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Are you interested in learning Arabic? You may find yourself contemplating a relocation to one of the many countries where Arabic is the national language, or maybe you're just planning a trip to see Egypt. Whether you're looking to reconnect with your culture, learn more about a new one, or brush up on some courses you took in school, learning Arabic can be a truly worthwhile experience.
However, finding Arabic lessons that fit your busy life, include your preferred learning methods, and don't break the bank can be hard. For most people, in-person lessons aren't an option either for cost reasons or time commitments. Fortunately, the realm of online courses continues to grow, offering new Arabic learning opportunities that were previously unavailable.
Sunday, April 20th
When seeking the best self-guided language learning, Rosetta Stone frequently stands out as a top choice. It is widely acknowledged and utilized by over 12,000 corporations, 9,000 organizations, and 22,000 educational institutions around the world.
Affordable online access
With millions of learners benefiting from its offerings, Rosetta Stone has evolved from its original distribution method of CD-ROMs at substantial prices to a more affordable online access model. This allows you to explore all the content offered by Rosetta Stone as well as gain access to new features through a budget-friendly subscription. The company is actively involved in preserving endangered languages and collaborating with indigenous communities globally, showcasing its commitment to language diversity, even though these specific materials may not be directly accessible on the platform.
3-day free trial with full lessons
Rosetta Stone's Arabic lessons include a 3-day free trial, allowing you to explore the platform with minimal commitment. You can start the trial with just your email to get you into the system. Here's what we found in the lessons during the free trial: first, Rosetta Stone asks you what level of learner you are, then it asks about why you're learning Arabic (for family, for travel), and then you're given access to three lessons which are meant to be completed throughout the week.
Beginner lessons focus on vocabulary
All three of the beginner lessons focus on vocabulary and the very basics of the language. We were guided through a lesson that introduced keywords like man, woman, girl, and boy, and then quickly advanced to small phrases talking about what the man, woman, girl, or boy, were doing, immediately teaching small sentences as well as new vocab. Each phrase or word came with a photo illustrating what you are meant to learn, helping guide your understanding through images and sound at the same time.
Go on a language scavenger hunt
Rosetta Stone is an exceptional platform with distinctive and useful features. The company utilizes its proprietary TruVoice software for speech recognition to practice your pronunciation during lessons. Through its immersive teaching model, known as Dynamic Immersion, the platform mimics the natural process of acquiring the Arabic language by providing exposure in context. This approach facilitates the intuitive learning of words, phrases, and grammar. Rosetta Stone's mobile app offers a See & Speak tool, compatible with iOS and Android, transforming language acquisition into a vocabulary scavenger hunt based on real-world surroundings.
Pay annually, quarterly, or get access for life
At Rosetta Stone, you have three payment options for your Arabic program: a 3-month subscription, a 12-month subscription, and a lifetime subscription. For the 3-month period, you'll pay $47.97 every quarter, with access to one language (Arabic). The renewal cost remains the same. The 12-month membership is priced at $126 for the entire year, providing access to just one language. If you opt for the lifetime subscription, it requires a one-time payment of $199, granting you access to all 25 languages offered by Rosetta Stone forever.
Progress is based on your needs and availability
The methodologies used at Rosetta Stone are based on your language level and specific goals, whether it's for travel, work, family, or building foundational language skills. For example, if you're a beginner aiming for Arabic Basics and Beyond (one of the suggested reasons for learning), the plan suggests 30 minutes of daily study, five days a week, spread over six weeks. Each week covers different topics to help you stay engaged over time. If you seek a more detailed approach, Rosetta Stone can assist you in creating a guided plan equipped with all the essential tools to guide you toward your desired level of Arabic fluency.
30-day money-back guarantee
If you have concerns about the slightly higher costs of Rosetta Stone, there's some protection for the student on that front. Rosetta Stone offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If, within the first 30 days of your purchase, you feel that this teaching approach isn't aligning with your learning style, you can request a refund, no questions asked.
Students love Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has an impressive reputation, standing out as one of the few companies in our evaluation with a rating from the Better Business Bureau. And, it's not a basic rating either. Rosetta Stone has earned a remarkable score of "A+." The feedback from customers on the iOS and Android apps is overwhelmingly positive, with Rosetta Stone holding an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 on both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. Students specifically loved the speaking portions of the lessons, highlighting their success in developing accurate native-sounding accents.
Top pick for learning language from the ground up
The company stands out as a premier option if you're looking for a full range of modern learning methods. Its immersive approach creates a sense of accomplishment, allowing learners to acquire language skills like they would growing up in that language. The company provides tools and methodologies that cater to various learning styles, addressing all aspects of language, including speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. As you progress through your language plan, Rosetta Stone offers consistent improvements and competitive pricing, solidifying its position as a top contender and a 5-star service for individuals venturing into Arabic language learning.
Based in Romania, Mondly aims to make language learning a fun and uncomplicated experience. Recognized by Forbes, CNN, and Bloomberg, Mondly has earned praise for its app and website, establishing itself as a respected service in the industry.
Over 40 languages to choose from
With a selection of over 40 languages, Mondly has Arabic lessons that are engaging and almost addictive in quality. Mondly also provides a dedicated app for kids from preschool through early elementary age groups. The kid-friendly version functions independently, offering free content, while more advanced features are accessible through a separate subscription. This allows you and your family to embark on an Arabic learning journey together.
Fun and unique language games
Accessing Arabic instruction on Mondly is straightforward, and there's no need to create an account on Mondly right away. Simply select your starting language and specify your approximate fluency level. Free accounts provide a preview, granting access to the first six lessons, one vocabulary section, one Chatbot conversation, and the daily/weekly/monthly bonus lessons. We tried out the chatbot conversation, which first previews a conversation for you. Ours was about ordering tea at a restaurant. First, two "speakers” type back and forth for a short question. Each statement is typed in Al-abjadiyah, then the Arabic words are shown in the Latin alphabet, and finally, the sentence is written in English. The lesson moves on to a listening exercise with pictures where you match the word to the image. Across the free trial section, we encountered four different listening activities supported by gamification and a point system.
Mondly considers source languages outside of English
Mondly offers several unique features, and a notable one is that the platform offers lessons to students starting from a variety of different languages, not just English. This departure from the common assumption of English as the starting point for Arabic learners is super helpful for students who are starting from Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Polish, and many more. Plus, Mondly offers a useful feature that allows you to switch between Arabic characters and the Latin alphabet during lessons, offering flexibility in the initial stages of learning.
Pay for 1 language or all 41
While you can use Mondly for free, it does have some limitations. The free version includes Daily Lessons, the entire Hello lesson category, and a free chatbot lesson. However, if you want to explore more content you'll have to subscribe. There is, thankfully, a 7-day free trial to let you check out the premium features at no cost. If you decide to subscribe to Mondly, you'll find two main plans to choose from. The Mondly premium plan is available at approximately $10 per month or $48 per year if you opt for the 12-month prepayment. Alternatively, there's an annual access option that grants you access to all 41+ languages for about $99, though there are often sales. For example, at the time of our review, Mondly offered the full-access plan for the same price as the 1-language premium plan: $48.
Learn with challenges, badges, and more
Currently, Mondly offers minimal direct instruction on grammar, but it's a feature that's evolving over time. Based on what we saw when we tested the lessons, the platform emphasizes learning through sentences and phrases, integrating grammar details as you go without directly pointing out the grammar. This approach might not suit everyone, particularly those used to structure lessons with clear grammatical explanations. However, with a mix of pictures, listening, and written words, Mondly's multimodal learning approach and gamified tracking system featuring challenges, leaderboards, badges, and rewards help it stand out from the pack.
Refunds if Mondly is in error
A significant drawback of Mondly lies in its refund policy: you're only eligible for a refund if your cancellation is due to a violation of contract terms on Mondly's end or other contractually valid reasons. In this case, if you've already paid for future use, Mondly will reimburse you for the unused portion of your subscription from the termination date. However, in any other scenario (one that doesn't relate to Mondly's error), ending your subscription means you lose the amount you paid. While this may not be too problematic for monthly memberships, it could be a source of frustration for those who prepaid for a year.
Rave reviews for Mondly's methods
Based on feedback from students who have utilized the Mondly app, it has garnered an excellent reputation despite the drawbacks associated with its refund policy. According to Apple Store reviews, Mondly has an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars with similar scores at the Google Play store. Students appreciate the app for helping them sound "authentic" and comprehend conversational interactions in their chosen language. Although some students may not be fond of the chatbot feature for language practice, the overall consensus is that Mondly stands out as one of the leading language apps available online today. The happy students mostly praise the engagement of Mondly, saying that the setup of the learning methodology makes them want to use the app regularly.
Engaging and exciting Arabic lessons
Mondly distinguishes itself as one of the most enjoyable and cost-effective choices for Arabic lessons. Its captivating gamified method and continually evolving lessons position it as a preferred option for those in search of a positive language learning experience that will keep them engaged over time. With its multimodal learning and a leaderboard and point system, Mondly is a fan favorite for Arabic learners. For these reasons, it achieves an excellent rating among the Arabic learning courses featured on our list.
Immerse yourself in Arabic with Ling Q, a top-notch language learning platform offering a unique virtual experience. It stands out for two key reasons: a huge library featuring graded, relevant, and authentic content, coupled with the ability to import your preferred materials. Ling Q promises an immersive learning journey by offering an extensive audio library with transcripts, enabling you to engage with unlimited audio content that will help you learn conversational Arabic. You also have the freedom to learn from content you love, be it podcasts, blogs, or movies conveniently stored and accessible across various devices.
Take a quiz to get started
To get started for free, you can click on the convenient button in the middle of the page or the top right corner. From here, you'll select Arabic from the details, tell Ling Q what level you are already at, and choose a daily goal between "Causal” engagement with the course material to "Insane” level. Then, you're asked to list your favorite topics so that the lessons can include your different interests in the process. Some of the things you can select include:
Then, you'll be asked to download a browser extension to Firefox. If you're not using Firefox, you'll have to switch to that browser to utilize the import feature on Ling Q properly, although you can skip this step during sign-up. Finally, you'll be asked to sign up with your email or social account.
Takes some research to find examples
There are no tutorial videos or example lessons available to preview the course before you sign up. To find more details, we had to do research outside of the Ling Q site. We found a few videos that go through the details of the courses. There are three different areas of the site/app: Library, where you can access the available lessons which offer words color-coded based on your knowledge level. Blue words are words you don't know yet. Yellow words are ones that you know already but haven't mastered. You can practice listening and speaking as you work through the lessons.
Vocabulary and flash cards
The second page is Vocabulary. You can do flashcard exercises on this page to help you work on your vocabulary words. Finally, the third main page is the Stats page. You can use this to track your fluency progress with line graphs, "coins” that you collect through different lessons, and written-out numbers tracking your total progress. If you use the desktop app (and the Firefox extension), you can curate your own library by adding content like YouTube videos or podcasts directly to the program.
Keeps the difficulty level engaging
The teaching methods at Ling Q are based on an immersion process. By offering you personalized content that's interesting or meaningful to you, Ling Q provides a constant flow of relevant input, or an "input flood." This is considered one of the most effective ways to speed up language acquisition and reach proficiency. Ling Q exposes you to content that is just above your current level, preventing overwhelm with new words while keeping you engaged. The Ling Q reader keeps track of your word database that highlights every word you've mastered and those you're in the process of learning. This feature transforms reading, even challenging books, from a daunting task into a more enjoyable and manageable experience.
Premium and Premium Plus options
The free membership offers you access to an extensive library of audio content, spanning thousands of hours, accompanied by transcripts. You can save and organize 20 words and phrases while creating up to 5 lessons from your imported content. Finally, you get access to review sessions with flashcard quizzes, providing a well-rounded language learning experience. Now, there are a lot more features if you decide to subscribe to Premium. If you choose to pay, you'll get unlimited saved words, full sentence translations for comprehensive understanding, auto-generated audio for your imported lessons, progress tracking with detailed statistics, and language learning challenges. This costs $12.99 per month, $71.94 every six months, $107.88 every year, or $191.76 for a 24-month commitment. You can also upgrade to Premium Plus which includes live tutoring, writing correction, and special Premium Plus lessons. This costs $39.99 per month, $233.94 every six months, $431.88 every year, or $839.76 for a 24-month commitment.
Refunds within the first 30 days
If you start with a Premium account and find it unsatisfactory within the initial 30 days, you can get a complete refund of your membership fee. However, for anyone who's gone beyond the first 30 days, the service is billed in advance and is non-refundable. So, you'll want to keep an eye on the timing if you're worried about needing a refund.
Customers love the level of fluency they've reached
Ling Q stands out as one of the few sites in our review that has a page on the Better Business Bureau. Ling Q holds a solid "A+” rating from the BBB as well as a stellar reputation from students. According to the ratings on the Google Play Store (showing a 4.4-star average) and the Apple Store (showing a 4.7-star average), Ling Q is a highly effective method. Customers praise the resources available at Ling Q and note that they were able to reach a level of fluency they couldn't find with other language-learning sites. Customers love that Ling Q pushes you to the next level of language in each lesson, not letting you sit with a gamified but unhelpful approach.
Competitive and immersive process
There are many reasons why we like LingQ. First, it offers totally free lessons for those who don't want to subscribe. Second, if you do subscribe, you're looking at a lot of effective learning methods with regular reviews of vocab and immersive imports from your favorite sources. Finally, the price point reflects your needs. If you're looking for tutoring in Arabic, Ling Q offers that at the higher membership tier. With rave reviews, an "A+” rating from the BBB, and a 30-day refund window, Ling Q is a competitive option for Arabic lessons, earning it a very high rating in our review.
Since 2005, Innovative Language Learning has been delivering 40 language courses, most of them named as "Pod 101”. Arabic Pod 101 uses its lessons to introduce you to native speakers using a variety of voices, tones, and speaking styles. You'll discover an abundance of audio and video lessons suitable for those starting to learn their initial Arabic words as well as more advanced lessons for experienced learners. The company consistently releases new content weekly, integrating current events and pop culture into the lessons. Certified Arabic instructors regularly review the lessons for accuracy.
Have to do outside research to preview lessons
As a newcomer exploring Arabic Pod 101, you might be a bit confused due to the absence of previews on the website. During our review, we discovered that previews or informational videos are hosted on external platforms like the Arabic Pod 101 Facebook page. This unconventional method of accessing information differs from the more straightforward approaches of many other Arabic lesson platforms. Arabic Pod 101 doesn't direct you to these outside platforms either, so you'll have to do your own research before you sign up (or sign up with no information about the lessons, yikes!).
Leveling system and multi-modal learning
Once you do your outside research, you'll find that on Arabic Pod 101, you can explore different learning pathways as you embark on your Arabic language journey. The difficulty levels progress, starting with the Absolute Beginner stage featuring thirty-five short video lessons, each lasting around four or five minutes. These lessons primarily use English to introduce topics, explain grammar, and develop cultural context.
With forty-five lessons, covering intriguing topics like the Copts in Egypt, Ramadan, and the Saudi Arabian community, this advanced level provides about two and a half hours of captivating material. These lessons are delivered in audio and video formats providing support for different types of learners and you can find transcriptions for both audio and video lessons to support your learning if you prefer visual engagement.
Free account with paid plans up to $23 per month
There are four different ways to join up ranging from a free membership to a Premium Plus membership.
Keep in mind these prices are on a promotion. The full-price range is from $4 per month for Basic up to $23 per month for Premium Plus. So, if you don't catch the promo period, that's the pricing you can expect.
UI isn't intuitive
Arabic Pod 101's learning process is pretty straightforward, though it doesn't include fun learning extras like games or leaderboards for tracking your progress. The platform allows you to freely navigate through various "paths" on the site, organized by topics rather than difficulty. However, the navigation, in general, isn't very intuitive. So, despite offering a solid range of lesson levels, it takes a decent learning curve to get used to the way the site and app function.
60-day refund policy
Along with the 7-day free trial for the premium membership, Arabic Pod 101 offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for your subscription. This allows you to test out the program's higher-level features like teacher feedback for up to 60 days before you decide whether or not this learning method is meant for you.
Solid and helpful lesson material
According to reviews on Apple where you can find the audio podcasts for Arabic Pod 101, students who used the platform awarded Arabic Pod 101 a 3.9 out of 5 star rating. Reviews stated that the podcasts were informative and extremely helpful overall. From other reviews on teaching blogs, Arabic Pod 101 stayed around 4 stars out of 5. Many complaints arose with the difficulties found in navigating the website; however, students loved the different audio and video options, the regular updates to the curriculum, and the advanced-level lessons offered by Arabic Pod 101.
Solid lessons with free learning
Arabic Pod 101 stands out as a reliable option for individuals wanting to immerse themselves in authentic, modern Arabic through listening and video exercises in conversational Arabic. Despite missing some features provided by other platforms, its emphasis on contemporary language usage adds significant value for those learning Arabic. With beginner to advanced material, it serves all levels of Arabic learning. However, the UI could use an update as many customers complain about difficulties navigating the site and app. On the other hand, with an impressive free trial (and free membership option) and refund policy, you'll have more than enough time to try out the program before you decide. As a result, Arabic Pod 101 receives a higher-than-average rating in our review.
Drawing on almost five decades of experience, the Pimsleur Method, crafted by Dr. Pimsleur, has been a trailblazer in self-taught language instruction. While the program started by offering Modern Greek, Pimsleur has expanded to encompass over 50 languages, including Arabic. Pimsleur is celebrated for its focus on learning through listening, a methodology that has evolved from cassettes and CDs to an online subscription model. This evolution enables learners to conveniently and flexibly access the content, marking a significant advancement as Pimsleur jumps to join the more modern language initiatives.
1 lesson free for a preview
Embarking on your Arabic learning journey with Pimsleur is straightforward. First, you have to choose whether you want to learn Eastern Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, or Modern Standard Arabic. Then, you can begin with the free trial. There is also a free lesson offered from the top navigation bar of the main page. However, you can't start anything with Pimsleur without first putting in your personal information or social media account. Once you get on the site, Pimsleur offers a free Level 1 lesson. There were some difficulties on different parts of the site, however, where the listed Arabic options only showed Eastern Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic, which was confusing. But, rest assured, there are three dialect options to choose from.
30-minute conversation-style audios
Based on the trial of the Pimsleur process, the structure of the lesson is broken down by skills and activities. You listen to an audio lesson as the main part of the course, and then supplemental activities will be offered on the same page to help you further develop your learning. Each lesson is around 30 minutes and it's centered around multiple Arabic speakers having conversations that you need to listen to, follow, and review. An English speaker will explain the conversation for you, to help you break down and participate in the conversation by the end of the lesson. In the preview lessons, there was no visual content beyond written words (no pictures or videos to study). However, if you upgrade to Premium, there is a "picture this” exercise that allows you to visualize some of your learning. But, students who studied Arabic on Pimsleur said the visual aids were very limited.
Audio lessons any time any place
Pimsleur offers a standout feature by catering to multiple learners in a single household, enabling up to four students to utilize a subscription on unlimited devices. The convenience extends further with a Driving Mode, providing an opportunity to practice Arabic during your commute. As the lessons are primarily audio, this is fairly simple and means that you can use Pimsleur during other activities, helping you fit your Arabic lessons into your busy schedule. Pimsleur does not include speech recognition tools or a game-based approach, yet it remains an attractive choice for individuals who value audio-focused learning methods.
Priced monthly and annually
While most languages on Pimsleur have a monthly and annual payment option, Arabic is a little more complicated since there are three forms of Arabic offered on the site. Pimsleur has Modern Standard Arabic, which is only available in the "All Access” subscriptions. You can either choose All Access Monthly for $20.95 per month or All Access Annual for $164.95 per year. While Pimsleur also offers a Monthly Premium membership which is just paying for the 1 language you want to learn, this is only available for Eastern Arabic or Egyptian Arabic. The Monthly Premium membership is the most cost-effective membership at $19.95 per month, but you will be limited to just one language in this case.
30-day money-back guarantee
Pimsleur demonstrates confidence in its effectiveness by offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you buy directly from Pimsleur, you have the option to cancel it within 30 days if you find the lesson materials or teaching style aren't ideal for how you progress as a student. However, according to Pimsleur's terms and conditions, subscriptions with a 7-day free trial might not be eligible for a refund, so you may want to confirm this before subscribing.
Students are enjoying the audio lessons
Overall, Pimsleur maintains a strong reputation, with various language learning blogs and review sites consistently giving the company an average rating of around 4.4 stars. The prevailing opinion is that the program is effective, benefiting from over 50 years of language experience in the industry. The mobile app also reflects a similar rating average on the Google Play store and even higher ratings of 4.7 out of 5 from the Apple Store. Students generally appreciate the effectiveness of the audio lessons, and although some have raised concerns about the voice reader being not "natural sounding”, the majority express satisfaction with their progress using Pimsleur.
Solid service for a busy student
Pimsleur is a solid option for those who prefer learning Arabic without relying on textbooks or formal grammar instruction or who have a knack for listening over writing. It is a particularly good choice if you need to learn on the go, making it ideal for those with busy schedules. While Pimsleur may lack some of the advanced features found on other platforms, bloggers and professional linguists commend the method's success throughout the years. As a result, it receives a solid rating overall, with the absence of certain methodological features preventing it from achieving a higher rating.
At IE Business School in Spain, Busuu co-founders Bernhard Niesner and Adrian Hilti had mutual dissatisfaction with conventional, costly, and time-consuming language learning methods. They conceived Busuu as their final project for their degree program - an innovative language learning platform offering affordable online courses and interactions with native speakers. Launched in 2008 after their graduation, Busuu rapidly grew in popularity in the language education landscape.
Joining forces
In January 2022, the company officially joined forces with the global education giant Chegg, known for its support of education at all levels. Busuu meticulously structures each language course according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), a globally acknowledged standard for designing language lessons. Across its language offerings, Busuu thoroughly addresses the initial four stages of Arabic. You can expect to cover proficiency levels A1 to B2 in the CEFR method.
Trial lessons are hard to find
You can start learning for free by clicking the blue button on the company's website. This will ask you to sign up with your email or your social media account. However, finding example lessons or videos is difficult if you don't want to sign up right away. We did find examples of lessons and some details about the teaching methods inside the course on the "Arabic Alphabet” page, but finding it on the site wasn't intuitive. On this page, you can see a bit of an example lesson that shows you how Busuu combines visual learning with auditory learning to help you understand and learn the Al-abjadiyah characters. For any more extensive trial lessons or detailed videos, you'll have to make an account. While the initial account is free, this was less transparent than other sites in our review.
Tools for personalized learning
There are a lot of fun tools and a mix of audio and visual lessons on Busuu. Busuu's intelligent vocabulary and grammar review tool is designed to recognize your learned words and identify areas where you may be struggling. The company tailors quizzes to reinforce words in your long-term memory, so you can work on the areas where you're struggling most. You can also utilize Busuu's Study Plan to stay organized and increase your chances of achieving language learning goals by five times.
Choose a monthly, bi-annual, or yearly commitment
While most of the program is free, you can also choose a premium membership which gives you access to advanced features like specialized courses, extra grammar review, access to lessons in any order, and more. You can choose from three membership plans with Busuu. The 12-month plan is priced at $166.80 for the year or $6.95 per month. The 6-month plan is available for $83.40, charged bi-annually with a monthly cost of $8.45. Finally, you can pay month-to-month for $13.90 per month.
Beginner and intermediate-focused
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) serves as the foundation for Busuu's language courses, including Arabic. In general, the CEFR method is divided into six stages from beginner to full fluency. Progressing from Beginner A1, where you can introduce yourself and engage in basic conversations, to Advanced C2, where fluency allows you to discuss complex topics, understand nuanced conversations, and write intricate passages. However, for Arabic, Busuu currently only goes to the B2 level, so you can't currently reach full fluency with Arabic.
14-day money-back guarantee
On the Premium Membership page, Busuu notes that you can use the 14-day money-back guarantee to test out the Premium content. If you're not happy with the program during the 14-day window, you're able to get your money back. While this isn't a long window, two weeks of language lessons will give you a pretty good idea of the method. Plus, you can also learn for free without opting for Premium at all.
Students love that it's user-friendly
Busuu's reputation is highly impressive, especially considering that the company was designed by two business students. From third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Busuu has a 4.6-star average rating. On its mobile app, Busuu does even better. It has a 4.7-star average from both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store. Customers praise how user-friendly the app is and that lessons are straightforward, providing easy learning goals and skills even for highly complex languages.
Best for those who want beginner learning
While Busuu stands out as an impressive language-learning site, it falls behind a little for Arabic specifically. While the reviews show that the app as a whole is impressive, the Arabic lessons only reach the B2 level of the CEFR learning method. This means that students looking for more advanced instruction will need to look elsewhere to gain fluency in Arabic. On top of that, the lack of transparency before you sign up is a little frustrating. We'd love to see more sample lessons or training videos so that you don't have to spend ages digging up details on odd corners of Busuu's website. Given these factors, Busuu sits about the middle of the pack despite its rave reviews. But it is extremely affordable, which earns it a slightly higher rating overall.
If you haven't already heard of Duolingo, we'd be pretty surprised. This language-learning platform has gained tons of popularity and notoriety on social media for the cute little owl that sends you reminders to pick up on your language-learning journey. Duolingo is a program that offers an impressive gamified approach to learning Arabic (among 40+ other languages on its roster). Duolingo has become a go-to resource for numerous language learners, establishing itself as a widely recognized and free alternative to established companies.
Easy to get started
Getting started on Duolingo is simple. You can join 100% for free and start learning right away. All you need to do is pick the language of your choice. Duolingo will start by asking you questions about why you're learning Arabic, what your current level of understanding is, and how many minutes per day you want to spend on your Arabic lessons. Without even needing to sign up for anything, you'll be sent right to your first lesson.
Free trial offers alphabet and vocab
We found during the trial lesson that Duolingo focuses on understanding the Al-abjadiyah alphabet as much as getting you started with your vocab. You can see your progress through the lesson through the helpful top bar that slowly turns green as you answer questions. Anything you don't answer correctly will be returned briefly for a repeat question. The most important feature of the lessons (especially if you're on the free plan) is the hearts. If you make mistakes, you lose hearts. Once you run out (you start with 5 of them), you aren't able to learn any more until they refill. This can be frustrating if you want to keep learning for a long time, but can also help you really focus on learning the words and alphabet characters right away.
Complex listening lessons with gamified fun
As a platform, Duolingo is based on a gamified approach. The goal is to make learning fun with game-like penalties if you make too many mistakes. The program focuses on Modern Standard Arabic, and there is some impressive complexity to the lessons too. In the alphabet lessons, you need to pay close attention to discern various sounds and understand how characters and symbols impact pronunciation. For instance, it introduces symbols with long and short vowel sounds requiring you to listen carefully for the right answer.
Free use or $6.99 per month
Duolingo offers a subscription at a monthly cost of $6.99, and you have the option to explore premium features during a complimentary 14-day trial before committing to the subscription. However, you do need to remember to cancel the premium membership once the trial is over or you'll be charged. Otherwise, you can use the platform entirely for free without ever paying a dime. The benefits of Super Duolingo Include unlimited replays (meaning you won't run out of hearts when you make mistakes) and access to extra practice tools that can help you really nail down some of the tougher parts of the Arabic lessons. Also, Duolingo recently rolled out a Super Duolingo Family Plan that lets you add multiple people to one paid subscription, but they can be literally anyone you'd like to include (friends, roommates). We had a hard time pinning down the price on that, or even finding where to sign up, but our research indicates that you can probably expect to pay $9.99/month for up to 5 users.
Progression requires self-discipline and outside help
Now, one of the downsides of Duolingo is that progressing through a language (to fluency) isn't as easy here as with other companies on our list. While the gamified approach is fun and engaging, it has received criticism as being "too addicting” and taking students away from more helpful learning methods. In the end, Duolingo offers lesson plans, but to actually take away language skills from the experience, you have to be very intentional with your learning. Taking notes, practicing outside of Duolingo, and keeping track of grammar on your own are going to be important if you want to succeed in a language as complex as Arabic. Duolingo offers some great features, but without a dedicated focus on grammar, a complex language like Arabic can become much more difficult to learn for someone who isn't supplementing Duolingo with other learning methods.
No refund policy
According to Duolingo, none of the purchases are refundable. So if you don't pay attention to your 14-day free trial, you'll be immediately signed up. Sometimes this comes as a yearly charge despite being listed in monthly increments on the website. Duolingo is a site where you want to keep a careful eye on the timing if you choose to subscribe (or want to quit).
Mixed reviews raise some flags
In terms of reputation, Duolingo has feedback on both ends of the spectrum. According to the Better Business Bureau, Duolingo holds the lowest "F” rating. There have been 128 different complaints on the BBB in the last 3 years. However, if you check out the app stores where you can download Duolingo, it's a completely different story. On both the Google Play store and the Apple Store, Duolingo holds a 4.7-star rating. Duolingo also won the Editors Choice award on the Apple Store. Reviewers say that they're seeing improvement in their languages of choice and that the program is "fun”. Many customers also noted that this app is best for "getting your feet wet” with a new language rather than expecting to learn the whole thing from Duolingo.
Best as an introductory course
At the end of the day, Duolingo is a fun way to engage with Arabic, but it may not be the best option out there. Some customers noted that this app is best for getting started or "testing the waters” of a new language rather than relying on it to teach you from beginner to advanced level. However, with impressive pricing and a fun platform, Duolingo remains a fan favorite with students who download it. Since you can use it totally for free, it's definitely worth a download even as a supplement to other learning programs. For this reason, it gets a solid rating in our review of Arabic lessons.
Founded by Ed Cooke, Ben Whately, and Greg Detre, three friends who crossed paths while studying neuroscience and psychology at Oxford, Memrise was born out of their shared fascination with human learning and their determination to harness technology for more effective learning. Ed delved into memory techniques, eventually becoming a Grandmaster of Memory. Greg pursued a PhD in neuroscience at Princeton, while Ben experimented with his language acquisition theories in Qiqihar, a city on the Sino-Siberian border. Memrise is a platform that combines memory techniques, a profound understanding of neuroscience, and innovative approaches to second language acquisition, aiming to make the language learning process significantly easier and faster for your Arabic lessons online.
No preview lessons before signing up
To get started at Memrise, you just need to click the Start Learning button which takes you to a page where you select your starting language (which includes more than just English) and the language you want to learn (in our case, Arabic) from a list. From there, you're asked to make an account with your email or social media. While you can't preview full lessons on the Memrise site until you've put in your info and made an account, you can preview visuals from the lessons. For example, you can find audio/visual multiple-choice questions in still photos across the site. You can also preview the entire Arabic Phrasebook (all 252 pages of it) on the website before you start. However, to look into the actual lessons themselves, you'll have to do outside research or sign up with your personal details and try out the program for free.
100+ lessons with audio and video methods
With over 100 lessons covering topics such as Travel, Work, Abjad, Activities, and Basics, the Arabic course offers phrases commonly used by locals to help you prepare for real conversations. You'll learn 4,000+ words, and native speakers will pronounce them to help you achieve natural pronunciation. The Arabic Phrasebook provides additional support so you can review common phrases at any time. You can expect lessons to include videos, AI conversations, and step-by-step lessons crafted by linguists and backed by years of scientific research. Topics cover a wide range, from introductions and greetings to understanding song lyrics, discussing actors and celebrities, sharing favorite books, narrating film plots, exploring dos and don'ts, talking about meals, learning recipes, expressing feelings, and engaging in news discussions, with hundreds more included.
Monthly, yearly, or lifetime access
Memrise offers a 100% free learning model, where you can get most of the features right away. However, there is also a Premium option if you want an elevated experience. Ideal for swift progress, this subscription unlocks features including extra vocabulary lessons, native speaker videos, and conversation practice. You'll also be able to enjoy an ad-free experience (while the free version will have regular ads). You can choose between three prices: $27.99 per month, $130.99 per year, or an $80 lifetime membership (depending on what promotions are in place at the time you subscribe).
Missing grammar and practical application
In terms of how you'll progress on this platform, Memrise allows you to choose your level upon registration, and Memrise promises that all videos align with the words you've learned, creating a cohesive learning experience. Memrise encourages you to challenge yourself. However, according to language experts in third-party reviews, Memrise primarily functions as an app for memorization and vocabulary drilling. It's not ideal if you're looking for a program that provides extensive grammar explanations or opportunities to apply language in practical contexts. There is no mention that Memrise will offer you fluency, but according to linguists, you might need to bundle Memrise with another language program to get a deep understanding of Arabic grammar and syntax.
Somewhat unclear refund policy
To qualify for a refund, you need to reach out to the company within 30 days of activating your subscription plan. We noted that Memrise didn't specifically promise a refund, but promised that they'd contact you about one if you reached out within that 30-day window. If you're past the initial 30 days, the service is billed in advance and becomes non-refundable no matter what.
Mixed reviews depending on where you look
Third-party reviews for Memrise aren't particularly exciting, that's for sure. According to customers on Trustpilot, Memrise has just 2.3 stars out of 5. Customers note that while the site was better in previous years it has recently started to decline. The ads on the free version are particularly frustrating. However, on the mobile app reviews, Memrise does much better. On the Apple Store, Memrise has a 4.8-star average while on the Google Play Store, Memrise holds a 4.5. Customers who loved the program praised the quality of the language videos. They felt that the immersion in the language and native speaking was top-notch. Based on the features, the high-rated reviews may be for the Premium version rather than the free one.
Mid-tier but with lifetime access
While the lifetime access option is a huge bonus, the mixed reviews raise a few red flags. The mobile app stores show that Memrise is pretty popular, but with some extremely low ratings from third-party sites (and no rating from the Better Business Bureau to rely on), Memrise falls behind some of the other sites that have much more impressive feedback. For this reason and the fact that there's some question on whether Memrise can deliver advanced content and fluency, Memrise gets a mid-tier rating rather than something higher. But if you want something you can buy and own forever, you should still look into Memrise's lifetime membership for Arabic lessons.
Rocket Languages stands out as a widely used language-learning platform founded by Jason Oxenham and Mark Ling in 2004. The company has a user base exceeding 2 million, and since the program is designed for newcomers, it's highly effective if you're just starting to learn Arabic. For those aspiring to achieve Arabic proficiency, the program emphasizes audio and cultural lessons, with a strong focus on pronunciation practice and flashcards. For added convenience, Rocket Languages extends its accessibility through a user-friendly app available on both iOS and Android.
Try multiple lessons on a guest account
To get started, you can use a guest account (which doesn't require any kind of sign-up) to begin trying out Arabic lessons on Rocket Languages. You can choose from audio lessons, language and culture lessons, written lessons, and "survival kit” lessons. Each lesson has little icons to show you what processes will be included. For example, in the first Arabic Listening lesson we tried, the total activities included flashcards, listening exercises, speaking exercises, and a quiz. On the other hand other lessons like the "survival kit” only have flashcards, listening, and speaking (with no quiz).
Very good interface
During our trial, we found the user interface extremely effective. You can select your work by level and by module, so you can move freely through the site (though some lessons remain locked until you've gotten to that level of proficiency. The layout is easy to read and your vocab for each lesson will be listed below the audio lesson. The lessons include fun cultural music as well as gamified scores, badges, and a way to track how often you work on your Arabic.
Full audio lessons with vocab practice
Each lesson is focused on audio and interactive exercises to help you learn to speak conversational Arabic. The program covers greetings, ordering food, and seeking directions, providing a quick path to being a courteous visitor in a foreign country. Each lesson is around 25 minutes of listening material followed by 70-100 flashcards and a similar number of speaking and listening practices. The final number per lesson is based on how many vocabulary words you have to study.
One-time cost of $149.95
The pricing is a little different than other companies in our review. Rocket Languages offers a one-time purchase that costs $149.95 for the Arabic lessons. You can also use their six-month payment plan which costs $27/mo. There do seem to be regular sales which lower the price to under $100. However, these are limited-time, so you may have to check back in to find sales prices for your Arabic course.
Progress to intermediate Arabic
Rocket Languages offers a language-learning app employing audio lessons, interactive exercises, and readings to help you speak conversational phrases and grasp essential language elements. However, if you aim to establish a comprehensive foundation for in-depth language study, this may not be the ideal choice. Rocket Languages' Arabic promises language proficiency up to the intermediate level, so you won't find advanced material in this program.
No-questions-asked 60-day refunds
One thing we love about Rocket Languages is its refund policy. Once you make a purchase, you'll get a 60-day window to test out the Arabic lessons, and this is on top of the trial you can run on a "guest” account. If you find that it's not the right fit for you, for any reason, just reach out to the Rocket Languages customer support, and you'll receive a complete refund. No questions asked, no complications.
Customers don't feel the Arabic is worth it
The reviews for Rocket Languages are all over the place. While some third-party review sites show a 4-star average or so, others (specifically those focusing on the Arabic course on Rocket Languages) only awarded Rocket Languages a 2.5-star average. The main reason for this is that many of the audio lessons for Arabic specifically are mainly in English. During our trial, we thought this was because the trial lessons were very beginner, but apparently, that continues into the higher level material. Others noted that Rocket Languages was too expensive (even at a one-time fee) for what you get.
Mobile app scores higher
On the other hand, the mobile app ratings for Rocket Languages are much higher. The Apple Store shows a 4.4-star average while the Google Play Store shows a 4.7 out of 5. Overall customers agree that the language learning techniques and listening tools are extremely well-made. However, even these top-tier reviews have some complaints including frustration with the speaking lessons. Keep in mind the majority of these reviews are not from customers learning Arabic either.
May be better suited for other languages
While the reviews for Rocket Languages are high overall, this doesn't really reflect students' feelings about the Arabic lessons in particular. Given that many customers who tried Arabic are a little frustrated by the quality and the limitation to the intermediate level, Rocket Languages might not be your first stop for Arabic. Still, their 60-day refund policy is a standout in our review. While you might like it for a different language, Rocket Languages comes in at an average rating for Arabic specifically.
italki shines as a flexible and cost-effective platform for connecting with language tutors. Rather than offering its own curated lesson material, italki is a place to find a tutor who will help you through your Arabic journey. The platform offers a wide selection of teachers proficient in over 100 languages, so you have the flexibility to pick a tutor that suits your learning style, timetable, and personality. The tutors each determine their own prices and availability, so you can have some flexibility in what you want to spend too.
Choose a tutor from the list
To begin, choose either an "instant" lesson or schedule one within the next 72 hours. This will display a list of available teachers and tutors ready to assist you in practicing Arabic. Each tutor sets their own hourly rate, so the pricing will be a determining factor in selecting the tutor or tutors you'd like to engage with. To get an idea of what you might learn, you can watch a preview video from each tutor.
Watch the preview video
For example, the top option suggested to us noted that he was born in Syria, held a Master's degree in Arabic, and was studying Arabic Language for his PhD. The video also showed a basic example of speaking exercises (introducing yourself, basic greetings, conversational comprehension) that that particular tutor might use in a session. However, the videos don't generally show exercises or work being done with students and that part of sessions will be designed with the tutor you choose based on your learning style.
Best as a supplement to other learning platforms
italki helps you find the best tutor match by providing all of the important credentials. You can also read reviews for individual tutors so you can make well-informed decisions about your Arabic lessons. In terms of learning methods, all sessions take place through video conference tools such as Skype or Facetime. Remember, italki doesn't offer educational services directly; it serves as a platform connecting learners with skilled language tutors. Ideally, italki complements your other Arabic learning materials and courses.
Price range changes depending on tutor
Pricing for Arabic lessons at italki will depend entirely on the tutor or teacher that you choose to work with as well as the length of the session. During our research, we found prices ranging from $5 to $20 per hour for trial lessons. After that, the prices go up to anywhere from $10 to $40 per hour for full lessons. You can choose lessons from 30-90 minutes, which will affect the overall price. For example, one tutor had prices at $11 for 30 minutes, $14 for 45 minutes, $19 per hour, and $25 for a 90-minute session. If you're trying to choose between tutors and prices, you can easily see student ratings for each tutor to get an idea of what quality of service you can expect. Many of the tutors we checked during our review had a full 5-star rating out of 5 from students.
Progress depends on you, not the platform
Your advancement in Arabic relies on your efforts and interactions with individual tutors. italki doesn't function as a language-learning program but as a tutoring service. So, there aren't pre-built lesson plans or benchmarks to hit. Your progress is shaped by the plan you establish with your tutor, the lesson materials you use outside of italki (which can sometimes be designed and provided by the tutor), and the frequency of your tutoring sessions. While certain tutors can help you with specific areas of focus (like "language and the Quran” from one tutor or "Conversation practice” for another), you'll have to seek out those lessons yourself. It's a more "self-guided" approach compared to other platforms we've reviewed.
Unclear refund for card purchases
To receive a refund from italki, you need to pay with "credits" purchased through its platform rather than paying directly, which can be pretty confusing. If you've gone the credits route, you can receive a "refund” of credits back to your account. Thankfully, you aren't penalized if you cancel versus your tutor canceling. However, we encountered difficulties in finding any policy related to payment if you opt not to use the italki credits.
High-quality teachers
In general, the feedback for italki is overwhelmingly positive. Based on Trustpilot reviews, the overall average rating for italki is 4.7 stars out of 5. Students specifically praised the excellent quality of instruction provided by the teachers. While a few customers complained that sessions were too short, this could just be the tutors that the customer chose as we saw sessions up to 90 minutes from different teachers on the platform. In terms of ratings for Arabic lessons specifically, italki shows that the majority of teachers and tutors have 4.9-5-star ratings.
Best if you want supplemental learning help
italki has built a solid reputation, but it comes with a notable limitation. The platform prioritizes tutoring sessions without a specific curriculum, expecting students to either bring their own or find external learning materials if they're not part of the services offered by the tutor. If your sole strategy for learning Arabic is relying on italki, you might face challenges or, at the very least, need to seek additional learning resources. This extra step and potential extra cost contribute to italki receiving a 3-star rating overall. However, if you seek a top-notch language-focused tutoring service to support your Arabic learning, italki is highly rated and recommended by students.
Talk in Arabic is a unique option in our review as it focuses on a different approach to teaching Arabic than most sites. While the majority of language sites teach Modern Standard Arabic, Talk in Arabic takes the approach of teaching regional dialects instead.
Self-guided learning
Keep in mind that Talk in Arabic itself says that it is "not a course.” With this provider, you have to be prepared for self-guided learning. You're free to use the lessons on the site, but without a premium membership, you'll be somewhat limited on how much content you can access. For this reason, it's one of the more limited Arabic courses in our review.
Easy navigation
When you first get started, you have the option to explore the Talk in Arabic dashboard without charge and preview its contents, although some features are restricted without a subscription. The navigation is clear and uncomplicated: a primary dashboard and subsections or dialect-specific dashboards can be accessed through the sidebar. In each dialect section, you can choose a level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced), and explore videos, vocabulary, or numbers. This selection will refine the lesson content displayed on the main page.
Have to search outside for lesson details
There are no trial pages without signing up with all of your personal information, so we had to research a trial or example from outside of Talk in Arabic. Here's what we found: on the left sidebar of Talk in Arabic, you'll find a range of Arabic dialects. If your subscription includes the Verb Pack or if you've separately acquired it, you can locate it at the bottom of the left sidebar. Notably, Talk in Arabic doesn't teach Modern Standard Arabic. Rather, you have to pick a specific regional dialect to get started. Clicking on the sections in the left sidebar reveals further sub-divisions within each of the three main sections. The actual lessons themselves feature audio clips where a native speaker guides you through and explains excerpts from different TV shows. Each PDF resource includes the Arabic transcript, English translation, and a brief vocabulary table.
Lessons focus on regional dialects
Working with a mix of audio and video learning, you can learn Arabic from pop culture sources as well as more traditional listening and vocab-focused lessons. And, since this site doesn't focus on Modern Standard Arabic, you'll find your actual speaking will reflect a more authentic dialect of different Arabic-speaking countries.
Three payment options
If you decide to choose a Premium membership at Talk in Arabic, you have three ways to pay. You can subscribe to a monthly payment of $12.95 per month, an annual subscription for $95.40 each year, or a lifetime membership for $197. The one-time fee option makes Talk in Arabic much more competitive than it would have been otherwise, as this allows you to learn at your own pace without any pressure of an annual or monthly renewal.
May need support outside of the platform
Talk in Arabic functions more like a collection of valuable lessons than a structured, step-by-step course, which might pose a challenge for absolute beginners seeking a more linear learning path. Unlike textbooks that guide learners methodically from basics to advanced stages, Talk in Arabic requires you to independently select lessons to fill gaps in your knowledge. This approach may not be ideal for those just starting their language journey. While the "Beginner” section offers bite-sized lessons, learners should be ready to seek clarification beyond the platform.
30-day refund policy
There is a refund policy at Talk in Arabic. If, within the initial 30 days of your paid Membership, you feel that these are not the right Arabic lessons for you, the company is willing to refund your membership. This also applies to things sold separately, like the Verb Pack which offers you more vocab to study.
Not a favorite for progressing
On the downside, there isn't a lot of buzz for Talk in Arabic. There are only 4 total third-party reviews for this program. While all of these are positive reviews with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5, there aren't any other sources beyond blogs that say anything about Talk in Arabic. The company doesn't offer a mobile app, so there aren't any mobile reviews to check on either. According to the few reviews on Trustpilot, customers like the dialect focus of the courses. However, there were some complaints about functionality, like difficulty checking off completed lessons and limited resources for advancing forward from beginner level.
Doesn't offer enough skill-building
Given that there aren't a lot of students using this program, and language bloggers aren't really fans of the program, Talk in Arabic falls to the bottom of the list. While its dialect approach is unique, it doesn't help it stand out enough. Talk in Arabic doesn't help students who really want to gain fluency. The approach is mostly self-guided and doesn't offer a lot of building blocks to move forward in the language. For this reason, it gets a lower rating in our review. However, you may like Talk in Arabic as a supplemental course to your other Arabic lessons.
Whether you prefer hearing, writing, or speaking, various Arabic programs are designed to offer a range of skill-building exercises. Modern audio materials cover syllables, words, phrases, and sentences for effective repetition.
Alternatively, for visual learners, there are Arabic language platforms that cleverly gamify the entire learning process. These platforms not only cover grammar and writing exercises but also often integrate speech recognition software, allowing you to compare your pronunciation directly with that of a native speaker.
Nearly every Arabic platform offers cultural and historical aspects in their programs. Given the rich historical background and symbolic importance of the Arabic language, a thorough grasp of it requires exploring its historical origins and understanding its contemporary applications. Many of today's language-learning options also emphasize Modern Standard Arabic, mirroring the language you would encounter in general conversations. And, some companies focus on local dialects too.
As you navigate the wide array of online Arabic lessons, it might seem a little daunting to pick the best fit. To help you find the best Arabic lessons for you, we've put together some helpful criteria:
To make sure you have the best possible experience learning Arabic, Top Consumer Reviews has assessed and rated the top options for Arabic lessons. We hope our reviews help you achieve your desired level of fluency, whether your goal is travel, cultural understanding, or simply enjoyment of a new language. Enjoy your continuing education in the beautiful language of Arabic!
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