What fits in your pocket and lets you rule the world? That’s right! We’re talking about a smartphone. Fanfare, fifty points to Gryffindor. On a smartphone, you can not only browse social media (that’s all for ruling the globe…), but also learn foreign languages anywhere, anytime. Discover the best apps for learning English.
Let's start with a simple experiment. Tomorrow, make a note (you can do it mentally) of every time you reach for your phone – from waking up until you fall asleep. The first entry on the list will definitely appear shortly after you open your eyes. Around noon, you’ll run out of fingers to count, after dinner you’ll lose track, and before bed, you’ll tell us to leave you alone – very emphatically.
We use smartphones constantly – at home, at work, at school and university, on vacation, where roaming comes in handy. We talk, send messages and emails. We use apps for presentations and project management, scroll through Insta, and read news gossip sites. We launch workout apps, listen to music, watch videos, check the weather forecast, air quality, and… ta-da, the time! Smartphones are our universe management centers, so it's no wonder we keep "turning on the screen" and staring at it.
And now, experiment number two (this time, a thought experiment): what if, not every time, but every third or fourth time you reach for your smartphone, you briefly launch English learning apps? Okay, just one, but the best one? Suddenly, you'd find out that learning English is something you achieve every day, multiple times a day! Mom would be proud.
Best English Learning Apps – Vikings' Top 3
English Learning Apps: eTutor
For whom: Beginners, intermediate, advanced
How it works: Listening (audio and video recordings with native speakers), reading, and vocabulary exercises, situational dialogues, writing elements, grammar basics, intelligent review system
What we like most: has an AI pronunciation trainer (!), built-in Diki dictionary
What we like less: can be overwhelming (sometimes the number of planned reviews is crushing)
Model: free demo version covering a few lessons, subscription (from monthly to annual)
eTutor is a true powerhouse for learning English. It covers the full range of CEFR levels. Initially, the amount of material can be overwhelming, but the app is relatively easy to navigate. Just a few lessons are enough to get familiar with the interface – especially since everything is in Polish. eTutor itself is more of a proper course than a simple app focused on gamification. For some, this will be an advantage, for others, a disadvantage. It's worth finding out for yourself. One thing is certain – it works.
Viking Marcin's Opinion:
There are no fireworks or plush toys congratulating you on every completed task, but in my opinion, that's a good thing. I feel like I'm actually honing my English, not playing Angry Birds.
Check out: the best German learning apps.
Best English Learning Apps: Babbel
For whom: Beginners, intermediate
How it works: Methodical language course with 10-15 minute lessons, strong emphasis on grammar
What we like most: the golden mean between a classic course and a light, game-based learning app
What we like less: not much speaking
Model: no free version, subscription
Babbel isn't the top student in the front row (eTutor), but it's also not a rebel in the back (Duolingo). It's the type that lets you copy your math homework and asks for nothing in return, not even a Turbo gum. When you launch Babbel, you get the impression that the creators have taken the subject of teaching seriously: there are proper dialogues, exercises that require thinking, and normal sentences that can actually be useful.
There are no fireworks in the form of league competitions or cute mascots (props to those who get it), but the app motivates differently: it reminds you of lessons (tactfully, thankfully, without spamming), cheers you on with your progress, and gives you the feeling that the time spent with it isn't wasted. Solid, German engineering (Babbel comes from Berlin).
ViQueen Aleksandra's Opinion:
A great app, light in form, but also devoid of all that childish exaggeration. It doesn't treat the user like an idiot, but like a serious student. Although it often winks at them. Too bad I didn't have such a teacher in school.
Best English Learning Apps: Memrise
For whom: Beginners, intermediate
How it works: Flashcard and review-based app, short videos with native speakers, official and community-created content
What we like most: works like a classic game and thanks to that, literally, it works
What we like less: only vocabulary, could use a few more slightly longer phrases
Model: free version and paid premium ("lifetime" access costs almost a thousand zlotys)
A colorful, friendly app that doesn't pretend to be more – Memrise is aware of its limitations, and that's how it wins. If you need a simple game to learn new vocabulary on the tram, this is the perfect app for you.
ViQueen Hanna's Opinion:
I opened it at random moments, like when I was waiting for a bus or an elevator, and after a month, I was surprised myself how many new words I had learned. It's still amazing how well it works. Learning incidentally – I'm all in!
See: best apps for creating presentations.
Best English Learning Apps – Busuu or Duolingo?
Best Free English Learning Apps: Busuu
For whom: Beginners, intermediate
How it works: Lessons up to 10 minutes, learning new vocabulary, audio recordings, quiz questions, rather a classic course with social elements
What we like most: thematic courses, contact with "real" people
What we like less: sometimes, like lessons, it can be tedious
Model: free version, premium and premium plus subscription
A classic app, but with community and native speaker support? Yes, that can work. Additionally, Busuu emphasizes speaking aloud (which can be tricky in public places). It may lack fireworks and constant fanfares, but it's still highly engaging and sometimes prevents you from tearing yourself away from the screen.
Viking Paweł's Opinion:
It's solid. Worth the price. I'd recommend it to a friend. A strong 4 out of 5 stars.
Best Free English Learning Apps: Duolingo
For whom: Beginners, intermediate
How it works: Gamification, short lessons even up to 3 minutes
What we like most: for some it's fun, for others not, but – undeniably – this format simply works
What we like less: intrusive notifications and the sad owl are a massacre
Model: free version with ads, paid version without
Probably the most well-known language learning app – it's like Pampers among diapers and Adidas among sneakers. Using it feels like playing a game: you get points, badges, maintain your streak of days, and compete in rankings. It's really addictive, sometimes too much so – some people log in daily just to avoid breaking their streak.
Viking Piotr's Opinion:
In my opinion, this is the first English learning app you should install. The entry barrier is really low here, you can improve your language skills nicely, and then… move on.
Best English Learning Apps – Or Maybe Try Them All?
If you want to learn for free, casually, and from scratch – start with Duolingo or Memrise. If you need something more comprehensive with grammar – reach for Babbel or eTutor. Remember, however, that no matter which English learning app you choose, it will benefit you. Learning through play is a cool option, srsly!
