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Language App Comparison Tool

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.

Comparing 3 Apps

Basic Info

Cost
Free, Subscription
Free, One Time Purchase
Free, Subscription
TL;DR
Duolingo is a fun, beginner-friendly language app with gamified lessons and many language options. It is best used to build vocabulary and a consistent study habit.
Anki is a robust flashcard tool using spaced repetition to help you memorize anything. It is a blank slate, requiring users to create or find their own content.
Speakly focuses on teaching the 4,000 most frequently used words of a language. It uses spaced repetition and real-life scenarios to help you communicate effectively as quickly as possible.

Description

Description

Duolingo is arguably the most recognized language learning app, known for its game-like interface that makes starting a new language feel fun and accessible. Through points, streaks, and leaderboards, it excels at motivating users to build a consistent daily practice habit. The bite-sized lessons are ideal for learning vocabulary and basic sentence structures on the go. However, the platform offers weak explicit grammar explanations and limited opportunities for real speaking practice, meaning its content can feel shallow for those aiming to move beyond a beginner level. It serves best as an engaging starting point or a vocabulary-building supplement.

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.

Speakly’s methodology is built on teaching the 4,000 most statistically useful words of a target language. The app uses spaced repetition flashcards, listening exercises, and simulated conversations to embed these high-frequency words and phrases. By prioritizing practical vocabulary, Speakly helps beginners and intermediate learners build conversational confidence quickly. While light on deep grammar, its practical approach is highly efficient for those whose primary goal is to start speaking.

Features

Key Features
Gameified, Vocabulary Builder, Microlearning, Bite Sized Lessons, Adaptive, Community
Spaced Repetition, Flashcards, Vocabulary Builder, User Generated, Offline Access, Adaptive
Vocabulary Builder, Spaced Repetition, Communicative Approach, Listening Comprehension, Bite Sized Lessons

Limitations

Known Issues
Limited Speaking Practice, Weak Grammar Explanation, Overly Gameified, Shallow Content
Requires Self Direction, Limited Speaking Practice, Weak Grammar Explanation
Weak Grammar Explanation, Small Language Selection

Core Methodology & Pedagogy

Communicative Approach

Content & Material Type

Gameified
Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
User Generated

Primary Skill Focus

Vocabulary Builder
Listening Comprehension

Interaction & Technology

Community
Offline Access
Adaptive

Learning Context & Style

Microlearning
Bite Sized Lessons
Duolingo vs. Anki vs. Speakly Comparison | LanguageApps.info | LanguageApps.info