15 Best Apps to Learn English Fast and Effectively

Are you looking for the best way to learn English from the comfort of your home without spending a fortune on traditional courses? Today I want to share a valuable resource with you: a list of the 15 best app to learn English wherever you are, simply by using your smartphone or computer! 🚀

These days, technology has made language learning much more accessible than in the past. The possibilities are endless, and the quality is impressive, although, let’s be honest, no app will ever completely replace a live native-speaking tutor. But here’s the good news: some of the apps I’ll show you even let you take live English lessons with native tutors, so you can manage your time however works best for you!

You’ll also find language learning apps perfect for specific goals, like expanding your English vocabulary or strengthening your grammar foundations. What’s your personal goal? Having it clear in your mind will help you choose the best app for your learning journey.

Keep reading to discover the English app best suited to your needs, with a detailed comparison of features, prices, and expected outcomes. We can’t wait to see which app becomes your new favourite learning companion! ✨

Best Language Learning Apps for English: Key Takeaways

1️⃣ Variety of methods and approaches

English learning apps offer different strategies: from private lessons with qualified tutors (FindTutors, Preply, Cambly) to gamified methods and spaced repetition (Duolingo, Memrise, MosaLingua). Choosing the right app depends on the style of the language learners.

2️⃣ Accessibility and flexible costs

Many popular language apps offer free versions with limited features, while paid plans unlock advanced content or personalised lessons. Some, like FindTutors and Busuu, include free trials.

3️⃣ Focus on real conversation and practice

Beyond grammar and vocabulary, many language learning apps focus on active practice with native speakers and conversation to learn a new language. Tools like Tandem and HelloTalk allow language exchange, while apps like British Council focus on grammar exercises.

Why Download a Language Learning App?

Let’s be honest: speaking English today is one of those essential skills that can open countless doors, both professionally and personally (just think about it for a moment! 🎯). And have you noticed? Almost everyone is investing time and energy into learning English, fully aware of the opportunities it brings.

The good news is that your smartphone can truly become a powerful ally in improving your English. Whether you’re trying to improve your grades at school, learn new vocabulary for that long-awaited trip to the UK, or prepare for a job interview in English, all of it is possible with just a phone or a laptop. But remember, success comes down to two things: choosing the right app for your goal and how you organise your study time!

What Are the Best Apps to Learn English?

Let’s explore the 15 best apps to finally become fluent in English, once and for all.

1. FindTutors – One of the Best Apps to Learn English with Tutors

How it works:
FindTutors is a free app that connects students with private tutors, online or in person, for English and a wide range of subjects. You can browse detailed tutor profiles (qualifications, experience, reviews) and book sessions directly.

Free or paid?

• FindTutors App & browsing: Free.
• Messaging tutors: Requires a Student Pass at £19/month for unlimited contact.
• Tutor fees: Set by tutors themselves, typically £10–£30/hr, though experienced English tutors charge around £15–£40/hr. Online lessons average about £19/hr, while in-person lessons average £16/hr.

What makes it special:
There’s no commission taken; tutors keep 100% of what they charge. Plus, many offer a free introductory session so you can see if they’re the right fit.

2. GoStudent – Personalised Private English Lessons

• Truspilot: 4.4 ⭐

How it works:
GoStudent app matches students with vetted English tutors for 1:1 online lessons, tailored to your learning goals. After a free trial, you choose a lesson package that suits you.

Free or paid?

• Free trial: Yes, one trial session, no card required.
• Per-lesson pricing (50-minute sessions):
  • Starts at £21.99 for occasional tutoring.
  • Most common packages fall between £25.99 and £29.99 per lesson for monthly plans.
  • Tutor earnings average £35–£40/hr for English classes.

What makes it special:
Lessons include full access to the GoStudent dashboard, schedule lessons, chat with your tutor, access class notes and AI-powered learning tools. 93% of students report improvement.

3. Preply – Video Calls with Native Tutors

• Truspilot: 4.1⭐

How it works: Preply is a platform that connects students with native tutors for private online lessons, offering a personalised and interactive learning experience.

Free or paid? The app is free to use, but lessons are paid, with prices ranging from £10 to £45 per hour depending on the tutor. There’s a wide selection to suit all budgets and learning levels.

4. Duolingo – Interactive Lessons to Improve Vocabulary, Grammar, and Listening

• Trustpilot: 1.6⭐

How it works: Duolingo offers short, gamified lessons with vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation exercises. You’ll learn in a fun and engaging way that helps keep motivation high, although it’s difficult to reach an advanced level with this app alone.

Free or paid? The app is free with ads, but you can subscribe to Super Duolingo for £12.99/month to remove ads and access extra features for a better learning experience.,

5. Babbel – Practical Conversation and Usage

• Trustpilot: 4.4⭐

How it works: Babbel offers structured courses with practical lessons designed to improve everyday conversation. The focus is on using the language in real-life situations, helping users apply what they’ve learned straight away. Lessons are short and targeted to maintain motivation and support gradual progress.

Free or paid? The app is free with limited access to content. To unlock all courses and get the full experience, you need to subscribe, starting from £4.95/month (annually) or £6.65/month (monthly).

6. Busuu – Learn English Grammar

• Trustpilot: 4.4⭐

How it works: Busuu offers personalised language courses that let users interact with native speakers for corrections and feedback.

Free or paid? Free version available with limited features. To unlock everything (including advanced grammar and conversation exercises), you can subscribe to Premium for £11.99/month, with discounts for 6 or 12-month plans.

7. Memrise – AI-Powered Personalised Learning

• Trustpilot: 2.2⭐

How it works: Memrise uses videos of native speakers and spaced repetition techniques to improve memory of words. The interactive approach helps you absorb vocabulary and phrases in a natural, gradual way.

Free or paid? Free version available with limited features. Premium access costs £5.83/month (annual plan) or £17.99/month.

8. Tandem – Practise English with a Global Community

• Trustpilot: 3.3⭐

How it works: Tandem is a community where you can do language exchanges with native speakers through chat, calls, or video. It offers the chance to practise English in an interactive and social environment. So, do you prefer to practise with real people or learn with a tutor?

Free or paid? Free version available. You can also book private tutors at an extra cost. Tandem Pro is £13.99/month if paid monthly, with discounted quarterly and annual packages.

9. Mondly – Learn English Through Games

• Trustpilot: 3.0⭐

How it works: Mondly offers short, interactive, and gamified lessons that include reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It uses a fun, playful approach to learning English vocabulary and phrases.

Free or paid? Free version with limited content. Premium unlocks all features for £9.99/month or £47.99/year.

10. HelloTalk – A Social App for Language Exchange

• Trustpilot: 2.4 ⭐

How it works: HelloTalk is an app that helps you connect with native speakers through chat and calls, offering real-time corrections. It's a great way to improve your skills by talking directly with people around the world.

Free or paid? Free with limited functions. VIP membership is £6.99/month and unlocks more features and exchange options.

11. Cambly – Learn a Language with Native Tutors

• Trustpilot: 2.1 ⭐

How it works: Cambly offers private video lessons with native English tutors to improve your language skills in a personal, interactive setting. Students choose tutors based on their preferences and book lessons according to their schedule. It's similar to FindTutors, GoStudent, and Preply.

Free or paid? The app is free, but lessons are paid, with prices between £10 and £25 per hour depending on your plan.

12. Wlingua English – Online Courses to Build Vocabulary

• Trustpilot: 3.2 ⭐

How it works: Wlingua offers structured courses focused on vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Lessons follow a clear path across different difficulty levels in a systematic and engaging way.

Free or paid? Free version available with limited content. Premium gives full access for £9.99/month.

13. The British Council Learn English Grammar – Ideal for All Levels

How it works: The British Council Learn English Grammar app is designed to help you improve your grammar through level-based exercises. Users can access a wide variety of activities that cover different grammar topics in a structured way. It's perfect for strengthening grammar knowledge, but not ideal if your goal is speaking fluently.

Free or paid? 100% free, with full access to all lessons and exercises.

14. FluentU – Learn English with Videos and Films

• Trustpilot: 4.6 ⭐

How it works: FluentU uses real-world videos (films, news, interviews) with interactive subtitles to teach English. A great option for improving listening and comprehension in a practical and immersive way.

Free or paid? Free trial available. Full access costs £23.99/month, with a 14-day trial.

15. MosaLingua – Memorise Vocabulary and Useful Phrases

• Trustpilot: 4.9⭐

How it works: MosaLingua uses spaced repetition to help you memorise vocabulary and useful expressions. The method is based on scientific studies showing that spaced review helps with long-term memory.

Free or paid? Free version with basic access. Premium is available for £4.99/month (annually) or £9.99/month (monthly), unlocking all lessons and advanced features.

So, Which App Should You Choose to Learn English?

It's not easy to say which is the best English learning app, since each one has a specific focus. However, we've grouped the top apps into categories to help you choose faster ✨

👨‍🏫 Apps for private, personalised English lessons:
FindTutors, GoStudent, Cambly, Preply

🙋‍♀️ Apps for language exchange with native speakers:
Tandem, HelloTalk

🏋️‍♀️ If you prefer a structured, step-by-step course:
Babbel, Busuu, Mondly

🎮 Free language learning apps for quick and fun lessons:
Duolingo, British Council, MosaLingua

📺 Language learning apps for improving pronunciation with video/audio:
FluentU, Memrise

👉 Try an English lesson now!

Comparison Table: English Learning Apps

Conclusion: Choosing the Right English Learning App

The best language learning app to learn English depends on your goals, whether it's improving your speaking skills, expanding your vocabulary, or strengthening your grammar. Many English learning apps today offer flexible options to suit your learning style and pace.

If your focus is on listening skills, conversation practice, or mastering everyday vocabulary, look for apps with audio lessons, interactive activities, and real opportunities to practise speaking. A good app should also offer real-time feedback, clear grammar explanations, and a solid free version so you can explore before committing.

Whether you're preparing to live in an English-speaking country, or simply aiming to use more English words in daily life, the key is finding a platform that supports your learning process and helps you build confidence step by step.

I hope this article has helped you, and that you're ready to start your English lessons with the app that's right for you! Good luck 🙋‍♀️

Note: Pricing, reviews and trial details are based on currently available info and may change. Please check the official websites for the most up-to-date details.