10 Best Apps to Learn English and Improve Speaking and Reading Skills: English has become an important part of everyday life. It is useful for education, jobs, travel, online communication and many other areas. However, many people still struggle to read English properly or speak it with confidence.
The good news is, studying English doesn’t always mean you have to join a coaching center or hire a private tutor. There are several mobile apps that can help learners enhance their vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, reading, listening and speaking skills. 10 apps you should know about.
10 English Learning Apps at a Glance
1. Duolingo
Duolingo provides learners with short, game-like courses to practise English. It might be useful for vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening and speaking practice.
Where to download: Duolingo may be downloaded via the Google Play Store for Android and the Apple App Store for iPhone. It is recommended to download the software from the official app store, and not from an unknown website.
How to get started: Once the app is installed, open it and follow the directions on the screen to create or log in to an account. Now choose English as the language you want to learn, and start the sessions.
2. ELSA Speak
ELSA Speak is especially concerned with pronunciation and spoken English. Its speech recognition system provides feedback on pronunciation and helps trainees practise speaking.
Where to download: ELSA Speak is available on Android and iOS devices from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How to register and login: open the app and select Log in or Sign Up. ELSA supports email and password, Google, Facebook and Apple ID sign-in, and more choices. It is crucial to utilise the same login method that was used when creating the account.
3. Busuu
Busuu offers classes in a range of English skills, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. It also offers community-based learning.
Where to download: Look for Busuu on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Busuu is officially supported on Android and iOS devices.
How to create an account: Open the app and tap register. Busuu users can register with an email address, a phone number, a Google account, a Facebook account or an Apple ID. After you register, select English as the language you want to learn.
4. Babbel
Babbel offers structured lessons based on real language use. It can be advantageous for those who don’t wish to dive straight into solo practice.
Where to download: Available on Android and iOS Babbel app. Download it from the official app store of your phone.
How to log in: Open the app and hit Log In. Existing users can sign in with their Babbel account information. New users can register immediately in the app. You can also log in thru the Babbel website, with progress syncing across supported devices while using the same account.
5. Memrise
Memrise has vocabulary study along with real-world information and videos with speakers. This can allow learners to get more used to natural English.
Where to download: Memrise has official iOS and Android apps. Users can visit the official Memrise app page or search for Memrise in their phone’s app store.
How to log in: Once you have the app open, either sign in or create an account. Memrise offers various ways to log in to your account, including email/password, Facebook and Apple, depending on your platform and how your account is set up. Existing users should use the same account they have used previously so their learning progress stays attached.
6. HelloTalk
HelloTalk is about language interaction. Users can text, audio chat and video chat with other language learners and speakers.
Where to download: Search for HelloTalk in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install the official app.
How to create an account or log in: HelloTalk allows users to create or access an account using email, Apple ID, Google, Facebook, WeChat or QQ. Open the app, select the relevant sign-in option and follow the instructions on the screen.
7. Tandem
Tandem is another language-exchange site where you may chat with language partners via text, voice and video.
Where to download: Head over to the official Tandem website for links to get the mobile app. The company said that consumers will have to register their account on the mobile app before continuing on the web version.
How to get started: download the app, launch it and fill out the registration process. Once the account has been created, individuals can build their language profile and hunt for compatible language partners.
8. British Council LearnEnglish Apps
The British Council offers several English-learning apps rather than just one. These include LearnEnglish Grammar, LearnEnglish Podcasts, LearnEnglish Sounds Right, LearnEnglish Videos and Johnny Grammar’s Word Challenge. They cover areas such as grammar, listening, reading, vocabulary and pronunciation.
Where to download: The British Council recommends downloading its apps through the iOS App Store or Android app store.
How to use them: Search for the particular LearnEnglish app you need, install it and open it. Many of these apps can be used as learning resources without requiring the same type of account-based setup found on language-exchange platforms.
9. EngVarta
EngVarta is designed mainly for spoken English practice. It connects learners with English experts for one-to-one conversations.
Where to download: EngVarta is available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
How to register: Download the app and create an account using your phone number. EngVarta says the phone number is used for app login. After signing up, users can choose a practice plan and use the Call English Expert option to start speaking practice.
10. Cambly
Cambly gives learners the opportunity to practise English through live conversations with tutors. This can be useful for people who want to become more comfortable speaking English.
Where to download: Users can find the official Cambly app through their device’s app store. Avoid downloading an APK or app from an unofficial website.
How to get started: Open the app, create an account and choose the available learning option that suits your needs. Cambly requires an account before users can subscribe to a plan.
How to Download These Apps Safely
For someone who is not familiar with downloading mobile apps, the process is actually quite simple.
On an Android phone
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap the search box.
- Type the name of the app.
- Check the app name and developer carefully.
- Tap Install.
- Wait for the installation to finish.
- Tap Open.
On an iPhone
- Open the Apple App Store.
- Tap Search.
- Type the name of the app.
- Check that you have selected the official app.
- Tap Get.
- Confirm the download if required.
- Open the app after installation.
Download Link
| App Name | Play Store |
|---|---|
| Duolingo | Download Link |
| ELSA Speak | Download Link |
| Busuu | Download Link |
| Babbel | Download Link |
| Memrise | Download Link |
| HelloTalk | Download Link |
| Tandem | Download Link |
| British Council LearnEnglish Apps | Download Link |
| EngVarta | Download Link |
| Cambly | Download Link |
What If You Cannot Log In?
If you already have an account, always try to use the same email address, phone number or sign-in method that you used when registering.
For example, if an account was originally created using Google, choosing a different login method may lead to a different account or prevent access. ELSA specifically advises users to use the same method they originally used to register.
If you forget a password, use the app’s Forgot Password or account-recovery option rather than creating another account.
Which App Should You Choose?
The best app depends on your specific problem:
Prefer structured lessons: Babbel
Want to start from the basics: Duolingo or Busuu
Need better pronunciation: ELSA Speak
Want to improve vocabulary and listening: Memrise
Want to practise with other people: HelloTalk or Tandem
Need grammar and listening resources: British Council LearnEnglish Apps
Want one-to-one speaking practice: EngVarta or Cambly
FAQs
1. Can beginners use these English-learning apps?
Yes. Several of these apps offer beginner-friendly lessons and exercises. Duolingo and Busuu, for example, can be used by people who are starting to learn English.
2. Can these apps improve spoken English?
Yes. Apps such as ELSA Speak, HelloTalk, Tandem, EngVarta and Cambly provide different types of speaking or pronunciation practice.
