10 Best English Learning Apps in Android & iOS

Nowadays, English is a universal language needed for various activities. These activities include professional work, international travel, internet browsing, and even gaming.

Improving your English proficiency doesn't necessarily require investing in expensive courses. Instead, one can conveniently learn English on their Android or iPhone, and even on a laptop or personal computer.

Can't decide which app is best for you to learn English? This article will help you find the 10 best apps for learning English on Android and iOS. Let's check out the full review!

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the best apps available for learning English today. It not only provides learning materials but presents them in an engaging, game-like format. This keeps learning English on Duolingo fun and prevents boredom from setting in.

With hundreds of millions of downloads on both the Play Store and App Store, Duolingo's popularity speaks for itself.

One reason for this is that the app transforms the learning process into an exciting, adventure-style game. As you learn, it feels like you're playing a game, helping you build vocabulary, improve grammar, and practice pronunciation.

Each lesson on Duolingo is designed to be short and easy to digest, so you can learn anytime and anywhere. The app offers multiple levels, from beginner to advanced, providing lessons that match your skill level.

In addition to reading, writing, and listening exercises, Duolingo also includes a speaking feature to help develop your communication skills. The app's user-friendly interface makes it accessible for everyone, including children, so users of all ages can enjoy learning English with ease.

Things I like about Duolingo:

• Duolingo offers a "learning-through-play" system that’s great for children.
• Lessons are short and ideal for users with limited time.
• Most of the courses are free.
• There’s a wide selection of languages to choose from.
• The app helps build listening and speaking skills.
• Accessible on both smartphones and computers.

What I don't like about Duolingo:

• It tends to focus on repeating the same material.
• Not ideal for advanced English learners.
• Lacks a feature for users to communicate with each other.

2. Memrise

Memrise is a fun and engaging app for learning English, with around 65 million registered users worldwide. It’s a great choice for those looking to build a foundational vocabulary in English.

One of the key features people love about Memrise is its gamified approach. By incorporating game elements, the app makes learning feel light and enjoyable, so you’re less likely to get bored.

Additionally, Memrise uses mnemonics and repetition techniques, which are highly effective for remembering new words. Mnemonics, for example, involves creating acronyms from the first letters of each word, helping boost memorization and recall.

Memrise also has an active global community, allowing users to connect, share tips, and exchange feedback with others. This social aspect adds an extra layer of support and motivation in your language-learning journey.

Things I like about Memrise:

• Uses mnemonics and repetition techniques for effective learning.
• Offers interactive features like games, quizzes, and pronunciation exercises.
• Has a vibrant, active global community.
• The free version provides great value.
• Includes a wide range of programs, languages, and levels.

What I don't like about Memrise:

• Primarily focuses on vocabulary rather than comprehensive language skills.
• Exercises can feel repetitive over time.
• Not ideal for advanced learners.

3. ELSA

If you’re looking to improve your English speaking skills, ELSA is a great choice. ELSA, short for “English Language Speech Assistant,” is an app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you enhance your pronunciation and expand your vocabulary.

ELSA utilizes automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology to listen to your pronunciation of words, sentences, or even conversations. It then provides real-time feedback on any pronunciation errors and offers suggestions for improvement.

Using ELSA regularly offers several benefits. First, it can significantly improve your English pronunciation. Secondly, as you become familiar with various conversational scenarios, you’ll feel more confident speaking in English.

Things I like about ELSA:

• Great for improving English pronunciation accuracy.
• The AI technology is highly accurate at detecting pronunciation errors.
• Provides quick and helpful feedback.
• Offers a diverse range of learning materials.
• Includes games and quizzes to keep learning engaging.

What I don't like about ELSA:

• Primarily focused on pronunciation rather than comprehensive language skills.
• Requires a device with a good-quality microphone for accurate feedback.
• The free version has limited access to features.

4. Lingokids

Lingokids is a playlearning™ app designed specifically for children aged 2 to 8.

If you’re looking for an effective way for young kids to learn English and other subjects through engaging games and activities, Lingokids is an excellent choice. The app not only captures children’s attention but also enhances their learning through fun and interactive exercises.

One standout feature of Lingokids is its curriculum, crafted by early learning specialists. Additionally, it includes teaching materials from Oxford University Press, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.

Lingokids helps children learn foundational English skills, including the alphabet, numbers, and everyday vocabulary. They can also develop essential language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and there’s even more to explore.

Things I like about Lingokids:

• The interface is designed to be kid-friendly.
• High-quality learning materials.
• Offers a variety of preschool subjects.
• Engaging, age-appropriate content.
• Includes screen time limits in the parent portal.

What I don't like about Lingokids:

• Requires a subscription for full access, as the free version is limited.

5. Tandem

Tandem is an app that connects you with native English speakers from around the world, offering the opportunity to practice English anytime. What makes this app unique is that it supports over 300 languages, including 20 sign languages, 20 native languages, and six fictional languages.

On Tandem, you can converse directly with native English speakers, which is one of the most effective ways to improve your speaking and listening skills. If you make mistakes in grammar or pronunciation, your Tandem partner can correct you in real-time.

In addition to enhancing your English skills, Tandem allows you to learn about the culture of your partner's country and explore a wide range of topics. It can even help you build friendships along the way.

To get the most out of Tandem, it's important to be proactive and open. Don't hesitate to start conversations, ask questions, and welcome feedback and corrections from your partner.

Things I like about Tandem:

• Offers flexibility, allowing you to study anytime and anywhere.
• You can choose a study partner who matches your interests and learning style.
• The app offers a variety of features.
• The free features provide great value.
• Tandem has a safe and enjoyable community.

What I don't like about Tandem:

• Tandem is more focused on language practice rather than structured language learning.
• Finding a compatible language partner can sometimes be hit or miss.
• Some advanced features are only accessible with a paid subscription.

6. Simpler

Simpler is an English learning app suitable for learners of all levels, especially beginners. It offers a straightforward and effective way to improve grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills.

One of Simpler's strengths is its easy-to-understand grammar practice system. Grammar rules are presented clearly, with example sentences to help reinforce learning. The app also focuses on vocabulary through repetitive practice, helping you memorize new words quickly.

Additionally, Simpler features a system called Simulators, which includes tasks that allow you to practice understanding expressions, such as translating between Indonesian and English.

Things I like about Simpler:

• Most core features are available for free.
• The interface is simple and easy to navigate.
• Offers flexibility, allowing you to learn anytime and anywhere.
• Covers basic English concepts in the lessons.

What I don't like about Simpler:

• There's no option to interact with other users or native speakers.
• Some repetitive exercises can become monotonous over time.

7. Falou

If you're looking to improve your English speaking skills, Falou is a great place to start. This language learning app focuses on conversation, allowing you to practice with native speakers from around the world and receive feedback on your pronunciation.

Falou also offers personalized lessons powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which tailor the content to your learning pace and style. This ensures you receive relevant and challenging material, making the learning process more effective.

Another helpful feature in Falou is its voice recognition technology, which lets you practice pronouncing English words and phrases correctly. Overall, Falou is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn English in a fun and engaging way.

Things I like about Falou:

• The AI customizes courses to help you learn faster.
• It features native speakers to help you learn proper pronunciation.
• The sentences are spoken at a moderate speed, making them easy to understand.

What I don't like about Falou:

• Some of the best features are only available with a subscription.

8. Learna AI

Learna AI is a language learning app designed to help you master the English language through a series of innovative exercises. Here you can learn English grammar, vocabulary, speaking, reading and pronunciation.

One of the standout features in Learna AI is its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Virtual Chat Character. This feature engages users in conversational English practice, providing corrections in a friendly manner and feedback on mistakes.

This approach not only improves language skills but also creates a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Other features you can find in Learna AI include spell check, pronunciation practice, and interactive speaking practice. You can track your learning progress with detailed performance metrics and you can also set goals to monitor your achievements.

Things I like about Learna AI:

• Personalized learning.
• Covers many aspects of English learning.
• Can control and monitor learning progress.
• Real-time AI feedback.

Things I don't like about Learna AI:

• Good, but the subscription fee is quite expensive.
• Lacks social features to connect with other learners.

9. Cake

If you're someone who likes to learn languages through watching, then Cake is the app for you. Cake is a popular language learning platform designed to help users improve their English through engaging and interactive content.

Cake offers a range of features, including daily videos and audio clips featuring real-life English expressions used in vlogs, movies and TV shows. Users can practice speaking and listening by repeating native speakers' speech and getting pronunciation feedback from the AI.

The app includes quizzes to reinforce learning. Then there are step-by-step classes created by English experts, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Cake also offers a premium version, Cake Plus, which provides additional features such as unlimited 'hearts', no ads, and exclusive content.

Things I like about Cake:

• Uses clips from TV shows, movies, and YouTube videos to teach English.
• Offers a variety of content, including lessons, quizzes, and speaking exercises.

What I don't like about Cake:

• The free version contains ads.
• The subscription is relatively expensive.

10. Busuu

Busuu is a popular language learning app designed to help you master a new language through interactive and engaging lessons. Each course on Busuu is designed to guide learners from beginner to intermediate levels, with a focus on real-life conversations and practical language use.

One of the standout features of Busuu is its global community of native speakers. You can connect with fluent speakers to get feedback on your practice, pronunciation and vocabulary. This community aspect helps you gain confidence and improve your conversational skills by practicing with real people.

Busuu lessons are regularly updated and combine video, audio and text-based content to cater for different learning styles.

Whether you're learning a language for travel, work or personal development, Busuu provides a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform to achieve your language learning goals.

Things I like about Busuu:

• You can interact with native speakers of the language you're learning.
• It offers a wide range of learning resources.
• Lessons and exercises can be downloaded for offline learning.

What I don't like about Busuu:

• It lacks personalized learning options.

That's a list of good apps for learning English. These apps allow you to learn the language without the need to enroll in expensive courses. Considering that traditional English courses can be costly, these applications offer a more affordable and practical alternative for continuing your English learning journey.