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Best apps

Best free language learning apps

Tools you can use for free, with a note on what each free tier limits.

Start freeHow it works
  • Free forever plan
  • No card needed
  • 77 languages

Updated · by the 4ToSpeak team

  1. 1

    4ToSpeak

    Best for: Learners who can recognise words but freeze when they have to speak, and anyone who wants daily speaking reps.

    Strengths

    • Every sentence ends with you saying it, so speaking is a large share of each session.
    • Word-by-word speech feedback shows what to fix.
    • A free plan with no card and no time limit.
    • Lots of languages, including smaller ones many apps skip.

    Weaknesses

    • The iOS app is still in beta and there is no Android app yet; it also runs in the browser.
    • Light on long grammar explanations.
    • Not a replacement for live conversation with people.
  2. 2

    Duolingo

    Best for: Building a daily habit and getting broad early exposure.

    Strengths

    • Playful, habit-forming daily lessons.
    • A real free tier.
    • Many languages and plenty of variety.

    Weaknesses

    • Mostly tapping and typing, with limited speaking.
    • Sentences can feel disconnected from real conversation.
    • Progress can slow at intermediate level.
  3. 3

    Anki

    Best for: Self-directed learners who want to retain vocabulary.

    Strengths

    • Powerful spaced repetition.
    • Fully customisable and free on most platforms.
    • Great for long-term vocabulary.

    Weaknesses

    • You build or find the decks yourself.
    • No built-in speaking or lessons.
    • A plain interface with a learning curve.
  4. 4

    Drops

    Best for: Quick daily vocabulary on the go.

    Strengths

    • Fast, visual, enjoyable vocabulary practice.
    • Many languages.
    • Very low friction.

    Weaknesses

    • Vocabulary only, no sentence building.
    • No real speaking practice.
    • Limited free time per day.
  5. 5

    Clozemaster

    Best for: Intermediate learners growing vocabulary.

    Strengths

    • Vocabulary in real sentence context.
    • Frequency-based ordering.
    • Free and paid options.

    Weaknesses

    • Not beginner-friendly on its own.
    • No speaking practice.
    • Little explanation.
  6. 6

    Mango Languages

    Best for: Learners with free library access.

    Strengths

    • Often free through libraries.
    • Many languages, including rarer ones.
    • Conversation-oriented.

    Weaknesses

    • Access depends on your library.
    • Less gamified.
    • Limited speech feedback.
  7. 7

    Language Transfer

    Best for: Free, hands-free grammar insight.

    Strengths

    • Completely free.
    • Excellent at explaining how the language works.
    • Hands-free.

    Weaknesses

    • Only a few languages.
    • Audio only, with no feedback.
    • Not a full path to fluency.
  8. 8

    Language exchange apps

    Best for: Applying what you have learned with real people.

    Strengths

    • Free real conversation.
    • Exposure to natural speech.
    • Cultural insight.

    Weaknesses

    • Unstructured.
    • Partner quality and reliability vary.
    • Intimidating for beginners.
  9. 9

    AI chatbots

    Best for: Flexible conversation practice and questions.

    Strengths

    • Available any time.
    • Infinitely flexible.
    • Can explain and role-play.

    Weaknesses

    • No built-in curriculum.
    • Can state errors confidently.
    • Limited, inconsistent speech feedback.

How to choose

Free tiers differ: some are free forever with limits, some are trials, some are free through a library. Check what is capped.

Order is not a ranking of quality. Product names are trademarks of their owners and are not affiliated with 4ToSpeak. Features and pricing change, so check each product’s own site.

FAQ

Questions, answered

Still stuck? support@4tospeak.com

What is the best app for free learning?

It depends on your goal. Good options for free learning include 4ToSpeak, Duolingo, Anki, Drops and more. Free tiers differ: some are free forever with limits, some are trials, some are free through a library. Check what is capped.

Is there a free option for free learning?

Yes. 4ToSpeak, Duolingo, Anki have free options. Free plans differ in what they limit, so check before relying on one.

Should I use more than one app?

Often, yes. Apps tend to cover different skills. A common mix is one app for daily practice, audio for listening and a tutor or exchange partner for conversation.

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Free · no card · 77 languages

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