The Best Apps for Learning English

If learning English is on your list this year, you don't need a classroom. These six apps will get you speaking, reading, and listening, at your own pace, on your own schedule.

1. Duolingo

The most popular language app in the world, with around 12 million users. It works like a game: complete levels, keep your lives, and build vocabulary through short daily sessions. Free, and genuinely effective for beginners.

2. Busuu

Covers all four skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking, organized from A1 to B2. You can also connect with other learners for practice. The BBC called it "faster, smarter, and better." Free to start, with paid options for extra content.

3. Wlingua

Starts with a placement test so you begin at the right level. Over 600 exercises across four levels of difficulty. Clean and easy to navigate.

4. Babbel

Built around vocabulary, with around 3,000 words grouped by theme. You read them in context, hear them pronounced, and practice with your microphone. Also covers German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, and Turkish.

5. Beelingo

Grammar, vocabulary, and audiobooks presented as games. Includes a dictionary and a solid base of usage examples. The free version is enough to get started.

6. British Council App

Over 1,000 questions across four levels, with more than 600 activities organized by topic. Distinguishes between British and American English. Hard to beat for quality.

Pick one, use it daily, and you'll be surprised how quickly it adds up.