United States
Duolingo (Max)
Gamified courses with AI roleplay and explanations
Fits on everything we could check
9 tools
The best AI language-learning apps
Where conversational AI has landed hardest. The choice is between a free gamified habit, structured linguist-built lessons, and real speaking practice.
Our publisher also builds learning software, so we never rank by ad spend or our own interest. System-native tools are listed first; each is read through the Four Mismatches Test.
Fit, checked for one country at a time
| Tool | Curriculum | Language | Price | Device | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo (Max)United States | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Freemium; Super Duolingo and higher 'Max' tiers |
| SpeakUnited States | – | ✓ | ? | ✓ | Subscription |
| ELSA SpeakUnited States / Vietnam | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Freemium subscription + B2B licensing |
| BabbelGermany | – | ✓ | ? | ✓ | Subscription (+ Babbel for Business) |
| BusuuUnited Kingdom | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Freemium subscription + B2B |
| MemriseUnited Kingdom | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Freemium subscription |
| PraktikaUnited Kingdom | – | ✓ | ? | ✓ | Subscription |
| LooraUnited States | – | ✓ | ? | ✓ | Subscription |
| LingvistEstonia | – | ✓ | ? | ✓ | Freemium subscription |
Checked for a student in the United States, from each maker’s own facts: ✓ fits · ~ partly · ✕ doesn't fit · – no exam claimed · ? not verified · – bought by schools. How it’s worked out
The full field
United States
Speak
Speaking-first AI tutor for spoken fluency
Fits on everything we could check
United States / Vietnam
ELSA Speak
Pronunciation and accent coaching for English
Fits on everything we could check
Germany
Babbel
Practical lessons plus AI conversation practice
United Kingdom
Busuu
Structured courses, AI tutor, and native-speaker feedback
Fits on everything we could check
United Kingdom
Memrise
Vocabulary with the MemBot AI chat companion
Fits on everything we could check
United Kingdom
Praktika
AI avatar tutors for spoken practice
Fits on everything we could check
United States
Loora
AI English-speaking coach for professionals
Estonia
Lingvist
Adaptive vocabulary built on spaced repetition
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best AI app to learn a language?
- For a free daily habit, Duolingo; for structured practical lessons, Babbel; for pronunciation, ELSA; for open conversation, Speak. The best pick depends on whether you want habit, structure, or speaking.