The Best Latin Lessons

Monday, May 19th

2025 Latin Lesson Reviews

Rosetta Stone

• Priced at $95.88 per year or $399 lifetime
• Immersion-based approach
• 3-day free trial
• TruAccent feature for perfecting your pronunciation
• App and desktop access
• Can use both offline and online
• Seek & Speak tool (iOS and Android)
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 4.8-star average rating
• "A+” rating from the BBB

Celebrated as one of today's premier language-learning platforms, Rosetta Stone presents an exceptional program. It has a wide-ranging user base encompassing over 12,000 corporations, 9,000 organizations, and 22,000 educational institutions worldwide, making it one of the largest platforms on the market. Initially distributed via expensive CD-ROMs, Rosetta Stone has evolved into a more accessible online platform, providing cost-effective subscriptions. Along with instructing learners of various languages, including Latin, the company engages in preserving endangered languages and collaborates with indigenous communities globally.

3-day free trial

Rosetta Stone's Latin program, similar to its other language courses, offers a no-risk 3-day trial period. To sign up, you simply provide your email address, proficiency level, and reasons for learning Latin. Then, you can initiate your first lesson. You'll gain entry to three beginner lessons intended for completion within the week. These lessons primarily emphasize vocabulary and fundamental Latin language principles, introducing crucial words and straightforward phrases accompanied by images. However, a slight drawback exists: there's no direct grammar instruction. But, as the content gets more advanced, it does include some explanations.

Unique study features

Rosetta Stone presents unique features that distinguish it from other platforms. The TruVoice software incorporates speech recognition technology to enhance your Latin pronunciation skills, which is a fun extra for a dead language. Rosetta Stone also provides an immersive learning atmosphere that mimics the natural language acquisition process, offering contextual exposure to Latin words and phrases alongside images and real-life examples. The Rosetta Stone mobile app features a See & Speak tool, accessible on both iOS and Android devices, so you can go on a language scavenger hunt and learn new vocab from items in your direct surroundings.

One-time payment for permanent access

Rosetta Stone presents three payment options for most languages. However, Latin only has two options for payment. The company offers a lifetime subscription option for $399, granting access to all 25 languages without any recurring payments. Alternatively, you can opt for a 12-month plan at $13.99 per month, billed as a single payment of $167.88. Other languages offer a 3-month plan, but Latin isn't eligible for that option.

Choose how often you want to learn

Whether you're starting as a beginner aiming to enjoy the learning journey or you favor a more organized method to grasp Latin fundamentals, Rosetta Stone assists you in creating a customized strategy to progress in Latin at your preferred rate. The program suggests dedicating 30 minutes to daily study, five days weekly, for approximately six weeks to attain mastery of Latin basics. You receive a blend of visual aids, speaking exercises, and reading and writing tasks to engage in various forms of learning within a single course.

30-day money-back guarantee

Rosetta Stone has a 30-day money-back guarantee for all payments. Within 30 days, you can request a refund for any reason, which stands out from many refund policies at Rosetta Stone's competitors. This no-questions-asked policy is one of the standout features of Rosetta Stone, and it shows how committed they are to customer satisfaction.

Impressive review scores

Rosetta Stone earns acclaim across the board, holding an admirable "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. The iOS and Android apps also show positive feedback, with average ratings of 4.8 stars on the Apple store and 4.7 out of 5 on the Google Play store. Language experts and blogs note that Rosetta Stone is more "conversational” than grammar-focused, which could be a drawback with Latin in particular, but you'll have plenty of time with the free trial to test the methods for yourself.

Top pick for Latin

While we do wish there was a more specific focus on detailed grammar throughout the Rosetta Stone Latin program, if you're in search of efficient language learning techniques, Rosetta Stone stands out as the premier selection. Its immersive methodology encompasses speaking, reading, writing, and some grammar, mirroring the organic language acquisition process. Despite being similar to alternative choices, exceedingly favorable customer feedback propels Rosetta Stone to the top of our list, securing it a 5-star rating for Latin lessons.

Italki

• Pricing from $5 to $45 per hour
• Trial lesson usually available at half-price
• Tutoring and video-call lessons
• Highly qualified tutors and teachers
• 30- to 90-minute sessions
• Synchronous meetings
• 4.7-star average rating

italki functions as an online hub linking students with Latin tutors for language instruction. Unlike platforms providing ready-made lessons, italki is a marketplace where students connect with tutors to support their language learning path. The tutors available on italki are proficient speakers from a variety of backgrounds. Some of the top teachers are from Holland, Greece, Serbia, England, and more. They offer a range of tutoring subjects with adaptable schedules, but you do need to be prepared to sign on to video conferences at specific meeting times.

Individualized teaching methods

italki is different from other platforms in that there isn't a unified course or teaching method offered. Tutors on italki each offer completely different material at different levels depending on who you choose to work with. While browsing different tutors, you can choose between "instant" lessons or pre-scheduling a session in 72 hours. Tutors often provide introduction videos to give you an idea of who you will be working with. However, these videos typically focus on the tutor or teacher and don't preview lesson content or interactions with students. For example, the top-recommended teacher introduces himself completely in Latin, showing complete fluency and proficiency. The tutor goes on to describe his method, which is reading a book in Latin and speaking only in Latin during lessons. If this style doesn't suit your level or how you like to learn, other teachers offer completely different approaches to choose from.

Tutoring focus rather than full courses

On italki, sessions are hosted through video conferencing platforms like Zoom or FaceTime. This means you'll need to arrange frequent sessions with your tutor and add the meeting to your schedule. Unlike other platforms that offer asynchronous learning, this synchronous method offers personalized one-on-one instruction, though it may lack some of the flexibility of self-directed learning. Depending on the tutor you select and your budget, italki is primarily a tutoring service rather than a complete language course (though some instructors do offer comprehensive learning materials).

Between $20 to $45 per hour

Prices for Latin lessons on italki are different depending on who you choose to work with. Trial lessons range from $5 to $35 per hour, while full lessons can cost between $20 and $45 per hour. Some tutors organize their lessons by level, like beginner, intermediate, or advanced, others organize their course by theme like prose composition or exam prep, and a few organize their lessons by length with some offering 30-90 minutes.

Refunds are only offered if you pay in credits

At italki, the refund policy operates through its credit system, so refunds must be issued in italki's currency "credits” instead of direct payments. Our investigation showed that to be eligible for a refund, you must buy credits and use them for lesson payments. In such cases, only credits are returned to your account. Payments made directly via credit card or other methods do not qualify for refunds.

Total satisfaction with tutoring services

Feedback for italki is notably positive, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers praise the high-quality instruction delivered by teachers. On the italki platform, all recommended tutors received a perfect 5-star rating from students, indicating high satisfaction levels with individual tutors. Recent reviews consistently rate the platform with 5 stars, reflecting widespread satisfaction with the service.

Amazing source for tutoring

italki receives positive feedback from its students and customers, with many praising the learning opportunities and different methods available on italki. However, italki is not a complete language course and may require supplemental materials for full fluency. It is, first and foremost, a tutoring program, so, while italki is highly recommended, it may not be enough if you use it as the only source for learning Latin. However, it does have the option to really sink into grammar, which is extremely necessary for fluency in Latin due to the different teaching styles offered. You can easily find a tutor who focuses on what you need. For this reason, italki earns an excellent rating in our review.

Duolingo

• Pricing from $0 to $6.99 per month (when billed annually)
• Sentence-reading and listening approach
• Jump right into full sentences
• Totally free account available
• 14-day free trial of premium (Super Duolingo)
• Family account available for 2-6 users
• Gamified learning with points and leaderboards
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• 4.7-star average rating

If you aren't familiar with Duolingo yet, you might be overlooking one of today's most popular language platforms. Known for its cute owl mascot and game-like learning style, Duolingo has become extremely popular, especially among students, teachers, and on social media. With lessons available in over 40 languages, including Latin, Duolingo is praised for making language learning fun and easy. The best part? Duolingo is 100% free to use, making it an appealing choice for beginners.

Missing major grammar instruction

Duolingo is free, so you can jump right into learning. However, we noticed that Duolingo has some drawbacks for beginner Latin students. This app is generally designed for conversational languages, not dead ones. To study Latin, you have to have a system that incorporates grammar and language rules alongside the vocabulary. While Duolingo will jump right into teaching you full readable sentences, the complexities of Latin may be lost if you're not using an outside supplemental class to help. The course focuses on reading full sentences and listening, which can be fun, but Latin is a dead language, so managing your pronunciation isn't one of the key factors to learning the language.

5 lives for learning mistakes

Duolingo uses an interactive learning approach, which is meant to feel more like a game than learning. On Duolingo Latin, mistakes deduct hearts from your total, making it like a video game where you have limited "lives”. If you reach zero hearts because you've made too many mistakes (and you have a free account), you'll have to take a break from learning Latin. It will take around 5 hours to restore each heart that you lose, but you can speed up the process by using Duolingo's in-app currency, Gems. Ideally, the gamified heart system is meant to help you study closely to avoid mistakes. However, if you do make accidental errors, you'll be unable to continue the course until you pay or wait for your hearts to regenerate.

$6.99 per month

Duolingo offers a subscription priced at $6.99 per month for an annual plan, but the platform is mostly accessible without cost. Subscribing grants access to features like unlimited replays and extra practice tools, which concentrate on refining areas of difficulty. Recently, Duolingo also launched the Super Duolingo Family Plan, enabling multiple users to enjoy premium benefits under a single subscription, encouraging collaborative learning or friendly in-house competitions. The prices for the family plan can be tricky to find, but figure on a cost of around $12.99/month (also billed annually).

No refunds

Duolingo maintains a strict no-refund policy for all purchases, emphasizing that once you subscribe you're on the hook. Given that Duolingo offers free access to its basic features, the company offers you plenty of time to evaluate the lessons before making a commitment. Although they do provide a 14-day trial for Super Duolingo, they explicitly state they are not liable for refunds if you forget to cancel before your payment method is billed.

Mixed feedback on fluency

Despite its engaging approach, Duolingo isn't a favorite with Latin language experts. Critics claim the addicting gameplay may detract from more effective learning methods. Others give it a pass for being a good study tool, though Latin experts don't believe it's possible to fully learn the language on Duolingo. According to the Better Business Bureau, Duolingo has an "F" grade, but if you look at third-party ratings and reviews on app stores like Google Play and the Apple Store, Duolingo is doing well. It has a 4.7-star rating average on both Google and Apple platforms and earned the Editors Choice award on the Apple Store. So, students love the game, but experts are skeptical.

Perfect as a vocab study tool

Ultimately, Duolingo is valuable as a supplementary tool for Latin language students. Without very specific work on grammar, Duolingo can't delve deeply into the intricacies of Latin for real understanding, and it may be best used alongside other language programs or coursework. However, Duolingo's accessibility and engaging interface make it a popular choice among students, and it is a great study tool for learning the many vocabulary words necessary for mastering Latin. For these reasons, it earns a respectable rating.

Mondly

• Pricing from $9.99 per month or $48 per year
• Sentence-reading and listening approach
• Preview content with a free account
• 7-day free trial of premium
• Can use both offline and online
• Learn from source languages other than English
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Average rating of 4.8 stars

Based in Romania, Mondly is a language learning platform acknowledged by Forbes, CNN, and Bloomberg for its engaging and easy-to-use method. Families aiming to learn Latin together can take advantage of Mondly's specialized app for children, alongside the primary Mondly app designed for adults. The standard Mondly version offers an array of free materials, with more features accessible via a separate subscription. The best feature? You can start learning Latin from a wide array of languages, so you don't need to be an English-speaking student to begin your journey.

Jump right in with lessons and chats

Commencing Latin lessons on Mondly is straightforward. Simply choose your current language and indicate your proficiency level in Latin to begin learning. Throughout the trial period, you'll have access to six lessons, a vocabulary section, a Chatbot conversation, and new lessons provided daily, weekly, and monthly. The initial lesson centers on genders, family members, and presenting new vocabulary. You can easily toggle between Latin and your source language if you need to check on translations. Visual aids like photos of vocabulary words aid in comprehension, and Mondly offers a recap of newly acquired terms at the lesson's end.

Engaging method, but minimal grammar

Mondly's lesson structure resembles a roadmap, guiding you through course topics, while also offering you the flexibility to select particular lessons. Mondly emphasizes learning via sentences and phrases, with minimal grammar details provided as supplementary material. This is a little bit of a downside, especially for Latin learning which is highly dependent on complex grammar and parsing sentences. However, Mondly's multimodal learning approach, integrating audio and written components with a gamified tracking system, effectively keeps students engaged.

$9.99 per month for just Latin

Subscriptions vary from a complimentary membership with restricted entry to the initial 6 lessons, to premium plans providing the complete Latin course. Mondly offers prices starting at $9.99 per month for just Latin or $47.99 annually for access to all 33 languages in its library. If you aim to become proficient in multiple languages, or you simply have an interest in exploring various languages, Mondly presents an excellent choice for you.

Refunds are only offered if Mondly is in error

Mondly's refund policy isn't the most customer-friendly. The only time you can obtain a refund from Mondly is by terminating your subscription because Mondly violated a contract term. Under all other circumstances, discontinuing your subscription results in forfeiting the payments made. So, if it's not Mondly's error, you'll be on the hook for the entire subscription payment that you made.

Students who want to speak Latin love this

Feedback from students regarding Mondly tends to be favorable, although some raise issues regarding its refund policy and absence of explicit grammar guidance in Latin. According to reviews from the Apple Store, Mondly has an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars. Students are specifically happy about their ability to speak Latin post-Mondly usage. Despite reservations about the chatbot feature for language practice expressed by some reviewers, Mondly distinguishes itself as a top language app in the online domain.

Fun option but needs more customer support

Mondly provides a cost-effective choice for Latin learning, featuring consistently refreshed lessons and the freedom to start from any language you want. Nonetheless, we have some questions about how effective it is for achieving fluency in Latin over the long term, given the absence of explicit grammar guidance. We give Mondly a "just above average" rating in our evaluation.

Udemy

• Priced at $79.99 for Introduction To Classical Latin
• One-time payment
• Video, audio, homework, and puzzle lessons for beginners
• Access to real teachers
• Works on TV and mobile devices
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 4.5-star rating on Udemy

Udemy operates as an online platform offering a repository for students embarking on their Latin language journey. Its primary Latin option, "An Introduction To Classical Latin”, is a course designed specifically for beginners who want to start learning the language. The course is recommended by major companies who offer this course to their employees. While we're not sure what Volkswagen or Eventbrite might need with Classical Latin, it does serve as a unique way to recommend this Udemy program.

Continuous updates over time

Through this introductory course in Classical Latin, students will acquire a solid understanding of basic Latin grammar, syntax, and an expanding vocabulary. Enrolling in this class offers the opportunity to uncover the root language of Romance languages like Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, laying a strong foundation for future language learning endeavors. The course includes brief 3- to 7-minute lectures for each lesson, accompanying documents featuring vocabulary lists, translation exercises from Latin to English and vice-versa, self-test assessments every five chapters, and an answer key for exams and translation exercises. Students will also have access to an evolving vocabulary list that continues to be updated over time.

Videos, articles, downloads, and more

This course offers:

• 5 hours of on-demand video
• 2 articles
• 71 downloadable resources
• Access on mobile and TV
• Certificate of completion

No extra software is necessary. However, having a printer might be helpful if you prefer hard copies of the individual lesson texts. Learn the fundamentals of Classical Latin in this initial course, giving you a grasp of basic Latin grammar and syntax, along with an extensive vocabulary, which expands with each lesson. This is one of many courses offered by Udemy, so if you find this option too beginner-friendly, you might browse the platform for other lessons. All the courses offer slightly different features and hours.

One-time purchase

Udemy's "Introduction To Classical Latin” is easy to purchase. There's just a one-time cost of $79. The costs for other Udemy courses range from $19.99 to $80. There are no recurring memberships or fees to worry about, and you can progress at your own pace and continue learning over time.

30-day money-back guarantee

Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If any program, including "Introduction To Classical Latin”, fails to meet your expectations within the initial month, you have the option to request a refund. This level of support is particularly beneficial, considering that courses cannot be previewed beforehand, and payment is required upfront, so you have some recourse if you don't like the lessons.

Reviewers have trouble with refunds

Udemy receives mixed feedback across various third-party platforms such as Trustpilot and Sitejabber, with an average rating of approximately 3 stars. One common issue reported by customers is difficulty in obtaining refunds despite the company's refund policy. Some customers also faced challenges with technical support, encountering difficulties accessing courses post-purchase. While individual courses on Udemy like "Introduction To Classical Latin” receive high ratings like 4.5 stars, it's puzzling how these reviews match up with the negative feedback from external sources. This suggests that Udemy might be fantastic with some courses, but less helpful in others. Despite the impressive ratings for specific courses, Udemy's overall reputation raises concerns, particularly when you consider that you may not be able to get a refund after paying upfront.

Not popular with reviewers

While Udemy's "Introduction To Classical Latin” offers a competitive focus on grammar that is important for succeeding in the language, reviewers who've used Udemy are highly concerned about the platform as a whole. Udemy's poor reputation keeps it from being more competitive in our review. For this reason, it gets a mid-tier rating overall.

LingQ

• Pricing from $14.99 per month
• Four-pronged approach with reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Preview content with a free account
• Flashcards included
• Input-based learning
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Average rating of 4.8 stars on iOS
• "A+” rating from the BBB

LingQ is a language learning platform and app that provides a wide range of resources, such as guided courses, podcasts, news, articles, and books, covering thousands of hours of audio and written content across 41 languages. You can explore both original and user-uploaded materials, supported by tools for reviewing vocabulary and practicing speaking Latin. Presently, LingQ offers 21 of its 41 languages in a Beta version, but Latin is one of the complete options offered by the platform.

Free to get started

To begin with LingQ, all you need to do is create an account and respond to a brief questionnaire. This questionnaire covers your existing knowledge of Latin, your desired daily lesson duration, and your areas of interest. Afterward, you'll be encouraged to install a Firefox extension (though it's optional) to import content from your preferred movies or online reading materials to enrich your language learning experience. Following this step, you'll be prompted to make a payment, but you can simply click the "get started for free" button in the top right corner to begin without entering your payment information.

You might need additional grammar resources

The learning materials on LingQ span from Beginner to Intermediate levels (A1 to B2+). For those who are just starting out, it's suggested to gain a foundational grasp of vocabulary and grammar from other sources before beginning with LingQ. Although LingQ addresses all four key language skills - listening, reading, speaking, and writing - its main emphasis lies on input-oriented learning, prioritizing reading and listening. The vocabulary enhancement features of the platform include spaced repetition systems (SRS) and texts paired with audio files (which you can import yourself using the extension). However, it does not provide direct grammar instruction, which could be extremely limiting for many Latin students.

Cost as low as $8.99 per month

The price to subscribe is $14.99 per month. Or, if you prefer a longer commitment (and a slightly cheaper price), you can get a 33% discount at $9.99 per month for a 12-month commitment ($119.88 per year). LingQ also offers a 24-month plan at $8.99 per month, saving you 40% off the regular rate ($215.76 every 2 years).

Cluttered interface may be frustrating

Within its lessons, LingQ provides various SRS features such as flashcards, multiple-choice exercises, and cloze tests, though its visual appeal might not be as strong. The interface might feel overwhelming due to its numerous elements. Effectively locating learning materials demands patience when navigating the platform. The system aims to assist you initially, but this restricts your actions, preventing you from progressing beyond the "tutorial" until it's finished.

No refunds at LingQ

LingQ charges you upfront for its service no matter what plan length you choose, and this payment is non-reversible. There are no reimbursements or credits for incomplete months of service, for upgrades or downgrades, or for any unused months while your account is active. Essentially, if you decide to subscribe to a paid membership at any point, LingQ won't provide you with a refund.

Mixed reviews for the UI

At present, the Better Business Bureau gives LingQ an "A+" rating, and it receives excellent ratings from the Apple Store. However, third-party review platforms like Trustpilot only award it 2.4 stars out of 5. Satisfied customers praised the lessons and their ability to integrate outside materials into the learning experience. Dissatisfied students were upset about the site's design and the difficulty in navigating the interface, which made it difficult to learn. Some customers were unsurprisingly unhappy with the absence of a return policy.

LingQ needs some more grammar

Although LingQ shines in its emphasis on word review and vocabulary, it lacks distinction in customer service and site design. It proves challenging for new students to navigate and doesn't work as well for beginners with its absence of dedicated grammar study. Consequently, it falls short for those seeking to begin learning Latin from scratch.

Preply

• Pricing from $15 to $49 per hour
• Tutoring and teaching style of lessons
• 50-minute sessions
• Synchronous meetings
• 4.4-star average from some sites

Launched in 2012, Preply is a platform meant to link you with tutors globally. Despite claiming that learners now benefit from AI-driven functionalities for interactive learning, the precise integration of AI into tutoring sessions remains unclear. Also, tutors on Preply create their own lessons. However, feedback hints that the tutors might not possess the level of qualification as promoted, like those promised to be "certified”.

Select the best tutor

To get started on Preply, you need to find yourself a tutor. You can search the different teacher profiles with Preply's filtering options. The criteria include things like price, nationality, and availability. Once you find a tutor you want to work with, you can check them out on their personal page and see how other students like you have rated their experiences. Most tutors will offer a trial class either free or at a reduced price to test if their teaching style will fit your needs.

May need to mix and match outside resources

Given Preply's lack of an in-house curriculum, you might need to supplement lessons with external resources. Advancement in Latin hinges on the personalized lessons crafted by tutors, so if you can't find a tutor you like, you're out of luck. Plus, every tutor works a little differently, so you won't know for sure what you're getting until you try a lesson. You'll likely need to use outside resources to supplement the lessons, making this a more expensive self-guided option than others in our review.

Expensive tutoring for only 50 minutes

At Preply, the pricing tends to be higher compared to other tutoring platforms. Most prices for Latin tutors range from $23 to $50 for sessions lasting 50 minutes each. Given the higher costs, this might not be the best option if you're wanting to commit to Latin lessons long-term. Most of the sessions are around $30 an hour. On top of the high costs, we have seen from reviews and online forums that Preply may be taking a significant portion of the proceeds with tutors earning a much lower portion than students are actually paying.

Refunds are not guaranteed

You can initiate a refund request through the platform's return policy. If you require a refund, you must make your request within 30 days of your payment. Preply will assess your request and decide whether to approve or reject it according to their criteria. The specific conditions for refund approval aren't specified on their website.

Concerning reviews on multiple platforms

Reports of experiences with Preply have been mixed across review platforms. We have some concerns regarding the platform's integrity due to complaints about underpaid tutors and questionable business practices. Ratings for Preply vary significantly across different sources, ranging from a favorable average rating of 4.4 stars on some blogs and websites to as low as 2.2 stars on others. Although Preply's own website displays all 5-star ratings, we're not sure how accurate that is. However, the most troubling feedback stems from customers and tutors on platforms like Trustpilot, where complaints about inadequate support for tutors and payment issues are increasingly common. Some reviews even deem the company a "scam".

Use caution with Preply

Although Preply offers helpful Latin tutoring, it might not be the most dependable standalone choice for Latin learning. Issues regarding tutoring quality, pricing, and customer satisfaction give us pause. Bottom line? Preply isn't going to deliver a great Latin learning experience.