Compare different language learning apps side by side to find the best fit for your learning style and goals. Add up to 3 apps to see detailed feature comparisons.
Babbel is designed for learners who prefer a more structured, curriculum-based approach over a purely gamified one. Its lessons are built around practical, real-world dialogues, helping users build conversational skills from the start. Unlike many apps, Babbel integrates explicit grammar instruction within its 10–15 minute lessons, reinforcing concepts with review exercises. While it includes speech recognition for pronunciation practice, the speaking component is still a proxy for real interaction. It's an effective tool for beginners and lower-intermediate learners who want a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary for everyday communication.
Anki is a powerful, open-source flashcard program renowned for its effective spaced repetition system (SRS). It isn't a language course itself, but a highly effective tool for memorizing vocabulary, phrases, or grammar rules that you input yourself or download from shared user-created decks. Its high degree of customization allows for rich cards with audio, images, and cloze deletions. While its interface can be unintuitive for new users, its effectiveness for long-term retention is largely considered unparalleled for dedicated learners.
NativShark offers a systematic, all-in-one curriculum primarily for Japanese. The methodology is built around comprehensible input, immersion, and a built-in spaced repetition system (SRS) to ensure retention. It guides the user through a long-term, linear path designed to build a deep understanding from the ground up. Its main limitations are its focus on a single language and a rigid structure that offers little flexibility, and it prioritizes input skills heavily over early speaking practice.