Best Language Learning Apps in 2026: Babbel, Busuu, Mondly, Duolingo

For most adult beginners, Babbel is the best paid language learning app, Busuu is the best app with a usable free version, and Duolingo is the best fully free option. Mondly is the one to look at if you want a less common language such as Romanian. None of them replaces real conversation, but each one can build a daily habit and a solid base of words and grammar.

Prices were checked on 18 October 2026. We have not tested these apps ourselves. The facts below come from the apps’ own pages, terms and store listings. See how we research.

The four apps at a glance

Babbel: best for structured lessons

According to Babbel, every plan includes all 14 of its languages, so you can switch from Spanish to Italian without paying again. Its courses include Polish, Dutch, Portuguese and Russian, but there is no Romanian course.

On our check date the prices page showed us US dollars because we connected from outside the EU: $107.40 for 12 months, which works out at $8.95 a month, and $299.99 for lifetime access. Prices in euros depend on your country, so check them on Babbel’s official prices page.

Babbel suits you if you like clear lessons that explain grammar and want one subscription to cover more than one language. Lifetime access makes sense only if you are sure you will keep using it for years.

Busuu: best free version with paid extras

According to Busuu’s terms, the basic service “can be used completely free of charge” with a free account, and the free version may show adverts. Premium adds features such as full grammar and vocabulary reviews, unlimited speaking activities and certificates. There are two paid tiers, Premium and Premium Plus, for 1 or 12 months.

We could not verify Busuu’s prices: its Premium page showed us a local currency. The price depends on your country, so check the official Busuu Premium page. According to its terms, you can cancel a Premium purchase within 14 days for any reason and pay only for what you have used. Purchases made through an app store are cancelled through that store.

According to its App Store listing, Busuu teaches 14 languages, including Polish, Russian, Dutch and Brazilian Portuguese. There is no Romanian.

Mondly: best for a wide choice of languages

According to its App Store listing, Mondly has 41 languages, including Romanian, Polish, Dutch, Russian and Portuguese. It is made by ATi Studios, part of Pearson. That makes it the only app of the four that covers all ten languages of this site.

We could not verify Mondly’s current prices. The price depends on your country, so check the official Mondly site before you subscribe.

Duolingo: best fully free app

According to its App Store listing, “every course is free”. Super Duolingo is an optional subscription that removes adverts and adds extras, with a free trial. Duolingo has no affiliate programme with us, so this is a normal link: duolingo.com.

Duolingo is a good way to test whether you will really study every day before you pay for anything. For more free options, read our guide to free ways to learn a language.

How to choose

• You want grammar explained step by step: start with Babbel.
• You want to start for free, then maybe upgrade: Busuu or Duolingo.
• You need Romanian or a rarer language: Mondly.
• You are still deciding between the two most popular paid apps: read Babbel vs Busuu.

All apps change their plans and prices often. Check the official page on the day you buy, and use the free version or trial first if there is one. More app comparisons are in our apps guides.

Last updated: 18 October 2026