Traveling to Latin America is an exciting experience, but knowing even a little Spanish can make your trip infinitely better. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or chatting with locals, speaking the language opens doors to deeper cultural connections and smoother travels. Fortunately, there’s an app for every type of learner—whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced student. Here’s a curated list of the 10 best apps to help you learn Spanish, categorized by skill level.
Apps for Beginners
If you’re starting from scratch or have very basic knowledge of Spanish, these apps are perfect for building a strong foundation. They focus on vocabulary, simple phrases, and basic grammar.
1. Duolingo
Cost: Free (with optional premium subscription at $6.99/month).
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Duolingo is one of the most popular language-learning apps, and for good reason. Its gamified approach makes learning fun and accessible. The app breaks lessons into bite-sized units, focusing on vocabulary and simple sentences. It’s perfect for casual learners who want to build a basic foundation without feeling overwhelmed.
Best Features:
- Free to use.
- Gamified lessons with streaks and rewards.
- Offline mode for learning on the go.
Limitations: It’s less focused on grammar and advanced conversation, so it may not be ideal for achieving fluency.
2. Memrise
Cost: Free (with optional premium subscription at $8.99/month).
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Memrise uses humor and creative associations to help beginners remember vocabulary. For example, the Spanish word “casa” (house) might be paired with a funny phrase like “The cat’s house.” This method makes learning engaging and memorable.
Best Features:
- Free version available.
- Humorous and engaging content.
- Focus on practical vocabulary for everyday situations.
Limitations: Less emphasis on grammar and speaking practice.
3. Drops
Cost: Free (with optional premium subscription at $13.00/month).
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Drops is a visually appealing app that focuses on vocabulary building through quick, five-minute sessions. It uses images and associations to help you remember words, making it ideal for visual learners. The app covers a wide range of topics, from food and travel to business and culture.
Best Features:
- Free version available.
- Quick, engaging sessions perfect for busy learners.
- Focus on practical vocabulary for travel.
Limitations: The free version has limited daily use, and it’s less focused on grammar and conversation.
Apps for Intermediate Learners
If you already have a basic understanding of Spanish and want to improve your conversational skills, grammar, and fluency, these apps are ideal.
4. Babbel
Cost: $13.95/month (or $83.40/year).
Why It’s Great for Intermediate Learners: Babbel focuses on practical conversation skills, making it ideal for travelers. Its lessons are short and to the point, covering topics like ordering food, asking for directions, and making small talk. The app also includes speech recognition technology to help you perfect your pronunciation.
Best Features:
- Structured lessons designed by language experts.
- Focus on real-life conversations.
- Affordable compared to other premium apps.
Limitations: It’s a paid app, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
5. Busuu
Cost: Free (with optional premium subscription at $13.95/month).
Why It’s Great for Intermediate Learners: Busuu offers structured lessons designed by experts, covering vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. One standout feature is the ability to get feedback from native speakers, which is invaluable for improving pronunciation and fluency.
Best Features:
- Free version available.
- Feedback from native speakers.
- Personalized study plans.
Limitations: The free version has limited features, and the premium subscription can be pricey.
6. Pimsleur
Cost: $19.95/month (or $150 for a 5-month course).
Why It’s Great for Intermediate Learners: Pimsleur is an audio-based app that emphasizes speaking and listening skills. Its method involves spaced repetition and interactive dialogues, which help you retain what you’ve learned. It’s particularly effective for travelers because it focuses on practical conversations.
Best Features:
- Focus on speaking and listening skills.
- Spaced repetition for better retention.
- Ideal for learning on the go.
Limitations: It’s a paid app, and the lack of visual content may not suit all learners.
Apps for Advanced Learners
If you’re already comfortable with Spanish and want to refine your fluency, expand your vocabulary, or master advanced grammar, these apps are perfect for you.
7. Rosetta Stone
Cost: $35.97 for a 3-month subscription (or $179 for a lifetime subscription).
Why It’s Great for Advanced Learners: Rosetta Stone uses an immersive method, teaching Spanish through images, audio, and context without relying on English translations. This approach helps you think in Spanish, making it ideal for developing a natural understanding of the language.
Best Features:
- Immersive learning experience.
- Focus on thinking in Spanish rather than translating.
- Structured curriculum for advanced learners.
Limitations: It can be challenging for beginners, and the cost may be prohibitive for some.
8. Fluencia
Cost: $14.99/month (or $164.99/year).
Why It’s Great for Advanced Learners: Fluencia offers a structured curriculum with 50 units of lessons, covering everything from basic phrases to advanced conversation skills. The app emphasizes practical language use, making it ideal for travelers who want to communicate effectively.
Best Features:
- Comprehensive and structured approach.
- Focus on practical language use.
- Suitable for serious learners.
Limitations: It’s a paid app, so it may not be suitable for casual learners.
9. FluentU
Cost: Free trial (with a subscription starting at $29.99/month).
Why It’s Great for Advanced Learners: FluentU uses real-world videos—like movie clips, commercials, and news segments—to teach Spanish. This immersive approach helps you learn the language as it’s spoken in everyday life, including slang and regional variations.
Best Features:
- Real-world videos for immersive learning.
- Focus on authentic language use.
- Interactive subtitles and quizzes.
Limitations: The subscription cost is relatively high, and the free trial has limited access.
10. HelloTalk
Cost: Free (with optional premium subscription at $6.99/month).
Why It’s Great for Advanced Learners: HelloTalk connects you with native Spanish speakers for language exchange. You can chat via text, voice, or video, making it a fantastic way to practice conversational skills. The app also includes built-in translation and correction tools.
Best Features:
- Free version available.
- Practice with native speakers.
- Built-in translation and correction tools.
Limitations: The free version has ads, and some features require a premium subscription.
Tips for Choosing the Right App
- Assess Your Skill Level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner? Choose an app that matches your current level.
- Define Your Goals: Do you want to focus on vocabulary, grammar, or conversation? Pick an app that aligns with your goals.
- Consider Your Budget: Some apps are free, while others require a subscription. Decide how much you’re willing to invest.
- Try Before You Buy: Many apps offer free trials or limited free versions. Test a few to see which one you like best.