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Learning Russian is a difficult task for new language learners. The Cyrillic alphabet is hard to master and complex grammar rules don’t make it any easier. Moreover, the need for practice opportunities, especially for people in the US, complicates the learning process even for advanced learners.
However, language learning apps have simplified language learning experience by providing flexible and personalized learning environments. There are also many practice opportunities to suit many language learners, including writing and speaking exercises.
For students learning Russian, there are many Russian apps with vocabulary drills, grammar explanations, and real-life dialogs to help master general language learning. The AI-powered algorithms help tailor Russian lessons to suit students’ needs and make language learning fun. This list covers some of the best apps to learn the Russian language to help you start your language-learning journey.
My Top Picks
Best Overall App for Learning Russian
A compelling app with audio lessons for learning Russian
- Material: 345+ hours
- Price: $4 - $552
- Refund policy: 60-day money back guarantee
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best App for Learning Russian for Novices
A premium yet affordable Russian learning experience for beginners
- Material: 260+ hours
- Price: $14.95 - $349
- Refund policy: 20-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
Best Language App with Lifetime Access
The most comprehensive audio-based platform for learning Russian
- Material: 300+ hours
- Price: $15 - $260
- Refund policy: 60-day
- Free Trial: ✔️
How to Choose the Best App to Learn Russian?
The language learning market is saturated, so finding the best apps to learn Russian 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.
| ⭐ Rating | A sum of user experience, content quality, features, customer support, and value for money. |
| 🥇 Available languages | Most relevant for studying multiple languages but tells a lot about the best apps to learn Russian. |
| 📈 Suits best for | Evaluations are based on ACTFL guidelines, but we also measure how fast you will move up a level. |
| 🛒 Payment options | Shows how flexible the pricing plans are and, in most cases, how much you can save. |
| 💵 Price range | A measure of how much you should expect to spend on a language app. |
| 📚 Hours of study time | An approximate measure of how much language learning material there is for one language. |
| 🕒 Time commitment | Optimal daily dedication for the best results, as spending more time isn’t always the best strategy. |
| 💻 Platforms | Where you can use the best apps to learn Russian. |
| 🔄 Refund policy | A money-back guarantee is a safeguard for your money. |
| 🎁 Free Trial | Most of our best apps to learn Russian do not require a credit card to signup. |
- RussianPod101 – Best App to Learn Russian by Listening
- Babbel – Best Russian App for Novices
- Rocket Languages – Best Overall App to Learn Russian
- Pimsleur – Best Russian App with Lifetime Access
- Preply – Best App to Learn Russian with Instructors
- MosaLingua – Best App to Learn Russian Language and Culture
- Mondly – Best App to Learn Russian with Interactive Lessons
- LingQ – Best Russian App for Reading Practice
- Duolingo – Best App to Learn Russian for Free
| Rocket Languages | Babbel | Pimsleur | RussianPod101 | Glossika | Preply | MosaLingua | Mondly | Drops App | FluentU | LingQ | Duolingo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Review | Rocket Russian review | Babbel Review | Pimsleur review | RussianPod101 Review | Glossika Review | Preply Review | MosaLingua Review | Mondly review | Drops App review | FluentU review | LingQ review | Duolingo review |
| Rating | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9 | 9 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Price | 15 – 260 $ | 14.95 – 349 $ | 14.95 – 575 $ | 4 – 552 $ | 13.33 – 30.99 $ | 3 – 40 $ | 9.49 – 330 $ | 9.9 – 89.99 $ | 13 – 159.99 $ | 29.99 – 143.99 $ | 7.99 – 34.99 $ | 9.99 – 79.99 $ |
Winner
9 Best Apps to Learn Russian Language
Russian POD 101
Best App to Learn Russian by Listening
Why we like RussianPod101
Russian POD 101 provides an extensive collection of podcast-like language courses with the same high-quality standard in each. Listen to native speakers’ dialogue adjusted for your level and accessible at your own pace to learn Russian.
| ⭐ 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 Russian 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 culture
- Affordable
The Bad
- Lacks Russian grammar explanations
- Design feels outdated
Russian POD 101 Overview
Russian POD 101 is for language learners who prefer learning Russian through listening. App focuses on a library of audio recordings and podcasts that students follow as they practice their spoken Russian skills. The bit-size lessons are clear and progress gradually. They also contain transcripts with full Russian sentence structure that students can follow along.
Not all apps to learn Russian have such active emphasis on listening skills. If you are auditory learner, it will help you with memorizing new words as you are always encouraged to test your knowledge. This way, Russian POD 101 app focuses not only on listening but also on self-learning and overall language skills.
Babbel
Best Russian App for Novices
Why we like Babbel
Babbel is an easy-to-use and scientifically proven app to learn Russian. 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 this app.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ 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 app 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 Russian App for Novices
The wide range of beginner-level lessons in Babbel app makes it ideal for a complete beginner to learn Russian. The lessons cover basic pronunciation, grammar, and Russian vocabulary, which is suitable for new and intermediate learners. The emphasis on practical, real-life language learning style and structured lessons ensures new and intermediate learners build a solid foundation for learning languages with the Russian alphabet.
Babbel’s voice recognition technology helps new and intermediate learners practice speaking Russian. The app feature offers instant feedback and correction to students, helping them improve their conversation skills. All in all, Babbel’s progressive lessons make it one of the best apps to learn Russian for a beginner.
Pricing
Babbel app 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.
Rocket Russian
Best Overall App to Learn Russian
Why we like Rocket Russian
Rocket Russian covers everything you need to learn Russian – from speaking and Russian grammar to culture and immersion. The highly interactive app is also affordable, which makes it one of the best apps to learn Russian.
| ⭐ 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 app dashboard.
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
Why Rocket Languages is Overall Best App to Learn Russian
Rocket Russian app provides features that cover all aspects of language learning, including Russian culture immersion, voice recognition technology, interactive audio lessons, and comprehensive Russian grammar lessons. Language learners experience a well-rounded Russian course that speeds up their learning process.
A practical and real-life learning style sets Rocket Languages apart from other apps to learn Russian in its category. Learners practice Russian pronunciation with the speech recognition tool, while audio lessons improve their listening skills and help them start speaking Russian. Additionally, immersion in Russian culture enables language learners to appreciate the Russian language more. In our opinion, this is the best app to learn Russian.
Pricing
Rocket Russian app starts from $99.95, which might seem expensive. But it’s not. Instead of paying a subscription fee to learn Russian, 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 this app.
Pimsleur
Best Russian App with Lifetime Access
Why we like Pimsleur
Pimsleur app 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 to learn Russian fast!
| ⭐ 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 app 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
Why Pimsleur is The Best Russian App with Lifetime Access
Out of all language apps, Pimsleur is the best app to learn Russian for lifetime access. It favors students who learn slowly or those who prefer learning Russian over a long time. Lifetime allows you to study the Russian course forever without a subscription plan. Pimsleur suits language learners on a budget or those with busy schedules as you can study new language at your own pace.
Pimsleur’s lifetime access plan gives you access to the 5-level Russian course, ranging from complete beginner levels to advanced learners Russian. Pimsleur Russian course is often updated to include new vocabulary. The materials to learn Russian include audio recordings, quizzes, flashcards, reading exercises and more.
Pricing
Pimsleur app offers affordable subscription options ranging from $14.95 monthly audio-only course to $150 for all-inclusive individual courses. Premium Pimsleur account provides access to all available languages and levels. The seven-day free trial is a great way to test Pimsleur before starting to learn Russian.
Preply
Best App to Learn Russian with Instructors
Why we like Preply
A diverse selection of native-speaker teachers, flexible scheduling, and customized lessons makes Preply app stand out as an online tutoring platform. Their generous refund system guarantees you’ll find a live tutor for Russian language on Preply.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | Few hours a week |
| 💵 Price: | $3 – $40 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 14 or 90-day refunds |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- Thousands of Tutors – jump into native language learning with a native Russian tutor for almost any language there is.
- One-on-one Lessons – personalize your language learning experience with a personal tutor.
- Preply Classrooms – utilize an interactive app solution that allows your language teacher to share screens, show slides, record lessons, and much more.
- More than language learning – learn more than a language with courses on photography, business, graphic design, and much more.
The Good
- Over 32,000 expert tutors
- Trial lessons
- 100% money-back guarantee
The Bad
- Forces lesson packages
- Inaccurate placement test
Preply Overview
Preply relies on personalized learning by hiring experienced and certified Russian teachers. All Russian language tutors on this language exchange app plan and customize classes based on your needs and goals. All tutors are also Russian native speakers, which helps them to know what’s important about the learning process.
Preply’s Russian language tutors provide accurate and reliable feedback on pronunciation, new vocabulary, and grammar usage. The Russian teachers also answer any questions students might have about the Russian language and culture. Knowing Russian customs help every language learner appreciate the Russian language and understand their way of life.
MosaLingua
Best App to Learn Russian 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 app 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’s engaging and immersive cultural approach makes it one of the best apps to appreciate the Russian culture and way of life. Cultural lessons cover Russian music, history, literature, and art. You’ll learn how Russian speakers use the language in different settings – from business to social settings.
The Russian course of MosaLingua offers tips on traveling and everyday life that every Russian language learner should know before interacting with native speakers. The lessons also touch on popular tourist destinations and cuisines, allowing learners to familiarize themselves with the Russian way of life.
Mondly
Best App to Learn Russian with Interactive Lessons
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, Android |
| ⌚ 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 offers a gamified Russian course to make learning languages fun and productive. The use of relevant images helps learners associate Russian Cyrillic words with objects. The clear audio recordings are easy to follow, assisting Russian learners in improving their listening skills.
Getting better at speaking Russian is also easy, as speech recognition offers instant feedback and correction to help Russian learners improve their pronunciation. Learning Russian writing is possible due to the chatbot functionality. It’s an exceptional feature among language learning apps because Mondly’s assistant really resembles native Russian speakers but adapts well to your Russian language skills.
LingQ
Best Russian App for Reading Practice
Why we like LingQ
LingQ app houses a wide selection of custom language learning content unique to your target language. Its simple and interactive design organizes various podcasts, books, news articles, and songs for a culturally rich language experience.
| ⭐ Platforms: | Web, iOS, Android |
| ⌚ Time commitment: | 30 minutes per day |
| 💵 Price: | $7.99 – $34.99 |
| 🔄 Refund policy: | 90-day money-back guarantee |
| 🎁 Free Trial: | ✔️ |
Key Features
- LingQ Reader – listen, read, and compile learning materials adjusted to your pace.
- Flashcards – rehearse words you learned with color-coded, spaced repetition-powered card decks.
- Upload – import videos, reading materials, songs, and more to learn foreign languages faster.
- LingQ Community – discuss pain points and participate in friendly competitions with other language learners.
The Good
- Allows learning multiple languages
- Interactive language programs
- Allows content importing
- User-friendly interface
- A vibrant community
The Bad
- Some languages lack content
- Overwhelming amount of features
LingQ Overview
LingQ’s approach to extensive reading has proven effective in teaching Russian. The approach focuses on providing many text materials like blog posts, news articles, books, and short stories to learn vocabulary, grammar, Russian sentence structure, and the Cyrillic alphabet.
The interactive vocabulary tool allows Russian learners to click on all Russian words to see their translation and context. LingQ has supplementary learning materials like audio recordings to help Russian learners improve their pronunciation and conversation skills. Not many Russian apps are so good at teaching reading.
Duolingo
Best App to Learn Russian for Free
Why we like Duolingo
Duolingo app 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 Russian language app offering similar features and structured lessons as many paid Russian apps. It has updated and well-rounded learning materials to improve your Russian language skills. The interactive Russian lessons include a points-based approach to help learners progress quickly while making language learning fun.
Duolingo is among the best language learning apps for a free Russian course as it offers features like voice recognition, updated learning materials like books, audio and video lessons. The paid version also provides language exchange with native speakers and includes Russian alphabet essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions When Learning Russian
How can I learn Russian fast?
Using language learning apps is the fastest way for learning Russian. The Russian learning apps in our list have all the resources you need, including Russian grammar, vocabulary, cultural insight, and language exchange possibilities. Apps for learning Russian, like Rocket Languages and Babbel also use innovative features, such as voice recognition, to help learners progress even faster.
What is the hardest part of learning Russian?
The pronunciation of certain words in the Russian Cyrillic alphabet is the most challenging part when learning Russian. Mastering verb conjugation patterns and learning Russian grammar rules is also a concern for new and intermediate learners.
However, regular practice with a study partner or Russian teachers from a language exchange app helps to eliminate the learning challenges and improve your progress. The most important part is to stay consistent and apps for learning Russian that fit your learning style.
My Verdict
Our list of the best apps to learn the Russian language has everything you need. Whether you’re interested in learning vocabulary, culture, grammar, or connecting with a native speaker, there is something for you. Feel free to choose any language learning apps from our best apps list below.
