Last updated on September 28th, 2026 at 11:30 am
The best English learning apps let you practice for a few minutes a day, wherever you are. Some turn grammar into a game, some fix your pronunciation, and others connect you with native speakers.
We checked each app below against its current store listing, so every one is still available to download. Use the comparison table to find the right fit, then read the short review of each app.
Best English Learning Apps at a Glance
Quick Navigation
| App | Best For | How It Teaches |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Beginners and building a daily habit | Short, game-like lessons |
| Busuu | Structured courses with feedback | Study plans plus corrections from native speakers |
| ELSA Speak | Pronunciation and speaking | AI feedback on how you sound |
| Memrise | Everyday vocabulary | Native-speaker videos and AI chat practice |
| Cake | Natural, real-world expressions | Short video clips and speaking practice |
| ABA English | A full course from A1 to C1 | Video lessons and live classes |
| Babbel | Practical conversation skills | 10–15 minute lessons with speech recognition |
| HelloTalk | Real conversation with native speakers | Language exchange by text, voice, and video |
8 Best English Learning Apps
1. Duolingo
Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded education app, and it is a great starting point for beginners. Its short, game-like lessons cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and streaks and rewards keep you coming back every day.
The English course follows CEFR levels, and the core lessons are free. A paid Super Duolingo plan removes ads and adds extra features. Duolingo teaches more than 40 languages in total.
Download: Google Play | Official website
2. Busuu
Busuu offers structured courses in 14 languages, including English, with a personal study plan. Its standout feature is the community: native speakers review your written and spoken exercises and give you tips.
That feedback makes Busuu a good choice if you want to know whether your English sounds natural. You can start for free, and a premium plan unlocks the full course.
Download: Google Play | Official website
3. ELSA Speak
ELSA Speak is built for pronunciation. You speak into your phone, and its AI shows exactly which sounds you got right and which need work. It has thousands of lessons on vocabulary, accent training, and real conversations.
There is a free version, and the premium plan adds exam practice for tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Pair it with our guide on how to improve pronunciation in English.
Download: Google Play | Official website
4. Memrise
Memrise teaches the words and phrases people really use. Its lessons include short videos of native speakers, so you hear natural pronunciation from the start.
It also has AI chat partners that let you practice building sentences in realistic situations. Memrise works well if your main goal is to grow your everyday vocabulary.
Download: Google Play | Official website
5. Cake
Cake teaches English through short video clips of real conversations. Each daily lesson focuses on one useful expression, and you practice saying it aloud while the app checks your pronunciation.
The daily lessons are free, with an optional Cake Plus plan that removes ads. It is a fun way to pick up the natural phrases you will not always find in a textbook.
Download: Google Play | Official website
6. ABA English
ABA English is a complete video-based course. It has six levels from beginner (A1) to advanced (C1), with 144 units built around short films that show English in real-life situations.
Each unit adds grammar explanations and practice exercises, and the app also offers live classes with native-speaking teachers. Choose it if you want a clear path from one level to the next.
Download: Google Play | Official website
7. Babbel
Babbel focuses on practical conversations for travel, work, and daily life. Its lessons take 10 to 15 minutes, and speech recognition helps you check your pronunciation as you go.
Babbel teaches 14 languages, including English. You can try a lesson for free, but full access needs a subscription. Read our full Babbel review before you decide.
Download: Google Play | Official website
8. HelloTalk
HelloTalk is a language exchange app rather than a course. You chat with native English speakers by text, voice message, or call, and in return you help them learn your language.
Built-in tools let partners correct your messages and translate words you do not know. It is free to use, with an optional VIP plan. It is ideal once you know the basics and want real conversation.
Download: Google Play | Official website
How to Choose the Right English Learning App
- Know your goal. Choose ELSA Speak for pronunciation, HelloTalk for conversation, and Duolingo or Busuu for all-round study.
- Check your level. Beginners do best with guided courses. Take our free English level test if you are not sure where you stand.
- Try the free version first. Most apps let you start for free, so test two or three before you pay for a plan.
- Pick one you enjoy. The best app is the one you will open every day.
Tips to Get the Most Out of an English App
- Study at the same time every day, even if it is only 10 minutes.
- Say every exercise out loud instead of only tapping answers.
- Combine one course app with one speaking app, such as Busuu and HelloTalk.
- Use new words outside the app: write them down, read, and watch videos in English.
Final Thoughts
Any of these English learning apps can help you improve, as long as you use it regularly. Start with one course app, add a speaking app when you feel ready, and practice a little every day.
Want more options? See our list of the best English learning websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is best for learning English?
It depends on your goal. Duolingo is best for beginners and daily practice, Busuu for structured courses with feedback, ELSA Speak for pronunciation, and HelloTalk for real conversation with native speakers.
What is the best free English learning app?
Duolingo offers the most complete free course. Cake and HelloTalk are also free to use, while Busuu, ELSA Speak, and Memrise let you start for free before upgrading.
Can I become fluent in English using only apps?
Apps build vocabulary, grammar, and confidence, but fluency also needs real conversation. Combine a course app with speaking practice, such as a language exchange on HelloTalk or a class.
Which English app is best for speaking and pronunciation?
ELSA Speak is the best choice for pronunciation, because its AI shows which sounds you need to fix. For speaking practice with real people, try HelloTalk.
What is the best English learning app for beginners?
Duolingo is the easiest place to start, thanks to its short, game-like lessons. Busuu and ABA English are good next steps if you want a more structured course.
How much time should I spend on an English app each day?
Ten to twenty minutes a day is enough for steady progress. Studying a little every day works much better than one long session once a week.
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