The 4 Best Apps to Learn English in 2026
English is the most in-demand language and your phone is the best ally for learning it. Whether you are starting from scratch or want to push your level up, there is an app that fits. In this guide we compare the 4 best apps to learn English in 2026 based on your goal: passing an exam, travelling or getting by at work.
Top apps for learning English from your phone
Apps to learn English from scratch or improve your level, with grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and conversation lessons adapted to your pace.
Top pick
Duolingo: Aprende Idiomas
Free (with purchases) · 500M+
Best to start
4.7
47.0M reviews
TopApps analysis
Duolingo is the best app to start with English for free: a gamified method, short lessons and a very complete free version that gets you studying every day.
Duolingo is the world's most popular language-learning app, with more than 40 languages and a gamified method that keeps you coming back. Five-minute lessons, streaks, levels and rewards turn studying into a daily game. It is free (with ads) and ideal for starting a language or keeping one alive without much effort.
Pros
- More than 40 languages available
- Gamified method that hooks you and keeps you going
- Short lessons that fit into any day
Cons
- The free version shows ads
- Less focused on real conversation than Babbel
- Duolingo Super (ad-free) is paid
Babbel: Aprender idiomas
Babbel GmbH · Free (with purchases) · 50M+
Best for conversation
4.5
1.1M reviews
TopApps analysis
Babbel teaches English with a conversational approach from the start, using real situations and speech recognition to polish your pronunciation.
Babbel is the best app for learning a language with a practical, conversation-first approach. Its lessons, designed by linguists, focus on real everyday situations and get you talking from the start. Ideal for anyone who wants to speak as soon as possible, with a more structured method than Duolingo.
Pros
- Practical, conversational approach from the start
- Lessons designed by linguists
- Speech recognition to work on pronunciation
Cons
- Full access requires a subscription
- Fewer languages than Duolingo
- Less gamified, so it can feel less addictive
Busuu: Aprende idiomas
Free (with purchases) · 50M+
Best with native speakers
4.7
1.2M reviews
TopApps analysis
Busuu offers complete English courses with corrections from native speakers and official certificates, ideal for exam preparation and serious study.
Busuu pairs structured lessons with a community of native speakers who correct your exercises. It offers full courses in grammar, vocabulary and conversation, with personalised study plans and official certificates. A good fit for anyone who wants to learn properly and get real feedback from natives.
Pros
- Corrections from real native speakers
- Personalised study plans
- Full courses covering grammar and conversation
Cons
- The best features need a Premium subscription
- Fewer languages than Duolingo
- The community depends on how active other users are
Memrise: Idiomas toda la vida
Free (with purchases) · 50M+
Best for listening
4.5
1.6M reviews
TopApps analysis
Memrise teaches real English with videos of native speakers, perfect for getting your ear used to different accents and building useful vocabulary.
Memrise stands out for teaching languages through videos of real native speakers, backed by a strong spaced-repetition system for locking in vocabulary. You learn the language as it is actually spoken, with authentic expressions. A good fit for widening your vocabulary and training your ear on real accents.
Pros
- Videos of real native speakers
- Spaced repetition for better recall
- Teaches the language as it's really spoken
Cons
- Full access requires a subscription
- Less structured grammar than Babbel or Busuu
- More focused on vocabulary than on writing
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to learn English from scratch?
Duolingo is the best one to start from zero: it is free, very easy to use and its level-by-level method walks you through the basics. Babbel is an excellent alternative if you want a more conversational approach from the beginning, though it requires a subscription. Both work well for beginners.
Which app is best for preparing an English exam?
Busuu is the most suitable for exam preparation: it offers courses structured by level (A1 to C1), corrections from native speakers and official certificates that document your progress. Pairing it with real conversation practice and official mock exams is the best strategy for passing.
How long does it take to learn English with an app?
It depends on your starting level, your consistency and your goal. With 15-20 minutes a day you make noticeable progress in a few months at a basic-intermediate level. Reaching fluency takes longer and, above all, conversation practice. Regularity is the key: a little every day beats a lot now and then.
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