Best App to Learn Arabic: Your Comprehensive Guide to the Top Choices

In today’s digital age, learning a new language has never been more accessible, thanks in large part to the plethora of language learning applications available. If you’re looking to embark on the journey of learning Arabic, you’re in luck! There’s a wide array of apps designed to make the process engaging, effective, and tailored to your learning style.

Arabic, while considered by some to be a challenging language for English speakers, is incredibly rewarding to learn. With dedication and the right resources, fluency is absolutely within your reach. Language learning apps are a fantastic tool to supplement your learning, offering convenience and interactive lessons right at your fingertips.

This article dives deep into the best apps to learn Arabic, providing you with a curated list to help you choose the perfect fit for your language learning adventure. We’ll explore different categories of apps, from immersive content platforms to interactive flashcard systems, ensuring you have a well-rounded understanding of your options.

Before we jump into the extensive list of 20 top-rated Arabic learning apps, let’s consider the essential types of apps that are most effective for language acquisition. Not all apps are created equal, and understanding these categories will help you make informed decisions about your learning toolkit.

Effective language learning often hinges on a balanced approach, incorporating several key elements. Therefore, when selecting apps to learn Arabic, consider these categories:

Immersive Content Apps: Immersion is key to language learning. Content apps provide you with authentic Arabic materials, like articles, podcasts, and videos. These resources help you expand your vocabulary naturally and improve your listening comprehension by exposing you to the language in context.
Language Exchange Apps: Practice makes perfect, especially in speaking. Language exchange apps connect you with native Arabic speakers for language partnerships. This reciprocal learning environment allows you to practice speaking and writing while helping others learn your native language.
Flashcard Apps: Vocabulary acquisition is fundamental to language learning. Flashcard apps offer a structured and efficient way to memorize Arabic words and phrases. Utilizing spaced repetition, these apps optimize retention and make vocabulary building less daunting.

Beyond these core categories, for a language like Arabic with its rich and extensive vocabulary, having access to reliable dictionary apps is also highly recommended. These will be invaluable tools as you encounter new words and delve deeper into the language.

To further guide your choice, consider exploring additional insights into selecting language learning apps. Understanding the broader landscape of language learning technology can refine your approach to choosing the Best App To Learn Arabic for your specific needs.

With these categories in mind, let’s explore the top 20 apps that can help you learn Arabic effectively.

1 – Ling App

Ling App is designed to make learning Arabic fundamentals enjoyable and straightforward.

Why Ling App is a great choice:

Gradual Learning Curve: Ling starts with the very basics of Arabic and progressively builds your vocabulary and understanding through structured lessons.
Pattern Recognition for Grammar: Instead of rote memorization of grammar rules, Ling encourages you to learn grammar intuitively by recognizing patterns in sentence structures.
Comprehensive Level System: The app offers five levels of units – beginner, intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced, and expert – allowing you to progress systematically as your Arabic skills improve.
Interactive and Engaging Lessons: Lessons are filled with interactive exercises, fun activities, and built-in quizzes to regularly test your knowledge and keep you engaged.
Interactive Chatbot for Pronunciation: Ling includes a chatbot feature that provides interactive practice to refine your Arabic pronunciation.

2 – Busuu

Busuu is ideal for learners who prefer short, focused study sessions and value interaction with native Arabic speakers.

Why Busuu stands out:

Bite-Sized Lessons: Busuu’s lessons are designed to be short and impactful, perfect for fitting Arabic learning into a busy schedule.
Comprehensive Skill Practice: The app offers a variety of interactive activities, including games and quizzes, to practice listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills.
Native Speaker Interaction: Busuu connects you with native Arabic speakers for practice, allowing you to get feedback on your writing and improve your conversational skills.
Personalized Study Plan (Premium): The Premium version unlocks a Study Plan feature, enabling you to set learning goals, track your progress, and receive personalized recommendations for effective learning.

3 – iTalki

italki is a platform that connects you with Arabic teachers, tutors, and language partners for online lessons and language exchange, both paid and free.

Why iTalki is highly recommended:

Professional 1-on-1 Lessons: Access experienced Arabic teachers and tutors online at competitive prices for personalized instruction.
Flexible Scheduling: Learn Arabic on your own time, without being restricted by fixed course schedules or locations.
Trial Lessons: Take discounted trial lessons with various teachers to find the best fit for your learning style and preferences before committing long-term.
#ArabicLeague Community: Join the #ArabicLeague community on iTalki to connect with fellow Arabic learners, share experiences, and gain valuable advice.

4 – Drops

Drops is a visually-driven app that focuses on vocabulary acquisition through fast-paced, game-like exercises and spaced repetition.

Why Drops is effective for vocabulary building:

Extensive Vocabulary: Drops offers over 2,000 Arabic words, taught using spaced repetition to maximize memorization and long-term retention.
Visual Learning: New vocabulary is presented with engaging visual illustrations, making it particularly effective for visual learners.
Gamified Learning: Learning with Drops feels like playing a game, with interactive challenges and short, 5-minute sessions that make it easy to learn on the go.
Listening Comprehension Practice: Access to Arabic audio content, including examples from Arabic TV shows and music, helps improve listening skills.

5 – Duolingo

Duolingo is a globally recognized language learning platform known for its bite-sized, gamified lessons and wide range of language courses, including Arabic.

Why Duolingo is a popular choice:

Practical Vocabulary and Phrases: Learn over 1,400 useful Arabic words and phrases, reinforced through spaced repetition for effective memorization.
Study Reminders: Built-in reminders help you stay consistent with your studies and maintain momentum in your Arabic learning journey.
Personalized Lesson Length: Customize lesson durations to fit your schedule and learning pace, making it flexible for any lifestyle.
Placement Test: If you have some prior Arabic knowledge, take a placement test to skip beginner content and start learning at your appropriate level.
Ad-Free Experience (Super Duolingo): Upgrade to Super Duolingo to remove ads and enjoy an uninterrupted learning experience.

6 – ArabicPod101

ArabicPod101 is a specialized app focused exclusively on Arabic, developed by the team behind the popular ArabicPod101 YouTube channel and podcast.

Why ArabicPod101 is great for in-depth learning:

Lessons from Real Teachers: Learn from actual Arabic teachers, providing a more structured and class-like learning experience compared to purely gamified apps.
Lesson Notes: Access detailed lesson notes to reinforce what you’ve learned and delve deeper into grammar and vocabulary points.
Extensive Audio and Video Library: Hundreds of audio and video recordings in Arabic are available, covering a wide range of topics and proficiency levels.
Offline Access: Download content to study Arabic offline, making it convenient for learning anytime, anywhere.
Dialect Options: Unlike many generic language apps, ArabicPod101 offers lessons in Egyptian Arabic, in addition to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), catering to learners interested in specific dialects.
Comprehensive Review: Explore a detailed review of ArabicPod101 for a more in-depth understanding of its features.

7 – Rocket Arabic

Rocket Arabic emphasizes speaking skills, aiming to get you conversing in Arabic from the start with its interactive and comprehensive approach.

Why Rocket Arabic is excellent for speaking practice:

Speaking-Focused Approach: Rocket Arabic places a strong emphasis on speaking practice, utilizing voice recognition software to help you perfect your pronunciation and interactive lessons to simulate real conversations.
Extensive Learning Resources: Access thousands of words and phrases, along with hundreds of lessons and learning materials designed to help you master Arabic.
Free Trial and Lifetime Access: Try Rocket Arabic with a free trial to experience its methodology. A one-time sign-up fee grants lifetime access to the course.
Cultural Insights: Many lessons incorporate cultural information about the Middle East and North Africa, enriching your understanding of the Arabic-speaking world.

8 – 50 Languages – Learn Arabic

50 Languages is a straightforward language learning platform offering lessons in a vast array of languages, including Arabic, both online and through its app.

Why 50 Languages is a simple and effective option:

Focus on Fundamentals: The app prioritizes direct learning without unnecessary distractions, allowing you to concentrate on vocabulary and essential phrases.
Free Access to Core Lessons: Enjoy 100 free lessons covering everyday topics, providing a solid foundation in basic Arabic.
Audio for Pronunciation: Includes audio recordings to help you practice pronunciation and develop a natural speaking rhythm.

9 – Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a long-standing leader in language learning, known for its immersive methodology and comprehensive courses, now available as a robust app.

Why Rosetta Stone is a trusted language learning solution:

Immersive Learning Approach: Learn Arabic through Rosetta Stone’s signature immersion method, focusing on real-world conversations and contextual learning.
Offline Access: Download lessons for offline use, ideal for learning on the go or in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Speech Recognition Technology: Built-in speech recognition technology helps you refine your Arabic accent and pronunciation accuracy.
Focus on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA): Rosetta Stone primarily teaches MSA, providing a strong foundational understanding of Arabic before exploring dialects.

10 – LingQ

LingQ provides a vast library of authentic Arabic content, making it an excellent app for immersion and learning Arabic in real-world contexts.

Why LingQ is ideal for content-based learning:

Personalized Learning Experience: Learn at your own pace and customize content, materials, and courses to match your interests and learning style.
Extensive Real-World Content: Access a huge library of Arabic materials, including blogs, Arabic books, Arabic podcasts, news articles, and videos.
Interest-Based Learning: Choose content based on your personal interests, whether it’s news, entertainment, sports, culture, or other topics.
Vocabulary Database: Create a personal database to save and review new words and phrases, making vocabulary building systematic.
Spaced Repetition System: Utilizes spaced repetition algorithms to help you master challenging words and phrases effectively.
LingQ Community Forum: Connect with other Arabic learners and tutors in the Arabic Forum LingQ Community for support and collaboration.

11 – Pimsleur

Pimsleur is another established name in language learning, employing the Pimsleur Method, which focuses on auditory learning and intuitive language processing.

Why Pimsleur is effective for auditory learners:

Dialect Options: Pimsleur offers courses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), Egyptian Arabic, and Eastern (Levantine) Arabic, catering to diverse dialect interests.
Conversation-Based Lessons: Lessons are structured around simple, realistic conversations, making learning practical and immediately applicable.
Speaking Practice: Audio lessons encourage active participation in conversations, promoting speaking fluency from the start.
Phonetic Reading Approach: Learn to read Arabic using Pimsleur’s unique phonetic reading method.
Review Resources: Comprehensive review materials, including flashcards, bite-sized audio lessons, and quizzes, reinforce learning.

12 – Memrise

Memrise is a flashcard-based app that utilizes user-generated and official flashcard sets, many with audio, to facilitate Arabic vocabulary acquisition.

Why Memrise is a versatile flashcard app:

Diverse Flashcard Sets: Access hundreds of flashcard sets for learning Arabic, tailored to various interests and learning goals.
Textbook Integration: Find flashcard sets that align with popular Arabic textbooks, making it a great supplement to formal courses.
Dialect-Specific Flashcards: Discover flashcard sets for different Arabic dialects, including Egyptian, Levantine, Iraqi, and Maghrebi.
Personalized Learning Pace: Set your own learning pace to match your schedule and learning preferences.
Multilingual Support: Find Arabic courses taught from various native languages, not just English.

13 – Tandem

Tandem is a language exchange app focused on connecting you with native speakers for real-time language practice and cultural exchange.

Why Tandem is excellent for language exchange:

Connect with Native Speakers: Find language partners and arrange conversations at mutually convenient times.
Built-in Translation Feature: Overcome communication barriers with the app’s integrated translation feature, facilitating smoother exchanges.
Flexible Communication Methods: Practice via video calls, audio calls, or text messages, choosing the format that suits you best.
Correction Tools: Utilize built-in tools to help language partners correct each other, enhancing learning accuracy and effectiveness.

14 – Hans Wehr App

The Hans Wehr App is the digital version of the renowned Hans Wehr Dictionary, a crucial resource for serious Arabic language learners.

Why the Hans Wehr App is an essential dictionary tool:

Authoritative Arabic Dictionary: The Hans Wehr Dictionary is a highly respected and comprehensive resource for Arabic vocabulary.
Efficient Word Lookup: Quickly and easily look up Arabic words, significantly faster than using the physical dictionary.
Root Word Exploration: Practice identifying and understanding Arabic root letters, deepening your vocabulary and grammar comprehension in the long run.

15 – Beelinguapp

Beelinguapp uses audiobooks and parallel text to help you learn Arabic by reading and listening to stories in both Arabic and your native language simultaneously.

Why Beelinguapp is effective for story-based learning:

Parallel Text Reading: Read stories in Arabic alongside your native language, facilitating natural vocabulary and grammar acquisition through context.
Authentic Content: Materials are sourced from real books and stories, offering engaging and relevant content for everyday Arabic.
StoryLearning Method Alignment: The approach aligns with the StoryLearning method, emphasizing language learning through the power of narrative. Explore Arabic courses based on this method.

16 – Clozemaster

Clozemaster is designed for intermediate and advanced Arabic learners, using gamified cloze tests to expand vocabulary and improve contextual understanding.

Why Clozemaster is ideal for advanced learners:

Targets Intermediate to Advanced Levels: Specifically designed to help learners progress beyond the beginner stage to fluency.
Cloze-Test Learning: Learn vocabulary in context through engaging games that require you to fill in missing words in sentences.
Contextual Vocabulary Acquisition: Acquire new words naturally through contextual exposure rather than isolated flashcard memorization.
Progress Tracking Tools: Built-in tools allow you to monitor your learning progress and identify areas for improvement.

17 – LanguaTalk

LanguaTalk is a platform (accessible on any device) for finding highly-qualified online Arabic tutors for personalized lessons.

Why LanguaTalk is excellent for finding top tutors:

Vetted Tutors: Choose from a selection of tutors who are in the top 10% of applicants, ensuring high-quality instruction.
Tutor Selection by Video and Reviews: Select the right tutor for you by reviewing video introductions and reading user reviews.
Personalized Lessons: Tutors tailor lessons to your specific needs and learning goals, providing a customized learning experience.

18 – TenguGo Arabic Alphabet App

The TenguGo Arabic Alphabet app is specifically designed to teach beginners how to read and write the Arabic alphabet.

Why TenguGo is perfect for alphabet beginners:

Alphabet-Focused Learning: Specifically designed to teach the Arabic alphabet in a simple and accessible way.
Letter Recognition and Reading Basics: Breaks down the fundamentals of recognizing and reading Arabic letters, including different letter forms based on position in a word.
Native Speaker Audio: Includes audio samples from native Syrian and Iraqi Arabic speakers to aid in pronunciation.
Comprehensive Learning Tools: Offers lessons, charts, quizzes, and flashcards to reinforce alphabet learning.
Stroke Animations for Writing: Provides stroke animations to guide you in writing Arabic letters correctly.

19 – Promova

Promova is an interactive flashcard app that helps you learn and memorize Arabic vocabulary through engaging and repetitive exercises.

Why Promova is great for vocabulary retention:

Fun and Engaging Lessons: Lessons are designed to be enjoyable, helping you learn new words and expand your Arabic vocabulary effectively.
Study Reminders: Receive regular notifications to keep you on track with your Arabic learning goals and maintain consistency.
Vocabulary-Focused Approach: Primarily concentrates on vocabulary acquisition, ideal for learners who want to build a strong word base without initially focusing heavily on complex grammar.
Bite-Sized Quizzes: Daily quizzes help reinforce newly learned words and ensure retention.
Useful Phrases and Expressions: Includes lessons on practical Arabic phrases and expressions used in everyday conversations.

20 – Bravolol Learn Arabic

Bravolol is a specialized phrasebook and dictionary app designed to teach you practical Arabic vocabulary and phrases for travel and everyday situations.

Why Bravolol is useful for practical Arabic phrases:

Travel and Practical Phrases: Offers a wealth of useful Arabic words and phrases essential for navigating Arabic-speaking countries.
Native Speaker Audio Pronunciation: Includes voice recordings of all words and phrases by native Arabic speakers for accurate pronunciation.
Offline Functionality: Works completely offline, making it an invaluable tool for travelers without consistent internet access.
Quick Word Search: Easily search for specific words or phrases when you need them.

Choosing the Best Apps To Learn Arabic for You

With this comprehensive list of the best apps to learn Arabic, you’re well-equipped to start exploring your options. Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one app. Experiment with a few that appeal to you and see which ones best fit your learning style and goals.

Generally, it’s beneficial to incorporate apps that offer a blend of real-world content exposure, speaking practice, and vocabulary building using spaced repetition. If you find an app that encompasses all three, that’s fantastic! If not, combining apps that address these different aspects can create a well-rounded and effective learning experience.

The key to success in language learning, regardless of the apps you choose, is consistency. Regular engagement with the language is the most crucial factor in achieving fluency.

So, explore these apps, find your favorites, and embark on your Arabic learning journey with confidence! Good luck, and keep up the great work!

Olly Richards

Creator of the StoryLearning® Method

Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience helping millions learn languages through his innovative StoryLearning® method. He is the founder of StoryLearning, a leading language learning blog with over 500,000 monthly readers.

Olly has authored more than 30 language learning books and courses, including the popular “Short Stories” series published by Teach Yourself.

When he’s not creating new teaching methodologies, Olly continues to practice what he advocates—he speaks 8 languages fluently and is always learning new ones using his own StoryLearning methodology.