Updated July 21, 2026
The 5 Best Language Learning of 2026
Apps and courses that get you conversational, compared.
Advertising disclosure: We may earn a commission when you visit partners via links on this page. Commissions never affect our scores or rankings.
- Stand-out choice for practical skills
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for free learning
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for 1-on-1 tutoring
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for immersion
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
- Stand-out choice for audio learners
- Consistently strong customer feedback
- Competitive pricing for what you get
- Best value may require a longer commitment
- Some advanced features cost extra
Still deciding? Compare at a glance
A quick side-by-side of every language app we ranked.
| Brand | Score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Babbel | 9.2 | ~from $9.99/mo | Practical skills | Visit Site |
| #2Duolingo | 9.0 | ~from $6.99/mo | Free learning | Visit Site |
| #3italki | 8.8 | 1-on-1 tutoring | Visit Site | |
| #4Rosetta Stone | 8.7 | ~from $11.99/mo | Immersion | Visit Site |
| #5Pimsleur | 8.6 | Starting at only $150 | Audio learners | Visit Site |
How we rate language learning
Research
Map the market and shortlist leading brands
Test
Hands-on evaluation across weighted criteria
Score
Standardized 10-point methodology
Update
Re-reviewed as products change
Our editors score every language app on a standardized 10-point scale across four weighted pillars: features & performance (35%), pricing & value (25%), customer experience & support (25%), and trust & reputation (15%). Scores are reviewed and updated as products change. Read our full methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How did Rated.ly choose the best language app?
Our editors evaluated each language app on features, pricing, customer feedback, and overall value, then scored them using our standard 10-point methodology. See our How We Rate page for details.
Which language app is best overall?
Babbel currently earns our top score of 9.2 thanks to its strength in practical skills. The right pick for you depends on your priorities — compare the full list above.
Ready to choose your language app?
Babbel is our top-rated pick with a score of 9.2/10 — the strongest all-round choice for most people.
Visit BabbelDaniel Kovacs
Editor, Money & Auto
Daniel is a consumer-finance writer who has compared hundreds of financial and automotive services. His mission: cut the jargon and show you the true cost of every option.