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Did you know that Spanish is the second most widely spoken language in the world? Be it in Spain, Mexico, or most parts of South America, Spanish is the official language. So if you’re an avid traveler, knowing a few phrases in Spanish certainly doesn’t hurt!
While there are many ways to pick up a foreign language, in this day and age, nothing beats having a few good, reliable apps to learn Spanish!
Why is using apps to learn Spanish a good strategy?
We live in an age where our mobile phones are an ever-present companion throughout the day. From banking and managing work schedules to even ordering food, there seems to be an app for everything these days. Likewise, there are plenty of apps to learn Spanish too.
I’m not saying that downloading the best Spanish language app will suddenly turn you into the next Cervantes. Far from it.
In fact, if you truly want to master the language, you’ll need to rely on a variety of ways to improve your Spanish. However, what I can’t deny is that, while books and podcasts are a great way to learn Spanish, there are plenty of awesome apps that work to complement your learning.
Top picks
Apps like Babbel and Mondly provide fun and casual ways to learn or revise fundamental grammar rules. Spanish vocabulary apps like Drops, on the other hand, can really help you learn new words and phrases.
Finally, you can even search for a suitable tutor on Italki to further practice your conversations in Spanish!
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of the best apps to learn Spanish just for you!
Editor’s note: To reach fluency faster, combine these apps with other resources, such as books, podcasts, online courses, movies and YouTube channels. For your convenience, we’ve compiled an epic list of 40+ Spanish learning resources, including FREE ones. Read it, save it, and share it!
Highly recommended apps to learn Spanish
1. Babbel
Babbel is undoubtedly one of the best apps to learn Spanish on the market.
This holistic and time-tested app delivers quick, interactive Spanish lessons that cater to different levels of proficiency. Whether you’re a total beginner trying to pick up a few useful words or an intermediate learner simply looking for a quick refresher, you’ll be able to find a lesson that’s perfectly suited to your needs.
What’s more, lessons on Babbel often focus on topics that pop up in daily conversations. Not only does this help learners to retain information better, it also teaches users common phrases and vocabulary.
Why you should try Babbel:
- Short, interactive lessons that are easy to digest
- Conversation-centric topics that focus on different real-life scenarios
- Speech recognition technology helps you improve your pronunciation
Pricing: A monthly plan on Babbel costs $12.95. Try it for free.
Devices: iOS and Android
2. Mondly
If your biggest struggle in learning Spanish is consistency, Mondly is the convenient solution for you. That’s because the app sends you daily bite-sized lessons for FREE!
As you continue using the app, you’ll gradually start getting the hang of some core words and important grammatical rules. There are also plenty of useful exercises to practice and track your progress.
Having used this app in the past, I can tell you that Mondly is pretty much your personal pocket-sized tutor!
Why you should try Mondly:
- Daily lessons delivered to you through the app
- Speech Recognition software that helps you improve your pronunciation
- Quick and easy access to verb conjugation
Pricing: Free daily lessons but the premium plan unlocks unlimited content. Get it for $9.99/month or check out discounts here.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. Pimsleur
One of the best apps to improve your Spanish speaking skills is Pimsleur! Based on language research, this audio course teaches users vocabulary in context so they can get fluent in Spanish, fast.
On top of the 30-minute core lessons, you can access reading lessons, quizzes, and digital flashcards for vocabulary review.
What’s more, the app allows users to download lessons for offline learning. Combined with a convenient hands-free mode, Pimsleur allows users to work on their Spanish anytime, anywhere, even when you’re behind the wheel!
Here’s an offer for you: Try Pimsleur Spanish absolutely FREE today!
Why you should try Pimsleur:
- Focus on building strong conversational skils
- It’s based on the scientifically proven Pimsleur Method
- Bonus learning materials available on top of audio lessons
Pricing: Pimsleur subscription starts at $14.95/month. Try it for free now!
Devices: iOS and Android
4. Ling App
Learning Spanish, or any language really, can be intimidating at times. Regardless of your native language, you’ll encounter differences and it may feel like you’re hitting a wall sometimes.
Fortunately, apps like Ling make learning not just a bit easier but also fun! With entertaining games, puzzles, quizzes, and other exercises, learning Spanish will feel a bit more like playing than studying.
Ling’s gamified interface makes the whole journey much more enjoyable. But don’t think that the lessons are watered down — you will still get the essential vocabulary, grammar, and lots of speaking practice you’ll need.
Why you should try Ling:
- Teaches word association, sentence structure, and basic grammar through minigames and flashcards
- Practice dialogues with a chatbot
- Courses for all proficiency levels
Pricing: The Ling App is free! But for unlimited content, getting the Pro version at only $14.99/month is worth it.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps to learn Spanish vocabulary
5. Rocket Languages
Learn Spanish on Rocket Languages
To truly master a language, it’s not enough to just horde words and build your vocabulary. Understanding the culture of the language is an important aspect of language learning that many tend to neglect.
Thankfully, Rocket Languages is one of the few Spanish language apps that teaches users about the culture behind a language as well as how to master it.
Offering a wide range of lessons and courses, the app uses its lessons to subtly introduce learners to Hispanic culture. This not only creates an immersive environment that’s conducive to learning Spanish, it also helps you to better understand and appreciate certain cultural traits of the language.
Thanks to that, you’ll be able to pick up vocabulary you might not otherwise come across when using other Spanish apps!
Why you should try Rocket Languages:
- Wide range of learning material, from 30-minute audio clips to flashcards and more
- Speaking is incorporated in the lessons, helping you improve your pronunciation
- Helps users to understand the cultural nuances of Spanish
Pricing: The first module (all lessons) is free. A six-month subscription goes for $27/month. Check out promos here.
Devices: iOS and Android
6. SpeakTribe
Learn Spanish on SpeakTribe
SpeakTribe is one of those Spanish language apps that truly holds you by the hand as you make progress in learning the language. When you first start, the app eases you into it by teaching you basic (but nonetheless important) words and phrases. As you start being able to form cohesive sentences, SpeakTribe gradually ups the level of difficulty.
In between your lessons, the app also periodically sends you brief grammar notes. This helps you make sense of what you’ve learned and also promotes better information recall.
But perhaps what I like most about SpeakTribe is that the app, as you might have guessed from the name, focuses mainly on the conversational aspects of the language. So even though it might not be as holistic as other apps, it can certainly help you start speaking Spanish quickly and efficiently!
Why you should try SpeakTribe:
- Gradually eases users into the language by first introducing common words and phrases
- Dedicated focus on conversational Spanish
- Instead of overloading your lessons, the app focuses on specific vocabulary that it feels is most useful for the learner
Pricing: The first few levels are free. Premium membership comes with full access and starts at $11.
Devices: iOS and Android
7. Drops
Another one of the best apps to learn Spanish is Drops, a gorgeous and fun app that makes learning Spanish an exciting experience.
Drops uses aesthetically-pleasing images to help users quickly learn and understand words and vocabulary. It also presents the information in short five-minute games to keep things fresh!
Personally, I’d recommend Drops if you’re the type who finds it easier to learn using vivid images and word association. In my book, it is arguably the best Spanish flashcards app in terms of visual appeal and effectiveness! Plus, it’s segregated into different levels of language proficiency so it’s a useful Spanish learning app for any user!
Why you should try Drops:
- Stunning visuals that help develop memorable word association
- Extremely short sessions keep things fun and exciting
- Main focus on vocabulary to help you expand your word bank quickly
Pricing: Free for five minutes daily For longer playtime, purchase Drops Premium for $9.99/month. Check out available discounts here.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. MosaLingua
The two main focuses of MosaLingua are vocabulary and conjugation. In short, this Spanish app is the perfect companion to master the fundamentals of the language.
While the main draw of MosaLingua is the dialogue exercises, it also doubles up as a Spanish flashcards app offering over 3,000 words and phrases complete with pronunciation guides.
Dedicated to helping users master “the basic 20% that applies to 80% of Spanish”, the app allows users to choose a particular field to focus on. This helps accelerate your learning and prepares you for plenty of real-life conversation scenarios.
Why you should try MosaLingua:
- Over 3,000 flashcards that contain essential words and phrases
- Lessons are divided into specific fields and categories
- Uses real-life and practical vocabulary
Pricing: Each language on offer costs $4.99. Check out the latest MosaLingua promo here.
Devices: iOS and Android
9. Busuu
Much like many other apps on this list, Busuu focuses on getting users ready for daily conversations in Spanish. From curated articles in Spanish dailies to specific words and phrases in targeted themes (such as travel), Busuu offers a wide range of materials to help users master Spanish.
This handy app also has an offline mode which allows you to keep working on the language without Internet access.
Why you should try Busuu:
- The app offers specialised courses that caters to a wide range of users
- Practice speaking by conversing with native speakers on the app
- Progressive levels that help you monitor your progress
Pricing: Premium access starts at $9.99/month. Discounts are available too!
Devices: iOS and Android
10. Promova
Promova offers bite-sized lessons that cover a range of topics, from greetings and introductions to more complex grammar structures. Because the lessons are short, you won’t find it hard fit learning Spanish into your daily routine, even if you only have a few minutes at a time.
Promova also caters to a variety of learning styles. Engaging illustrations and flashcards help you memorize vocabulary, while interactive quizzes and exercises keep things interesting. Promova’s well-rounded lessons cover A1 to C1 so you’re sure to find a course that fits you.
Why you should try Promova:
- Variety of learning materials, from quick lessons to videos to books
- Over 140 lessons covering up-to-date vocabulary and grammar
- Covers all core skills and fluency levels up to C1
Pricing: Starts from $49.99/month but discounts are available.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps to find a Spanish tutor
11. italki
To fully learn a language, it’s not enough to just build your vocabulary through flashcards and games. Having studied Spanish myself, I can confirm that nothing beats being tutored by a native speaker.
italki is a undoubtedly the best Spanish-learning app to find a tutor. Apart from a wide community of tutors to choose from, you can also decide between formal lessons or a simple, casual conversation with a native speaker!
Why you should try italki:
- Allows you to get connected with native speakers to practice speaking Spanish
- Fully customizable sessions: select by price, nationality or even subject specialty
- Affordable one-on-one lessons that guarantee a memorable learning experience
Pricing: Lesson fees are set by tutors themselves and they start from $4 onwards. Find a Spanish tutor here!
Devices: iOS and Android
12. Preply
Compared to italki, Preply is a slightly more formal app to learn Spanish. Most of the tutors you’ll find on this app will focus on helping you perfect your grasp of fundamental Spanish grammar. Sessions will feel more like a structured lesson rather than a casual conversation (though this could also be requested).
However, on the plus side, it’ll feel as though you’re attending an actual Spanish class!
Why you should try Preply:
- 1-on-1 lessons that ensure you get the help you need to perfect your Spanish
- You can find tutors on Preply throughout the entire day (24 hours)
- Lessons on Preply are professionally structured by your tutor. All you have to do is get connected!
Pricing: The average price is about $15/hour. You can find discounts here.
Devices: iOS and Android
13. Innovative 101
Learn Spanish on Innovative 101
Innovative 101 is another holistic app to learn Spanish that I highly recommend. Not only does it function as a daily Spanish word of the day app (sent to your email), it also allows you to enjoy 1-on-1 lessons with a tutor of your choice.
However, what’s most impressive about this app is the extensive archive of audio and video lessons you can download! New content is uploaded every week and you can even access the library while offline. This makes it another ideal app for learning on the go!
Why you should try Innovative 101:
- New audio and video lessons every week
- Line-by-line audio lessons to help you master conversational Spanish
- 1-on-1 tutor function for Premium Plus users
Pricing: Basic subscription starts at $7.99/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best apps for Spanish immersion
14. Lingopie
Watching Spanish shows on Netflix is a great way to immerse yourself in the language without actually flying to Spain. But if you’re seeking to master Spanish, watching may not be enough.
On Lingopie, you can watch Spanish TV shows and movies, and learn from the show’s dual subtitles. Simply click on a word or phrase, get instant translations, and hear the correct pronunciation. Save the words into flashcards and you’ll soon grow your vocabulary and improve your speaking skills!
Lingopie features shows such as Casa de Papel (Money Heist), Narcos, Vis a Vis, Club de Cuervos, and more titles that will help you learn Spanish and have fun while at it! You can even sign up for classes with a Lingopie tutor and further hone your Spanish skills.
Why you should try Lingopie:
- Thousands of hours of good Spanish TV shows and films
- Dynamic learning tools such as transcripts, flashcards, etc.
- Effective and fun way to expand vocabulary and learn from context
Pricing: Starts at $5.99/month. Start your free trial here.
Devices: iOS and Android
15. FluentU
What makes FluentU stand out from other apps to learn Spanish is that it mainly uses interesting videos to convey its lessons. From music videos, movie clips, and trailers down to news broadcasts, FluentU’s video lessons definitely go a long way in helping users nail down their Spanish pronunciation.
What’s more, as you continue to learn from these videos, you’ll also pick up certain nuances about the language. This is something you probably won’t be able to do if you rely only on Spanish textbooks!
Why you should try FluentU:
- Video lessons provide a welcome break from textbook learning
- Lessons separated into different skill levels that cater to different learners
- Videos focus mainly on real-life conversations, helping you improve your pronunciation
Pricing: Choose between monthly ($30) or annual billing ($240) after the 14-day trial. Or try it for free first!
Devices: iOS and Android
16. LingQ
LingQ is another one of the best apps to learn Spanish. This well-rounded app offers an immersive learning experience and contains plenty of material to help you truly master your listening and speaking skills.
Users can choose from lessons, podcasts, and books and even listen in on interviews to familiarize themselves with the nuances of the language!
One impressive feature LingQ has is the ability to import any third-party content to help with your learning. What’s more, being able to use the app as an audiobook player further enhances its reputation as one of the top apps to learn Spanish in the market. After all, not only can this feature help you to learn to read Spanish proficiently, it can also help you improve quickly!
Why you should try LingQ:
- Over 1,000 hours of awesome content to help you improve your Spanish
- You can study new vocabulary by accessing integrated dictionary sources
- An easy-to-use tracking system to help you keep track of your progress
Pricing: Premium plans start from a monthly $12.99.
Devices: iOS and Android
Best free apps to learn Spanish
17. Duolingo
Personally, I think Duolingo is one of the best free apps to learn Spanish. Even with personal preferences aside, the Duolingo brand remains one of the most popular when it comes to learning new languages.
My favorite feature is that it’s simple to use and covers a wide range of topics. By using interactive ways to focus on basic grammar and vocabulary, Duolingo positions itself as one of the best Spanish language apps for beginners.
Even those who already have a slight background in Spanish will fall in love with the app. I’ve studied Spanish formally for three years and I use Duolingo to help me revise and refresh my memory!
Why you should try Duolingo:
- Game-like lessons make Duolingo an extremely fun app to learn Spanish
- It is designed by language experts to help users retain information better
- Part of a global language community that’s over 300 million strong!
Pricing: Duolingo is by and large a free app. However, you could subscribe to Duolingo Plus for $6.99/month for an ad-free experience.
Devices: iOS and Android
18. Clozemaster
Duolingo is great for beginners. But if you want something more challenging, I recommend Clozemaster.
With Clozemaster, your main task is to answer cloze tests. Basically, you fill in the blanks in thousands of sentences while relying on context. These tests are meant to assess your comprehension and help expand your vocabulary.
Clozemaster is amazing if you’re past the basics and want a harder set of exercises.
Why you should try Clozemaster:
- Gamified interface
- Ideal for building vocabulary and developing comprehension
- Learn grammar from context
Pricing: Free! For longer playtime, you can upgrade to Clozemaster Pro for $8/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
Final tips to get you started
As mentioned earlier, ideally you’ll use these apps in tandem with other methods to perfect your Spanish. If you really want to speak and write like a local, here are some tips to help you get started!
Pace yourself
Even though I personally consider Spanish to be slightly easier to pick up compared to other European languages, learning a foreign language still poses its own unique set of challenges.
Some of you might pick up the language within a week. Some of you might take longer. Whichever the case, the important part is to pace yourself accordingly and not rush things.
Practice your verb conjugations
Without a doubt, the most challenging aspect of learning Spanish is verb conjugation. In fact, it is one of the first things that most tutors will highlight to students.
By nailing down verb conjugation, you’ll be able to quickly grasp the fundamentals of Spanish grammar. And when you do that, you’ll be able to speak more fluently and coherently, even with native speakers.
These Spanish grammar books can help!
Consume Spanish media
Finally, you’ll want to immerse yourself in an environment that helps you retain whatever Spanish you’ve learned. You can use apps or even make notes but I personally found that watching movies, listening to songs, and even just binging on Netflix helped me more than anything else.
The key here is consistency. So if you consume Spanish media regularly (and practice these tips to improve your Spanish listening skills), you’ll gradually pick up certain words and phrases without even realizing it!
All that’s left to do now is get started!
Also Read: 10 Best Spanish Translator Apps for Spanish Learners