We know there are countless apps that promise to help you learn English anytime, anywhere, right from your phone or tablet.
One of the most popular options is Drops, an app that claims you can master English and pick up hundreds of words in no time. But does it really deliver on that promise?
Our team of experts put the app to the test, evaluating its teaching method, pricing, pros and cons, and what real users have to say. Here’s what we found!
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What is the Drops App and how does it work?
Drops was created in 2015 by Daniel Farkas and Mark Szulyovszky in Estonia. Their goal was simple: to design a language-learning app that was both easy to use and genuinely effective.
Since its launch, the app has grown to offer a wide variety of languages, including Japanese, German, Russian, French, Korean, and, of course, English. For English learners, Drops even allows you to choose between American or British English.
The app is available on both Android and iOS devices. You can try it for free—although with significant limitations—or unlock all features with a paid subscription (more on that later).
When you sign up, Drops asks you a few quick questions to determine your English level. From there, lessons focus mainly on building vocabulary in areas such as parts of the body or countries in English.
The learning process feels more like playing a game than studying: users match words with images in short, engaging sessions. The app’s minimalist and easy-to-use interface makes navigation simple and enjoyable.
Features of the method:
How does the Drops app teach English? Its methodology is based on two principles: constant repetition of words and linking those words to images.
Depending on the level of English selected, users learn simple words or slightly more elaborate phrases. In each case, they listen to an audio recording of the pronunciation, although these are not recorded by real people.
They also include special challenges and competitions to encourage users to keep learning and log in to the app daily. However, while the lessons may feel engaging at first, they can quickly become repetitive and monotonous over time.
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How much does it cost to study with the Drops App?
As mentioned, the Drops app has a free mode where users can access lessons, but with a time limit of only 5 minutes, and it includes advertising.
On the other hand, they offer a subscription that removes the time restriction and allows access to new activities and vocabulary on topics such as sports in English.
This subscription has the following cost:
- Monthly: $8.36 USD.
- Per year: $62.73 USD.
- Lifetime: $103.42 USD.
Advantages and disadvantages of learning English with the Drops App
Let's now discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of studying English with the Drops app.
Advantages:
Access from anywhere
App users can access it from wherever they are with a simple internet connection. Drops is available for use on Android or iOS, either on smartphones or tablets.
Vocabulary teaching
Its system is designed to teach a large number of words each day through repetition and association with images. You can learn everything from professions in English to school supplies in English.
Games for learning
It has some interesting games and activities to motivate your students. The app tries to make each lesson entertaining, as this is a proven method for learning English.
Disadvantages:
Limited time available for use
The free version only allows you to log in for 5 minutes a day, so you are forced to pay for a subscription to really try out the app. You can't learn many words in that amount of time.
The audio recordings are not by native speakers
The lessons are full of audio clips repeating the words you are learning. However, these audio clips are not from real people, so it is difficult to get used to the real sound of English afterwards.
It does not allow you to level up
Although you can learn many words, the app is not really designed to help you level up in English. It does not offer grammar lessons or exercises to improve your pronunciation.
User reviews
Without a doubt, the best way to find out how a language app works is through user reviews. You can find a variety of comments about Drops on Google Play and the Apple Store.
Some people seem to have had a pleasant experience with the Premium version of the app:
“I like it. I had a premium account for a couple of years. It's a good app and very easy to learn. It does what it's supposed to do, and they always add new vocabulary depending on the season.”
There are also users who use the free version, but in this case they complain about the limited usage time offered by the app:
“You can't learn anything with just 5 minutes a day; in the end, it's too much effort to open the app for such a short time. It's fine to have it as an option, but it shouldn't be mandatory to only have 5 minutes a day, which also doesn't give you the opportunity to review more than one language.”
The app has also faced issues with its payment system, with several users reporting unexpected charges during the first week of the trial period.
“I wanted to sign up for the free trial to see if I liked it, but as I progressed, they charged me directly for the monthly subscription without me even having seen the content. Where is the trial week? Why did they charge me directly? If I don't like it, do I have to pay for this month even though your app specifies a trial week?”
On the other hand, many users have reported experiencing issues when trying to install the application.
“It doesn't work properly :(.. I really liked it, but it's frustrating because the lesson never starts and I have to close and reopen the app several times before I can finally start learning. I reinstalled it in the hope that the error would disappear, but it's still there.”
Is it worth studying English with the Drops App?
If you’re wondering how long it will take to learn English with Drops, the reality is that reaching a level where you can speak confidently and fluently with native speakers will take quite some time.
The app focuses mainly on teaching commonly used vocabulary but falls short in essential areas like grammar and pronunciation. While its activities and games can be fun, Drops is better suited as a supplement to a more comprehensive course rather than a standalone solution.
That’s why we’d like to introduce you to a more complete and effective option: Papora.
Why do we recommend learning English with Papora?
Papora is an online platform designed by native experts. There you will find a self-guided course with over 300 different lessons so you can study English wherever you are with your mobile device.
All lessons are designed to include entertaining activities like Drops, but with many additional features, including audio recordings by real native speakers and grammar explanations.
It also offers unlimited live classes with native-level teachers via video calls. The groups are small so that you can receive personalized service at all times.
All this is combined with a really affordable price that won't be a financial burden for you.
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With Papora, you will not only learn vocabulary, but also develop comprehensive language skills.
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Frequently asked questions about the Drops App:
The app is designed to teach English vocabulary, as it does not cover topics such as grammar. It can be said that the app works well as a complement to a more comprehensive course such as Papora.
In the free version, you can only access lessons for five minutes, and then you have to wait a while before you can log in again. If you sign up for the Premium version, you have unlimited access to all the exercises and content in the app.
