Yes, you can learn English with Babbel. The platform offers lessons and exercises through its website and app, allowing you to practice English independently at your own pace.
Here’s what you can expect from Babbel:
| Feature | Babbel |
| Learning format | Lessons, exercises, games and other interactive activities |
| English levels | 5 levels, from “first steps” to advanced |
| Courses to advanced | 23 courses |
| Languages available | Up to 14 languages |
| Access | Website and app |
| Subscription options | 6-month, annual and lifetime plans |
If you’d like to complement self-study with live English classes, you can also explore a platform that combines independent learning with regular sessions led by expert teachers:
Want to combine self-paced learning with live English classes?
With Papora, you can learn at your own pace with 500+ interactive lessons and join unlimited live classes with expert native-level teachers in groups of up to six.
Explore Papora
How does Babbel work?
Babbel works through individual lessons and exercises on its website or app. After choosing a language and creating your account, you can start working through the lessons.
How do you get started?
When you click on “Start,” you can choose from 14 languages, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Turkish.
You’ll then answer a short questionnaire about your learning preferences:
- your motivation for learning;
- how much time you want to dedicate to learning;
- how you like to learn;
- your age.
After creating your profile, you can access your first lesson.
What do Babbel lessons include?
Babbel lessons use activities and exercises to practise different areas of the language, including:
- vocabulary;
- pronunciation;
- choosing the correct answer.
Babbel has a team of more than 150 experts who create content for its 14 languages.
What level of English can you achieve with Babbel?
Babbel offers English courses from A1 to C1, covering five CEFR levels:
- A1 - beginner
- A2 - elementary
- B1 - intermediate
- B2 - upper-intermediate
- C1 - advanced
Can Babbel take you to an advanced level?
Yes. Babbel offers English content up to C1 (advanced). Its current materials also show an Advanced 2 course for C1 learners.
How much does it cost to learn with Babbel?
Babbel offers two main subscription types: Single Language and All Languages. Both are available for different subscription periods, while Lifetime provides ongoing access with a one-time payment. Prices vary depending on your location, subscription length, plan, and where you purchase it.
What are Babbel’s plans and prices?
| Plan | Price | What's included |
| Single Language | Varies by subscription period | Access to courses in one chosen language |
| All Languages | $107.40 for 12 months* | Access to all 14 languages available on Babbel |
| Lifetime | $299.99 | Ongoing access to the included courses with a one-time payment |
If you’re comparing the cost of different ways to learn English, it’s also worth considering what you get beyond self-study lessons, such as structured learning and support from teachers.
Looking for a more interactive way to learn English?
With Papora, you can learn English with expert native-level teachers in live classes and practice at your own pace.
Start learning
Advantages and disadvantages of using Babbel
| Comparison table | |
|---|---|
| Advantages of Babbel | Disadvantages of Babbel |
| ✅ Full accessibility: You can learn wherever you want, either on the website or app | ❌ There are no live classes.: It does not offer direct interaction with teachers in real time |
| ✅ Well-structured lessons: Each course combines vocabulary, grammar, reading, and pronunciation | ❌ It becomes repetitive: The repetitive style of the lessons can decrease motivation |
| ✅ Practical and progressive approach: The units are designed to advance step by step with logic | ❌ Few free lessons: You can only try one before you have to pay for full access |
| ✅ Designed for adults: The content is designed for practical needs (travel, work, etc.) | ❌ Lack of advanced customization: It does not adapt to individual learning styles or specific needs |
| ✅ Intuitive and modern app: Clean, easy-to-use interface for all skill levels | ❌ No custom correction: Without a teacher, you don't receive real-time feedback |
What do users think?
The most important opinion will always be that of the students themselves, who have already used Babbel and have their own opinion.
“The subscription is very expensive. For a mass-market app, it should be much more affordable. They force you to subscribe in order to try it out fully.”
When you decide to start learning English, finding a course that suits your needs and is within your budget is essential.
“The only thing missing is the ability to access grammar lessons without having to redo the lesson. It would be nice to have a place with all the theory you go through and night mode.”
Having to meet conditions in order to review and, as you progress, doing the same thing over and over again can actually be counterproductive to learning.
“Honestly, if you learn it, the problem is that as you progress, the app becomes monotonous because everything is text. There comes a point where it becomes boring or frustrating to see nothing but a similar format.”
Babbel: key facts at a glance
So, is Babbel a good way to learn English? It offers structured self-study lessons, English courses from A1 to C1, and several subscription options. Here’s a quick recap of the key facts:
| Key point | Babbel at a glance |
| Learning format | Self-paced lessons and exercises through the Babbel website and app |
| English levels | 5 CEFR levels, from A1 to C1 |
| Languages | Up to 14 languages, depending on the language combination |
| Content team | More than 150 experts create Babbel's language-learning content |
| Advanced level | C1 is the highest English level available through Babbel's courses |
| 12-month plan | $107.40 on the current US pricing page |
| Lifetime plan | $299.99 on the current US pricing page |
Babbel is one option for learning English independently, but it’s not the only way to build your skills. If you prefer a more structured approach with support from expert native-level teachers, Papora offers another way to learn English.
Learn English with Papora
Papora offers a flexible way to learn English online, combining self-guided lessons with live classes and practice across different areas of the language.
Key features:
- Self-guided learning: Learn at your own pace and from anywhere.
- 300+ lessons: Follow a self-guided course with interactive activities.
- Live classes: Join classes with expert native-level teachers and attend them multiple times per month.
- All key language skills: Practice vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, reading, and grammar.
- Flexible learning: Combine self-guided lessons with live classes to fit your learning routine.
Learn English by speaking from day one with Papora
Practice English with expert native-level teachers in unlimited live classes and use 500+ interactive lessons at your own pace.
Start learning English
Frequently asked questions about Babbel
Yes. The Babbel app lets you download lessons and continue learning without an internet connection. You can also review saved vocabulary and download podcasts for offline use.
Yes. Babbel uses speech recognition in speaking exercises to analyze your pronunciation and provide immediate feedback. The feature is available in the Babbel app and on the web when using Chrome.
Yes. You can create a Babbel account for free and try the first lesson of every course before subscribing. Some additional features, including speaking practice and podcasts, can also be tried for free.
Babbel works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. On computers, you can use Babbel through an up-to-date web browser, while mobile learners can use the Babbel app.
No. Babbel focuses on independent digital learning, while other platforms offer different formats. For example, Papora combines self-guided lessons with live classes, giving learners an option to practice English with expert native-level teachers.
