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Best Language Learning App 2026

By Readers' Choice On 8/12/26 at 12:00 PM EDT

Learning a new language can open doors to new cultures, career opportunities and meaningful connections around the world. The Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards for Best Language Learning recognizes organizations that help learners build communication skills through innovative tools, expert instruction and engaging educational experiences.

From mobile apps and online courses to personalized tutoring and immersive lessons, these programs provide flexible solutions for beginners and advanced speakers alike. Readers have the opportunity to recognize the language learning platforms that make education more accessible, effective and inspiring for people seeking to expand their global understanding.

Newsweek is proud to recognize this year's 10 standout language learning programs—selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers for their exceptional quality and distinctive excellence. Each has been officially recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Language Learning of 2026.

1. Mango Languages

Mango Languages

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Mango Languages provides online language-learning programs for individuals, libraries, schools and organizations. Its courses focus on practical conversations, pronunciation, grammar and cultural understanding through interactive lessons. The platform uses adaptive learning technology and real-world scenarios to help users develop communication skills across many languages while allowing flexible, self-paced learning through digital platforms.

2. Preply

Preply

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Preply connects language learners with online tutors for personalized one-on-one lessons. The platform offers instruction in dozens of languages, allowing students to choose tutors based on language goals, teaching style, availability and budget. Through live video sessions and customized lesson plans, Preply helps learners improve conversational ability, pronunciation and fluency with guidance from experienced instructors.

3. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone

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Rosetta Stone offers immersive language-learning programs designed to help users develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Its approach uses contextual learning, speech recognition technology and interactive exercises to build vocabulary and conversational ability. Available online and through mobile apps, Rosetta Stone provides courses in multiple languages for individuals, businesses and educational institutions.

4. Duolingo

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Duolingo provides a popular language-learning platform offering courses in dozens of languages through interactive lessons, games and practice exercises. Its approach combines reading, writing, speaking and listening activities with personalized learning technology to help users build vocabulary and grammar skills. Available through mobile and web platforms, Duolingo makes language learning accessible, engaging and adaptable for learners worldwide.

5. LingoDeer

Lingodeer

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LingoDeer provides structured language-learning courses designed especially for Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean and Chinese, along with other major languages. Its lessons emphasize grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and sentence structure through interactive exercises. The platform offers detailed explanations and progressive learning paths to help beginners build strong foundations and develop confidence in reading and communication.

6. Busuu

Busuu

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Busuu offers online language courses that combine structured lessons, personalized study plans and community-based practice. Learners can study multiple languages through vocabulary exercises, grammar lessons, speaking practice and feedback from native speakers. The platform uses artificial intelligence and learning technology to support progress tracking while helping users develop practical communication skills at their own pace.

7. Memrise

Memrise

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Memrise offers language-learning programs focused on vocabulary, pronunciation and conversational skills through interactive exercises and memory-based techniques. The platform uses spaced repetition, videos featuring native speakers and personalized practice to help learners retain new words and phrases. Available online and through mobile apps, Memrise supports learning across numerous languages with an engaging, flexible approach.

8. Babbel

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Babbel offers online language-learning programs focused on practical conversation skills and real-world communication. Its courses feature short, structured lessons created by language experts, covering vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and everyday situations. Available through mobile and desktop platforms, Babbel helps learners build confidence through interactive exercises and personalized practice across multiple popular languages.

9. Drops

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Drops provides visual vocabulary-building lessons designed to help users learn new languages through short, engaging activities. The platform uses illustrations, games and spaced repetition techniques to strengthen word recognition and retention. Focused primarily on vocabulary development, Drops offers courses in many languages and encourages consistent daily practice through quick, interactive learning sessions.

10. italki

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italki connects language learners with professional teachers and community tutors for personalized online lessons. Users can choose instructors based on language, teaching style, availability and pricing. The platform supports speaking practice, grammar instruction, exam preparation and cultural learning through live video sessions, allowing students to develop practical communication skills with guidance tailored to their individual goals.

FINALISTS ELSA Speak FluentU HelloTalk Lingoda LingQ Mondly Open English Pimsleur Rocket Languages Transparent Language

About Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readers.choice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Teresa Bergen

Teresa Bergen is a Portland, Oregon-based travel writer who specializes in the outdoors, eco, vegan and sober travel. She's the author of Easy Portland Outdoors and the Sober Travel Handbook. Learn more about her at teresabergen.com.

Gavin Booth

Gavin Booth of coupleinthekitchen.com specializes in recipe development, all things grilling, food- and wine-based travel and romantic destinations of the world. He has extensive travel experience, visiting all 50 U.S. states and over 40 countries. He's a full-time recipe developer, photographer, videographer and writer.

Cherith Fluker headshot

Cherith Fluker

Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer specializing in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity and Southern warmth, Cherith's writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog, WhatCherithinks. Cherith is the author of the book Secret Birmingham, set to be published in fall 2025. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association and the National Federation of Press Women.

Catherine Parker headshot

Catherine Parker

Catherine Parker has a passion for travel that's driven her across North America, visiting all 50 states, seven Canadian provinces and seven Mexican states as well as top destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. After graduating from the University of Houston, Catherine started her career in travel and tourism as a flight attendant. A writer for over 10 years, she maintains an active roster of national publications. Catherine also publishes a travel website, CarfulOfKids.com. Her favorite places are national parks, museums and sidewalk cafés. She's torn between a weekend in the mountains or the beach.

Jamie Davis Smith - headshot-Newsweek Fans Choice

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a writer and attorney from Philadelphia who now calls Washington, D.C. home. She's traveled to more than 90 countries, often bringing her children along on her adventures. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Afar, The Huffington Post, USA Today and many other publications. Jamie can be contacted at byjamiesmith@gmail.com, and posts about her travels on Instagram.

Aly Walansky

Aly Walansky writes regularly about food news and trends. She has been a food journalist for over twenty years and has covered everything from budget shopping to recipes to culinary travel content for national publications that include the Food Network, Southern Living, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, The Kitchn and more. She was ranked among top 10 journalists of 2023 and top 10 freelance journalists in 2024, as well as #1 food journalist of 2022, by Muck Rack. Follow her at alywalansky.substack.com.