1. Berlitz
Berlitz is a live, instructor-led language training program that offers customizable language classes online and in-person. For over 145 years, Berlitz has been one of the best programs to learn a language for anyone serious about fluency. Unlike programs built for casual learners, Berlitz prioritizes applicable language learning with personalized feedback. Whether you’re learning for travel, personal growth, or professional advancement, Berlitz helps you build confidence in real-life conversations.
Key Berlitz Features Include:
Limitations: Live expertise and proven results offer the best value for language learners, though the cost is higher than regular apps.
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is a free app that makes online language learning feel like a game. You earn points, track streaks, and climb leaderboards while practicing vocabulary, translation, and pronunciation. It’s fun and motivating despite not doesn’t provide live instruction or cultural depth.
Key Duolingo Features Include:
Limitations: There are no online language tutors or cultural insights. It’s best for hobbyists instead of anyone aiming for advanced fluency.
3. Babbel
Babbel is great for beginners, offering short lessons on grammar and conversation through their app. It is primarily self-paced, but you can attend live lessons if they’re available. Though Babbel offers a great starting point, full fluency may require additional resources.
Key Babbel Features Include:
Limitations: Unlike other language learning program options on the list, Babbel requires a subscription for full access. Content is not geared towards advanced learners, and it may feel repetitive.
4. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is another decades-old, user-friendly language learning program. It offers both app-based and browser learning options for its speech recognition, audio, and reading exercises. The program is subscription-based and there is a learning path with flexibility in lesson selection available.
Key Rosetta Stone Features Include:
Limitations: Rosetta Stone doesn’t provide live feedback on pronunciation and is very limited to the topics taught. Like other language training programs on this list, a subscription is needed to access the app.
5. Preply
Preply connects language learners with language tutors for online one-on-one lessons. You can browse teacher profiles before committing to tutoring packages. Lessons are scheduled to fit your timetable, making it ideal for busy learners. While Preply offers flexible, personalized instruction, you may need extra resources to supplement learning.
Key Preply Features Include:
Limitations: Preply lesson quality can vary depending on the teacher, which can affect your learning. It also offers limited built-in materials, so additional resources may be needed.
6. iTalki
iTalki connects students with native speakers for one-on-one lessons. You can filter teachers by language skills, lesson type, and availability, and book trial lessons before committing. iTalki is ideal for learners wanting personalized guidance from native speakers, though it does mean lesson quality and pricing may vary.
Key iTalki Features Include:
Focus on speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and test prep
Limitations: iTalki requires more research from your end to find a suitable teacher, which can be time consuming and frustrating. Lesson prices and quality also vary widely.
7. Lingoda
Lingoda offers live, online language learning classes with small groups or one-on-one sessions. Classes focus on speaking, reading aloud, and interactive tasks, creating a personal and structured learning environment. Flexible scheduling allows learners to fit lessons into their own timetable.
Key Lingoda Features Include:
Limitations: Lingoda offers a very limited language selection despite being costly, especially for private lessons with tutors you cannot choose from. There is also less flexibility for self-paced learning than on other language programs.
8. Busuu
Busuu shares many similarities with Duolingo. It combines vocabulary, grammar, and interactive exercises with community interaction and videos of native speakers. Users can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing at their own pace. Premium membership unlocks more languages and features, making it suitable for structured self-study and conversational practice.
Key Busuu Features Include:
Limitations: Busuu focuses on learning vocabulary and phrases rather than in-depth grammar knowledge, so it’s not ideal for intermediate learners. It also requires a subscription to unlock more features, as the free version of this language training program is incredibly limited.
9. Pimsleur
Pimsleur emphasizes audio-based lessons and conversational practice. Each lesson guides you through listening, repeating, and responding in simulated conversations. Additionally, Pimsleur also has pay-as-you-go, monthly subscriptions that offer varied lesson plans.
Key Pimsleur Features Include:
Limitations: Primarily audio-based with few writing exercises, and lessons can feel repetitive. There are also no live lessons or online language tutors for personalized feedback.
10. Memrise
Memrise combines memorization and immersion. Lessons include vocabulary builders, video content with native speakers, and AI chat practice via MemBot. It’s effective for building core vocabulary and listening skills, though less suited for reading, writing, real conversation practice, and cultural knowledge.
Key Memrise Features Include:
Limitations: No in-depth grammar examples, speech recognition tool, or live instructors to help with pronunciation and feedback. There is a free plan though it has limitations on chatbot and videos available.
How Do You Choose the Right Language-Learning Program?
The best way to choose a language-learning program is to match your personal goals and learning style.
Take the Next Step in Language Learning
After looking over all the best language learning program programs, it’s important you choose one that’s flexible, and ideal for you. That’s why Berlitz offers live, instructor-led lessons and immersive, real-world practice.
Berlitz isn’t just another language program, it’s a proven path to real-world fluency. With over 145 years of experience, our students consistently praise the immersive approach and personalized instruction.
“I feel at Berlitz, you gain fluency. I think it’s a lot easier than I thought. But, easier doesn’t mean less effective,” says a Berlitz Student.
Whether your goal is travel, career growth, or personal enrichment, Berlitz offers a structured appoach that helps learners move from study to real-world conversation.Explore language learning courses with Berlitz and start your journey toward fluency today!
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