Last updated on September 25th, 2024 at 04:43 pm
At Remitly, we think language learning apps are a great way to improve your language skills.
Not only can you study anywhere and at your own pace, but there’s no need to struggle with traditional phrasebooks anymore.
Each app will offer a different learning experience, and there are a huge number of different languages available for beginners—from Spanish and Italian to Navajo and Yiddish.
Take Portuguese, for example. We love the culture and tradition of Portugal and Brazil, and with around 300 million speakers worldwide, it’s a very handy language to have, particularly if you’re thinking about making a permanent move.
It’s always great to be able to speak to local people in their native language. So here’s Remitly’s guide to some of the most popular apps to improve your Portuguese language skills.
Which apps are good for learning languages?
The apps we’ve included here help language learners from complete beginners to more advanced levels. They use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards, from A1 to C2, as the basis for their levels.
They’re the most user-friendly, interactive language apps for any platform, including Apple and Android; they work on all the most common operating systems, whether for Portuguese learners or any other language.
Duolingo
The world’s most popular language learning app. It’s free—with a premium option available—and its gamified learning methodology makes it fun and engaging.
Duolingo lessons are short, so you can fit them in around your schedule. It has built up a large community of users, so you’ll find plenty of other learners to exchange tips with.
Duolingo teaches Brazilian Portuguese, not European Portuguese. They’re mutually intelligible but there are differences in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Some users also think that the simple “correct” or “incorrect” responses, and a lack of lessons based on real-life scenarios, are a bit limiting. And you won’t go deeply into things like verb tenses on Duolingo, as it focuses more on repetition than explaining grammar. For some learners, that’s a good thing!
Babbel
Babbel is a paid-for app for language learners whose skills may be a bit more advanced than Duolingo users.
It’s popular because of its focus on using speech recognition in teaching real-life, conversational skills, so learners pick up new languages by actually speaking them. Some users, though, think that Babbel can get a bit repetitive. Also, if you wanted to learn another language alongside Portuguese, you’d have to pay extra.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has been around for a long time, and offers immersive foreign language courses in 25 different languages. It’s a paid-for app, but you get the option of extended courses and offline access on the mobile version.
It tests your listening skills by having you listen and respond to native Portuguese speakers. It uses TruAccent speech recognition to give you feedback on how you’re pronouncing the Portuguese words.
Busuu
Busuu is a bit less well-known, but might be the option for you if you want to get feedback from native speakers. Its learning platform offers well-structured courses, with a strong social interaction element through its excellent community support, and grammar lessons for that vital verb conjugation! The downside with Busuu is that it requires a subscription for full access.
Memrise
This app is best-known for its compatibility with Anki flashcards to help you remember your Portuguese vocabulary through repetition. Its multimedia approach includes videos of native speakers for pronunciation tips and quizzes to make learning fun. Memrise is great for building vocab, but it keeps some of its features behind a paywall.
Quick language app comparison table
| App | Cost | Operating system | Different language levels? | Offline mode? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Free. Premium version available at around $5/month. | Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS | Yes, up to about B2 | Partial |
| Babbel | From $7/month | Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS | Yes, up to C1 | On the mobile version only |
| Rosetta Stone | From around $10/month | Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS | Yes, up to C1 | On the mobile version only |
| Busuu | Free. Premium version from around $5/month. | Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS | Yes, up to B2 | Yes, on the premium version |
| Memrise | Limited access free. Premium from around $5/month. | Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS | Yes, up to around B1 | Yes, on the mobile app |
Of course, there are many other apps out there–there’s also Pimsleur and Mondly, for example.
Nowadays, there are also lots of language-learning podcasts. And watching movies or TV shows in the language you’re learning, with or without subtitles, can be a great way to improve your skills!
Many language learning apps offer free trials so you can see how their process works and discover which best suits your way of learning.
Why not give some of them a try to find what works for you? Keep at it, practice whenever you can, and you’ll be enjoying Carnival in Brazil, ordering the famous bacalhau in Lisbon, or even working and conversing fluently with the locals before you know it!
FAQs
Do language learning apps help you learn more than one language?
Yes, all the leading apps have multiple languages. The number varies, but you’ll find English, French, German and Spanish on all of them.
What about less commonly learned languages like Russian or Korean?
Russian and Korean are available on various apps. We’ll be looking at the best apps for a number of languages, so tips are coming soon!
Are language learning apps free?
Some are completely free, while others offer a basic level free and premium learning for a monthly or annual fee.
I don’t know which learning style is best for me. How do I know which language learning app to use?
Language learning apps use different techniques for teaching; some use gamification, and others use flashcards, audio lessons or memorization. We suggest trying the ones that offer free trials to see how they work before committing to a subscription.