What languages can I learn with language learning programs?

Language learning programs usually offer a wide range of languages. You'll find popular options like Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin, along with some less common languages. It's always a good idea to check the list of available languages to make sure the platform offers the one you want to learn.

How much do language learning programs cost?

The cost can vary a lot. Some programs have free versions with basic features and offer premium upgrades, while others might require a subscription. These usually start at $10 per month and can be as high as $80. It's smart to look at the pricing details and see if there's a free trial so you can decide what program is most worth it to you.

Are language learning programs suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Virtually every language learning program is designed to be beginner-friendly. They often start with the basics, like travel vocabulary and simple grammar, and then gradually move on to more advanced stuff. If you're just starting out, make sure the program has a clear learning path for beginners. If you're a more advanced learner, make sure their higher levels are sufficiently challenging for you.

Can I learn at my own pace with language learning programs?

Yes, most language learning programs are really flexible. You can learn whenever you have time, fitting it into your schedule as you like. Some apps have audio-only lessons so you can practice while you commute. This way, you can balance your language learning with everything else going on in your life. The only "pressure" can come with platforms that use gamification features where you try to earn enough points for leaderboards and so on.

Do language learning programs offer speaking practice?

Speaking practice is super important, and many programs know that. They often have features like voice recognition, conversation practice with native speakers, or live tutoring sessions. These can really help you get comfortable speaking the new language.

Do language learning programs have interactive features?

Yes, they do! Many programs include games, quizzes, and exercises to make learning more fun and engaging. These interactive features help reinforce what you've learned and keep you motivated to continue. Look for programs that utilize spaced repetition.

What is spaced repetition?

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. The idea is to reinforce your memory just before you are likely to forget the information, which helps to improve long-term retention. Many language learning programs use spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary and grammar rules more effectively by scheduling reviews at optimal times.

Are language learning programs available on multiple devices?

Definitely. Most programs are available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. This makes it easy to practice whenever you have a spare moment, whether you're at home or on the go.

Best Language Learning Programs for January 2026

Item: The Best Language Learning Programs - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Tuesday, January 20th We 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.

2026 Language Learning Program Reviews

What is the Best Language Learning Program? Language learning programs are great for all kinds of people. Students often find them useful for supplementary learning in tandem with their school coursework. Professionals might use them to gain an edge in the global job market, where knowing more than one language can be a big advantage. Travelers can use these programs to learn the basics of a language before visiting a new country.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

italki

Professional teachers' rates start at $10, and Tutors' rates start at $5 per lesson
Offers over 150 languages
Choose between Community Tutors and Teachers

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the italki website

italki is a unique platform where you can learn languages by talking to real teachers through video chat. You can choose from over 150 languages and find tutors who match your learning style and schedule. The service offers both professional teachers and community tutors, and you can watch introduction videos to pick the best fit for you. With flexible lesson times and helpful AI Learning Plans, italki makes language learning personalized and effective. We rate italki 5 stars and highly recommend it for anyone serious about mastering a new language.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Ouino

3 months for $38.97, 6 months for $59.94, 12 months for $83.88; 50% discount on additional languages
Uses full sentences from the beginning
Detailed grammar instruction in the "Building Blocks" section

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Ouino website

Ouino is a top-notch language learning platform for French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese that uses full sentences from the beginning to help you learn faster. It provides thorough grammar instruction, extensive conjugation practice, and lets you build your vocabulary by topic. The app is available on iOS, Android, and desktop, and even offers an audio-only mode for learning on the go. With responsive customer support and a unique self-assessment grading system, Ouino makes language learning both effective and engaging.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Memrise

Prices: Monthly $22.99, Annual $89.99, Lifetime $249.98 (often cheaper with promotions)
28 languages available for English speakers
Available on desktop, iOS, and Android

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Memrise website

Memrise is a language learning platform that offers a fun and engaging way to learn new languages. With 28 languages available, you can practice vocabulary, listen to native speakers, and have simulated conversations with an AI chatbot. The platform's unique features include a vast catalog of videos and the ability to learn specific vocabulary on virtually any topic. Although it lacks grammar instruction, Memrise excels in helping you build practical language skills quickly. Overall, we highly recommend Memrise.

3.9

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Busuu

Costs $50 for a year or $13.90 monthly
Offers learning for multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Dutch, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Portuguese, Polish, Korean, Chinese, German, and Italian
Provides courses from A1 to B2 level, up to C1 for English

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

3.9

On the Busuu website

Busuu is your ticket to mastering a new language from a vast selection including English, Spanish, French, Japanese, and more. You'll appreciate the choice among several courses curated for different goals, all covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The platform stands out with practical lessons and interactive community where you can both learn from and teach others. For only $50 a year, you get full access to all the lessons, certificates, the Smart Review feature, and more.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Rocket Languages

Pricing: $149.95 per level or $75 per month for all levels
Offers 13 languages with advanced courses for some available
Downloadable MP3 and PDF materials for offline learning

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the Rocket Languages website

Rocket Languages offers online courses in 13 languages, including Spanish, French, and Japanese. Their podcast-style audio lessons and downloadable materials make it easy to learn on the go. However, the quality of lessons can vary, as we noticed in their German course, where one German speaker was not actually fluent. Also, the high monthly cost of $75 is not great. Overall, Rocket Languages has good content but might not be the best value for your money.

3.4

GOOD

Good

LingQ

Pricing: Premium at $14.99/month, $119.88/year; Premium Plus at $41.99/month, $443.88/year
47 languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese
Import and study any web content, including books and movies

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.4

On the LingQ website

LingQ helps you learn a new language by letting you review new vocabulary you encounter while reading and listening to any content you find interesting. While the platform has great features like a vast library, importing entire books and movies, and excellent flashcard review tools, it's also known for being somewhat buggy and expensive. The free plan is very limited, and some users have experienced billing issues. Overall, LingQ has potential but needs improvements; we can't recommend it as highly as we'd like to yet.

3.3

GOOD

Good

Fluenz

Access to all 5 levels of a given language course typically costs $398, individual levels are $187 each
Founded by Sonia Gil, a language learner and traveler
Offers Spanish, Mandarin, German, Portuguese, French, and Italian courses

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.3

On the Fluenz website

Fluenz is a woman-owned language learning platform with a particular focus on making sense to English speakers. You can learn languages including Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese through interactive tutor-led videos and practice exercises. For a truly immersive experience, consider their Spanish retreats in locations like Mexico City and Barcelona. However, we think they're a bit overpriced compared to competitors, and there's no way to try before you buy. Despite these drawbacks, we believe Fluenz's thorough and considered approach and it earns a solid rating.

3.3

GOOD

Good

Babbel

Yearly fee of $107 for the Self-Study plan
Live classes start at $50 a month
Lessons in 14 different languages

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.3

On the Babbel website

Babbel, a language learning app, lets you learn 14 languages at your own pace, with engaging bite-sized lessons that offer fun cultural insights along the way. You'll have the freedom to choose topics and review methods that suit your style, but be aware that Babbel's pronunciation tool could be better. While it's not the cheapest option, with a yearly fee of $107 for the Self-Study plan, you do get access to all of Babbel's languages. Babbel Live classes are an added cost and only offered in select languages. Overall, while Babbel is well-rated and effective, we recommend checking out more budget-friendly options first.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

Pimsleur

Starts at $19.95 per month for one language or $20.95 per month/$164.95 annually for all 51 languages
Developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur based on memory research
Offers 51 languages including popular and less common ones

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the Pimsleur website

Pimsleur is a language learning program that helps you learn one of 51 languages through 30-minute audio lessons. It focuses on listening and speaking, using real-life conversations to aid retention. You can use it on your phone, in your car, or with Amazon Echo devices. However, it lacks grammar instruction and can feel slow and unengaging. We recommend checking out other programs that focus equally on audio and text-based lessons before subscribing to Pimsleur.

2.9

AVERAGE

Average

Mondly

Pricing: 1 language for $9.99 a month or $47.99 for a full year
Free users have access to the first unit and a Daily Lesson
41 different languages

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

2.9

On the Mondly website

Mondly is a language learning app that lets you learn the basics of 41 different languages. Unique features include LUNA, an AI chatbot for spoken conversation practice, and augmented and virtual reality to simulate real-life scenarios. However, be aware that free access is limited to just the first unit and a daily lesson, some key curriculum areas may be missing, and user experience could use some improvement. Despite these drawbacks, if VR and AR learning interests you, Mondly's worth a look. But keep in mind, it's not our top pick for language learning platforms.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Duolingo

Pricing: Free basic version, with Super Duolingo available for $12.99/month
Over 40 languages available, including both popular and less common languages
Gamification keeps users engaged and motivates daily use

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.5

On the Duolingo website

By now, no one with an internet connection can possibly have avoided familiarity with Duolingo, the language learning app with over 37 million active users. It's a mostly free, gamified language learning platform that can get you started on over 40 languages, from Spanish to Swahili. However, some essential features now cost money and the app has started to use AI-generated sentences, which we find distasteful. The app is addictive thanks to its gamification but it isn't very challenging and doesn't teach you practical sentences for real-life situations. In the end, we suggest using Duolingo as a starting point to get a feel for a new language, but you'll want to move on to more comprehensive programs for serious study.

2.0

SUBPAR

Subpar

Rosetta Stone

Pricing starts from $47.97 for 3 months with options for 12 months and Lifetime subscriptions
Access to all language programs with a Lifetime subscription
Offers 23 different languages

Read Full Review

SUBPAR

2.0

On the Rosetta Stone website

Rosetta Stone, a well-known name in language learning, offers programs for 23 different languages, accessible on nearly any device. While the service promotes an immersive learning experience, you're guaranteed to find yourself frustrated as it throws you into new vocabulary and sentences without explanation or translation. The program does offer one or two tools you may find useful, like alphabet study for languages with non-Latin characters. However, the absence of cultural and grammatical instruction and reading exercises that are too challenging will leave you far behind savvy language learners who chose better programs. Despite its reputation, we recommend exploring other language learning programs with a better curriculum and user experience.

Continued from above...

What is the Best Language Learning Program?

Language learning programs are great for all kinds of people. Students often find them useful for supplementary learning in tandem with their school coursework. Professionals might use them to gain an edge in the global job market, where knowing more than one language can be a big advantage. Travelers can use these programs to learn the basics of a language before visiting a new country.

Online language learning programs can solve several problems. Traditional classes can be expensive, time-consuming, and inflexible, with fixed schedules that can be hard to fit into a busy life. Language learning programs, on the other hand, are often more affordable and can be used anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection. They offer different ways to learn, such as interactive exercises, games, and conversation practice, making learning more engaging and effective.

Imagine this: In high school, you struggled through Spanish class, barely passing and feeling frustrated every step of the way. The rigid schedule and overwhelming, boring homework of the traditional classroom setting just didn't work for you. Years later, as an adult, you find yourself wishing you could speak another language fluently.

Maybe you want to try again with Spanish, or branch out to something new, like French, German, Italian, or even Arabic. You realize there must be a better way to learn than those old high school methods, and you start exploring language learning programs designed to fit into your busy life.

Language enthusiasts and lifelong learners can use these tools to explore new languages and cultures. There are many types of language learning programs, each with its own strengths. Some focus on "immersive" learning, using pictures and audio to teach you in a way similar to how babies acquire their first languages. Others use games and competition with other students to make learning fun. Some programs offer audio-based instruction, which is great if you prefer to listen and practice speaking while on the go.

There are a handful of things to keep in mind when choosing the best language learning program for you:

Learning style. Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer seeing, hearing, or interacting with what you are learning? Pick a program that matches your learning style to help you stay interested and retain more information.
Language focus. Not all programs offer every language. Make sure the program you choose has good resources for the language you want to learn, including conversation practice, grammar lessons, and cultural insights.
Cost. Language programs can be free, paid, or a combination of both. Consider what you can afford and compare the cost with the features and benefits. Free programs can be great, but paid services often offer more comprehensive and structured content.
Flexibility. Look for programs that fit into your schedule. Mobile apps are good for learning on the go, while desktop versions might offer more detailed resources. Some platforms offer a combination of both. Whatever you choose, you want to make sure the program's format works with your lifestyle, or you won't use it.
Difficulty. Some language learning programs are so much fun that you don't find it difficult to get some practice in every day. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you're actually learning to speak the language. Look for a program that challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone and provides you with opportunities to test how much you really know.
User experience. A user-friendly interface can make learning a new language much easier and more enjoyable. Read reviews and, if possible, try a demo.

The language-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked the best language learning programs available. We hope this information helps you find the right service for you, making your journey to fluency in a second (or third, or fourth) language enjoyable and successful.