It was founded in 2007, when smartphones were only just beginning to enter the mainstream.

On the other hand, Babbel lays claim to being the world’s first language learning app. The app has captured hearts and minds around the world, so clearly it’s doing something right. It’s referenced in TV shows, used in schools, and Duo, the Duolingo owl, has even sparked a series of memes. In many ways, Duolingo is so ingrained in popular culture that it has become more than a language app. That’s not far off the population of the United States!

Those looking for a resource to supplement language classesĭuolingo claims, almost without any competition, to be the most downloaded language learning app in the world.

Those who like to learn via logical patterns and rules.

Those who have already studied one second language.

Basic to intermediate level learners of Spanish, French or English.

Those who want to set a daily learning habit.

Learners of rare languages, or ones for which there aren’t many tech-based resources.

Polyglots who study multiple languages at once.

People learning basic phrases before a vacation.

Babbel: an Overviewġ0-20 minute lessons, Focus: grammar, sentence memorisation. We decided to put two of the two biggest names in the industry head-to-head: Duolingo vs. The big question is: are they effective learning tools? And if so, which one is best? If you’re interested in languages, a few are probably sitting dormant on your phone right now. The rise of interactive apps has completely changed the way we learn languages.

Duolingo spanish english