Which is the Best App to Learn French?
French is a great language to learn. With 220 million speakers worldwide, you can have your pick of countries on (literally) all continents to practice it. And, it doesn’t even take long to master French. You just need the right resources to reach fluency. If you want to give French a go from the comfort of your home, you can always download a French language learning app. There’s plenty out there. But, which is the best app to learn French?
Don’t waste your time looking and testing. We tried them all to save you the effort. Comparing usability, effectiveness, and visuals, we dialed the list down to the top 10 language learning apps that can give you French fluency. Here are the best apps to learn French:
Top 10 Best Apps to Learn French
1. OptiLingo
You may think that we’re biased, but OptiLingo is the best app to learn French. This app combines all of the most effective language learning theories into one. Its design features spaced repetition, the key to language learning success. By periodically reviewing the lessons, you can remember them effortlessly. OptiLingo also focuses on high-frequency phrases. This means, that with this app, you’re guaranteed to learn the most useful French vocabulary. This is also one of the cheapest options on this list, so it’s the best value for money. Don’t waste time on unnecessary things. Become fluent in French easily, and speak like a local in record time with OptiLingo.
Price: from $5.99/month
Download OptiLingo on Apple or Android.
2. Brainscape French
This flashcard app can help you learn thousands of French vocabulary words, pronunciations, and grammar. Just be careful not to drill. Instead, always use it to actively learn. Brainscape’s Sentence Builder can help you start putting the pieces of the language together to form increasingly complex sentences. One of the best aspects of Brainscape is that it also shows you French culture. Learn about French history and society while learning the language.
Price: from $7.99
Check out Brainscape French on Apple and Android.
3. Classics2Go Collection
If learning to read French is your main focus, the French Classics2Go Collection is a great tool. There’s a large selection of fairy tales and other simple stories to start training your brain to comprehend written French. The great thing about using familiar stories is that vocabulary and grammar are easier to digest. As an added bonus, Classics2Go cross-links with its English app so you can see the English language version of each story side-by-side as you learn.
Check out Classics2Go.
4. Rosetta Stone
You can’t talk about learning a foreign language without the grandfather of all language apps. Rosetta Stone has been around longer than any other app and it’s famous for its immersive lessons. You can use the app to practice speaking, writing, and reading at all skill levels without ever using any English in the process. Be aware: Rosetta Stone is far from cheap. It will cost you $199.99 to use all the features, and some beginning learners find the lack of English in the app to be frustrating. But if you’ve already got a grip on the basics of French and are ready to seriously step up your learning, Rosetta Stone might be well worth the investment.
Price: from $39.99
Check out Rosetta Stone on Apple and Android.
5. Babbel
A rising star among language learning apps, Babbel is a conversation-based app designed to get you speaking full sentences from the beginning. The app uses real conversations about common topics. The 10-15 minute lessons are bite-sized, so you can fit it into your schedule easily. Babbel tracks your progress so you can keep tabs on your learning, and speech recognition technology helps you master pronunciation and grammar. After you’ve completed your first free lesson, you’ll need to subscribe to it.
Price: from $15.99
Check out Babbel on Apple and Android.
6. Memrise
Memrise is a great memory-based app that mixes science and technology with real-life language content. The app uses a nice variety of audio, images, and flashcards for a fully-balanced learning experience. There are also tests and quiz show-type games like Speed Review, Listening Skills, Difficult Words, and Classic Review. Finally, you can use the Learn with Locals feature to see video clips of native French speakers. You can then record yourself speaking French to compare your pronunciation with that of native speakers. Your first Memrise lesson is free. You can then buy a subscription on a tiered pricing system: $8.99 a month, $18.99 for three months, $59.99 for twelve months, or $99.99 for lifetime access.
Price: from $8.99
Check out Memrise on Apple and Android
7. Busuu
There’s a wide variety of content to choose from on Busuu, with courses that include grammar, vocabulary, speaking, writing, reading, and conversation. The app’s machine-learning and speech recognition technology personalizes the lesson plans and practice sessions. What we really love about this app is its unique social feature that connects you to millions of other French language learners and native speakers for instant feedback on your writing and conversation exercises. Most of the content is free, but you can access premium content by purchasing one of three subscription options: $9.99 for one month, $44.99 for six months, or $69.99 for twelve months.
Price: from $9.99
Check out Busuu on Apple and Android.
8. MindSnacks
MindSnacks is an app that’s useful for anyone wanting to pick up some French vocabulary. The app uses a game-oriented approach to learning new words, with nine games to work through in different units like food, job, and transport. Each game varies, so you’ll get plenty of variety as you learn. There are over fifty vocabulary sets available, so you’ll have a solid foundation once you’ve worked your way through them. MindSnacks is available on the App Store for a one-time payment of $4.99.
Price: $4.99
Check out MindSnacks on Apple and Android.
9. Le Conjugueur
French verb conjugations are tricky. That’s why this app is so fantastic. Le Conjugueur allows you to practice translating verbs and identifying the appropriate tenses to use in different scenarios. Use it to supplement your verb practice and ensure you become a well-rounded conjugator!
Price: $0.99
Check out Le Conjugueur on Apple and Android.
10. MosaLingua
If you’re looking for a blend between an interactive French app and an audio phrasebook, MosaLingua is your best bet. It uses spaced repetition too, so you can remember your lessons well. This ensures maximum learning and retention. Perhaps the biggest benefit to the MosaLinga app is its thoroughness. There are over fourteen categories and one hundred sub-categories with over three thousand phrases, so you’ll master at least basic conversational French in no time. MosaLinga is available on the App Store for $4.99 or Google Play for $5.99.
Price: from $4.99
Check out MosaLinga on Apple and Android.
Choose the Best App to Learn French
If you’re looking for the best app to learn French, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Each app is designed with a different ideal user in mind, so not all of them will be just right for you. But as long as they help you progress in language learning, you know you chose the right one.
