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Becoming fluent in Italian is awesome for a lot of reasons — being able to interact with locals on your next trip is definitely one of the biggest. If you want to get there fast, though, you’ll need to rely on the best Italian speaking apps on the market.
Today we’ll go over a dozen of Italian speaking apps that are either free or great value for money. They’re straightforward, user-friendly, and engaging, and are guaranteed to help you kick-start your studies with flair.
Why use apps to learn Italian
If you’re determined to learn to speak Italian, you’ll need to surround yourself with multiple kinds of tools, such as books, audio and video lessons, and Italian learning apps. By using several distinct resources, you’ll receive different kinds of inputs that will keep you motivated.
As for speaking apps, specifically, you’ll notice they’re an affordable and interactive way of learning new words and phrases and practicing your communication skills. Better yet, they’re convenient and can be used while you commute to work or clean the house.
Unlike books, which depend on revised editions to stay reliable, apps are updated nonstop and as such, they’ll always teach you how native speakers actually speak. Finally, many apps have huge user communities where you’ll get to help one another, exchange ideas, and make new friends.
Top picks
Not all apps are created equal; to learn conversational Italian, you may want to try these four apps before you move on to the other entries on our list.
- Pimsleur‘s audio lessons are effective and convenient.
- You’ll find a native teacher that clicks with you on italki and Preply.
- To learn about Italian culture as you study the languages, download Rocket Languages.
- Mondly focuses on helping you expand your vocabulary.
Top Italian speaking apps
1. Pimsleur
Pimsleur structures its 30-minute audio lessons around a method that has stood the test of time. It will guarantee you’ll be able to commit everything you learn to your long-term memory.
You’ll be introduced to a limited set of words on a regular basis in a way that you won’t feel overwhelmed by content overload.
Pimsleur’s method, which has been around for almost 60 years, relies on quizzes, flashcards, and reading lessons as well to teach you Italian.
Why you should try Pimsleur:
- It boasts sixty years of proven efficacy
- It focuses on listening to build your conversation skills
- The audio lessons can be taken anywhere and anytime
Pricing: You can get the all-access plan for $20.99 a month or the audio-only subscription for $14.95, but a free trial is available too.
Devices: iOS and Android
2. Babbel
Babbel is one of the most popular language learning apps, and for good reason. It’s interactive as it gets and will take you all the way to intermediate Italian through its issue-oriented learning paths: Grammar, Words and Sentences, Countries and Traditions, Specials, and Refresher.
This award-winning app works with spaced repetition as a way to help users memorize words. Then it keeps going back to those keywords on a regular basis to make sure you’ve actually learned them.
That said, Babbel is never dull. On the contrary, it doesn’t leave out any aspect of language learning. Plus, it publishes a digital magazine that you should check out in between each lesson.
Why you should try Babbel:
- Lessons are around 15 minutes long, which fits into virtually anyone’s routine
- It has a sleek and user-friendly layout
- It caters to every aspect of language learning flawlessly
Pricing: Monthly plans start at $16.99. You can snatch a discount on Babbel’s website.
Devices: iOS and Android
3. italki
Like a few other apps on the market, italki works as a marketplace where language students can hire freelance teachers.
You’ll get to choose between community tutors, who typically give conversation classes, and professional ones, who’ll develop a learning path meant specifically for your needs.
That’s not all, though: italki has a vibrant language exchange community where each exchange will be precious throughout your studies.
Why you should try italki:
- Few apps of this kind are more affordable than italki
- You’ll get to study with a native speaker
- Tutors work on a method that perfectly fits your learning needs
Pricing: You’ll find lessons for $5/hour, yet more experienced teachers will charge between $10 and $30. Find a tutor on italki now.
Devices: iOS and Android
4. Preply
Preply is yet another app that connects you to language teachers all over the world. Profiles detail each tutor’s method and level of expertise and include reviews that should help you choose.
A few unique functionalities make Preply a top-notch app. My favorite ones are the free trial with another tutor you’re given whenever you don’t get along particularly well with your current one, and being able to transfer your credit between teachers.
On top of that, many tutors on the app teach more than one language. That’s wonderful if you’re looking to study some other language as you learn Italian.
Why you should try Preply:
- You can find a native teacher to teach you Italian
- Tutors undergo strict vetting before entering the platform
- You’ll get to set your own pace
Pricing:Â The price varies depending on the tutor and language. However, on average, the minimal price is $4/hour. Get 50% off your first class here.
Devices: iOS and Android
5. Speechling
Developed by a Californian educational nonprofit, Speechling will help you achieve fluency by introducing you to important words and sentences as pronounced by native speakers.
You’ll get to repeat and record each sentence and have a native tutor assess your pronunciation within 24 hours. Then you’ll receive unique feedback on what you can do to improve your delivery.
While that’s the app’s central functionality, Speechling also counts on flashcards and quizzes to teach you Italian.
Why you should try Speechling:
- It’ll teach you essential sentences in Italian
- You’ll receive feedback from native speakers
- It offers resources like tests and flashcards too
Pricing: Speechling Unlimited costs $29.99 a month, but you’ll pay $239.88 for the annual subscription (or $19.99/month).
Devices: iOS and Android
6. Mondly
You’ll need to work on a core vocabulary in order to learn Italian, and that’s exactly what Mondly excels at. Following every lesson, you’ll be given a recap that should help you memorize the words and expressions you’ve just covered.
The app releases new lessons almost daily and features content quizzes, fill-in-the-blanks exercises, and matching words to images. Despite being a lot of fun, they’re way more challenging similar activities on other apps.
Why you should try Mondly:
- Vocabulary is its main focus
- The gamified course is a lot of fun
- Chances are the app’s working languages will include your native language
Pricing: $9.99 per month or an impressive $47.99 a year. Check out Mondly’s latest promos, though.
Devices: iOS and Android
7. Rocket Languages
Learn Italian on Rocket Languages
Rocket Italian is different from the majority of apps on the market in that its core is made up of 30-minute audio lessons. That should work out great for learners with little time to study Italian.
The app offers an awesome content mix, complete with pronunciation practice, both grammar- and culture-focused materials, flashcards, and reinforcement exercises.
In total, Rocket will give you 140 of lesson time all the way through intermediate. On top of that, its big language exchange community is the extra tool you didn’t know you needed to become fluent in Italian.
Why you should try Rocket Languages:
- You’ll have fun and stay informed as you learn Italian with Rocket’s podcasts
- It introduces you to Italian culture
- Cross-device use is glitch-free
Pricing: You’ll be given lifetime access for $149.95 — unless you find a discount.
Devices: iOS and Android
8. Rosetta Stone
Learn Italian on Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone will have you study Italian by diving into multimedia content as you set your own learning path. Because lessons are context-based, you’ll learn only vocabulary that you can use in real life.
Apart from studying common phrases, reading compelling stories, and hearing recordings by native speakers, you’ll get to rely on an in-app voice recognition engine to practice pronunciation. On top of that, you’ll get precious feedback on your progress.
Why you should try Rosetta Stone:
- There’s a speech recognition system to provide feedback on your pronunciation
- You’ll make your own study plan based on your needs and goals
- Both companies and schools love it
Pricing: The three-month plan is $35.97. Rosetta Stone’s promos are always worthwhile, by the way.
Devices: iOS and Android
9. Lingopie
If your idea of learning Italian involves hours and hours of entertaining Italian shows, you’ll love Lingopie.
This fun (and addicting) platform teaches languages through TV shows, movies, Netflix originals, music videos, and other engaging Italian content. To start, simply choose a video to watch and click the subtitles to get translations and hear the pronunciation. It’s that easy!
To develop recall, you can “collect” words into flashcards and play quizzes. You’ll be learning tons of Italian words and it won’t feel like studying.
Why you should try Lingopie:
- Engaging way to learn Italian
- Learn authentic Italian pronunciation and accents
- Dynamic tools like clickable subtitles, flashcards, voice recorder, etc.
Pricing: Starts from $5.99/month for the annual plan. You can try it for free!
Devices: iOS and Android
10. Lingoda
With Lingoda, you can jump into their live online classes whenever the Italian urge strikes. Plus, it gets you to actually speaking from the get-go—no long waits to start practicing.
You can choose to learn in a small group, with up to five other folks, which can be super fun and interactive, or go for one-on-one sessions with a teacher for that laser focus.
Beyond the live chats, Lingoda also has some neat self-learning tools to keep you going between classes. Think handy flashcards to nail those vocab words, quick quizzes to test your knowledge, and bite-sized exercises that fit into even the busiest days.
Why you should try Lingoda:
- 24/7 access to live online classes
- Early speaking focus
- Interactive 1-on-1 or group classes
Pricing: Starts from $10.99/month for group classes and $22.99 for private classes. Get Lingoda promos here.
Devices: iOS and Android
11. Busuu
Busuu has a vibrant community of 120 million language learners that you’ll be able to interact with to learn Italian faster. What’s more, you can ask questions to native speakers after every lesson.
The app’s content centers on grammar and dialogues, which is unusual for an app of this kind. Yet Busuu’s coolest feature is the tailored study plan it will develop for you after you answer a few questions about your goals and availability.
Why you should try Busuu:
- There are 10+ working languages for you to pick from
- The free version is almost as good as the paid subscription (minus the custom learning path)
- It’s an award-winning app
Pricing: The premium subscription comes to $119.99 (two years) $69.99 (one year), or $9.99 (a month). You may also check for available promos.
Devices: iOS and Android
12. MosaLingua
MosaLingua is that one app offering a certificate of its own, which you can obtain after completing its course. In the process, you’ll go through grammar lessons, dialogues, and audio clips, plus flashcards.
The app has its very own method to help you memorize words as well. So those of you who still can’t find your way around Italian vocab will definitely love it.
Why you should try MosaLingua:
- You’ll rely on native teachers for help
- Its context mix includes videos, lessons, flashcards, and more
- It offers a holistic approach to language learning
Pricing: MosaLingua will charge you $57.99 after a two-week trial. That’s worth a year of its premium plan. Alternatively, you can buy a monthly subscription for $9.49.
Devices: iOS and Android
13. HelloTalk
Language aficionados of all kinds simply love HelloTalk. Why? The app hosts the largest language exchange community on the web, with more than 25 million registered users.
You’ll get to interact with fellow learners through a true social-media-like platform. One of its main features is an Instagram Stories knock-off, but you’ll also be able to text, call, send voice messages, and even doodles to your friends.
Plus, the app relies on games, podcasts, and sessions with tutors to help you achieve fluency.
Why you should try HelloTalk:
- You can interact with the app’s community and make friends
- It works like an actual social media platform
- You’ll never get sick of studying Italian
Pricing: The ad-free version costs $7.99 per month and $79.99 a year
Devices: iOS and Android
14. Memrise
Memrise mixes a colorful layout with engaging material that includes audio and video clips featuring native speakers.
The app’s method revolves around three basic aspects: teaching you what a key phrase means, putting it in context, and having you interact with other students so you can help one another.
There are 160 lessons split across seven units, which accounts for 46 hours worth of content. While you can access all that with a free membership, the pro subscription offers a custom learning path, statistics about your studies, as well as a larger video archive.
Why you should try Memrise:
- The app’s materials cover a wide range of issues
- Lessons are engaging and fun
- It has tons of user-created content
Pricing: Access all content with Memrise Pro, starting at $5/month.
Devices: iOS and Android
Conclusion
Though learning Italian is always really exciting, depending on where you come from it can be a bit challenging. It may take you some time to master irregular verbs and the pronunciation of double consonants, for example.
To make the whole process easier and smoother and achieve fluency, you should count on the best possible resources. You can’t do without tools like Italian speaking apps, textbooks, podcasts, and dictionaries. These tips to learn Italian can also help.
So I hope you make good use of the apps I’ve listed above, as all of them can be powerful allies in your learning journey!
Best Italian speaking apps – Pin it!
