AI language learning apps have begun to revolutionize the way we learn and pick up new languages. They offer unique advantages over traditional language learning environments and are well-worth checking out. 

In our comprehensive explainer, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these apps, including what makes them stand out, why they’re beneficial, and the best seven apps you should consider for learning languages.

What Are AI Language Learning Apps?

AI language learning apps are programs that leverage artificial intelligence to provide a more seamless, efficient language learning experience. The emergence of artificial intelligence has affected every sector, from manufacturing to services. Knowledge, learning, and education is no exception. 

These AI language learning apps often have some features in common. For example, offering various levels of difficulty, conversation practice, and customized feedback are all common within the landscape of language learning apps. The field of AI roleplay in particular has grown exponentially to fill that void in language learning. 

Why are AI language learning apps so useful?

Arguably the most useful thing about AI language learning apps is that they’re able to offer learning opportunities customized to the user instead of a broad, more generalized plan that’s not personalized. These apps are also useful because they can leverage AI to give users near-instant feedback and address individual users’ needs on a case-by-case basis.

If used correctly, AI language learning apps can help folks learn new languages more efficiently and quicker than more traditional classes. 

Benefits of AI language learning apps

Not surprisingly, there are tons of benefits to using AI language learning apps. For example, one of the top advantages of these apps is the personalized learning experience. Folks can learn at their own pace instead of a typical, pre-determined pace set by a teacher or non-AI-powered apps.

The instant feedback learners get from AI language learning apps is also a huge plus. Instead of waiting for one-on-one attention or feedback from a traditional instructor, students can know where they need to improve immediately, especially with regard to grammar and pronunciation. 

AI language learning apps — depending on the exact app — can also provide a more engaging experience using gamification. For example, some apps make use of leaderboards, points, badges, and other features to make the experience more fun. 

7 Best AI Language Learning Apps

As the field of AI expands, so does its applications and implications. If you’re considering picking up a new language with the help of an AI-powered app, you’re not alone. It can be tough to narrow down your choices with so many options available. Here are seven of the best AI language learning apps out there, in no particular order. 

1. Univerbal

First up on our list is Univerbal. Univerbal is an AI language learning app available for iPhone and Android that offers conversational practice in more than 20 different languages. With this app, users get an AI language tutor who crafts a personalized curriculum based on your abilities and progress. When you use the app for conversational practice, you’ll get instant feedback, recommendations, and suggestions so you learn at your own pace.  

Univerbal offers users the first 7 days free of charge for language learning. After that trial period, there are two main monthly subscription tiers: 

• 3-month subscription for $39.99 (or $13.13 per month)
• 12-month subscription for $119.99, which is the most cost effective tier at $9.99 per month

With over 100,000 downloads, this tried-and-true app is a great app for folks who want to learn a language and don’t mind paying for a subscription. 

2. Duolingo

Even before integrating AI, Duolingo ranked as one of the most popular apps for language learning out there. In 2023, Duolingo tapped into OpenAI’s GPT-4 to provide an updated learning experience for Duo fans. Folks can use Duolingo Max’s AI-powered features, including “Explain My Answer” and “Roleplay.” 

The “Explain My Answer” feature allows students to chat with Duolingo about why their response was right or wrong. Its “Roleplay” feature provides a space for folks to practice their conversation skills with a responsive, AI partner. This can make learning conversational languages much easier. 

In terms of subscription options, folks can pay by the month for Duolingo Max at around $30 per month, or they can pay an annual subscription for $168 (or $14 per month). If you upgrade to a family plan with up to six users, you’re now looking at a yearly cost of $299.99.

3. Yoodli

Another great AI language learning app — especially when it comes to conversational roleplay — is Yoodli. Yoodli is an AI-powered speech coach that offers all different types of roleplay. 

Folks can use it for language learning by choosing one of its available languages, including: 

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Hindi
• Korean
• Japanese 

Using artificial intelligence people can engage in realistic roleplay scenarios in the language they’re learning to practice their skills. Users can choose from one of Yoodli’s existing scenarios or build a personalized roleplay scenario. 

Unlike other AI language learning apps, users can also select an AI personality type, from friendly to stressed to professional and reserved, among others. This lets folks practice speaking their target language with all different types of people. During the roleplay, you and your AI partner will chat back and forth, just like any typical conversation. After the session ends, you’ll get instant feedback on how you did so you can improve your abilities for the next conversation. 

Plus, you can get started learning a new language with Yoodli for free at https://yoodli.ai/.

4. Talkpal

Talkpal AI is an AI-powered language learning tutor that offers capabilities in over 52 different languages. Similarly to Duolingo Max, Talkpal uses Chat GPT to provide its next-level learning experiences. Users can work on everything from their speaking and pronunciation skills to listening and comprehension, and writing, too. 

With immersive conversations, instant feedback, and customization options, it’s no surprise that Talkpal and Talkpal Premium have 1.5 million users worldwide. 

For those interested, Talkpal offers a free subscription with some features. However, most of Talkpal’s AI-powered features come from Talkpal Premium, which has both monthly and yearly payment options. A monthly subscription costs $11.99 per month while the yearly subscription comes out to $5.99 a month or around $72 total for the year. 

5. Babbel

Babbel uses AI-enhanced speech recognition to position itself as a worthwhile AI language learning app to explore. Plus, the “Everyday Features” is perfect for conversational practice. It creates short, engaging conversations between the user and the AI to boost their verbal skills.

As one of the top-selling language learning platforms, Babbel is a dependable option with 13 languages to choose from. This includes Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Danish, Dutch, Indonesian, Norwegian, and more. 

Babbel’s subscription prices fluctuate a bit during the holidays, like with its Cyber Monday deals, but the estimated costs are:

• 6-month subscription for $13.45 per month (about $80.70 total)
• 12-month subscription for $8.95 per month (around $107.40 total)
• Lifetime subscription for $299 total 

6. LanguaTalk

With 16 different languages to choose from, LanguaTalk stands out as a worthy choice when it comes to AI language learning apps. In particular, its AI capabilities offer intelligent roleplay and realistic conversation practice users can leverage for their target language. Folks who use this app get instant corrections and feedback based on their progress and abilities. 

For many people, part of the allure of Langua is that you can practice your target language with AI without feeling the pressure of talking to native speakers. This can help build language learners’ confidence and skill level. 

LanguaTalk has a free version that folks can use. However, it also offers a few subscription choices, including “Unlimited” and “Communicate.” The pricing for these plans varies and Langua requests that folks reach out for more cost information. 

7. Memrise

Similar to AI language learning apps like Yoodli, Memrise provides users with an AI conversation partner. That way, people can practice conversing in their target language in a totally risk-free environment. Many new language learners are worried they’ll sound “silly” when speaking to native speakers in their target language, but that doesn’t have to hold learners back. The AI partner, called MemBot, uses GPT technology to provide people with a place to practice their comprehension and speaking skills.

In comparison to most of the other options on our list, Memrise’s subscription costs are higher. For example, the plans available include: 

• Monthly subscription at $59.99 per month
• Annual subscription for $94.39 (about $7.87 per month)
• Lifetime subscription for $324.99 total 

Tips for Success Using AI Language Learning Apps

Learning a new language is a challenge, but practicing with an app like the ones above can make a huge difference. Here are a few tips and tricks for successfully using AI language learning apps to boost your skills. 

1. Immerse yourself in your target language. 

One of the best ways to learn a new language is to travel to that country and immerse yourself in the language. However, that’s not always realistic, for many reasons. Pairing immersion with AI language learning apps is the way to go. But it doesn’t mean you have to emigrate. You can easily immerse yourself in your target language at home by: 

• Reading news articles, books, and blog posts to build your vocabulary and boost reading comprehension
• Watching your favorite TV shows and movies in your target language (or exploring new shows and films originally in your target language)
• Listening to podcasts, vlogs, and music to practice your listening comprehension 

2. Be consistent with your practice.

The top mistake language learners make when picking up a new language is failing to be consistent with their practice. In order to learn a new language with AI language learning apps, you need to make sure you’re keeping up with your daily practice. Consistency is a great way to beat the forgetting curve. As such, practice should be backed into your daily routine.

Setting realistic goals, such as SMART goals, can help you become more consistent with your practice, too. Checking out your progress as you go along can help you stay inspired and motivated to learn. 

3. Make sure to get feedback and support from other speakers.

If you have the resources, aim to get feedback and supplemental support from other folks who speak your target language. You can join online communities and forums, practice with native speakers, find a tutor, or join in-person language learning groups for extra support. 

This can also work to keep you motivated as you progress through your language learning journey.

The Bottom Line 

Learning languages can be challenging, but you can streamline your efforts using AI language learning apps like Yoodli. Just remember to keep practicing, prioritize consistency, and immerse yourself in as much of the target language as you can. 

Sources

• Duolingo: “Introducing Duolingo Max, A Learning Experience Powered by GPT-4.”
• Duolingo Guides: “Duolingo Max vs Super: Pricing, Features, and Value Compared.”
• Talkpal AI: “Pricing.”
• Babbel: “Babbel launches two new speech-based features,” “Prices.”
• LanguaTalk: “Pricing.”
• Memrise: “Subscription Plans.”