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In today’s business world, we all know that English is one of the keys to landing that dream position, taking part in an international project, or simply advancing to the next level. But with the hectic work schedule, endless meetings, and hustle and bustle of daily life, who has time to take courses or immerse themselves in books? If you’re saying, “I wish there was a way I could practice, even if just for 15 minutes on the subway, during lunch break, or before bed,” you’re in the right place. Technology now puts the best language courses in our pockets. We’ve previously analyzed learning English with ChatGPT.
In this article, we’ve examined the best English learning apps that put boring methods aside and turn learning English into a game, an enjoyable habit. Let’s choose the app that will invest in your career together!
We’ll list these apps first and then briefly explain the first two. Our advice is to try them one by one and then take advantage of them.
- Duolingo: The Colorful Side of Language Learning
- Cambly: Talk to English Tutors
- Babbel: Practical Language Lessons Focused on Real Life
- Busuu: Community-Supported Learning and Certification Opportunity
- Memrise: The Most Creative Way to Memorize Vocabulary
- Elsa Speak: Your AI-Powered Personal Pronunciation Coach
- BBC Learning English: The Home of High-Quality and Free Content
- Quizlet: The Power of Learning with Your Own Flashcards
- Voscreen: Discover English with Movies and Videos
- Tandem: Learn by Language Exchange
Duolingo: The Fun Side of Language Learning
When it comes to the best English learning apps, the first name that comes to mind is undoubtedly Duolingo. This app, etched in our memories by its green owl logo, is built on the philosophy of turning language learning into a game. With short lessons, points, levels, and daily goals called “streaks,” it motivates you to practice every day. It’s a great starting point, especially for beginners or those looking to brush up on their basic English knowledge. Instead of getting bogged down in complex grammar rules, it gradually eases you into the language with simple sentence patterns and frequently used words.
Duolingo’s biggest advantage is that its core features are completely free. This allows you to take your first step into language learning without paying anything. The app offers a variety of exercises to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. For example, you’ll be asked to listen to a sentence read aloud and write it down, or to create the correct sentence using the given words. This “gamified” structure makes the learning process feel like an enjoyable activity, not a chore.
So, who is Duolingo best suited for? If your goal is to start from scratch, learn basic vocabulary and sentence structures, and most importantly, develop the habit of practicing daily, Duolingo is for you. Repetition and gamification methods are especially helpful for those who struggle with memorizing vocabulary. With short 5-10 minute daily lessons, you can easily make room for English even in your busy schedule.
Cambly: One-on-One Speaking Practice
“I understand, but I can’t speak!” This phrase is like the national anthem of English learners globally. Cambly is the app that aims to solve this problem at its core. Second on our list of the best English learning apps, Cambly is a revolutionary app that connects you with native English tutors from around the world on a video call platform. It offers the most important thing you won’t find in grammar books or vocabulary lists: real conversation practice with a real person. This is the most effective way to overcome that infamous “stuck” moment in language learning.
Cambly’s working principle is very simple. You log in, select one of the thousands of online tutors by looking at their profiles (interests, specialties, etc.), and start searching instantly. These tutors might be former lawyers, travelers, artists, or businesspeople. This way, you not only practice your language but also engage in cultural exchange by chatting with people who align with your interests or profession. You can take lessons tailored to various goals, such as business English, IELTS preparation, or simply casual conversation.
One of the app’s best features is that all your conversations are recorded and can be watched again later. This is invaluable for reviewing mistakes the instructor corrects or new vocabulary suggested during the lesson. Seeing the mistakes you make while speaking and how the instructor corrects them prevents you from repeating the same mistakes. This provides a personalized English practice and feedback mechanism.
Best English Learning Apps: Which One?
- You might feel lost with so many options. There’s no single right answer to the question, “Which one should I choose?” The answer depends entirely on your goals, current level, and learning style. If you’re just starting out and want to make learning a habit, Duolingo’s gamified world could be a great place to start. If your goal is to memorize vocabulary and expand your vocabulary, visual and repetition-focused apps like Memrise or Quizlet are perfect for you.
- If you’re saying, “My grammar is okay, but I can’t speak,” don’t hesitate to turn to conversational apps like Cambly or Tandem. Talking to real people is the only way to break that barrier. If you’re aiming for perfect pronunciation and more comprehensible speech, your AI coach, Elsa Speak, will be your best friend. If you’re looking for a more structured program that follows a lesson-like approach and focuses on real-life conversations, Babbel or Busuu are strong alternatives.
- Remember, we’ve listed the best English learning apps, but none of them are a magic bullet. Even the best app is useless if it’s not used regularly and consistently. Perhaps the best strategy is to use several of these apps together. For example, 10 minutes of basic review with Duolingo every day and 30 minutes of speaking practice with Cambly once a week will help you reach your goals much faster.
In Brief: Career and Foreign Language
A career journey requires continuous learning and self-improvement. English is one of the most powerful tools on this journey. You’re no longer confined to expensive courses or thick books. Pick up your phone, choose the perfect “personal English tutor” from this list, and take that first step today. You’ll see, those small steps will add up to a giant leap that will take you to your dream career destination.
We’ve analyzed the most popular and best English learning apps and their descriptions for you. Each one caters to a different need and learning style. The days of hiding behind excuses like “I don’t have time,” “I don’t have money,” or “I don’t have anyone to practice with” are over. Technology has put English, and therefore your career goals, at your fingertips. These apps will not only make you a fluent English speaker, but will also give you regular study habits, self-confidence, and a fresh perspective.
Our advice is to download and try two or three apps from this list that catch your eye, and see which one speaks to you. We are sure that once you take that first step, the rest will come easily.