Learning Spanish has become increasingly popular, and with a plethora of language learning apps available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. If you’re asking yourself, What Is The Best App To Learn Spanish?, you’ve come to the right place. After extensive testing and comparisons of numerous language programs, we’ve narrowed down the top contenders to help you make an informed decision and embark on your Spanish learning journey effectively.
This article will explore some of the most effective Spanish learning apps on the market, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you find the perfect fit for your learning style and goals. We’ll dive into interactive learning, speech recognition, grammar instruction, and more to answer the question: what is truly the best app to learn Spanish?
Rocket Spanish
Rocket Spanish App Interface
Our Score: 9.7
Pros:
- Interactive audio lessons to boost conversational Spanish skills.
- Diverse reinforcement exercises for enhanced language retention.
- Practical and helpful speaking practice.
- Accurate and fast speech recognition technology.
- Comprehensive grammar content and teaching.
- Updated digital platform and mobile application.
Cons:
- More expensive than some Spanish apps, lacking monthly subscription options.
- Lessons can be lengthy, averaging around one hour each.
Why Rocket Spanish Stands Out as a Highly Effective Language App
Among the vast landscape of language learning programs, Rocket Spanish distinguishes itself as a top performer. Its Spanish course is arguably the most comprehensive and well-rounded option we’ve evaluated.
Interactive Audio Lessons for Conversational Proficiency
The cornerstone of Rocket Spanish’s effectiveness lies in its interactive audio lessons. These lessons immerse you in mock conversations, requiring you to listen and respond to fluent speakers.
In our assessment, these guided dialogues are exceptionally effective for honing both listening comprehension and speaking abilities.
The audio lessons are a major strength of Rocket Spanish.
These lessons simulate real-world Spanish conversations, pushing you to utilize your newly acquired Spanish under pressure, mirroring authentic situations. Although initially challenging, this method proves highly effective in accelerating language acquisition. Crucially, Rocket Spanish’s audio lessons provide simulated real-world experience, a feature that distinguishes it from apps like Duolingo.
Varied Reinforcement Exercises for Skill Consolidation
Following the audio component of each lesson, Rocket Spanish provides a range of reinforcement activities and drills aimed at refining reading and writing skills and solidifying learning.
These exercises encompass flashcards, writing practice, speed-based games, and quizzes, among others. This variety is a significant advantage, complementing the robust overall lesson structure.
Advanced Speech Recognition for Pronunciation Accuracy
Throughout the lessons, Rocket Spanish integrates Google’s Web Speech API, a leading speech technology, to evaluate your pronunciation.
Rocket Spanish speech recognition feature providing pronunciation feedback
Rocket Spanish leverages Google’s advanced speech technology for pronunciation assessment.
Here’s how it functions: as you progress through audio lessons and reinforcement drills, the Rocket Spanish program records your voice and employs Google’s technology to assess the precision of your Spanish pronunciation on a scale of 1 to 100.
In essence, it’s a valuable tool. The immediate feedback is invaluable for ensuring correct language usage, arguably surpassing even the speech recognition tool offered by Rosetta Stone.
Grammar as a Core Component
We appreciate Rocket Spanish’s emphasis on grammar content and instruction within its curriculum. Both the audio lessons and digital textbook components are rich with helpful explanations, tips, and insights to facilitate mastery of Spanish grammar rules and principles.
👉 Read our detailed Rocket Spanish Review for an in-depth analysis.
Pimsleur Spanish
Pimsleur Spanish App Logo
Our Score: 9.5
Pros:
- Interactive audio lessons simulating real-world scenarios for accelerated learning.
- Lessons incorporate more visual elements compared to Rocket Spanish.
- Dedicated driving mode for learning on the go.
- Diverse reinforcement drills and exercises to solidify language learning.
- New voice coach feature providing pronunciation feedback.
Cons:
- Lessons can be somewhat lengthy to complete.
- Lacks dedicated grammar lessons found in programs like Rocket Spanish.
Why Pimsleur is a Strong Choice for Learning Spanish
Pimsleur Spanish secures the second spot on our list of top Spanish learning apps. Sharing a similar course structure with Rocket Spanish, Pimsleur also garners high praise. However, the Pimsleur approach presents some distinct differences.
Comprehensive Audio-Based Lessons
As noted, Pimsleur Spanish mirrors Rocket’s structure, most notably by featuring engaging, interactive audio lessons.
These audio-driven lessons, each lasting approximately 30 minutes, are designed to significantly improve listening comprehension and conversational proficiency.
Pimsleur’s audio lessons are high quality and effective.
Pimsleur and Rocket are closely matched in terms of audio lesson quality. In fact, Pimsleur and Rocket are among the leading providers of audio-based language learning in the industry.
Integration of Visual Elements in Lessons
Unlike Rocket Spanish, Pimsleur lessons, exercises, and drills incorporate imagery, pictures, and visual aids.
Therefore, if you are a visual learner, Pimsleur might be a more suitable option for you, similar to Busuu. Their lessons and platform offer greater visual stimulation and memory cues.
Convenient Driving Mode Feature
Pimsleur audio lessons include a special driving mode, making it a potentially more convenient choice for busy professionals with commutes or individuals who spend considerable time traveling. This feature enables you to complete lessons while on the move.
We also found this feature useful for activities like walking or exercising where looking at a screen is inconvenient. It adds valuable flexibility.
Monthly Subscription Options
A key distinction between Pimsleur and Rocket is that Pimsleur offers monthly subscription plans, contrasting with Rocket’s lifetime plans.
Pimsleur Spanish reinforcement drill example
Pimsleur offers a variety of drills to reinforce learning, similar to Rocket Spanish.
If you prefer a gradual approach and want to test the waters before committing long-term, Pimsleur offers a more affordable entry point. This is especially true considering the 7-day free trial.
Castilian Spanish Course Option
Finally, Pimsleur stands out by offering a specific course for Castilian Spanish (the dialect spoken in Spain), in addition to Latin American Spanish. Rocket Spanish does not provide this specific option.
👉 Explore our comprehensive Pimsleur Spanish Review for a deeper dive.
Babbel Spanish
Babbel Spanish App Logo
Our Score: 9.4
Pros:
- Engaging, short lessons (10-15 minutes each).
- Affordable monthly subscription plans.
- User-friendly mobile app and digital interface.
- Streamlined grammar content and instruction.
- Live Spanish classes available across all proficiency levels.
Cons:
- Less emphasis on speaking practice compared to Rocket or Pimsleur.
- More suited for beginner to intermediate learners.
Why Babbel is the Top Budget-Friendly Spanish Course
For learners seeking a more budget-conscious app to learn Spanish, Babbel is our top recommendation. When compared to competitors like Duolingo and Memrise, Babbel excels in providing exceptional value. Here’s our analysis:
Engaging and Fast-Paced Lessons & Drills
One of Babbel’s standout features is its engaging and fast-paced lessons. Each lesson is concise, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes, and surprisingly enjoyable.
Babbel’s lessons and drills are designed to be quick and engaging.
This is largely attributed to the lessons being composed of varied, quick-hit exercises. You progress through approximately 8 different exercise types in a short timeframe.
These include fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice questions, speech drills, brief mock conversations, and speed rounds, among others. In short, if you prefer short, engaging lessons, Babbel is an excellent choice.
Accurate Speech Recognition Technology
Among all speech recognition technologies we’ve assessed, Babbel ranks among the best. While Rocket Spanish and Rosetta Stone also offer commendable speech software, Babbel is equally impressive.
Our testing indicated Babbel’s voice recognition technology to be highly accurate, even when we intentionally mispronounced words. This significantly enhances pronunciation practice.
Streamlined Grammar Instruction
Babbel seamlessly integrates grammar content and instruction within lessons, a feature not consistently found in all language apps. Quick grammar “tips” are incorporated mid-lesson, and approximately every fourth or fifth exercise focuses on a specific grammar point.
Babbel Spanish program interface showing grammar integrated into lessons
Babbel effectively weaves grammar instruction into the lesson flow.
We appreciate this approach, as grammar is crucial, but overwhelming grammar instruction can be off-putting. Babbel strikes a good balance.
Modern Digital Platform
Babbel boasts one of the best digital platforms in language learning. It’s sleek, modern, and responsive. The mobile app is particularly noteworthy for its user experience.
The program smoothly integrates visuals and transitions seamlessly between exercises. It’s a polished and appealing digital environment that impressed us.
👉 Read our detailed Babbel Spanish Review for a comprehensive evaluation.
Rosetta Stone Spanish
Rosetta Stone Spanish App Logo
Our Score: 9.3
Pros:
- Ideal Spanish program for visual learners due to extensive imagery.
- Effective immersive learning approach.
- Affordable monthly subscription options.
- Impressive speech recognition technology.
- Abundance of supplementary resources like short stories, phrasebooks, and videos.
Cons:
- Practice drills can become repetitive over time.
- Immersive learning method may be frustrating for some learners.
Why Rosetta Stone Spanish Excels for Visual Learners
Rosetta Stone is a widely recognized name in language learning, and its inclusion on our list is no surprise. The company’s longevity is testament to the effectiveness of its language programs.
However, Rosetta Stone Spanish isn’t universally ideal. We consider it particularly well-suited for visual learners, and here’s why.
Image-Centric Lessons
Rosetta Stone employs an immersive approach that heavily relies on visual learning. In fact, almost every drill and exercise within Rosetta Stone lessons incorporates images or graphics. It’s the most visually intensive Spanish course we’ve tested.
Example of a visual-based Rosetta Stone Spanish drill
Rosetta Stone Spanish lessons are heavily reliant on visual cues and imagery.
In conclusion, if you learn most effectively through visual means, Rosetta Stone is likely a good fit for your learning style.
Supplementary Spanish Learning Resources
Rosetta Stone also offers a wealth of supplementary materials (such as short stories and phrasebooks) that enhance and complete their Spanish course.
Rosetta Stone Spanish supplemental learning resources
Rosetta Stone provides a variety of bonus resources to support language learning.
Our team particularly enjoyed the short stories, which offer an engaging method to reinforce vocabulary learned in the core Rosetta Stone lessons.
Affordable Pricing Structure
From a cost perspective, Rosetta Stone subscription plans are quite affordable. Generally, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per month, which is competitive within the language learning app market.
👉 Consult our detailed Rosetta Stone Spanish Review for more information.
LingoPie Spanish
LingoPie Spanish App Logo
Our Score: 9.1
Pros:
- Entertaining approach to learning Spanish using TV shows and movies.
- Variety of tools to support the learning process.
- Helpful “grammar coach” offering insightful explanations.
- Inexpensive subscription plans, starting as low as $6 per month.
- Video-based flashcards to aid in material retention.
Cons:
- Not ideally suited for complete beginners.
- Subtitles can occasionally contain inaccuracies.
LingoPie: The Most Engaging Way to Learn Spanish
If you’re seeking a fun and entertaining method to learn Spanish, LingoPie is an excellent choice. It’s important to note that LingoPie is not a traditional language learning program. It lacks a structured curriculum or set lesson plan. Instead, it’s a video-on-demand platform that leverages authentic TV shows and movies to facilitate Spanish learning.
Premium Spanish TV Shows & Movies for Immersive Learning
The LingoPie app provides access to TV shows and movies directly from platforms like Netflix. As you watch a show or movie, subtitles and various features are available to assist in understanding and learning the spoken Spanish.
The core concept is that by making language learning genuinely entertaining, you’re more likely to remain engaged compared to traditional Spanish language apps, as you’re learning through enjoyable content.
LingoPie offers a vast library of video content for immersive Spanish learning.
Beyond subtitles, LingoPie includes a grammar coach tool and interactive video-based flashcards to further support learning and retention.
Overall, our team was highly impressed with the platform and its features. The content library is extensive, and the subscription plans are surprisingly affordable (starting at just $6 per month).
In conclusion, if you’re tired of conventional language apps and desire a fresh, enjoyable approach, LingoPie is a superb option, particularly for those already somewhat familiar with Spanish.
👉 Read our in-depth LingoPie Review for a full assessment.
