Saturday, February 15th
2025 Arabic Lesson Reviews
Rocket Languages
- Pricing at $149.95 for lifetime access
- Listening approach
- Guest account for free trial
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Can use both online and in the car
- Mobile apps for Android and iOS
- 4-star average user rating
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.
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Where Can You Find the Best Arabic Lessons?
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.
Arabic Lesson FAQ
Continued from above...
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:
- Teaching methodology. What type of learner are you? Are you inclined towards auditory learning, finding podcasts or narrations to be your favorite? Perhaps you enjoy engaging in written or gamified exercises to support your learning experience? While several Arabic lesson programs integrate various learning modalities, some platforms prioritize one style over others. Consider your preferred learning approach so you select the most suitable platform for how you learn best.
- Free trial option. Top-notch Arabic lesson programs allow you to explore the program without making a payment. Look for platforms that offer free trials and pay attention to their duration. You should also look for sites that provide example lessons or preview videos on the site so you can see what you're getting into at a glance. Exercise extra caution if a company doesn't have these important details.
- Cost vs. value. The cost of the subscription (or one-time payment) is a significant factor for your Arabic education. But you'll also want to assess the value you'll receive. Consider how much fluency you'll gain from the program and whether you can learn Arabic from one program or if you'll need two or three to supplement others that are less complete.
- Reputation. While many Arabic lesson platforms aren't listed with the Better Business Bureau, there are reviews on third-party sites, linguistics blogs, and mobile apps to consider. Check-in on the ratings for your chosen Arabic lesson provider to make sure you're getting a language source with a great reputation.
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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