Learning English takes time, especially for adults. It is a journey that requires smart habits and steady practice. The best English learning apps do not promise instant fluency, but they help you build vocabulary, understand grammar, and gain confidence in real conversations. After reviewing the top apps of 2025, we found five that stand out for different goals and learning styles.
We evaluated them based on six key factors: habit-building ability, meaningful English input, multisensory learning design, interactive practice, cultural context, and native-speaker feedback. Whether you're just starting to learn English or looking to refine your skills, there's an app here for you.
Duolingo: Build an Addictive English Study Habit
Duolingo remains one of the most widely used English learning apps in the world. Its biggest strength is how effectively it builds daily learning habits. With streak rewards, leaderboards, achievement badges, and reminders, Duolingo makes English learning feel like a game.
Lessons combine listening, speaking, reading, and writing, presented through colorful visuals and short interactive stories. The free version offers extensive content for English learners, while the premium upgrade adds AI-powered conversations, mistake reviews, and offline access.
However, Duolingo provides limited support for real-world speaking situations. It's best for those just starting to learn English and looking for a light, low-pressure way to build vocabulary and sentence structure through consistent short sessions.
Best for: Beginners who want to learn English daily through fun, bite-sized lessons.
Babbel: Learn English Grammar With Pro Teachers
If you want to truly understand how English works, Babbel offers one of the most structured learning paths available. Each English lesson focuses on grammar, practical expression, and cultural context, making it ideal for learners who want to go beyond memorizing phrases. What makes Babbel stand out is its Babbel Live feature, which connects you with certified English teachers in live online classes, either one-on-one or in small groups. These sessions provide real-time explanations and correction, making them perfect for learners without access to traditional classroom instruction.
Although Babbel's interface isn't as playful as Duolingo's, its lessons are carefully crafted and outcome-driven, helping learners build a solid foundation in English grammar and conversation.
Best for: Learners who want structured English grammar lessons and live teacher support.
Memrise: Hear Real English From Real People
Memrise is the perfect English learning app for those who want to improve listening and pronunciation through real-world exposure. Instead of textbook-style recordings, Memrise features short video clips of native English speakers using everyday phrases with natural tone and pace.
These clips cover topics like ordering food, asking for directions, or making small talk, offering an authentic feel for how English is used in daily life. The "video vault" allows you to scroll and absorb native content almost like a language-focused TikTok feed.
Beginners may find the fast-paced speech challenging at first, but for intermediate learners, Memrise is a powerful tool for developing English listening comprehension and conversational fluency.
Best for: English learners with some foundation who want to improve listening and pick up real expressions.
Busuu: Improve Your English With Native Feedback
Busuu takes English learning to the next level by incorporating peer-to-peer feedback from native speakers. You can submit writing or speaking exercises and receive real corrections and suggestions from English speakers around the world.
This makes Busuu more than just a study app. It is a real language exchange platform. In return, you can also help others learn your native language. Courses are customized based on specific goals like travel, business English, or exam prep, and the user interface is clean and intuitive.
If you're learning English for a practical purpose and want live feedback from real people, Busuu offers a balanced mix of structured lessons and community interaction.
Best for: Learners with specific English goals who value personalized feedback from native speakers.
Talkit: Practice English Speaking in Real Scenarios
Talkit is one of the most exciting innovations in the world of English learning apps. Instead of drilling flashcards, Talkit drops you into immersive 3D scenarios like cafés, airports, and offices where you engage in natural English conversations with responsive AI characters.
Whether you're ordering coffee or discussing hobbies, you'll practice phrases exactly when you need them, making English learning both relevant and memorable. Talkit's speech recognition provides instant feedback in a friendly, low-pressure way, helping you improve pronunciation and confidence with every interaction.
Lessons are short (under 10 minutes), making it easy to stay consistent. The app also works completely offline, so you can speak English anytime, anywhere. With gamified features like streaks and badges, plus a vibrant user community, Talkit makes English learning social, immersive, and practical.
Best for: Learners who want to practice speaking English in real-life situations with smart AI feedback.
Final Thoughts
Consistency is the key to learning English effectively. The best English learning apps do not work like magic. They help you build habits by making it easier to stay consistent and engaged every day. From Duolingo's gamified ease to Talkit's realistic conversation practice, each app has strengths that meet different learning needs.
If your goal is to speak English fluently and confidently, Talkit is especially worth trying. It is one of the few platforms that trains you for real-life communication, not just grammar quizzes. Instead of memorizing vocabulary, you will use English in meaningful contexts that stick.
Whether you're learning English for work, travel, exams, or personal growth, choose the app that motivates you to keep going. Once you enjoy the process, fluency becomes a natural outcome.