Babbel is a common language learning program, but it isn't the only one available. Learn why we love some of these top alternatives to Babbel.
Ready to learn a new language? No matter what language learning program you select, you’ll be excited to get the chance to learn that you have many options. Participate in interactive activities, quizzes, real conversations with native speakers, use flashcards to boost your vocabulary, and use speech recognition technology to help you take your pronunciation and conversation skills to the next level. One of the best language learning platforms is Babbel. Let’s explore this app and alternatives.
How Babbel works
Babbel is a premium, subscription-based language learning app that provides interactive, bite-sized language lessons in a variety of languages. The platform takes a communicative teaching approach, focusing on practical, real-life situations to help users build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the new language. Each lesson is designed to be completed in about 10-15 minutes, making it easy to fit language learning into a busy schedule. Babbel's system is built on intelligent review features, where it revisits vocabulary and grammar at spaced intervals to reinforce your memory. Conversations are presented with native-speaker audio and users can access speech recognition technology to practice pronunciation.
How much does Babbel cost?
There are multiple Babbel subscription options, including monthly subscriptions and lifetime memberships, so let’s break down the different Babbel plans:
- 6-month plan — $11.15/mo for a total of $66.90 due upon sign up
- 12-month plan — $7.45/mo for a total of $89.40 due upon sign up
- Lifetime plan — $349 one time fee due upon sign up
The first lesson is also free to test for every single course.
Why choose Babbel for language learning
Before exploring other alternatives, let’s delve into the compelling reasons why you should consider incorporating Babbel into your language learning journey.
When it comes to learning a new language, there are countless resources out there, but not all are created equal. Here’s why Babbel should be your go-to for language learning:
Proven methodology and learning techniques
Backed by 10+ years of research, Babbel’s team of linguists and language teachers have developed a unique and effective approach to language learning. The Babbel method is based on real-life conversations, not stale textbooks, making your new language skills instantly practical. With Babbel, you’ll learn through interactive dialogues, speech recognition technology, and personalized review sessions that reinforce what you’ve learned. You’ll also have access to a team of experts who can answer any questions you may have along the way.
Wide range of languages offered
Whether you’re looking to learn Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazilian), Polish, Russian, Dutch, Turkish, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Indonesian, or English, Babbel has you covered by offering all 14 languages mentioned. With over 10,000 hours of high-quality language content at your fingertips, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time. Babbel’s language courses are designed to cater to your specific needs, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner. You can start with the basics and work your way up to more advanced topics or jump right into the content that interests you most.
Customized learning plans
Babbel understands that every language learner is unique, which is why they offer personalized learning plans tailored to your needs. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced learner, Babbel has you covered. Your personalized Babbel course plan will take into account your learning style, goals, and interests, ensuring that you get the most out of your language learning experience. And with Babbel’s easy-to-use app-based platform, available on babbel.com and through the Babbel app, you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, no matter whether you’re just dabbling in a new language or already learning at an advanced level.
Babbel live classes
In addition to Babbel’s lessons, they also offer live classes through Babbel Live where speakers can teach their native languages to others who wish to learn. These live classes provide an interactive and engaging way to practice your language skills with other learners and a qualified language teacher. It’s a great opportunity to receive immediate feedback and practice real-life conversations. To further enhance your language learning journey,
Top alternatives to Babbel
If you’re on the search for a program that’s different from Babbel but still uses research-driven learning methods to help you with learning languages like a pro, look no further. Check out these excellent alternatives to Babbel that will have you working on your conversational skills and speaking different languages in no time.
Rosetta Stone
One of the oldest and most established language learning platforms, Rosetta Stone focuses on immersion-based learning. It doesn't focus much on translation but more on visual and audio cues. It also offers lessons in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and more, available in over 20 languages.
Memrise
This platform is well-regarded for its user-generated content, allowing users to create and share language courses. Memrise uses a spaced repetition system to help reinforce vocabulary and grammar, with a significant focus on mnemonic techniques.
Lingvist
A relatively newer platform, Lingvist uses AI to adapt to your level and learning pace, providing tailor-made vocabulary and grammar courses. The program emphasizes practical language usage and also offers spaced repetition for vocabulary retention.
italki
Unlike most language learning platforms, italki focuses on connecting students with human tutors. You can take lessons one-on-one from professional teachers or informal tutors. It offers a wide range of prices and many languages, from popular ones like English and Spanish to lesser-known ones.
Duolingo
Known for its gamified approach to language learning, Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons that feel more like playing a game than studying. Lessons cover various language aspects such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Duolingo offers over 30 languages, including several constructed languages.
Honorable mentions
Although we’ve already covered the top 5 Babbel alternatives, here are a few more worth considering:
Hello-Hello
This platform combines self-study lessons with a community of language learners where you can practice conversational skills. Hello-Hello offers courses in 13 languages, with a focus on real-life situations.
FluentU
FluentU uses real-world videos like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks, and turns them into language learning experiences like fill-in the blank questions. It offers interactive subtitles, flashcards, and quizzes, encouraging immersion and contextual learning.
Mango Languages
Mango Languages offers over 70 languages with a focus on practical, real-world conversations. It incorporates critical thinking and memory-building exercises. The platform also has unique offerings like specialty courses (e.g., Medical Spanish, Pirate) and language courses for English learners.
HelloTalk
This is a social media-like platform where language learners can interact with native speakers around the world. Users can text, voice message, or even have voice or video calls. It also includes translation, correction, and transliteration tools to facilitate learning.
Bliu Bliu
Bliu Bliu uses a more immersive approach, providing you with content in your target language right away and helping you understand it with the aid of translations. It tracks your progress and adapts the difficulty level according to your needs. The availability of languages may be less than other platforms.
Tips for maximizing your language learning experience
Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and mindset, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your language learning journey:
Consistency is key: Establish a routine
As with any skill, language learning requires consistent practice in order to see progress. It’s essential to establish a routine that works for you and stick to it. Babbel makes it easy to fit language learning into your lifestyle, with short 10-15 minute lessons that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Whether you prefer to learn on your commute, during your lunch break, or before bed, Babbel’s flexible platform allows you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
Engage with native speakers
One of the best ways to improve your language skills is through engaging with native speakers. Babbel offers live tutoring sessions with language experts, giving you the opportunity to practice real-life conversation skills. These sessions are tailored to your level and interests, so you can focus on the areas where you need the most practice. Plus, you’ll receive immediate feedback and personalized tips for improvement.
Supplement Babbel with additional resources
While Babbel is a comprehensive language learning platform, it’s important to supplement your learning with additional resources in order to take your skills to the next level. Immersion experiences, podcasts, and other language resources can all help you build your vocabulary, improve your pronunciation, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture behind the language.
For example, if you’re learning Spanish, you might try watching Spanish-language TV shows or movies, listening to Spanish-language music, or attending a local cultural event. These experiences can help you connect with the language on a deeper level and make your learning journey more enjoyable.
Speechify — A language learning must-have
Speechify is a fantastic tool for language learners, especially for those who learn better by listening. This text to speech app lets users transform any written text into spoken words, thereby allowing foreign language learners to hear the pronunciation of words and sentences in their target language. Whether it's a social media post, webpage, an article, or even your own notes, Speechify can read it out loud in a natural sounding voice. It's a great tool to improve listening comprehension and pronunciation. Furthermore, it can also help those who struggle with reading or have dyslexia, as it allows users to consume written content in a way that suits their needs. Try Speechify for free today and see how it can boost your language learning.
FAQ
What is the best language app to learn American conjugation?
Duolingo is often considered the best app for learning American English conjugation due to its comprehensive and interactive lessons that gamify the learning process.
What is Babbel review rating?
Babbel has a 4.7/5 star rating.
Is there a free alternative to Babbel?
Duolingo is a fantastic alternative to Babbel, no matter what language learning level you’re starting out with. Many users love that the free version of Duolingo provides all of the information necessary to fully learn a new language. There is also a paid version of Duolingo, but most users feel that the free version provides all that they need to feel solid in learning their new language.
What is better than Babbel?
Duolingo is a great choice for people who don’t want to pay for Babbel, and some people even find that the app is a better overall fit. On Duolingo, you’ll get to experience real-life conversations, and speech recognition software can help you work on your pronunciation. Flash cards on Duolingo make it easy to master tough vocabulary. The program’s algorithm meets you where you’re at, allowing you to continue learning at a pace that makes sense for you.
Is Mango or Babbel better?
Both options are great, but Mango offers more language options than Babbel. If you’re set on learning a more popular language, Babbel might be a good fit for you. If you’re interested in learning a language that’s more obscure, you may want to go with Mango for your language learning needs.
Is there a way to learn a language without Babbel?
Absolutely, Duolingo is a free app that makes it easy to learn a new language. There are also other paid adaptive language learning programs (like Rosetta Stone) that uses the knowlege of language experts to create ways to make language learning fun and easy.
Is there a free Babbel?
Babbel is not free, but if you’re looking for a free language app to learn your target language, you’ll want to check out Duolingo.
