Best Apps to Learn English – Top 10 Options for Learners

Best Apps to Learn English – Top 10 Options for Learners

Introduction

English has become the global language of communication, education, and business. Whether you are preparing for international exams, applying for a job, or simply want to improve your conversational skills, English proficiency can open countless doors. Thankfully, technology has made learning easier than ever before. Today, there are several apps to learn English that provide interactive lessons, vocabulary practice, grammar tips, and speaking opportunities right on your smartphone.

In this guide, we explore the top 10 apps to learn English, highlighting their features, benefits, and why they stand out. These apps combine innovation with convenience, giving learners of all levels the chance to improve at their own pace.

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular apps to learn English worldwide. Known for its gamified lessons, Duolingo uses short exercises that feel more like a game than traditional study. It covers vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills in bite-sized formats.

Features:

  • Free lessons with a premium option for advanced features

  • Daily challenges and streaks to motivate learners

  • Covers grammar, listening, and speaking

  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners

Why it works:
Duolingo motivates learners through rewards, streaks, and achievements. It is ideal for beginners who want to build a strong foundation in English without feeling overwhelmed.

2. HelloTalk

HelloTalk takes a unique approach by focusing on real-life communication with native speakers. It connects learners with people from around the world for text, voice, and video conversations.

Features:

  • Chat with native English speakers

  • Voice and text corrections from partners

  • In-app translation for better understanding

  • Free and premium versions available

Why it works:
Instead of memorizing rules, learners practice English in real conversations. HelloTalk is best for students who already know the basics and want to gain fluency through real communication.

3. Babbel

Babbel is designed for structured learning and is often compared to traditional language courses. It offers well-organized lessons that focus on grammar, vocabulary, and conversational phrases.

Features:

  • Professionally designed lessons by language experts

  • Interactive dialogues to practice conversations

  • Focus on practical vocabulary used in daily life

  • Subscription-based model with personalized progress

Why it works:
Babbel’s approach is systematic and perfect fo

4. Memrise

Memrise uses fun methods like flashcards, videos, and quizzes to make learning English exciting. It helps learners retain vocabulary through repetition and memory-based techniques.

Features:

  • Spaced repetition to help long-term memory

  • User-generated content with a variety of lessons

  • Short, interactive exercises for quick practice

  • Offline access available in premium plans

Why it works:
Memrise is excellent for vocabulary building. It is particularly useful for students preparing for exams like IELTS or TOEFL where vocabulary plays a key role.

5. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is one of the oldest and most respected names in language learning. It offers immersive learning experiences that emphasize listening and speaking from the start.

Features:

  • Speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice

  • Real-time feedback on speaking

  • Full immersion method (no translations)

  • Well-structured lessons suitable for all levels

Why it works:
By focusing on listening and speaking, Rosetta Stone builds natural fluency. It is ideal for learners who want to think directly in English instead of translating from their native language.

6. Busuu

Busuu combines artificial intelligence with human interaction. It provides structured lessons while also allowing learners to practice with native speakers for corrections and feedback.

Features:

  • Courses designed by linguists

  • AI-based grammar and vocabulary training

  • Community support from native speakers

  • Offline learning mode

Why it works:
Busuu bridges the gap between self-study and human interaction. It is best for learners who want both structured lessons and real-life communication opportunities.

7. Grammarly

Although Grammarly is not a traditional learning app, it is one of the best tools for improving English writing. It helps users correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure in real time.

Features:

  • Real-time grammar and spelling checks

  • Suggestions for tone, clarity, and vocabulary

  • Plagiarism detection in premium versions

  • Works on mobile, desktop, and browser extensions

Why it works:
Grammarly is perfect for students and professionals who write frequently in English. It helps learners understand their mistakes and improve writing skills naturally.

8. ELSA Speak

ELSA Speak is an app focused on pronunciation and speaking skills. It uses AI-powered speech recognition to analyze your accent and help you sound more like a native speaker.

Features:

  • Instant feedback on pronunciation

  • Lessons designed to improve fluency

  • Practice with common conversational topics

  • Personalized learning path based on progress

Why it works:
ELSA Speak is ideal for learners preparing for interviews, presentations, or public speaking. It helps boost confidence by improving clarity and pronunciation.

9. English Learning App (General)

There are many English learning apps available, often labeled simply as “English Learning App.” These typically provide basic lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice.

Features:

  • Beginner-friendly lessons

  • Mix of grammar, reading, and listening exercises

  • Often free with optional premium features

  • Designed for casual learners

Why it works:
These apps provide a starting point for learners who want a simple and affordable way to improve their English skills.

10. FluentU

FluentU focuses on learning English through real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspirational talks. It uses interactive captions and quizzes to help learners understand and use English in practical situations.

Features:

  • Video-based lessons with subtitles

  • Interactive captions with translations

  • Personalized learning through quizzes

  • Content tailored to different levels

Why it works:
FluentU is perfect for learners who enjoy visual and auditory learning. It helps them understand English as it is actually spoken in real life.

Comparison Table of Top 10 Apps to Learn English

App Best For Key Features Price Model
Duolingo Beginners, casual learners Gamified lessons, daily practice Free + Premium
HelloTalk Real conversations Chat with natives, translation, corrections Free + Premium
Babbel Structured learning Expert lessons, dialogues Subscription
Memrise Vocabulary building Flashcards, repetition, quizzes Free + Premium
Rosetta Stone Full immersion Speech recognition, natural fluency Subscription
Busuu Mixed learning AI lessons, native speaker feedback Free + Premium
Grammarly Writing improvement Grammar, tone, clarity checks Free + Premium
ELSA Speak Pronunciation practice AI feedback, fluency exercises Free + Premium
English App General learners Basic lessons, grammar, reading, listening Mostly Free
FluentU Real-life English usage Video-based lessons, interactive captions Subscription

 

Conclusion

The rise of digital learning has made mastering English easier than ever. These apps to learn English offer different approaches, from gamified exercises to real-life conversations and advanced pronunciation tools. Choosing the right app depends on your goals—whether you want to improve grammar, expand vocabulary, practice speaking, or write with confidence.

Whether you are a student preparing for exams, a professional aiming to advance in your career, or simply someone who wants to communicate better, the right app can turn your smartphone into a powerful learning tool. Explore these options, stay consistent, and you will see remarkable progress in your English journey.