Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, and Japanese is one of the most intriguing languages you can choose. Suppose you're fascinated by Japanese culture, anime, manga, or traditional arts like tea ceremonies and calligraphy. In that case, delving into the Japanese language can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of what you love.
Fortunately, with the increasing popularity of online learning, you can easily find Japanese lessons on the internet. Whether you're a complete beginner or seeking to refine your conversational skills, online Japanese courses offer a variety of teaching styles. From immersive audio lessons and interactive quizzes to multimedia resources and virtual language exchanges, online platforms offer an engaging learning environment.
Wednesday, December 11th
Rosetta Stone, a renowned language learning program, offers a full range of Japanese lessons covering vocabulary and pronunciation through immersive teaching methods. With flexible payment options including quarterly, annual, or lifetime subscriptions, students can progress at their own pace. Backed by positive customer feedback and accreditation, Rosetta Stone stands out as a top pick for Japanese language learning, earning a 5-star rating overall.
Rocket Languages offers Japanese lessons that focus on pronunciation and cultural aspects of the language. You can try out various lesson types without signing up, including audio, culture, writing, and survival kits, with engaging activities like flashcards and quizzes. With an extensive curriculum spanning from beginner to advanced levels, Rocket Languages' Japanese program impresses students with its step-by-step approach and interactivity, earning a stellar rating overall.
The Pimsleur Method, with over 50 years of experience, offers a straightforward approach to language learning, including Japanese, focusing on auditory lessons. With a free trial available, you can experience a sample lesson before committing. Priced monthly or annually, Pimsleur is ideal for auditory learners with its audio-focused program, earning praise for its effectiveness and accessibility, especially for those with busy schedules. With high ratings from both students and experts, Pimsleur's Japanese lessons earn an excellent rating in our review.
Busuu offers a user-friendly language learning platform focusing on Japanese taught through the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Free trial lessons provide interactive vocabulary practice, while premium memberships offer advanced features like specialized courses. Busuu receives positive reviews for its effective vocabulary acquisition methods, earning a solid rating as a solid language learning option for Japanese lessons.
Japanese Pod 101 has podcast-style lessons that are ideal for beginners learning Japanese, with weekly content updates. While lacking previews on the website, its podcast-style format presents structured lessons, though the interface can be clunky. With subscription options ranging from free to $23 per month, Japanese Pod 101 can be a great starting point for beginners, although some students find it better suited for supplemental learning rather than achieving full fluency. Overall, Japanese Pod 101 earns a commendable rating for its free lessons for beginner Japanese students.
italki offers a flexible platform connecting students with Japanese tutors for personalized lessons via video conferencing tools. While it lacks structured courses, it's praised for affordability and the quality of instructors, with an average rating of 5 stars on individual tutors on the platform. However, progress depends on external study materials, making it more suitable as a supplement to other learning methods, earning it a good rating overall.
Duolingo, a popular language-learning platform, offers free Japanese lessons with a gamified approach. While it offers a premium subscription for $6.99/month, some students find achieving fluency challenging without supplementary resources. Despite concerns over automatic billing and limited refunds, its user-friendly interface and positive student reviews make it a solid starting point for language learners.
Memrise, with its vocab-heavy approach, though effective with its Spaced Repetition System, may not lead to full Japanese fluency. Its courses can be challenging due to abrupt transitions between writing systems (especially for Japanese). Reviews suggest better experiences with the premium version, so that may be something you want to consider if you join Memrise (especially for the option to pay once for a lifetime plan). Memrise earns a "just average” rating for its Japanese lessons.
Mondly offers a user-friendly language learning experience, recognized by prestigious sources like Forbes and CNN. While it provides a variety of languages, including Japanese, its approach may feel overwhelming for absolute beginners, especially with limited grammar instruction. The platform offers both free and subscription-based plans, but its refund policy is stringent, and there are mixed reviews about its effectiveness especially if you prefer highly-structured grammar and discussions.
FluentU provides an immersive Japanese learning experience through real-life video content, appealing to visual learners with interactive tools like word lookup and contextual examples. However, the lack of trial lessons without providing payment details may deter students. The somewhat scattered structure may not be ideal for beginners either. With subscription options starting at $29.99 per month, FluentU offers access to multiple languages but falls short in transparency and structured lesson plans.
Lingualift offers Japanese lessons with a focus on clarity and engagement, developed by experts from prestigious universities. However, its limited language options, heavy emphasis on reading large blocks of text in initial lessons, and lack of speaking exercises may deter potential learners. With subscription prices starting at $19.99 per month, Lingualift provides access to instructor assistance but falls short in user experience and progression, reflected in its low rating.
Whether you dream of exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, immersing yourself in the serene landscapes of Kyoto, or simply connecting with Japanese speakers, learning the language can be a rewarding experience.
Japan has a rich cultural heritage, steeped in centuries-old traditions and modern innovations. From the graceful movements of traditional dance forms like Noh and Kabuki to the intricate artistry of sushi-making and bonsai cultivation, Japanese culture offers art, history, and innovation. By learning Japanese, you gain access to a vibrant cultural world that spans ancient history and contemporary pop culture phenomena like J-pop music. From the elegance of Japanese architecture to the dynamic energy of modern city life, learning Japanese allows you to delve deeper into the heart and soul of Japan.
In today's interconnected world, proficiency in Japanese can open doors to many personal and professional opportunities. Japan is a global economic powerhouse, home to leading technology companies, automotive giants, and influential cultural exports. Whether you aspire to work for a Japanese corporation, pursue academic research in collaboration with Japanese institutions, or engage in cross-cultural exchange programs, fluency in Japanese can significantly broaden your horizons.
As you embark on your journey to learn Japanese, it can be hard to narrow down the options. Here are some key factors to consider to help you find the best resource for your Japanese lessons:
To help you get the most out of your language studies, Top Consumer Reviews has tested, evaluated and ranked the best options for online Japanese lessons today. We know this information will give you all the info you need to choose the best program for your learning style and schedule.
Select any 2 Japanese Lessons to compare them head to head