LanguageApps.info

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

Rosetta Stone logo

Rosetta Stone

View Details

Basic Info

Cost
Free, Subscription
Subscription, One Time Purchase
Free, Subscription
TL;DR
Memrise uses spaced repetition flashcards and short video clips of native speakers to help users learn vocabulary effectively. It excels at building a large vocabulary and improving listening skills for real-world accents.
Rosetta Stone teaches new languages through pure immersion, using images and words to build understanding without any translation. It features a structured curriculum and speech recognition technology.
Busuu provides structured language lessons with a unique feature that allows native speakers to correct your speaking and writing exercises. It's a balanced approach for building foundational skills.

Description

Description

Memrise excels as a vocabulary acquisition tool, centered around a spaced repetition system (SRS) to optimize memorization. Its standout feature is the integration of thousands of short video clips of native speakers, which provides crucial exposure to authentic pronunciation and colloquialisms. In addition to official courses, Memrise hosts a vast library of user-generated content for a wide array of languages and subjects. However, it provides minimal explicit grammar instruction and limited opportunities for sentence construction or speaking practice, making it an excellent supplementary tool for vocabulary and listening rather than a comprehensive course.

Rosetta Stone is known for its signature immersion methodology, which teaches language entirely without translation by relying on picture and word association. This approach encourages learners to develop intuition and "think" in the target language from day one. The program is a highly structured, comprehensive course with a polished interface and a proprietary speech-recognition engine ("TruAccent") for pronunciation feedback. However, the complete lack of explicit grammar explanations and reliance on repetitive matching exercises can be slow and frustrating for learners trying to grasp complex or abstract concepts, making its method effective for some but not all.

Busuu offers well-structured courses that balance vocabulary, grammar, and practical application. Its standout feature is the integrated community, where learners can submit writing and speaking exercises for feedback from native speakers. While the core curriculum provides a solid foundation from beginner to intermediate levels, the quality and speed of community feedback can vary. The app's speech recognition tool is functional but not its main strength, making Busuu a strong choice for those who appreciate guided learning supplemented by human interaction.

Features

Key Features
Spaced Repetition, Flashcards, Vocabulary Builder, Video Based, User Generated, Listening Comprehension, Comprehensible Input, Offline Access
Immersion, Structured Course, Speech Recognition, Pronunciation Training, Vocabulary Builder, Comprehensive, Offline Access, Tutor Platform
Structured Course, Communicative Approach, Community, Writing Practice, Speaking Practice, Comprehensive, Bite Sized Lessons, Grammar Practice, Offline Access

Limitations

Known Issues
Weak Grammar Explanation, Limited Speaking Practice, Passive Learning Focus, Varies By Course
Weak Grammar Explanation, Repetitive Content, No Translation
Bad Speech Recognition, Inconsistent Community Feedback

Core Methodology & Pedagogy

Comprehensible Input
Immersion
Communicative Approach

Content & Material Type

Structured Course
Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Video Based
User Generated

Primary Skill Focus

Vocabulary Builder
Grammar Practice
Speaking Practice
Pronunciation Training
Listening Comprehension
Writing Practice

Interaction & Technology

Speech Recognition
Community
Tutor Platform
Offline Access

Learning Context & Style

Bite Sized Lessons
Comprehensive
Memrise vs. Rosetta Stone vs. Busuu Comparison | LanguageApps.info | LanguageApps.info