Best Language Learning Apps in 2026
Updated
In short: Duolingo is ranked #1 of 278 as of 2 October 2026, ahead of Busuu and LingQ. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Busuu. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Meslingo at $3.99/mo.
Choosing a language learning app starts with the language you want to study and the kinds of practice you’ll use. Compare Languages offered with Speech practice, Personalized review, and Offline lessons; Mobile apps and a Placement test can also help you assess how an option fits your routine. Free plan and Paid from give you access and cost details to weigh. Duolingo, Busuu, and LingQ are among the names to consider, alongside options such as Talkpal and ELSA Speak. Use the listed features to compare study formats and practice support, then decide which combination suits the way you want to learn.
278 language learning apps ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
25 of the 25 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DuolingoWeb · Mac · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 8.2 | |
| 2 | BusuuWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 8.1 | |
| 3 | LingQWeb · Android · iPhone · Extension | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $17.98/mo | 8.0 | |
| 4 | TalkpalWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.9 | |
| 5 | ELSA SpeakAndroid · iPhone | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | $13.33/mo | 7.9 | |
| 6 | JapanesePod101Web · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $4/mo | 7.9 | |
| 7 | Innovative Language LearningWeb · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 7.9 | |
| 8 | BBC Learning EnglishWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 7.8 | |
| 9 | ClozemasterWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.8 | |
| 10 | MeslingoWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $3.99/mo | 7.8 | |
| 11 | TextLingo 2Web · Windows · Mac · Linux · iPhone | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 7.8 | |
| 12 | TalktikoAndroid · iPhone | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | $4.17/mo | 7.7 | |
| 13 | SpeakPalWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $6.66/mo | 7.7 | |
| 14 | RenshuuWeb · Mac · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 7.7 | |
| 15 | FreeLingoWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | €8.29/mo | 7.6 | |
| 16 | TalkeyWeb · iPhone | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | $10/mo | 7.6 | |
| 17 | Hello NabuWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | €9.99/mo | 7.6 | |
| 18 | Satori ReaderWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $7.42/mo | 7.6 | |
| 19 | ABA EnglishWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.6 | |
| 20 | MigiiWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.6 | |
| 21 | Atlas RunaWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | $13.99/mo | 7.5 | |
| 22 | HelloTalkWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.5 | |
| 23 | CadenceWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $6/mo | 7.5 | |
| 24 | LingokidsWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.5 | |
| 25 | JF Japanese e-Learning MinatoWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | €50/mo | 7.4 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which language learning app is ranked first on Freedom251?
Duolingo is ranked #1 of 278 with a score of 8.2. Busuu is second and LingQ third.
How many of these have a free plan?
25 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Meslingo has the lowest first paid tier we found: $3.99/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.