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Which app is best for learning English?

Which app is best for learning English?

International English Test Editorial Team·7 Dec 2024·4 min read

In today’s digital age, learning English has become more accessible and flexible than ever before, thanks to language learning apps. These apps cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced learners, offering interactive lessons, exercises, and even proficiency test preparation for exams like the International English Test (IET). But with so many options available, how do you decide which app is best for learning English?

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In this article, we explore the top apps for learning English and how to choose the one that fits your needs.


Top Apps for Learning English

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular apps for language learners. It offers bite-sized lessons that gamify the learning process, making it engaging and fun.

  • Features: Vocabulary building, grammar practice, and daily challenges.
  • Best For: Beginners and intermediate learners who prefer short, interactive sessions.

2. Babbel

Babbel focuses on real-life conversational skills and grammar. Lessons are tailored to practical situations, such as ordering food or introducing yourself.

  • Features: Speech recognition technology for pronunciation, cultural tips, and bite-sized lessons.
  • Best For: Learners aiming for practical, real-world English usage.

International English Test (IET)

The International English Test (IET) is designed for individuals preparing for English proficiency tests. It includes English tests for all CEFR levels (A1 to C2) and covers grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking.

  • Features: English tests for all levels, English certificate, AI-powered speaking and writing evaluations
  • Best For: Test-takers aiming for certification recognized by institutions and employers.

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3. Memrise

Memrise combines language learning with cultural immersion. It features video clips of native speakers using common phrases and expressions.

  • Features: Spaced repetition, interactive games, and community-contributed content.
  • Best For: Learners who want to improve their listening and vocabulary skills.

4. Rosetta Stone

Known for its immersive method, Rosetta Stone teaches English through context rather than translations. It focuses heavily on listening and speaking.

  • Features: Speech recognition, live coaching sessions, and downloadable lessons for offline learning.
  • Best For: Learners looking for an immersive experience.

5. HelloTalk

HelloTalk connects you with native English speakers around the world for language exchange. It’s a great app for practicing conversational skills.

  • Features: Text, voice, and video chat options with language correction tools.
  • Best For: Intermediate and advanced learners who want to practice speaking.

6. LingQ

LingQ helps you learn English by immersing you in authentic content such as articles, podcasts, and audiobooks.

  • Features: Vocabulary building, interactive reading tools, and personalized lessons.
  • Best For: Learners who enjoy learning through reading and listening.

How to Choose the Best App for You

Selecting the right app depends on your learning goals, level, and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Skill Focus: Are you looking to improve speaking, listening, writing, or all skills? For test preparation, apps like the IET app provide specialized resources.
  • Learning Style: Do you prefer gamified learning, structured lessons, or real-life practice?
  • Budget: Many apps offer free versions, but premium subscriptions unlock advanced features.
  • Progress Tracking: Choose apps that allow you to monitor your improvement over time.

Platforms for English Proficiency Test Preparation

If your goal is to take an English proficiency test like the International English Test (IET), IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC, some platforms are particularly useful:

  • IET App: Practice CEFR-aligned tests and improve your speaking and writing with AI-powered feedback.
  • IELTS Prep by British Council: Focused on IELTS-specific exercises and tips.
  • TOEFL Go!: Offers TOEFL-focused practice for reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.

Conclusion

The best app for learning English depends on your individual needs and goals. While general apps like Duolingo and Babbel are great for building a foundation, specialized platforms like the International English Test (IET) are perfect for learners targeting proficiency tests or advancing specific skills.

English Level Test

Start exploring these apps and incorporate them into your daily routine to make steady progress in your English learning journey. Remember, consistency is key, and the right tools can make all the difference.


Keywords: Best app for learning English, English learning apps, improve English, Duolingo, Babbel, online English test preparation with International English Test (IET) , language proficiency apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both suit early learners but in different ways. Duolingo uses bite-sized, gamified lessons with vocabulary building, grammar practice, and daily challenges, which keeps short sessions engaging for beginners and intermediate learners. Babbel leans toward practical conversation, with lessons built around real situations like ordering food or introducing yourself, plus speech recognition for pronunciation. Choose Duolingo for playful daily habit-building and Babbel for speaking in real-world settings sooner.
HelloTalk is the strongest pick for live speaking practice because it connects you directly with native English speakers worldwide for language exchange. It offers text, voice, and video chat along with language correction tools, so partners can fix your mistakes as you talk. It works best for intermediate and advanced learners. Rosetta Stone also adds live coaching sessions if you want guided immersion rather than open exchange.
Memrise pairs spaced repetition and interactive games with short video clips of native speakers using real phrases, plus community-contributed content, making it useful for listening and vocabulary. Rosetta Stone instead uses an immersive method that teaches through context rather than translation, with heavy emphasis on listening and speaking, speech recognition, and downloadable offline lessons. Pick Memrise for vocabulary and cultural exposure, and Rosetta Stone for full contextual immersion.
The International English Test is built for that goal. It offers tests across all CEFR levels from A1 to C2 and covers grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking, then issues an English certificate recognised by institutions and employers. It also provides AI-powered evaluations of your speaking and writing, which general habit apps like Duolingo do not. It suits test-takers who need proof of proficiency rather than casual practice.
Match the app to four things. First, your skill focus, whether you want speaking, listening, writing, or all skills, since test prep needs specialised resources. Second, your learning style, gamified, structured, or real-life practice. Third, your budget, because many apps are free but premium tiers unlock advanced features. Fourth, progress tracking, so you can monitor improvement over time. Aligning these with your goals matters more than picking the most popular name.
Several platforms target proficiency exams directly. The IET app lets you practise CEFR-aligned tests and improve speaking and writing with AI-powered feedback. IELTS Prep by British Council concentrates on IELTS-specific exercises and tips. TOEFL Go provides TOEFL-focused practice across reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections. If certification is your aim, these specialised tools fit better than general apps designed mainly for casual vocabulary and grammar drilling.
Yes, LingQ is designed around immersion in authentic material such as articles, podcasts, and audiobooks. It combines vocabulary building with interactive reading tools and personalised lessons, so you absorb language from real content rather than isolated drills. It suits learners who genuinely enjoy progressing through reading and listening. Pairing it with daily consistency helps, since the article stresses that steady routine and the right tools make the biggest difference.
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International English Test Editorial Team

ALTE Associate Member · UK English assessment provider · Est. 2023

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