AI-powered apps and tools have revolutionized the language-learning process to make it go beyond understanding grammatical rules and expanding vocabulary. They are now faster, more interactive, and—most crucial of all—personalized. Here are seven of the best AI-powered apps and tools that can set you on your way towards becoming a polyglot.
Duolingo
Arguably the most popular language-learning app out there, Duolingo is known for its game-like structure that makes learning fun and addictive. What sets it apart, though, is its use of AI to create personalized learning paths. Duolingo’s AI engine adjusts the difficulty level of lessons based on your progress, ensuring that you’re always challenged just enough to keep learning without feeling overwhelmed. The app also tracks your weak points and focuses future lessons on areas that need improvement.
Best For: Beginners and casual learners looking for a fun and structured way to learn a new language.
Languages Offered: Over 40, including popular ones like Spanish, French, German, and more niche languages like High Valyrian, Klingon, and Welsh.
Babbel
Babbel combines AI with traditional language teaching methods, offering a more structured learning path compared to some other apps. Its AI technology helps tailor lessons to your individual needs based on your learning history, speed, and even your mistakes. Babbel’s interactive dialogues and real-life conversation scenarios are designed to make you conversational as quickly as possible. Unlike Duolingo, which is more gamified, Babbel feels more like a structured language course with a focus on real-world communication.
Best For: Learners who prefer a structured, traditional approach with personalized tweaks.
Languages Offered: 13, including Spanish, Italian, and Indonesian.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has long been a staple in the language-learning world, but in recent years, it’s embraced AI to enhance its offering. The app uses AI to provide instant feedback on pronunciation with its speech recognition tool, TruAccent. This feature helps learners perfect their accent and improve their speaking skills, something that’s often overlooked in other apps. Rosetta Stone’s immersive teaching method—where you learn a language without translations—combined with AI-powered speech recognition creates a truly interactive experience.
Best For: Learners who want to focus on speaking and pronunciation from the beginning.
Languages Offered: 25, including French, Arabic, and Mandarin.
Memrise
Memrise takes a unique approach by combining traditional vocabulary and grammar lessons with immersive video content. The app’s AI learns how you memorize and recall words and then adapts lessons to focus on areas where you need more practice. Memrise also includes real-world videos of native speakers using the language in everyday situations, helping learners pick up authentic language use, slang, and colloquial expressions. The spaced repetition system is also a major feature, ensuring you review vocabulary at optimal intervals.
Best For: Visual learners who want to hear real-world language use.
Languages Offered: 23, including French, Japanese, and Turkish.
Mondly
Mondly uses AI to simulate real conversations, which is one of its standout features. The app allows you to practice dialogues with chatbots that simulate real-life conversations. It also includes speech recognition to give you feedback on your pronunciation. Mondly uses spaced repetition to reinforce learning and tracks your progress over time, giving you a personalized learning experience. Its chatbot feature makes it ideal for those who want to practice speaking in a low-pressure environment before engaging with real native speakers.
Best For: Learners who want to focus on conversation and real-world dialogue.
Languages Offered: 41, including less commonly taught ones like Catalan and Tagalog.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is not your traditional language-learning app. Instead of lessons and exercises, it connects you with native speakers around the world to practice your target language in real-time. The app uses AI to help you communicate, offering translation, pronunciation, and grammar correction tools. Essentially, you’re learning by doing—engaging in conversations with native speakers while the AI supports you along the way. It’s a fantastic way to practice speaking and listening while also learning about the culture of the language you’re studying.
Best For: Social learners who prefer conversation practice over formal lessons.
Languages Offered: Over 150 languages, as it’s community-based.
Linqvist
Lingvist takes a data-driven approach to language learning by using AI to track your progress and adapt lessons based on your current level. The app’s algorithms assess how well you know certain vocabulary and grammar points, and then tailor lessons to ensure you’re focusing on areas where you need the most improvement. Lingvist’s minimalistic design is ideal for learners who don’t want to be distracted by bells and whistles but prefer to get straight to learning. It also allows you to set daily goals and track your progress over time.
Best For: Data-driven learners who appreciate a personalized and minimalist approach.
Languages Offered: Over 50, including German, Russian, and Estonian.
The world of language learning has evolved dramatically thanks to AI. With these powerful apps and tools, learners can now enjoy personalized lessons, real-time feedback, and immersive experiences that make the process more engaging and efficient.
Whether you’re a beginner just getting started or an advanced learner looking to sharpen your skills, these AI-powered apps have something to offer everyone. So, pick your app, start learning, and who knows—you might be able to say “¡Qué fácil!” in no time!
