Unless you have access to a native speaker, it can be pretty challenging to have a conversation in another language. Which is what you need to get fluent! With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its increasing impact in many aspects of our lives, this is becoming much easier. In particular, many speaking apps based on AI are sparking renewed interest in learning other languages — despite declining enrollment in language studies at U.S. colleges and universities.
It’s easy to understand why. AI language apps essentially put an AI language tutor in your pocket, making it easier to learn the ins and outs of a language in an interactive, engaging format. Whether you’re looking to learn another language for fun, planning a trip abroad, or working to advance your career, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our best language learning AI app picks, including their top features and the pros and cons of each, to help you choose the perfect app for your AI language learning needs.
In this article
Best Among Well-Known Apps: Babbel and Duolingo
Best Up-And-Coming App: Univerbal
Best for Pronunciation Practice: Speak
Best Immersive Experience: TalkPal
Top Language Learning Apps to Learn Language with AI
When it comes to AI for language learning, you have many apps to choose from. For each of the apps in our shortlist, we evaluated the range of features, ease of use, feedback mechanisms, variety of languages offered, customization options, pricing, and other factors.
We've included the bottom-line highlights for each app. Keep in mind, though, that your best bet when choosing an app is to download and play with a few different platforms. As you explore the various features, consider your personal goals, budget, and desired time commitment.
Most importantly, consider how well you’re catching on to the language concepts and how much you’re enjoying the process. After all, learning a language should be fun, not a chore, and shouldn’t feel like high school Spanish or French class (unless that was your jam!).
Best Language Learning App Among Well-Known Ones: Babbel and Duolingo
With both a language learning tool and live tutoring available, Babbel combines self-paced and in-person language learning. You can access language lessons, podcasts, and games built to help you learn English or another language, improve speaking skills, and converse confidently.
With Babbel’s live tutoring, you can access unlimited live classes online with experts in both a one-on-one and group setting. That being said, not everyone wants to venture beyond the safety and anonymity of an app to take classes or learn in a live setting. Also, the Babbel self-paced lessons can be somewhat tedious and ineffective for those looking to learn a brand-new language versus sharpening skills.
AI features
Provides real-time feedback on pronunciation accuracy
Focuses on difficult words and phrases for better retention
Suggests relevant lessons, podcasts, and games based on user progress
Pros:
Combination of an app and live courses
Interactive tools for reading, writing, and listening
Business app available for language training at work
Cons:
Potential for repetitive exercises
Subscription model that’s more expensive than other options
Fewer languages compared to some competitors
Not ideal for learning new languages unrelated to your native tongue
Babbel pricing: Starts at $17.95 monthly, with discounts available for multi-month or lifetime subscriptions.
Duolingo
The intuitive design and rewards system make language learning fun and accessible for users of all ages. However, its focus on gamification may come at the expense of real-world speaking practice. Duolingo isn’t focused on AI language learning, but you get access to two AI features as part of their premium plan: Duolingo Max. These features are role plays and using AI to explain why your answer was correct or incorrect, in ‘Explain My Answer’.
Bottom line: If you love playing games and want to practice a language, Duolingo may be ideal for you. With daily streaks, rewards, and a variety of exercises, the AI language learning tool builds vocabulary and basic grammar skills. While it may not offer the same level of conversational depth as some other apps, its broad language selection and user-friendly interface make it a favorite among those seeking a general language app.
AI features
Two features included in Duolingo Max premium plan: role play and explain my answer
Pros:
Free, engaging learning experience with rewards for progress
Broad variety of languages
Suitability for all age groups, with school plans available at no cost
Cons:
Not focused on conversation practice
While unserious and playful, can feel too gamified and repetitive over time, causing users to disengage or fail to absorb information
Free version includes ads, which can be annoying and disruptive
Limited AI features as it’s not their main focus
Pricing: Duolingo is free but to use its AI features Duolingo Max costs $30/month at the time of writing
Best Up-And-Coming: Univerbal - AI Language Tutor
Univerbal, formerly known as Quazel, is a pocket-sized AI-powered language tutor with support for over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Japanese. As you engage with its AI for language learning, Univerbal helps you learn practical real-life language skills in various scenarios, like ordering a croissant in Paris — something we should all know how to do!
Univerbal also provides instant feedback, helping users improve their grammar and vocabulary in a safe space where it’s OK to make errors. The AI picks up on what you say even if it's not totally correct and adapts its responses accordingly. With Univerbal, it feels like a conversation with a real tutor — one who is patient as you learn, who never judges your potentially silly mistakes, and who is always ready to give feedback.
AI features:
Gives real-time feedback after every message
Understands and adapts to imperfect input
The conversation topic and level adapt based on your input
Pros:
Combines speaking, listening, reading, and writing
Practical, real-world scenarios in multiple languages
Instant feedback to solidify concepts
Tailored lesson plans
Safe space for learning
Cons:
Limited to 22 languages currently
Univerbal pricing: Free 7 day trial available with subscription starting at $10 / month
Best for Pronunciation Practice: Speak
If Spanish or English speaking practice is your goal, you may want to check out Speak, an immersive language learning experience that focuses on spoken practice. The app is limited to Spanish or English, with other languages coming soon.
Speak Tutor, an AI English language tutor, designs a personalized curriculum based on users' motivations and interests. When you create an account, the app walks you through several questions designed to learn about your language goals. With your tailored lesson plan, you can immerse yourself in the language, learn with AI, and get confident in speaking — whether you want to accelerate your career or learn how to talk about shopping, food, or culture. Additionally, Speak offers videos featuring native speakers to aid in pronunciation — a cool but costly feature to produce.
AI features:
Provides instant corrections and suggestions
Tailors lessons to your individual learning goals
Adjusts to your learning level and interests in real time
Pros:
Strong focus on spoken practice
Customized learning paths
Free to start, with additional features via in-app purchases
Cons
Currently offers only English and Spanish
Expensive AI features get even more expensive
Speak pricing: Free with in-app purchases available
Best Immersive Experience: TalkPal
AI language learning app TalkPal lets you chat about any number of topics by writing or speaking.
Offering lessons in over 57 languages, including popular ones like English, Spanish, French, and German, TalkPal is a robust platform that helps you feel like you’re engaging in a conversation. However, while we can appreciate the GPT-powered technology behind the app, we also think it’s quite rough around the edges. Before the kinks get worked out, the subscription fee might not be worth the hassle of glitches, lack of customer support, and inaccurate AI interactions.
AI features:
Uses GPT technology to engage users in dynamic dialogues
Provides instant, personalized corrections and suggestions
Features different conversation modes
Pros:
Cheaper than other options
Several options for conversations
Real-time feedback and personalized learning
Cons:
Slightly more robotic voices than other apps
Basic, no extra features other than conversation practice
Mixed reviews on the Google Play store, a rating of 3.8 out of 5 at the time of writing.
Potential for glitches and inaccurate feedback
TalkPal pricing: Basic plan with a 10-minute limit, subscriptions start at $9.99/month.
Final Thoughts on the Best AI Language Learning Apps
Whether you’re seeking English AI tools or support for learning additional languages, you can’t go wrong with a language app, particularly Univerbal. With its range of features, user-friendly interface, and realistic tutoring experiences, Univerbal makes language learning delightful.
You might be a beginner aiming to learn a brand-new language outside your comfort zone or a multilingual learner looking to sharpen your skills. Whatever stage you’re at, Univerbal can help you reach your goals and converse more comfortably in many different languages. To learn more and get started, download the Univerbal app and start honing your language skills with the help of your on-demand AI tutor.
Stay up to date with Univerbal 💌
Follow us on:
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Join our Discord channel
