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The French language is, without a doubt, one of the primary sought-after languages. The rhythm and beauty of the language attract learners from all over the world. Yet, newbies always need help with French grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation.
Fortunately, online language learning platforms are available to make learning French easy. With these apps, French learners can access content tailored to all levels, from beginner to advanced learners.
It’s no wonder why online language learning apps are becoming increasingly popular as they offer an effective way to learn French. They make it easy to access quality content on the go. With the right app, you can speak like native French speakers.
This article will review some of the best apps to learn the French language, so you can find one that fits your needs.
TOP 3 Best French Learning Apps
Best Overall App to Learn French
An effortless language learning with cutting-edge technology
- Material: 345+ hours
- Price: $4 - $552
- Refund policy: 60-day money back guarantee
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best French App for Novices
The most comprehensive audio-based language learning platform
- Material: 300+ hours
- Price: 15 - $260
- Refund policy: 60-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best French App with Lifetime Plan
A premium yet affordable French learning experience for beginners
- Material: 260+ hours
- Price: $4.95 - $299.99
- Refund policy: 20-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
The Best French Learning Apps of 2023
- French POD 101 – Best French App for Podcasts
- Rocket Languages – Best French App for Novices
- Babbel – Best Overall App to Learn French
- Mondly – Best French App with Lifetime Plan
- Memrise – Best French App for Word Context
- italki – Best App to Learn French with Instructors
- MosaLingua – Best App to Learn French Language and Culture
- Pimsleur – Best App to Learn French Vocabulary
- Speechling – Best App to Learn French by Verbal Practice
- FluentU – Best App To Learn French Grammar
- Duolingo – Best App to Learn French for Free
How to Choose the Best French Language Learning App
The language learning market is saturated, so finding the best apps to learn French is time-consuming. It takes throughout research and testing to see what’s actually effective. Here at Lingomee, we’re all about making it easier for you. We benchmark all products through the same measures.
Individual Reviews Of The Best Apps to Learn French
| Babbel | Rocket Languages | Mondly | French POD 101 | Memrise | Italki | MosaLingua | Yabla | Pimsleur | Speechling | FluentU | Drops App | Busuu | Duolingo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Review | Babbel Review | Rocket French review | Mondly review | FrenchPod101 Review | Memrise Review | Italki review | MosaLingua Review | Yabla Review | Pimsleur French review | Speechling Review | FluentU review | Drops App review | Busuu review | Duolingo review |
| Price | 14.95 – 349 $ | 15 – 260 $ | 9.9 – 89.99 $ | 4 – 552 $ | 8.49 – 119.99 $ | 4 – 50 $ per lesson | 9.49 – 330 $ | 12.95 – 99.95 $ | 14.95 – 575 $ | 19.99 – 239.99 $ | 29.99 – 143.99 $ | 13 – 159.99 $ | 9.99 – 79.99 $ | 9.99 – 79.99 $ |
Winner
TOP 11 Best Apps to Learn The French Language - Our Comprehensive List
French POD 101
Best French App for Podcasts
Why we like French POD 101
French POD 101 provides an extensive collection of podcast-like language courses with the same high-quality standard in each. Listen to native speaker dialogues adjusted for your level and accessible at your own pace.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 40 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $4 – $552 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Pathways – learn French with personalized lesson plans suiting your interests.
- Dialogues – follow native speaker conversations while making notes and recording yourself.
- Vocabulary – study each word separately with its pronunciation and translation.
- Lesson Notes – read comprehensive yet concise notes on the most crucial concepts of your target language.
The Good
- Plenty of audio content
- Teaches Japanese culture
- Affordable
The Bad
- Lacks grammar explanations
- Design feels outdated
French POD 101 Overview
The French French POD 101 is a great resource for learning French with video and audio clips of native speakers that cover almost any topic. It will improve your listening skills and teach you about French culture and history. French French POD releases new French language podcasts daily for continuous language learning.
We love French POD 101 for the sheer amount of audio lessons, but there’s more. The app has a built-in French translator dictionary. So you can access French words in English. Lesson notes provide explicit grammar explanations and ensure you remember French vocabulary.
Rocket Languages
Best French App for Novices
Why We Like Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages covers everything you need to learn a new language – from speaking and grammar to culture and immersion. The highly interactive app is also affordable, which makes it one of the best apps to learn French.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 40 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $15 – $260 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Interactive Audio Lessons – talk the language of native speakers through real-life interactions.
- Play It! – take the role of a speaker in a dialogue and practice your pronunciation.
- Reinforcement Activities – use multiple exercises to memorize the language in every aspect.
- Progress-Tracking – stay on your learning path with a gamified motivational system.
The Good
- Great value for money
- Voice recognition technology
- Prioritizes conversational fluency
- Offers American sign language
The Bad
- Not for visual-only learners
- Uneven level count
Rocket Languages Overview
Rocket French stands out from the crowd due to its unique approach to language learning. Unlike traditional French courses, it emphasizes interactive audio lessons and real-life conversations with native speakers. Rocket French focuses on French culture to help remember new words and foster conversational French in different scenarios.
Topics focus on everyday scenarios, which makes French learning easier for beginners. Rocket French reinforcement is an excellent feature for learning new French words. You don’t have to rely on memorization. Rocket French has fun activities like flashcards, writing tasks, audio lessons, and PlayIt gives you a chance to interact with a native French speaker.
Pricing
Rocket Languages starts from $99.95, which might seem expensive. But it’s not. Instead of paying a subscription fee, you get access to all the course contents for one price. Forever. Rocket languages also have an unlimited free trial with access to some introductory content. There really isn’t any reason not to try it.
Babbel
Best Overall App to Learn French
Why we like Babbel
Babbel is an easy-to-use and scientifically proven language-learning app. It’s full of engaging lessons, podcasts, review exercises, and games. Babbel is balanced for beginners, but every language learner will find a use for it.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Androis |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $14.95 – $349 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 20-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Speech Recognition System – test your pronunciation with what might be the most accurate voice recognition software on the market.
- Babbel Live – participate in hour-long lessons with certified language instructors.
- Mini Games – break out of the rut with a variety of engaging language-learning games.
- Everyday Conversations – improve your speaking skills while following a dialogue in a real-world setting.
The Good
- Well-designed app
- Podcasts
- Live lessons
- Affordable
The Bad
- Course length varies by language
- Only 14 languages
Why Babbel is The Best Overall App to Learn French
Babbel is a comprehensive platform designed to suit all levels of French language learners. It offers a variety of engaging French lessons, podcasts, review exercises, and games. Its voice recognition technology is highly accurate and ensures that users can start speaking French.
Babbel has a scientifically proven methodology, unlike other French language apps, ensuring that users are comfortable with their new language quickly. French learners can customize their French learning by providing additional information. It could be age, why they are learning French, and their current level of knowledge. This is great for both beginners and advanced French learners.
Pricing
Babbel gives free access to the first class of all courses and two free Babbel Live lessons. A subscription costs $14.95 monthly, but an annual plan lowers the price to only $7.45. A lifetime subscription unlocks all languages forever for $349. But Babbel live lessons will still cost you from $50 per month.
Mondly
Best French App with Lifetime Plan
Why we like Mondly
Mondly might be the most innovative language-learning app on the market. It appeals to language learners of various levels with gamified and even virtual reality lessons. Language learning is guaranteed to be fun with Mondly.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Androis |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $9.90 – $89.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | Individual refunds |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Speech Recognition Technology – gain confidence in speaking with advanced voice recognition.
- Interactive Chatbot – receive instant feedback on your conversational skills.
- AR and VR Modules – engage with digital characters and objects while learning a language.
- Mondly Kids – immerse your kids into a foreign language through interactive games.
The Good
- Large selection of languages
- Affordable
- AR and VR lessons
- Gamification
- Lessons for kids
The Bad
- Insufficient grammar coverage
- Lacks speaking practice
- Repetitive lessons
Mondly Overview
Mondly can keep you building your French skills for a long time. The platform offers virtual reality lessons so French learners can immerse themselves in a realistic environment. Mondly also incorporates Augmented Reality lessons for learning French. Mondly’s daily tasks develop a regular French learning habit and are tailored to your language skills.
Out of all French learning apps, Mondly is the most likely to keep you learning conversational French language for a long time. That’s why it is one of the best apps for lifetime access, and after you become a fluent French speaker, you can practice speaking many other languages Mondly provides.
Pricing
The payment options of Mondly are flexible – you can pay every month ($9.99), every three months ($29.97), or annually ($47.99). The lifetime subscription ($89.99) has great value for money, providing access to all languages and features. You can also try out Mondly with the seven-day free trial.
Memrise
Best French App for Word Context
Why we like Memrise
Powered by flashcards, spaced repetition, and AI, Memrise is a great app to memorize words and reach conversational fluency. Besides official tools, Memrise promotes language learners to upload courses on topics of interest.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $8.49 – $119.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Chats and Missions – get conversation practice with a chatbot and complete missions to use the language in everyday scenarios
- Review to Retain – flip flashcards with word translations and videos to memorize them.
- User-created Content – use relatable materials nourished by other students for language learning.
- Immerse – measure what you’ve learned in the material with fun videos.
The Good
- Videos of native speakers
- Various ways to improve conversation skills
- Plenty of user-created content
- Free courses
The Bad
- Falls behind on grammar
- No verbal practice tools
Memrise Overview
Memrise is the perfect app for those looking to up their French language skills. Its French vocabulary flashcards, spaced repetition, and AI-powered tools make it an effective way of memorizing new words and improving conversational French.
Memrise allows users to share their content which is often created by a native French speaker. The language app monitors your progress and generates content via an adaptive learning process, which means all new French words are tailored to you and have relevant context.
Italki
Best App to Learn French with Instructors
Why we like Italki
italki is the most popular online tutoring platform with a wide selection of teachers for any language. The language exchange provides all you need for tutoring and even some additional practice possibilities outside the classroom.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | Few hours a week |
| 💵 Price: | $4 – $50 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 100% satisfaction guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Teacher Filtering – find the right tutor with the help of relevant filters.
- italki Classroom – take classes with an in-built software without worrying about compatibility.
- italki Credits – pay with a virtual currency and save money.
- italki Discover – find various activities created by the italki community.
The Good
- Thousands of teachers
- Many languages
- Affordable prices
- Well-designed
- Free practice options
The Bad
- Needs more content moderation
- Tutor price differences
italki Overview
If you are trying to get lessons from native French speakers, then italki is your app. You can connect with native speakers who are teaching French grammar, pronunciation of French words, and all other parts of this language. The extensive filters make italki the best French learning app for finding tutors.
The French app has an interactive community and a flexible schedule so you can learn French on your terms. You will progress quickly in your French courses on italki as they are personalized by teachers to fit the French skills of everyone, including advanced learners.
MosaLingua
Best App to Learn French Language and Culture
Why we like MosaLingua
MosaLingua is a language-learning app that has perfected the use of spaced repetition and flashcards. But it packs even more – dialogues, reading materials, music, and many more culturally relevant materials are available on this platform.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 15 – 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $9.49 – $330 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day refunds |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Flashcards – learn new words, review old ones and improve your language skills with the help of spaced repetition.
- MosaLingua Dialogues – participate in audio conversations with foreign language subtitles.
- Reading exercises – access a large library of books and stories to improve reading comprehension.
- MosaLingua Videos – improve your listening skills by watching various videos with quality transcripts.
The Good
- Large selection of flashcards
- Affordable
- Dialogue practice
The Bad
- Poor user interface
- Recordings vary in quality
MosaLingua Overview
MosaLingua is one of the best French learning apps for language and culture because of its comprehensive approach. It has French vocabulary flashcards and offers dialogues, reading materials, and music that will help you understand French culture and even practice your pronunciation with native speakers.
The best part is that this app to learn French includes cultural lessons based on topics like history, music, and food. It allows French learners to become accustomed to the French culture before they visit a French-speaking country.
Pimsleur
Best App to Learn French Vocabulary
Why we like Pimsleur
Pimsleur gets you conversational in a new language with interactive audio lessons and games. A native speaker instructor will walk you through basic vocabulary and the most important concepts for reading, grammar, and writing.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $14.95 – $575 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Driving and Offline Mode – download audio lessons for offline use and easily control the app while driving.
- Speak Easy challenge – build conversational skills, expand vocabulary, and get conversational in real-life settings.
- Voice coach – advanced speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice.
- Speed Run Game – memorize and translate words quickly with an interactive game.
The Good
- Simple audio lessons
- Perfect for learning to speak
- Interactive exercises
- 50+ languages and ESL courses
The Bad
- Costlier than alternatives
- Largely overlooks reading and writing
Pimsleur Overview
Pimsleur is one of the best apps to learn French vocabulary. It gradually introduces you to new words so you could learn at your own pace. You learn vocabulary via relevant cultural contexts, which helps remember the meaning and retain French vocabulary longer.
Pimsleur’s French course is comprehensive, focusing on punctuation, grammar, and new vocabulary. So you not only learn vocabulary but also how to use it correctly. You can learn on the go with the audio lessons, so you don’t need to sit in one place. The difficulty of Pimsleur increases at a slow pace while learning French, so you don’t have to rush.
Speechling
Best App to Learn French by Verbal Practice
Why we like Speechling
Speechling improves pronunciation and listening skills through various exercises. It uses a vast library of high-quality audio recordings, but the main benefit of this language-learning app is easy access to personalized feedback from a tutor.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 25 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $19.99 – $239.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | Non-refundable |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Skills – a collection of language courses covering vocabulary, basic expressions, and listening skills.
- Speechling Conversations – answer questions, describe images, and discuss various topics with your new vocabulary.
- Toolbox – improve every part of the target language with quizzes, flashcards, dictation practice, and more.
- Study – learn to pronounce new words and memorize them with spaced repetition.
The Good
- Dedicated pronunciation coaching
- Native speaker audio content
- Affordable
The Bad
- Limited language options
- Overwhelming for complete beginners
Speechling Overview
Speechling will help you speak French thanks to its French vocabulary lists, flashcards, and pronunciation practices. The flashcards slowly introduce new words on specific topics. Then you can practice speaking French with these new words by comparing them with how native speakers pronounce them.
The language app also hires native French speakers as instructors. That means you receive authentic intonation and accent while learning French. Speechling is flexible in providing feedback, so you will make time for improving your speaking skills while learning French.
FluentU
Best App To Learn French Grammar
Why we like FluentU
FluentU is built around a huge library of videos with transcriptions and translations for each language they cover. It individualizes the learning of vocabulary, grammar, and culture through foreign language immersion.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 15 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $29.99 – $143.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 20-day refund policy |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Audio and video lessons – find what native speaker content you want from a large variety of options.
- Flashcards – create your own flashcards from the videos you watched for later study
- Dictionary – define words in their context with selected videos.
- FluentU Translator – look up information while watching videos to get translations and definitions of words.
The Good
- Entertaining videos
- Good structure
- Helps with difficult concepts
The Bad
- Expensive
- Lacks speaking practice
FluentU Overview
French grammar can be tricky for beginners, but FluentU offers French video and audio clips to eliminate this issue. The learning process contains materials from different French contexts. It helps French learners understand and remember grammar. You also receive grammar explanations relevant to your French skills.
FluentU is a fun language app to learn about French culture and focus on contextual learning too. You can set specific goals while tackling the French language quickly. French Learners can also click on the subtitles in any video to understand the meaning of French words and their grammar.
Duolingo
Best App to Learn French for Free
Why we like Duolingo
Duolingo is the most gamified language learning experience you can get. Just like in a video game, you must collect gems and earn XP while learning basic concepts of a new language.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 15 – 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $9.99 – $79.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 48-hour refunds |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Gems, XP points, badges… – motivate yourself to learn with an abundance of elements from mobile games.
- Stories – read and listen to interactive stories bringing you closer to a real-life experience.
- Roleplay – converse with a chatbot that can adjust to your proficiency level.
- Personalized lessons – delve into short lessons teaching the basics of the target language while focusing on your weak spots.
The Good
- Free version
- Good gamification
- Easy to use
- 39+ languages
The Bad
- Lacks control over materials
- Repetitive
- Ad-supported
Duolingo Overview
Duolingo is a free app with a lot of gamification for interactive French learning. You earn points to unlock new French words like in a game. The lessons are short and easy to understand. You come across various listening practice, translation, reading, and speaking French exercises.
You can learn via role play and listening through this free app. Duolingo tracks your progress and personalizes lessons so you could learn French at your own pace. This free app is excellent at teaching French on a basic level.
Best Apps To Learn French: Wrap-Up
Whether you’re looking for quick French lessons or want a more extensive French course, our list of the best apps to learn French has it all. These French language learning apps will offer excellent quality to learn French words, find language exchange partners, getting grammar explanations, and everything else. You’ll be speaking French in no time.
How to Learn French: FAQ
What is the best way to learn French?
Besides living in a French-speaking country, the fastest way to learn French is through lessons full of reading, writing, speaking, and listening practice. Choose the best French apps like Babbel, Rocket Languages, and Mondly to offer. They come with a blend of academic understanding from native speakers.
How fast can I learn French?
Your pace of learning French depends on your language skills and motivation. It takes around 500 hours to become a fluent French speaker. However, this is with the condition that you will live in a French-speaking country.
Can I learn French B2 in 3 months?
Yes, you can learn French B2 in three months with the right choice of French apps and no less than an hour of practice each day. You must also practice speaking French daily. If you do not have native speakers around to teach you how to pronounce French words, we recommend choosing an app with voice recognition technology, such as Babbel and Rocket French.
How many hours is A1 French?
You have to set aside 15 hours every week to master an A1 French language course for podcasts, audio lessons, writing prompts, and to practice speaking. Of course, introductory grammar explanations are unavoidable, and aspects of French culture will help you to understand the language better.
Can I learn French at 40 years old?
You can’t be too old for learning French, it might just take more time and motivation. That is why any French learning app from our list will implement motivational and game-like strategies to get you through French lessons.
