on repetition with flashcards and quizzes to help you remember important words and phrases.
The app uses an AI tutor to give you instant feedback and conversational practice.
If you want access to all the features the app provides, you will need to pay for a subscription. However, you can also try it out with a 15-day free trial.
MosaLingua reviews are mostly positive online, especially surrounding the flashcards. People also seem to find the app fun and engaging and are very impressed with its effectiveness in improving their Spanish.
Pros:
- Spaced repetition technique
- Great for vocabulary
- AI tutor with 24/7 availability
Cons:
- Slightly challenging for beginners
9. Mondly- The Best App For Interactive Learning
Mondly is well-known for its spaced recognition, AR (augmented reality), and VR (virtual reality). It offers an immersive and engaging experience with bite size lessons and speech recognition to help you with your learning.
Mondly stands out from the other apps as it offers unique learning experiences to users. The “Mondly VR” and “Mondly AR” options are fun and very engaging. You can also use the speech recognition and chatbot feature to further your learning.
You can pay for a 1-month plan, a 12-month plan, or lifetime access to use all the features. There is a free option, but your options are quite limited.
Mondly reviews are excellent online, and users are very eager to express how well the app worked for them. The good customer service seems to come up frequently, with people being very happy with their overall experience.
Pros:
- Interesting and engaging features
- AR and speech recognition technology
- Wide range of vocabulary
Cons:
- Limited options with the free version
10. Lingo Arcade- The Best App For Gamified Learning
What is the best app to learn Spanish if you want a fun learning experience? Lingo Arcade is the perfect choice, as it’s all about the games. It’s a popular app for beginners and people who want to brush up on their knowledge, as the games are very engaging and fun.
One of the standout features of this app is the wide range of vocabulary you can learn. There are over 150 levels, and when you reach the end, you’ll be shocked at how far you’ve come.
You can access the first level for free, but you will be charged to see all 150 of them.
The user reviews for this app are positive, with many people commending how much their learning has progressed over time.
Pros:
- Good way to learn vocabulary
- Easy and fun
- Play anytime and anywhere
Cons:
- Not the most structured learning approach
What Are the Best Free Spanish Language Learning Apps?
Using a language-learning app to practice and develop your Spanish skills is a very effective method. While there are some apps that require a subscription, some apps let you learn for free.
Here are some examples:
- Duolingo (with ads)
- Memrise
- Busuu
- HelloTalk
- Beelinguapp
These are some of the best free apps for learning Spanish. They have good features that help you grasp the basics of the language. But, free apps aren’t always the best route to go down.
Paid apps often have many more features which can enhance your experience and learning success. You also usually don’t need to deal with any ads. They can become quite distracting and ruin your flow.
Signing up for a premium membership subscription is an effective way to motivate yourself to stay on track and reach your final goal. These apps often have built-in progress trackers, which are really useful when learning a new language.
While there are some perks of using free apps, we recommend avoiding them and sticking to the paid apps for a more comprehensive and advanced journey.
Spanish Language Learning Apps to Avoid
There are lots of great Spanish learning apps you can try out. However, there are definitely ones we recommend you avoid. Due to the amount of excellent options out there, the competition is high. But, some apps stand out as the least effective.
Here are some examples:
Tandem: This app works like an exchange program and pairs users up based on their native language and the one they want to learn. While this idea might sound quite effective, your success and progress are essentially riding on a stranger’s input. The native speaker might lack effort and, therefore, might not give you the support or help you need.
Google Translate: You might know how to use Google Translate to check up on short phrases or words on vacation. Don’t get us wrong; it works well for this! But, this is really all it’s good for as it offers no structure to your learning. It’s a good quick fix, but it’s worth avoiding for anyone who wants to become fluent.
SpanishDict: This app is great for learning vocabulary. You can search for words and see definitions and examples of how to use them. There are also articles about Spanish grammar and pronunciation. The app has a lot of features, but it’s not structured, and the desktop version has more options.
If you’re thinking of learning Spanish, it’s worth avoiding the less effective apps. That’s why testing and reviewing them is so important. That’s where we come in to help!
How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Apps to Learn Spanish
In order to discover the top Spanish learning apps out there, we took the time to try out each one ourselves. Each one comes with its own unique set of features and methods, there are so many options!
To ensure we were making the right decisions, we created criteria. Here is what we were looking for:
- User experience: We were looking at the user-friendliness of the app and how easy it was to use.
- Accessibility: We checked that each app would work for both Android and iOS.
- Community engagement: We wanted to see if the app allowed learners to interact with native speakers or fellow users.
- Progress-tracking features: We ensured the apps had progress-tracking features to keep learners engaged and on track.
Once we knew what we were looking for, it was time to get started! We downloaded each app and created an account.
If there were any initial quizzes to take, we took the time to do them properly to show the app our current level (this was quite a common element!). Then, based on our results, we began using the app’s features.
To see how effective the app was for user experience, we really took our time with each one. We completed the daily lessons, interacted with any available tutors (or AI tutors), and used all of the activities offered to us. With user experience in mind, we looked at the progress-tracking features to see how well a user’s motivation would be when using the app.
We also spent some time exploring any additional features that the app offered, like speech recognition or interactive elements. This gave us a good idea of how highly to rate each app, as it appeared to be the quality that set them apart.
Once we’d spent a significant amount of time on each app, we felt confident reviewing and rating each one to help you choose the best Spanish learning app for you!
of the experience.
How to Choose a Spanish Language Learning App
If you’re thinking of using an app to learn Spanish, there are some factors to keep in mind. Despite everyone working towards the same goal, the apps do actually differ in a lot of ways, and this can make it even harder to decide which one to choose!
Here are some factors to consider to steer you toward the right one for you:
Ease of use: One of the most important factors to keep in mind is how easy the app is to use. When you’re a beginner, it’s not uncommon to lose interest if an app is hard to navigate. Look at the interface of the app and experiment with an activity to see how easy it is to help you with your learning.
Consistency: When we learn something, consistency is really important, as it’s what gets us to where we want to be. Try using an app that encourages this by sending you daily reminders or streaks. This will help keep you on track.
Habit-building: For the best results, it’s always a good idea to get into the habit of learning. Opt for an app that lets you complete bitesize, engaging daily lessons as this will make it more likely to become part of your daily routine.
Progressive training: It’s essential to find an app that aids your progression. If you’re consistent and motivated, you won’t stay a beginner forever! Look for an app that lets you progress and supports you as you move up the levels.
Your personal journey will depend on your current situation, and it can really affect your choice of app. Here are some scenarios:
Choosing an App for a Child
If you want your child to learn Spanish, it’s crucial to find a very engaging one that caters to their level. A gamified approach will be very useful for children, as it’ll feel less school-like and more fun!
Choosing an App as a Beginner
If you’re new to Spanish, you will need an app that promotes consistency. This will help you lay solid foundations in the language and set you up for your journey to fluency. Try and find an app that has a beginner course, as it’ll help you increase your confidence before you move through the stages.
Choosing an App as an Advanced Learner
As an advanced learner, it’s a good idea to find an app that offers you the chance to progress. This way, you won’t be stuck learning the same things over and over again. You might also want to find one that focuses on complex grammar and sentence structures to help you understand.
Choosing an App as a Traveler
If you’re planning on visiting Spain, it’s a good idea to find an app that focuses on pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills. Speech recognition features and AI tutors with instant feedback will help steer you in the right direction and help you build confidence.
Choosing an App for Your Job
If you want to progress in your career by learning Spanish, use an app that focuses on professional language. If you’re a busy professional, try and find one that offers short and engaging daily lessons to fit into your schedule.
By finding the right app for you, you’ll begin your journey to fluency and learn Spanish quicker as you’ll feel more motivated.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Spanish Using an App?
How long it takes to learn Spanish using an app depends on how often you practice, your starting level, and how well the app works for you. Here is a timeline:
Basic vocabulary and simple phrases: You can reach this goal by practicing your Spanish for 30 minutes a day for 3 months. You’ll start to lay the foundations and recognize some common words.
Intermediate level: Practicing for an hour a day for 6 months can get you to an intermediate stage of your Spanish learning. Now, you’ll probably understand grammar rules and be able to hold conversations.
Advanced level: Practicing Spanish for 1-2 hours for 12-18 months will propel you towards being fluent. You’ll be able to understand native speakers, and they’ll be able to understand you with your great pronunciation. You’ll also know complex grammar, phrases, and expressions.
Fluency level: If you practice for 2 hours a day, you could become fluent in Spanish in 2 years. You’ll understand Spanish in different contexts and be able to chat with native speakers effortlessly. By continuously practicing, you can reach this level, overcome any challenges you face, and enrich your confidence in Spanish.
How to Overcome Spanish Language Learning Challenges
Learning something new always has its challenges, but you can certainly overcome them! Here are some common challenges and how to work around them for the best results:
Motivation: Staying motivated can be challenging at first, especially if you don’t see results immediately. To overcome this, use an app with a gamified approach and short, daily lessons. This will help the learning become a part of your daily routine, and before you know it, it’ll be a habit!
Grammar: Learning grammar in a new language is often a challenge for many people. However, a lot of apps focus on grammar and help you understand the basics first. This helps you to increase your confidence with solid foundations.
Consistency: Staying consistent can be challenging, especially if you’re busy! Try starting with bitesize exercises or lessons, as this will put you on the right track for learning every day.
Pronunciation: Struggling to pronounce certain words is a challenge for a lot of people learning a new language. If possible, find an app that uses speech recognition or interactive chatbots to keep you on the right lines.
Once you overcome these challenges, you’ll be well on your way to fluency!
Can You Become Fluent in Spanish Using Apps Alone?
Language-learning apps are an excellent way to improve your Spanish, teach you the basics, and increase your confidence. They’re extremely accessible and work great for fitting into your everyday, busy life.
They often use a gamified approach or a research-backed method to help with your Spanish progression. Because of this, the learning feels easier and becomes a daily habit that keeps you motivated and consistent.
With that being said, it’s important to consider the role of real-life practice and the part it can play in your fluency. Real-life practice is what will truly propel you towards your goal of fluency, as you’ll gain the confidence and skills to speak Spanish. By combining this practice with the solid foundations apps can teach you, your skills will soar, and you’ll improve rapidly in your Spanish-learning journey.
Use the apps and their features to your advantage and gain the confidence and understanding to practice in real-life contexts. Pair the two together, and you’ve got an excellent chance of becoming fluent in Spanish.