by Olly RichardsHow many apps have you got on your smartphone?
I bet you have more than 10.
But how many of those apps are useful to improve your English?
If your answer is “fewer than 5,” get ready to install new language apps that will make it easier than ever to learn English on the go.
In this blog post, you'll discover the best apps to learn English.
So, let's dive in and explore the 20 top apps for learning English!
1. Memrise
Memrise is an app that prepares you for speaking English in the real world.
Why this is a great app
- It gives you unlimited human-like conversation practice, in real-life scenarios.
- You can customise your language learning path.
- You can practise English phrases that you’ll actually use.
- 65 million (this is almost the entire population of Italy!) language learners have been using it.
- It shows you native speaker videos from across the internet to match with the words you have just learned.
- Rated as the “Best App of 2017” on Google Play.
- Rated as the “App of the year” on the Apple Store.
2.Hello Talk
Hello Talk is a language exchange app that you can use to find English-speaking partners around the world.
Why this is a great app
- You can chat via text, voice messages, voice calls, video calls, and even doodles.
- You can chat with individual members, or join group chats for a collaborative learning experience.
- It has live broadcasts hosted by expert teachers and creators.
- You can share updates or ask a question about language, culture, or travel for native speakers to see and comment on. It’s like a social media platform where you can interact.
3. Quizlet
Quizlet is an online learning platform that allows users to create and study digital flashcards. There’s an app too.
Why this is a great app
- You can create flashcards with vocabulary words and definitions to practise memorization and spelling.
- You can use the “Learn” mode to study flashcards with a variety of interactive exercises that help reinforce knowledge.
- It’s based on spaced repetition principles
- You can use the “Match” mode to practice matching vocabulary words with their definitions or images.
- You can use the “Write” mode to practice writing out vocabulary words and definitions for spelling and comprehension.
- You can use the “Test” mode to take a multiple-choice or written test to assess knowledge retention.
- It allows you to explore sets created by other learners to find new vocabulary words and practice using them in context.
- You can use the “Study with Friends” feature to collaborate with classmates or language partners on flashcards and quizzes for a more interactive and social learning experience.
4. BBC Learning English
The BBC Learning English app is a language learning app developed by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), one of the world's most renowned media organizations that is known for its high-quality journalism, education, and entertainment programs.
Why this is a great app
- You can access a wide range of articles, videos, and audio recordings covering various language skills and real-world topics to improve your comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
- New lessons daily.
- You can use interactive quizzes and games to test your knowledge, practice your skills, and receive instant feedback on your progress.
- It includes most of the BBC Learning English programs such as “The English We Speak,” “6 Minute English,” “English at Work,” “English in a Minute,” and the award-winning “Tim's Pronunciation Workshop.”
- You can listen to recordings of native speakers to improve your listening and speaking skills, and practice pronunciation using the app's voice recognition technology.
5. Anki
Anki is an app that uses spaced repetition to help you learn, review and memorize vocabulary.
Why this is a great app
- You can create digital flashcards with English vocabulary words, phrases, and idioms, and use spaced repetition to optimize your learning and retention.
- You can import decks of pre-made flashcards created by other users.
- You can use multimedia features to add images, audio, and video to your flashcards, making your learning more engaging and memorable.
- You can customize your flashcards using different card types and templates, and use tags and categories to organize them according to your needs and preferences.
- You can synchronize your flashcards across different devices and platforms, such as your desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet, and access them anytime, anywhere, even offline.
6. Busuu
Busuu is a language learning app that allows you to interact with native speakers.
Why this is a great app
- You can practice your English listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills through a variety of interactive activities, including quizzes and games.
- Its language recognition technology enables you to practice your pronunciation skills by recording and comparing your speech to that of native speakers.
- The app allows you to connect with native speakers from around the world, providing an opportunity to practice your English skills in real-life situations and receive feedback from experienced speakers.
- With Busuu Study Plan, you can set your own learning goals, track your progress, and receive tailored recommendations to improve your English skills (this is a premium version though)
7. Grammarly
Grammarly is an online writing assistant and language tool that helps you improve your writing by detecting and correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style errors.
Why this is a great app
- Grammarly can help you improve your writing skills by providing detailed explanations of grammar rules and offering suggestions for how to correct errors in your writing.
- With Grammarly's tone detector, you can analyze your writing style and adjust it to match the appropriate level of formality for your intended audience and purpose.
- Grammarly's personalised insights and statistics can help you track your progress over time, identify areas where you need to improve and receive suggestions to develop your writing skills.
- You can integrate Grammarly into various writing tools and platforms, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and social media sites.
8. LingoClip
LingoClip uses music and lyrics to help you improve your English language skills.
It offers a fun and engaging way to learn and practice your English by providing interactive listening and comprehension exercises based on popular English songs.
Why this is a great app
- With LingoClip, you can improve your English listening and comprehension skills by practicing with real songs and lyrics from your favorite artists and genres.
- The app's interactive exercises and games make learning English fun and engaging. Having fun is essential when learning a language!
- You can choose the difficulty level of the exercises, from beginner to advanced, and customize the settings to match your learning needs and preferences.
- LingoClip allows you to track your progress, earn points and badges, and compete with other users to stay motivated and engaged in your language learning journey.
- The app allows you to connect with other language learners, share your favourite songs and exercises, and receive feedback and support from a global network of music-loving language enthusiasts.
9. LingQ
LingQ is a language learning app that includes thousands of hours of real world audio and written content that can help you expose yourself to lots of language input.
Why this is a great app
- You can learn English from authentic materials, including articles, blogs, and books in English, which can help you develop a more natural and intuitive understanding of the language.
- The app has interactive tools for reading, listening, and practicing vocabulary – all in a real context.
- LingQ's has a personalized learning system that adapts to your individual needs and preferences.
- LingQ offers a variety of language courses and resources in English.
- Recommended and co-founded by Steve Kaufmann, a polyglot who speaks 20 languages.
- Its Spaced Repetition System (SRS) helps you learn the words that matter to you most.
10. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
Although this app isn’t free, the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (OALD) is the world’s bestselling advanced-level dictionary app for learners of English.
Why this is a great app
- It contains over 86,000 words, 95,000 phrases, 112,000 meanings and 237,000 examples.
- The app features audio recordings of the pronunciations of English words by native speakers.
- You get simple and clear explanations written for learners of English and lots of real example sentences that will help you understand the meaning of words.
- You can listen to words, record your own pronunciation and compare.
- You can create and organize your own favourites lists.
11. Lingbe
Lingbe is a language exchange app that connects language learners with native speakers for conversational practice.
Why this is a great app
- You can practice your English conversation skills with native speakers in real time.
- It has a matching system that connects you with language partners who share your interests, so it’s easy to find someone to have conversations about topics that interest you.
- Lingbe offers a point system that rewards you for participating in calls and providing feedback to your language partners. This can motivate you to practice regularly and make progress in learning English.
- You can use Lingbe to receive instant feedback on your speaking from native speakers.
12. Medium
Medium is an online publishing platform and social network where you can read and write articles on a wide range of topics. It’s a free blogging platform and it has an app too.
Why this is a great app
- Medium is a great resource for improving your reading comprehension and expanding your vocabulary.
- You can curate a selection of articles on topics that interest you.
- Medium has a highlights and notes feature, which allows you to mark important phrases or English vocabulary words as you read and save them for later review.
- You can use Medium to connect with other English learners and native speakers, join writing groups or book clubs, and participate in discussions about topics that interest you. This can be a great way to practice your writing skills and engage in meaningful conversations with others.
- The app offers a range of curated reading lists and collections, which can help you discover new authors and topics and expose you to a variety of writing styles and genres.
13. Audio Recorder
Every smartphone has an audio recording app. Use it to improve your English!
Why this is a great app
- You can record yourself speaking in English and play back your recordings to check where you may need to improve.
- With an audio recorder app, you can also create your own English-language content, such as podcasts or interviews. This can be a fun way to practice your speaking skills, build your confidence, and share your ideas and experiences with others.
- You can use the app to save and organize your recordings, making it easy to revisit past practice sessions and track your progress over time.
- Using an audio recorder app can help you develop your independent learning skills by allowing you to take control of your own language learning journey. By recording yourself, listening back to your recordings, and reflecting on your progress, you can become a more active and engaged learner.
14. LearnEnglish Podcasts
The British Council has been teaching English for over 80 years and LearnEnglish Podcasts is the British Council’s podcast app – a great one to improve your listening skills.
Why this is a great app
- The app provides a vast collection of podcasts that covers various topics, including language learning tips and world information.
- New podcasts are added weekly to keep you engaged.
- You get downloadable episodes to listen to offline, and you can delete them once you're done to free up space on your phone.
- The interactive audio scripts feature allows you to easily repeat difficult-to-hear phrases and new vocabulary. You can also slow down the audio speed for better comprehension.
- The app provides simple exercises for every episode with a progress screen to track your progress.
- It has an integrated social media sharing feature that allows you to share what you're listening to or watching with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, or email.
15. LanguaTalk
LanguaTalk is a relatively new platform that has been growing rapidly since its launch in 2021.
It provides one-on-one language lessons with skilled tutors in 16 different languages – including English.
The LanguaTalk team hasn’t developed an app yet, but they will in the future. In the meantime, you might want to read our full review about this great language learning platform.
16. Tandem
Tandem is an app that pairs you with native speakers for conversation practice and language exchange.
Why this is a great app
- You can connect with language partners through the Tandem app and schedule conversation practice sessions at your convenience.
- The app provides tools for correcting your grammar and vocabulary mistakes during conversations.
- With Tandem's built-in translation feature, you can translate messages you receive from your language partners into English.
- You can use audio, texts or video calls – whatever works best for you.
17.English Central
EnglishCentral is a digital platform where you can learn English via online video content and live one-on-one lessons with certified tutors all day long. It comes with an app too.
Why this is a great app
- You can have live lessons with professional tutors over video chat to practice English and receive feedback on your English.
- 20,000+ AI-supported video lessons covering various topics from business to travel, with personalized recommendations based on level and interests.
- You can take vocabulary quizzes and practice exercises to learn over 50,000 English words.
- It’s used by over 10 million learners.
18.ABA English
ABA English is an app that offers English courses for students of different levels, from beginner to advanced.
The platform also gives you a personalized learning experience with a language coach who gives you feedback and helps you reach your goals.
Why this is a great app
- You can learn English grammar from videos created by native teachers.
- You can take a free level test from A1 to C1 to determine your starting point.
- You get access to unit review and conversation classes for all levels.
- You can choose between a free or premium plan, which includes the complete course, certificates, live classes, and microlessons.
19.FluentU
FluentU is an app where you can watch real-world videos, such as news clips and movie trailers, to learn English in context.
Why this is a great app
- You can watch authentic videos with interactive subtitles.
- The app includes video examples for each word to learn vocabulary in context.
- You can take personalized quizzes to test your listening comprehension and speaking skills.
- FluentU provides exposure to English as it's genuinely spoken, including everyday expressions and common English slang words.
- You can track your progress and receive customized learning recommendations based on your performance.
20. Speaky
Speaky is another language exchange app that can put you in touch with English native speakers for free conversation practice.
Why this is a great app
- On Speaky, you can talk to people who share your interests and passions.
- You can get instant practice by talking to people online.
- You can chat or send voice messages directly from your browser.
- It allows you to connect with millions of language learners around the world.
Best Apps To Learn English
Alright! So, which of these best apps to learn English are you looking forward to using?
You can install a language learning application that encourages you to start speaking right away, one that can expose you to lots of language input and one that uses spaced repetition principles to review vocabulary.
That would be a great combination.
Remember that consistency is key to improving your English, so whatever app you decide to use, use it regularly!
Good luck!
