Coursera
#1Online courses
Courses and certificates from universities and companies
CoursesVideoFree + paid Certificate
Any subject
33 resources · updated Oct 29, 2026
Learn a language with the tool that fits you.
Apps, tutors, audio courses and immersion tools, compared on the languages they teach, how you learn and what they cost. No hype, no paid rankings.
Ways to learn
How do you like to learn?
Language apps
Bite-sized lessons on your phone, from games to full courses.
10 resources →
Online tutors
One-to-one lessons and group classes with real teachers over video.
6 resources →
Conversation practice
Speak with native speakers or an AI partner to build fluency.
5 resources →
Audio courses
Learn by listening and speaking, on a commute or a walk.
3 resources →
Reading & immersion
Learn from real articles, books, shows and videos.
5 resources →
Flashcards & vocabulary
Spaced repetition to make new words stick.
6 resources →
Online courses
University and expert-led courses on every subject, many with certificates.
6 resources →
Top rated
Where most learners start
Duolingo
#2Language apps
Free, game-like lessons in dozens of languages
LessonsFree + paid
English, Spanish, French +11
italki
#3Online tutors
A marketplace of one-to-one teachers for almost any language
Live tutorsConversationPaid
English, Spanish, French +11
Babbel
Language apps
Structured lessons built around real-life conversations
LessonsGroup classesAudioPaid
English, Spanish, French +6
Preply
Online tutors
Pick a tutor by price, schedule and specialty, then learn one-to-one
Live tutorsPaid
English, Spanish, French +11
Anki
Flashcards & vocabulary
Open-source spaced-repetition flashcards for anything you need to remember
FlashcardsFree
Any subject
Which is the best language app?
There isn't one. Apps are great for a daily habit and vocabulary, but most people reach conversation faster by adding a tutor or a conversation partner. Pick an app for routine, then add speaking practice.
Can I learn a language for free?
You can get a long way: several apps have free versions, language exchanges cost nothing, and some audio courses are completely free. Paid options mostly buy structure, feedback and live teachers.
How do you rank resources?
A score that combines our editorial assessment, how complete and current each listing is, and how often readers choose it. Nobody can pay to be listed or to rank higher.
Where does the information come from?
From each product's own website, collected automatically, plus notes from our editors on languages, formats and plans. Details change, so always check the provider's site before paying.