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As we rely more and more on our mobile phones, it’s no surprise that language learning apps have become one of the key avenues for learning a new language. One such app is Busuu, which is extremely popular among avid language learners thanks to its holistic features.
However, sticking to one app for a long time can also start making things feel repetitive. If you’re looking for some Busuu alternatives to freshen things up in your language learning journey, we’ve got you covered!
What is Busuu?
To seasoned language learners, Busuu doesn’t need an elaborate introduction. After all, this language learning app is one of the most popular resources for English speakers to learn a new language from scratch.
It offers 13 language options, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, and more. Each comprehensive language program is designed to assess a learner’s proficiency and nudge them towards fluency via well-structured lessons that follow internationally-recognized language assessment scales.
What Busuu offers is a range of bite-sized lessons and exercises that cater to different levels of proficiencies. In addition, users have the option of engaging in 1-to-1 or group lessons with professional tutors to improve their fluency. You could also get help from native speakers on the app.
In short, Busuu is a comprehensive language learning app for self-learning that’s especially helpful for beginners.
Why look for Busuu alternatives?
Despite all of the good things about Busuu, the app is not without its limitations. While it’s a holistic app for learners who are just starting out, lessons tend to plateau around the upper intermediate level, which is only accessible to premium, paid subscribers.
What’s more, the languages that are offered on Busuu are somewhat limited, and you may not find the target language you want to learn on the app. Perhaps you may also be looking for an app that is more affordable or one that suits your language learning needs specifically. Or maybe you’re simply searching for a fresh perspective on your target language.
All these reasons make finding Busuu alternatives a worthwhile venture. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to give up on the app entirely! In fact, I would say that Busuu pairs perfectly well with plenty of other language learning apps to provide an even more conducive environment for learning.
So, to stay motivated and push yourself further, check out these Busuu alternatives!
Best Busuu alternatives for language learners
1. Mondly
When it comes to Busuu alternatives, Mondly is arguably one of the most like-for-like apps on the market.
Like Busuu, Mondly specializes in bite-sized lessons that are both engaging and holistic, covering a wide range of core skills and topics. Each interactive lesson lasts approximately 10 minutes and focuses on grammar and conversational vocabulary.
One advantage that Mondly has over Busuu is the number of languages it offers. At the moment, you can learn 41 languages compared to just 13 on Busuu. And while you can’t seek out tutors for 1-on-1 sessions on Mondly, the app does contain audio recordings featuring native speakers and a chatbot to practice conversations.
Wondering if Mondly’s a good fit for you? Check out our in-depth review to find out.
What I like about Mondly:
- Offers bite-sized lessons that are engaging and fun
- Features audio tapes recorded by native speakers
- Allows the user to learn a wide range of languages
Pricing: You can access basic content (daily lessons) for free. Premium access is available at $9.99/month or $47.99/year. You can also check out Mondly’s latest promos.
2. Babbel
Speaking of practicing conversations, Babbel is another one of the Busuu alternatives that language learners can use to improve their fluency and prepare themselves for real-life interaction.
Like Busuu, lessons on Babbel are kept short and sweet, often lasting only about 10 to 15 minutes each. However, Babbel’s key feature is its extensive archive of interactive audio lessons and podcasts recorded by native speakers.
Not only are the conversations realistic and engaging, but there are also speech recognition exercises wedged where users can record themselves and practice their pronunciation. Of course, you can also expect to find the usual flashcard lessons as well as online classes!
This Babbel review has all the details you need, if you’re still on the fence.
What I like about Babbel:
- Covers a wide range of topics and lessons
- Lessons are well-structured to cater to different levels of proficiency
- Focuses on pronunciation and conversation using audio lessons and podcasts
Pricing: Monthly subscriptions start from $13.95/month. Alternatively, you can opt for a yearly plan at $83.40/year or check Babbel promos.
3. Rocket Languages
Learn a language on Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages is another Busuu alternative that focuses on audio lessons and voice recognition exercises.
There are over 60 hours of interactive audio lessons, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Compared to Busuu, Rocket Languages offers more comprehensive audio lessons that also explore the target language’s cultural nuances.
The app features a large variety of useful conversational phrases to learn, each separated according to different themes and topics. Apart from improving your listening and pronunciation skills, lessons on Rocket Languages also come with accurate transcripts, allowing you to also practice your reading and comprehension.
Find out more about this app with this Rocket Languages review.
What I like about Rocket Languages:
- Contains a ton of audio lessons and interactive exercises
- Drawn out lessons that dive deep into the topic of discussion
- Offers a holistic learning experience that covers all bases
Pricing: Prices vary by language and course. However, most European languages and Mandarin starts from $47/month, unless you find a discount.
4. Pimsleur
While Rocket Languages is in itself a useful app, the Busuu alternative I prefer when it comes to audio lessons in Pimsleur. Featuring 30-minute audio lessons, Pimsleur’s main aim is to help learners start speaking a language fluently as early as possible.
The app uses a time-tested method called the Pimsleur Method, a graduated interval recall technique that introduces new words to the user at certain points of the lesson. This helps learners retain new vocabulary easily and expands their word bank quickly.
In addition to the well-structured audio lessons, Pimsleur is also a good resource to practice what you’ve learned. The app features a ton of exercises in the form of games, quizzes, and flashcards for certain languages.
This Pimsleur review takes you through the best features of this app.
What I like about Pimsleur:
- Audio lessons based on a scientifically-proven method to improve vocab recall
- Focuses on getting learners to be conversation-ready in over 50 languages
- Comes with exercises to review what you’ve just learned
Pricing: Prices vary by language and by plan (i.e., purchasing an entire course vs. bulk lessons). You can also try Pimsleur for free.
5. Ling App
Another Busuu alternative that takes a gamified approach to language learning is Ling App, a similar learning resource to Duolingo.
Ling App offers plenty of lessons in over 60 languages using interactive and engaging mini-games to keep learners hooked. However, compared to Duolingo, Ling App features a more diverse range of lessons, including puzzles, quizzes, and conventional grammar exercises.
It also has some audio lessons that you can use for pronunciation exercises as well as a basic chatbot that can carry most beginner-level conversations flawlessly. That said, if what you’re looking for is to practice conversations, there may well be better Busuu alternatives out there, such as the ones mentioned above.
Find out how Ling works with this detailed review.
What I like about Ling App:
- Keeps users on their toes with their diverse range of quizzes and games
- Offers interactive lessons that help users learn as they play
- Comes with a chatbot to practice basic conversations
Pricing: Ling App offers a free but limited experience. To unlock all features, membership plans start at $14.99/month. Learn languages on Ling App now.
6. Mango Languages
Learn a language on Mango Languages
What sets Mango Languages apart from other audio-based Busuu alternatives is that this app caters more to independent learners.Â
The app doesn’t offer too many lessons that focus on rudimentary concepts. In fact, it doesn’t even use conventional lesson structures! Instead, Mango focuses on conversation-based learning.
Basically, you get an audio tape of native speakers reading out a sentence or pronouncing a word. You then record yourself repeating the contents of the audio tape and compare it with that of the native speaker until your pronunciation is spot on. While you won’t get too many opportunities to practice your grammar in writing, this app is ideal for those who are trying to speak like a local!
What I like about Mango Languages:
- Uses a simple conversation-based method to improve pronunciation
- Features practical words and phrases
- Comes with exercises to review what you’ve just learned
Pricing: Premium prices start from $10/month for the annual subscription. Start your free Mango Languages lesson here.
7. Duolingo
When it comes to short, bite-sized daily lessons, perhaps no Busuu alternative is as well-known as Duolingo.
This ever-popular language learning app offers short lessons (usually lasting just five minutes) that are great for those who like to learn in a casual, fun environment. While Duolingo specializes in flashcard vocabulary lessons, the app also offers a variety of activities, such as listening, speaking, and writing exercises.
What makes Duolingo such an addictive app is that it keeps learners interested using its gamified approach. There are weekly challenges to complete and badges to earn and show off!
What I like about Duolingo:
- Features a variety of lessons that are engaging and fun
- Keeps the learner interested using interactive games and challenges
- Extremely easy to download and get into thanks to its casual approach
Pricing: The app is free to use! However, for an ad-free experience, you can subscribe to a premium membership at $6.99/month.
8. Drops
While the Duolingo and Ling App are both great Busuu alternatives when it comes to quick language lessons, I must confess that I much prefer Drops.
Like the two apps above, Drops focuses on short lessons (about five minutes each) delivered through an interactive gamified approach. However, it has much more aesthetic appeal, featuring a user interface that is easy on the eyes, and vivid flashcards with beautiful illustrations to help with memory recall.
Perhaps the only downside to Drops (and most other gamified language learning apps) is that their lessons often suit beginners who are just starting out. For a more comprehensive learning experience, you should combine these apps with other resources to achieve better proficiency.
What I like about Drops:
- Features a smooth user experience and visually stunning interface
- Extremely effective flashcards
- Bite-sized lessons suitable even for busy individuals
Pricing: Drops is generally free to use. However, to unlock all content and unlimited play time, subscription fees start from $13/month.
9. Rosetta Stone
Learn a language on Rosetta Stone
Speaking of more holistic Busuu alternatives, try Rosetta Stone, one of the most popular and time-tested language learning resources on the market.
The app offers interactive and immersive lessons using authentic conversations to help learners pick up new words and useful phrases. More than that, Rosetta Stone offers a variety of conventional lessons too, such as grammar and vocabulary sessions using images, text, and audio recordings.
For practice, you can also record yourself on the app and hone your pronunciation using the app’s speech recognition software!
What I like about Rosetta Stone:
- A time-tested language learning app offering an immersive experience
- Uses authentic conversations to teach practical words and phrases
- A holistic and structured approach to language learning
Pricing: Monthly subscription starts at $7.99/month. Or check out Rosetta Stone promos.
10. Memrise
Another Busuu alternative that offers a holistic learning experience is Memrise, known for its flexibility and effective lessons.
The key feature of Memrise that language learners will appreciate is the ability to switch the language you are learning in. So for example, you could learn French using Mandarin, or Korean using Spanish. This offers much-needed flexibility for users whose first language isn’t English.
In terms of the curriculum, expect to find the usual range of lessons and interactive exercises, including pronunciation guides and quizzes on the app. You can even download the lessons and access them offline!
What I like about Memrise:
- Allows users to choose the language they want the lessons to be in
- Offer offline accessibility
- Features plenty of audio recordings by native speakers
Pricing: You can access Memrise for free or subscribe to unlimited access starting from $5/month.
11. Lingvist
If you’re NOT a beginner and already have a certain level of proficiency in your target language, then Lingvist is probably one of the ideal Busuu alternatives for you.
Before you even begin learning, the app tests your knowledge in the target language and then comes up with a personalized course that matches your level of proficiency! In this way, you can save time by skipping over the topics that you already know about and getting straight to newer challenges.
Lingvist offers a combination of grammar and vocabulary lessons to offer a conventional way of learning. However, one unique feature is its hands-free mode, which allows you to practice even when you can’t hold your phone, such as when taking a walk or driving.
What I like about Lingvist:
- Assesses your language skills before starting lessons
- Focuses on building grammar mastery and expanding vocabulary
- Comes with a hands-free mode for on-the-go learning
Pricing: Monthly subscription starts at $4.99/month
12. HelloTalk
Finally, if what you want is simply to interact with a native speaker and practice speaking, then HelloTalk is one of the best Busuu alternatives to consider.
While HelloTalk does offer some learning tools like pronunciation guides and translations, it is more of a language exchange app than a language learning app like Busuu. It allows you to find a language exchange partner and engage in conversations via texting, and voice/video calling. You can also pose questions on certain topics and get answers from native speakers.
Alternatively, you can also try Hi-Native and iTalki, the latter of which specializes in connecting language learners to certified tutors.
What I like about HelloTalk:
- Offers authentic language exchange experiences
- Provides a platform for realistic conversation practice
- Improves your confidence in interacting with native speakers
Pricing: HelloTalk is free to use! However, for an ad-free experience, monthly subscriptions start at $6.99/month.
Conclusion
And there you have it: 12 best Busuu alternatives to learn new languages! Looking to spice up your language learning journey even more? Check out these Memrise alternatives and HelloTalk alternatives while you’re at it!