Choosing the best apps to learn English can be overwhelming. Some focus on vocabulary, others on conversation, grammar, or live classes. We compared 9 popular options to help you understand which one fits your goals.
What are the best apps for learning English?
| App | Best for | Recommended level | Speaking practice | Live classes | Structured curriculum | Free plan available |
| Papora | Complete English learning and speaking practice |
A1–C1 | Yes | Unlimited | Yes | Free access to the first chapter of each level |
| Falou | Pronunciation and grammar improvement |
A1–B2 | Yes | No | Partial | Yes |
| Cake | Learning through videos and daily practice |
A1–B2 | Limited | No | Partial | Yes |
| Tandem | Real conversations with native speakers |
A2–C1 | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Beelinguapp | Reading comprehension and vocabulary |
A1–B2 | No | No | Partial | Yes |
| Drops | Vocabulary building |
A1–B1 | No | No | No | Yes |
| EWA English | Reading-based learning and vocabulary practice |
A1–B2 | Limited | No | Partial | Yes |
| HelloTalk | Language exchange and communication practice |
A2–C1 | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Rosetta Stone | Structured self-study and immersion |
A1–C1 | Yes | Optional tutoring |
Yes | Trial only |
Comparing features on a table is a great way to narrow down your options, but seeing how these apps work in practice can make the decision easier. The video below reviews some of the most popular English learning apps and highlights what each one does best.
Not sure which app is right for you?
If you’re looking for a structured path instead of random exercises, Papora offers a more guided experience with real teacher interaction.
See how Papora works
1. Papora
Papora combines a self-paced course with unlimited live classes, making it one of the most complete English learning platforms on this list.
Unlike apps that focus only on vocabulary or short exercises, Papora is designed to help you communicate in real-life situations.
Key Features
- Unlimited live classes in small groups (max. 6 students)
- 500+ interactive lessons available 24/7
- Levels from A1 to C1
- Classes led by expert native-level teachers
- Self-paced course + structured progression
Who is Papora best for?
Papora is a strong option for learners who want structure and live practice, not just short exercises.
It works well if your goal is to improve speaking confidence through regular live classes while progressing through a structured self-paced course.
You also receive a Papora Certificate after completing each level, which can support your professional profile.
2. Falou
Falou focuses on structured grammar practice and pronunciation improvement through short, interactive exercises.
Key Features
- Vocabulary and grammar training
- AI-generated simulated conversations
- Pronunciation practice
- Flashcards and reinforcement games
- Available in 20+ languages
Plans
Falou offers a free version with limited daily access.
Paid subscription plans start at $9.99 per month, depending on country and duration.
Who is Falou best for?
✅ Ideal for: Learners who want to improve pronunciation and speaking confidence through daily practice.
❌ Not ideal for: Students looking for live classes or a complete English learning path.
3. Cake
Cake delivers English lessons through short YouTube-based videos and audio clips, making it a strong choice for visual learners.
Key Features
- Lessons built around real YouTube content
- Voice recognition for pronunciation practice
- Interactive quizzes and exercises
- Short, daily learning format
Some apps offer similar video-based approaches, as discussed in ABA English reviews, but Cake focuses heavily on short-form content.
Plans
Cake offers a free version with ads and limited features.
Cake Plus plans start at $13.99 per month, depending on country and subscription length.
Who is Cake best for?
✅ Ideal for: Learners who enjoy short video-based lessons and daily English practice.
❌ Not ideal for: Students looking for a structured curriculum and regular live speaking practice.
4. Tandem
Tandem connects language learners through real-time chat and voice exchange with native speakers around the world.
Instead of structured lessons, the platform focuses on peer-to-peer conversation practice.
Key Features
Real-time text and voice chat
Global community of language learners
Translation tools and corrections
Optional Tandem Pro features
Pricing
Tandem offers free access to its core language exchange features.
Tandem Pro starts at $12.99 per month or approximately $59.90 per year, depending on region.
Who is Tandem best for?
✅ Ideal for: Learners who want to practice English through real conversations with native speakers.
❌ Not ideal for: Students looking for a structured learning path and guided lessons.
5. Beelinguapp
Beelinguapp focuses on bilingual reading practice through stories, articles, and audiobooks.
Users can read texts in English alongside their native language and tap words to see translations and pronunciation.
Key Features
- Bilingual reading format
- Audiobooks and pronunciation support
- Tap-to-translate vocabulary tool
- Quizzes and flashcards
Pricing
Beelinguapp offers free access to selected stories and features.
Premium plans start at approximately $8.99 per month, with annual subscriptions available depending on country and promotions.
Who is Beelinguapp best for?
✅ Ideal for: Learners who want to improve their English through books, stories, and audiobooks.
❌ Not ideal for: Users looking for conversation-based learning and live interaction.
Looking for a more structured way to learn?
After comparing different apps, you may want something that combines independent study with real teacher interaction. Papora offers a guided learning path with live classes and a complete self-paced course.
See how Papora works
6. Drops
Drops focuses on vocabulary learning through short, visual exercises. Lessons are based on word associations with images and phrases.
Key Features
- Visual vocabulary exercises
- Short daily sessions
- 45+ languages available
- Gamified learning format
Plans
Drops offers a free version with limited daily access.
Paid plans start at approximately $10.99 per month or around $69.99 per year, depending on country and current promotions.
Who is Drops best for?
✅ Ideal for: Busy learners who only have a few minutes a day to study English.
❌ Not ideal for: Learners looking for complete English lessons and conversation practice.
7. Ewa English
EWA English combines books, short stories, videos, and interactive exercises to help learners improve vocabulary and reading skills.
Key Features
- Library of 100+ books and stories
- Tap-to-translate vocabulary tool
- Audio pronunciation support
- Interactive games and exercises
Plans
EWA offers a free version with limited access to content.
Paid plans start at approximately $8.99-$12.99 per month, depending on country and subscription length.
Who is EWA English best for?
✅ Ideal for: Learners who want to improve vocabulary and reading skills through engaging content.
❌ Not ideal for: Students focused on speaking fluently through real-time conversations.
8. Hello Talk
HelloTalk is a language exchange platform that connects users with native speakers through chat, voice messages, and video.
It focuses on real-time communication and social interaction.
Key Features
- Text, voice, and video messaging
- Built-in translation and correction tools
- Global community of learners
- Social-style interface
Plans
HelloTalk offers a free version with access to core features.
The VIP plan starts at approximately $12.99 per month or $79.99 per year, depending on country.
Who is HelloTalk best for?
✅ Ideal for: Learners who want to practice speaking and writing with a global community of language learners.
❌ Not ideal for: Students looking for guided lessons and step-by-step progress.
9. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone uses image-based lessons and practical exercises to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
The method focuses on immersive learning through everyday scenarios and with a help of online English tutors.
Key Features
- Image-based lessons
- Structured learning path
- Live tutoring sessions (optional add-on)
- Progress tracking tools
Plans
Rosetta Stone does not offer a permanent free version, but a limited trial may be available.
Paid plans start at approximately $10.50 per month (annual plan) or $15.95 per month (3-month plan). A lifetime option is also available in some regions.
Who is Rosetta Stone best for?
✅ Ideal for: Independent learners who enjoy learning through visual and immersive lessons.
❌ Not ideal for: Learners looking for regular conversation practice and group classes.
Can You Learn English Using Only Apps?
English learning apps can be very effective for building vocabulary, practicing grammar, improving listening skills, and maintaining a consistent study routine. Many learners use them as a convenient way to practice every day.
However, apps are not always enough on their own. One of the biggest challenges is developing confidence in real conversations. While some apps include speaking exercises, they often provide limited opportunities for spontaneous communication and personalized feedback.
That's why many learners combine self-study with regular speaking practice. Using both approaches can help you turn what you learn into real-world communication skills.
Apps are great for:
- Learning vocabulary
- Practicing grammar
- Improving listening comprehension
- Building daily study habits
Apps may be less effective for:
- Real-life conversation practice
- Receiving personalized feedback
- Developing speaking confidence
- Reaching fluency through self-study alone
Which English Learning App Is Best for Your Goal?
Before choosing an app, taking an English level test can help you understand your current level and identify the right learning path.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want live interaction or self-paced learning?
- Is speaking your main priority?
- Do you prefer short daily exercises or a structured learning path?
- Are you looking for free access, or are you open to a paid plan?
- Do you learn better with videos, reading, or conversation practice?
If you’re just starting out, exploring the right English tools to start from scratch can help you build a solid foundation before committing to a long-term plan.
Each app on this list focuses on something slightly different. The right choice depends on how you prefer to learn.
| Goal | Recommended app |
| Learn English from scratch | Papora |
| Improve pronunciation | Falou |
| Practice real conversations | Tandem |
| Improve reading skills | Beelinguapp |
| Build vocabulary | Drops |
| Learn through books and stories | EWA English |
| Language exchange | HelloTalk |
| Structured self-study | Rosetta Stone |
Each app on this list solves a different problem. If your goal is to build multiple skills at the same time instead of focusing on just one area, a more complete learning platform may be the better choice.
Final recommendation - Papora
If you’re looking for a structured and complete learning experience, Papora is a strong option to consider.
It offers:
- 500+ interactive lessons in a self-paced course
- Levels from A1 to C1
- Unlimited live classes in small groups
- A method focused on real communication
This makes it suitable for learners who want steady progress with clear structure and consistent speaking practice.
Ready to move beyond casual practice?
If you want a structured path with real speaking practice and clear level progression, Papora offers a complete learning experience designed to help you communicate with confidence.
Start learning with Papora
Frequently asked questions about English language learning applications
You can learn English through mobile apps that offer structured lessons, conversation exchange, or short daily exercises. Some platforms also provide live classes and clear level progression, which can help you stay consistent and track your improvement.
If you're starting from zero, look for an app with a structured curriculum and clear level progression. Among the apps on this list, Papora and Rosetta Stone offer the most structured learning paths for beginners.
Papora is one of the strongest options for speaking practice because it includes unlimited live classes. Tandem and HelloTalk also help learners practice speaking, but they rely on language exchange rather than guided lessons.
Free apps can be effective for vocabulary building, reading practice, and daily study habits. However, free versions often limit access to lessons, features, or speaking opportunities.
Apps can help you develop vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills. However, fluency usually requires regular communication practice. That's why apps that include speaking opportunities often provide a more complete learning experience.
Among the apps compared in this article, Papora is the only platform that includes unlimited live classes as part of its learning experience. Most other apps focus on self-study, language exchange, or vocabulary practice.
Drops focuses specifically on vocabulary development through short visual exercises. Beelinguapp and EWA English are also useful for expanding vocabulary through reading and contextual learning.
Beelinguapp and EWA English are strong choices for learners who enjoy reading-based learning. Both provide access to stories and reading materials designed to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
Tandem and HelloTalk are designed for learners who want to interact with native speakers through text, voice, and video conversations.
