Top 16 Apps to Master English Fluency in 2024

In today’s digital age, we are incredibly fortunate to have access to language apps that have transformed language learning. For the first time ever, learners can practice listening, writing, reading, and speaking skills while receiving immediate feedback—all without needing a teacher and from virtually anywhere in the world!

While mastering English solely through your phone may not be feasible, a variety of engaging English learning apps—many of which are free—can significantly enhance your path to fluency. Accessible on both computers and mobile devices, these apps allow you to fit in study sessions anytime and anywhere. They are excellent resources to elevate your English language-learning experience.

Explore our curated list of top apps for learning English! We’ve compiled all the essential information to help you choose the perfect app based on your proficiency level, personal goals, and preferred learning approach.

What are the best English learning apps?

A variety of learning tools awaits you, ranging from structured curriculums to interactive flashcards and language exchange apps. When paired with a solid study plan, these resources can enhance your learning journey and enable you to practice English anytime, anywhere. Let’s explore the top apps to help you master the English language!

1. LingualNeeds: Best for personalized learning

• Best use cases: 1-on-1 lessons and live group classes with native English speakers
• Pricing: Starting at $5/hour for a private lesson
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, Android

LingualNeeds is your gateway to mastering English, offering personalized one-on-one lessons and business English courses with expert tutors through video chat. With LingualNeeds, you’ll dive right into speaking English from your very first lesson, making it an ideal app for anyone eager to enhance their language skills.

Select a tutor that best fits your needs by considering their country of origin, area of expertise, availability, student reviews, and pricing. If you’re not completely satisfied with a lesson, LingualNeeds offers hassle-free options: either a full refund or a complimentary tutor replacement.

LingualNeeds merges the best features of traditional classroom learning with the convenience of an app. With instant feedback on mistakes, students can grasp concepts more effectively. This flexible approach allows learners to progress at their own pace, while tutors ensure that students fully understand each topic before advancing.

Experience tailored lessons at your convenience, whether on your desktop or via the mobile app, which keeps you updated on upcoming sessions and allows for direct communication with tutors. Enhance your learning experience by practicing on the go with a variety of English courses that cater to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Plus, the app features flashcards to help reinforce vocabulary from your lessons, making learning both effective and engaging.

The best part? Students have the opportunity to engage in live speaking practice with a real speaker. This interactive experience helps you conquer your fear of speaking English out loud and allows you to apply what you’ve learned. It’s during these moments that true progress is made!

Compare LingualNeeds vs. Italki to choose the best personalized English learning experience for your goals.

Pros

• Personalized lessons based on your learning goals
• Online library of practice exercises, courses, and conversation starters for various topics

Cons

• No standard curriculum
• Live video lessons require strong internet connection

2. Rosetta Stone: Best for immersion

• Best use cases: Immersive language learning and accent improvement
• Pricing:
  $35.97 for 3 months
  $119.88 for 12 months
  $299 for lifetime access to all languages
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on desktop, iOS, and Android

Rosetta Stone is your go-to resource for mastering English. Its structured courses are organized into units, each designed for daily 30-minute sessions over six weeks. Throughout the lessons, you’ll encounter words and sentences in English that you need to match with the appropriate images. This immersive approach, with the majority of content presented in English rather than your native language, ensures a truly engaging learning experience!

Rosetta Stone leverages advanced speech recognition technology to provide real-time feedback on your pronunciation, helping you refine your accent. Additionally, it offers a vibrant chatroom feature that connects you with fellow English learners, allowing you to exchange tips and share your challenges in a supportive environment.

Subscribers enjoy an exciting perk: the opportunity to engage in up to four 25-minute video chat sessions with a language tutor each month. These interactive classes accommodate up to four participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment. However, make the most of your time—actively participating is key to maximizing your conversation practice!

Pro tip: If you really want to speak fluently, combine it with methods that allow for more speaking practice.

The catch with Rosetta Stone is that it doesn’t offer a free version, apart from a brief 3-day trial. However, all subscription plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a risk-free opportunity to explore the platform. Curious to learn more? Dive into our comprehensive review of Rosetta Stone!

Pros

• One of the leading language-learning platforms for over 25 years
• Provides instant pronunciation feedback starting from your first lesson

Cons

• More expensive than other apps
• Requires high level of commitment

3. Duolingo: Best for gamified learning

• Best use cases: Daily language practice and vocabulary building with gamification
• Pricing:
  Free to access all languages and lessons
  $12.99/month
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, Android

Duolingo stands out as the leading language-learning app, likely making it a familiar tool for many of you—perhaps even for multiple languages! It offers engaging 5-minute games designed to enhance your English vocabulary and grammar skills. The interactive exercises often require you to translate words or phrases to and from English or to practice speaking directly into your microphone.

Duolingo’s iconic owl is a master of motivation! If you skip a lesson, the app won’t let you off easy—it will send reminders, emails, and alert you that your learning “streak” is at risk. This clever nudging makes it an excellent tool for fostering a daily learning routine.

The app focuses mainly on helping users memorize phrases, which is a great start. However, to truly grasp English grammar and enhance speaking abilities, learners may want to explore additional resources or methods.

Explore the top English learning apps, Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, to discover which one suits your learning style and goals best.

Pros

• Free access to all lessons
• Gamified learning experience to keep you motivated

Cons

• Mainly focuses on memorizing phrases
• Not designed for advanced learners

4. LingoDeer: Best for beginners and intermediate learners

• Best use cases: Comprehensive language learning from beginner to intermediate level
• Pricing:
  Free with ads
  $14.99/month
  $79.99/year
  $159.99 for lifetime access
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, Android

LingoDeer is expertly crafted to guide learners from complete beginners to an intermediate level. What sets it apart from other English learning apps is its emphasis on acquiring new vocabulary in context, which enhances your understanding of grammar and makes the learning process smoother and more intuitive.

Each lesson is designed to be brief and engaging, featuring a mix of games, videos, and puzzles. Before diving in, you’ll find clear and helpful “learning tips” that set you up for success. Plus, you can personalize your experience by adding a quiz or ramping up the difficulty with “challenge mode.”

LingoDeer offers a more structured and comprehensive learning experience compared to its more popular, game-focused counterparts. However, like most language apps, to truly advance your skills, it’s essential to engage in conversational practice with a fluent speaker. This will help you achieve meaningful progress in your language journey.

Pros

• Gradually introduces advanced grammar to help you master natural speech patterns
• Customizable learning environment

Cons

• Better known for learning Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin than English
• Does not include conversation practice

5. Mondly: Best for speaking

• Best use cases: Improving English speaking skills through augmented reality (AR) experiences
• Pricing:
  Free
  $9.99/month
  $47.99/year
  $89.99 for lifetime access
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Mondly makes learning English engaging with its bite-sized daily lessons, weekly quizzes, and exciting monthly challenges that keep you on track. The app features interactive exercises that enhance your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Plus, it employs spaced repetition to ensure you effectively memorize new vocabulary, making your learning journey both efficient and enjoyable.

Mondly enhances the learning experience with its innovative speech recognition technology, providing instant feedback on users’ spoken English. The app features audio clips of native speakers posing questions, allowing learners to practice by responding from a curated list of options directly into the microphone.

Premium users can enhance their learning experience with immersive AR/VR features that go beyond the standard curriculum. This cutting-edge technology transports you into realistic scenarios, such as grocery shopping, dining at a restaurant, and booking a flight, all designed to deepen your understanding of the English language. Just keep in mind, accessing these exciting features requires an Oculus headset.

Pros

• More affordable than many other language-learning programs
• Offers VR and AR for more immersive experiences

Cons

• Might be too simple for intermediate English speakers
• Grammar explanations can be unclear

6. Memrise: Best for spaced repetition

• Best use cases: Expanding English vocabulary through spaced repetition
• Pricing:
  Free with ads
  $89.99/year
  $199.99 for lifetime access
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, Android

Memrise leverages the power of spaced repetition to enhance your English learning experience through daily lessons and quizzes. This effective technique ensures that new words and phrases are ingrained in your long-term memory. If you stumble on a question, the app will bring that word or phrase back to reinforce your learning. As you master it, it will appear less frequently, allowing you to concentrate on acquiring fresh, more challenging vocabulary.

A paid subscription unlocks a treasure trove of over 30,000 audio and video lessons featuring native speakers pronouncing words and phrases through the “Learn with Locals” program. Plus, you’ll benefit from a speech recognition feature designed to enhance your pronunciation skills, ensuring you speak like a local!

Elevate your language-learning experience with this fantastic app! It allows you to review new vocabulary anytime, anywhere—be it during your commute, while waiting for a friend, or even while sipping your coffee in line.

Compare the differences between Rosetta Stone vs. Memrise to find the right language learning app for you!

Pros

• Uses spaced repetition for long-term memory
• Access to user-generated flashcards so you don’t have to create your own

Cons

• Limited to learning vocabulary
• Not comprehensive enough for you to become fluent

7. Busuu: Best for building sentences

• Best use cases: Learning to build sentences and improve pronunciation
• Pricing:
  Free with ads
  $13.95/month
  $50.70 for 6 months
  $83.40 for 12 months
• Average rating: 4.75/5 stars
• Available on iOS and Android

Busuu is a dynamic flashcard app designed to enhance your listening and speaking skills. In just 10 minutes, you can engage with its innovative speech recognition feature, which plays English phrases, allowing you to practice and compare your pronunciation with the app’s guidance.

Premium members enjoy a wealth of additional benefits! They gain access to advanced grammar lessons, with content specifically designed to align with their individual English learning goals. Plus, you can create a personalized study plan and set reminders in the app to keep you on track with your studies.

Additionally, there’s a dedicated forum where you can connect with language exchange partners. This platform allows you to converse with individuals learning your native language who are fluent in English, enabling you to share valuable tips and insights. Plus, you can receive constructive feedback on your speaking and writing skills from the community, enhancing your language-learning experience.

Similar to Mondly, Busuu excels at helping you practice speaking simple English sentences confidently. However, it’s important to remember that, like many language apps, relying solely on Busuu won’t make you fluent.

Pros

• Offline learning available
• Comprehension checks track your progress
• Offers official CEFR tests for certain languages (including English)

Cons

• Does not teach vocabulary in context
• Social features can lead to incorrect feedback on your audio recordings

8. FluentU: Best for multimedia learning

• Best use cases: Learning English through real-world media like music videos, movie trailers, and news
• Pricing: $29.99/month
• Average rating: 4.3/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

FluentU is often referred to as “YouTube for language learners,” offering an extensive collection of English-language videos complete with subtitles in English and various other languages. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as you can activate additional subtitles in your native language. With a diverse array of videos available, you can easily search by category, topic, or even specific vocabulary words you wish to master.

FluentU is an excellent resource for intermediate to upper-intermediate English learners looking to expand their vocabulary. If you come across an unfamiliar word in the subtitles, simply hover over it to see its definition. Plus, you can rewind or rewatch videos as often as you like, allowing you to grasp the material at your own pace.

After viewing the video, you’ll have the opportunity to take a quiz that tests your comprehension through various clips. Plus, any new vocabulary you encounter will be automatically stored in a handy flashcard feature, allowing you to review and reinforce your learning later on.

While it may be on the pricier side, the standard YouTube player already offers features like video speed control and subtitles, making it a valuable resource for many. Additionally, countless individuals enhance their English skills through TV shows and movies. If you’re working with a tight budget, it’s wise to prioritize investing in skills that are more challenging to acquire for free, such as speaking practice.

Pros

• Thousands of videos and audio clips to help you learn
• Tracks your progress for a more personalized learning experience

Cons

• No structured curriculum
• English courses are only available for Spanish, Korean, or Japanese speakers

9. Udemy: Best for topic-specific courses

• Best use cases: Learning English for specific topics through video courses
• Pricing: $12.99 to $199.99, depending on the course
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Udemy offers an extensive selection of online courses that empower users to acquire new skills across a wide range of topics. Beyond language learning, you can explore subjects like HTML coding, photography, and even paranormal communication. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career or pursue a personal interest, Udemy has something for everyone.

English courses come in a variety of formats, each offering distinct focuses and advantages. Most courses feature pre-recorded video lessons paired with downloadable exercises for offline use. Additionally, user reviews provide valuable insights, helping you identify which courses have proven most effective for fellow learners.

If you have a specific area of the English language you’d like to improve, Udemy offers targeted courses to help you excel. You can find classes dedicated to refining your grammar, expanding your business vocabulary, and honing your spelling and punctuation skills. However, without a teacher to provide guidance, you might miss critical areas for improvement. For the best results, consider using Udemy’s resources in conjunction with speaking practice to enhance your learning experience.

Pros

• Lifetime access to purchased courses
• User reviews help you make informed choices

Cons

• Little to no quality control as anyone can create a course
• Costs vary widely between courses

10. Hello English: Best for Asian native speakers

• Best use cases: Learning English as a native speaker of an Asian language like Hindi, Tamil, Thai, or Malay
• Pricing:
  Free with ads
  $59.99/year
• Average rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Available on web, PC, iOS, and Android

Hello English is designed to encompass all key language skills—listening, writing, reading, grammar, and speaking. With courses available in 25 native languages, it caters to a diverse audience. The platform has gained significant popularity among students in Asian countries, especially in India, where it is headquartered.

Similar to Duolingo, this app effectively motivates you to practice your English daily. Each day, you receive tailored “homework” assignments consisting of video and audio lessons that match your skill level. Completing these tasks unlocks new lessons, keeping your learning journey dynamic. The app features engaging games that offer instant feedback and improvement tips, making learning fun and addictive. Additionally, you’ll expand your real-world vocabulary by reading the latest news articles, enhancing both your language skills and cultural awareness.

Hello English is a fantastic app for honing all your language skills, making it a valuable download if it supports your native language. However, some users may find the grammar explanations lacking clarity. Additionally, while the on-demand video chat lessons offer personalized instruction, they can become costly over time. If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly learning experience, exploring alternative options might be a wise choice.

Pros

• Over 500 interactive audio and video lessons and over 10,000 vocabulary words
• Get help from an English speaker from the Hello English team for a per-use fee
• Offline learning available

Cons

• Ads can be disruptive
• Not an immersive learning experience since it teaches in your native language
• Limited to only some Asian and European languages

11. Beelinguapp: Best for learning through stories

• Best use cases: Improving English reading and listening comprehension
• Pricing:
  Free with ads
  $1.99/month
  $22.99 for lifetime access
• Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Available on iOS and Android

Beelinguapp offers an immersive language learning experience through stories narrated by native English speakers. With this app, you can read engaging texts in English while simultaneously viewing translations in your native language. As highlighted in our article on memorizing new vocabulary, reading is one of the most effective methods to enrich your English vocabulary!

The app enhances your storytelling experience by suggesting relevant keywords for each narrative, allowing you to expand your vocabulary with new terms to review later. After completing a story, you can challenge yourself with reading comprehension quizzes and utilize flashcards to reinforce your learning.

Every text includes an audio feature, allowing you to listen to the English words being pronounced. This makes it perfect for those who prefer to enjoy the content as an audiobook, even if they choose not to read along with the story.

It’s worth mentioning that Beelinguapp currently supports 12 languages. If your preferred language isn’t included, you won’t be able to take advantage of the side-by-side translation feature. However, you can still enhance your learning by accessing a collection of stories in English for free, allowing you to read and listen at your own pace.

Pros

• Option to turn off side-by-side translation for more of a challenge
• Diverse range of genres, from fairy tales and songs to news

Cons

• Limited language availability
• Does not include writing or speaking practice

12. Tandem: Best for language exchange

• Best use cases: Practicing English conversation skills with native speakers
• Pricing:
  Free
  $13.99/month
  $31.99 for 3 months
  $79.99/year
• Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Available on iOS and Android

Tandem stands out as one of the leading language exchange apps, particularly popular in the Western world. Its concept is straightforward yet effective: it pairs English as a Second Language (ESL) learners with fluent English speakers eager to learn the learner’s native language. This creates a dynamic environment where both partners can enhance their language skills through mutual exchange!

This app offers a dynamic way to connect with new friends through texting, voice messages, and even video chats—if you’re comfortable, of course! You’ll communicate half the time in your native language and the other half in English, providing a fun and effective way for both users to practice their language skills at no cost.

Enhance your language exchange by booking live video lessons with private tutors, ranging from 20 minutes to 1 hour, for an extra fee. This option provides a structured and personalized learning experience to complement your informal practice.

By upgrading to Tandem Pro, you can connect with members from a specific city or their hometown, facilitating in-person meetups. Plus, you’ll enjoy unlimited message translations to enhance your communication experience.

Tandem offers a fantastic opportunity for intermediate English learners to engage with fluent speakers, accelerating their progress. You can sharpen your language skills in real conversations from the comfort of your home—all for free! While setting up language exchanges on Tandem might initially seem challenging, the rewards are absolutely worth the effort.

Pros

• Free version includes everything you need
• Wide variety of language exchange partners to choose from

Cons

• No structured curriculum
• Requires an internet connection

13. HelloTalk: Best for language exchange

• Best use cases: Practicing English conversation skills with native speakers
• Pricing:
  Free with ads
  $12.99/month
  $79.99/year
  $149.99 for lifetime access
• Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, Android

HelloTalk is a dynamic language exchange platform that enables you to connect with native speakers for English practice. Engage in conversations through text and voice messages, as well as voice and video calls. Additionally, you can participate in interactive live streams and join discussion-based chatrooms to communicate with multiple users simultaneously.

HelloTalk stands out due to its impressive range of integrated tools designed to enhance your language learning experience. These include features for translation, pronunciation assistance, and transliteration, which helps you write words using a different alphabet for easier pronunciation.

Don’t stress if you slip up while messaging! Your chat partner has access to a handy corrections feature that allows them to edit your messages and include helpful notes to enhance your learning. Plus, if you find a correction that stands out, you can easily save it as a favorite and tag it for easy access later.

Pros

• AI-powered grammar tool to check your spelling, syntax, verb tenses, and other technical details
• Robust privacy settings to filter out who can connect with you

Cons

• No standard curriculum
• Users control content and interactions, which means they could be wrong

14. ELSA (English Language Speech Assistant): Best for pronunciation

• Best use cases: Improving English pronunciation
• Pricing:
  Free
  $129.99/year for Pro
  $159.99 for Premium
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on iOS and Android

ELSA (English Language Speech Assistant) harnesses the power of AI to identify and correct your pronunciation errors. With just 20 minutes of practice each day, this innovative tool enhances your pronunciation, linking, and intonation in English, helping you speak more confidently and clearly.

This app offers an in-depth exploration of mastering pronunciation with 21 essential skills, covering everything from diphthongs to consonant clusters. It provides visual guidance on how to position your tongue, lips, and jaw, helping you achieve authentic native-like pronunciation with ease.

Discover a world of learning with ELSA, offering more than 7,000 lessons across 192 diverse topics, including travel tips and job interview preparation, alongside fun language games. What sets ELSA apart is its innovative feature that allows you to practice speaking a phrase, compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker, and receive personalized feedback. Plus, you can access videos that demonstrate how to master tricky sounds, ensuring a comprehensive and interactive language learning experience.

Pros

• Provides progress reports to track your progress
• Includes dictionary to help you learn new vocabulary

Cons

• Gamification features can be confusing
• Buggy or slow functionality

15. LearnEnglish Grammar: Best for grammar

• Best use cases: Structured learning from beginner to advanced grammar topics
• Pricing: Free
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on iOS and Android

Discover LearnEnglish Grammar, an exclusive offering from the British Council focused on mastering English grammar. This resource guides users through four levels—beginner, elementary, intermediate, and advanced—each featuring 12 essential grammar topics. With more than 1,000 practice questions available, it’s a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their grammar skills.

This app focuses solely on teaching English grammar, so while it won’t cover other essential skills, it serves as a valuable free resource for navigating the complexities of English structure. For a comprehensive learning experience, you’ll want to supplement it with additional materials.

Pros

• Always free
• Backed by a reputable institution

Cons

• Contains ads
• User interface can be confusing

16. BBC Learning English: Best for UK English

• Best use cases: Learning UK English for everyday situations
• Pricing: Free
• Average rating: 4.3/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

BBC Learning English is a fantastic free resource for anyone looking to improve their English skills. With a variety of courses covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and real-life scenarios, you’ll learn new words in context through captivating news stories. Plus, you’ll pick up the latest conversational phrases, ensuring you’re prepared to speak English confidently in no time!

Stay engaged with our app’s daily updates, ensuring you have access to fresh content every day. Each update features relevant lessons and quizzes, complemented by handy transcripts and subtitles for both video and audio materials, enhancing your learning experience.

Pros

• Always free
• Backed by a reputable organization

Cons

• No standard curriculum

How to learn English with apps

Many people view English learning apps as ineffective, often recalling instances of individuals who diligently play language games for months yet struggle to form a simple sentence. However, there are effective strategies to break this cycle and truly enhance your language skills.

Thriving students develop a comprehensive study plan that allows them to hone all essential English language skills. Incorporating apps into this plan can be incredibly beneficial. Here’s our guide on how to effectively utilize English learning apps for your studies.

Combine apps (and other methods, if possible!)

Currently, no single app excels at teaching all language skills flawlessly. Each app comes with its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s often beneficial to use a combination of them to enhance your language learning experience.

To enhance your language learning, it’s essential to diversify your practice across different types of apps. While Memrise excels at rapidly expanding your vocabulary, it doesn’t teach you how to construct sentences. To build your grammar skills, consider using an app like LearnEnglish Grammar, or explore FluentU, which provides vocabulary in context. Balancing these resources will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the language.

For optimal results, enhance your app-based language learning by incorporating other methods. If your budget allows, consider supplementing your app usage with language classes—whether through an online platform like LingualNeeds or in a traditional classroom. This blended approach can significantly boost your proficiency and engagement.

John Fotheringham, the founder of Language Mastery, emphasizes that while language apps can enhance your learning experience, they should complement a well-rounded approach to language acquisition rather than serve as the primary focus.

Focus on the areas where you struggle most

With a plethora of apps available, each offering unique advantages, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead of spreading your study time across multiple platforms, focus on one or two specific English skills you find challenging. Choose targeted apps that are designed to help you improve in those areas, maximizing your learning potential.

If you’re eager to improve your pronunciation, consider using platforms like Busuu or Mondly. On the other hand, if you’re aiming to broaden your English vocabulary tailored to specific industries, skills, hobbies, or subjects, enrolling in a course on Udemy could be the perfect solution.

Prioritize speaking practice

Generally speaking, numerous English learning apps can significantly enhance your vocabulary, reading, and spelling abilities with ease. Many of these apps also provide valuable support in improving your grasp of grammar.

To truly enhance your English skills, it’s essential to engage in conversations with native speakers. Without this practice, you may struggle to integrate and apply your knowledge effectively. If you feel confident in your speaking and writing abilities, consider finding a language exchange partner on platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk to help you take your skills to the next level.

If you’re seeking a more organized approach to learning, partnering with an online native English tutor could be the ideal choice for you.

Take your English speaking skills to the next level

Mastering spoken English is best achieved through conversations with fluent speakers. Fortunately, LingualNeeds simplifies the process of connecting you with practice opportunities, making your language learning journey more accessible than ever!

Our online English tutors are accessible across all time zones, allowing you to practice whenever it suits you. Just a few hours of weekly conversation with a native English speaker can significantly accelerate your progress. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your skills improve!

Try searching LingualNeeds for a tutor who matches your needs, and you could be taking your first lesson today!