{"id":148828,"date":"2023-02-16T23:38:18","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T04:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/free-english-learning-apps\/"},"modified":"2025-06-17T02:42:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T06:42:03","slug":"free-english-learning-apps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/english\/free-english-learning-apps\/","title":{"rendered":"13 Free English Learning Apps"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m going to tell you a secret: I taught myself English totally for free<\/strong>, with nothing else but my smartphone.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there are many free English learning apps out there. <\/strong><\/p>\n

They also make it fun, easy and convenient for you to learn<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Read on to learn about the 13\u00a0best free English learning apps<\/strong> out there, so you can advance your English while saving your money for other things!<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

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Complete Free English Learning Apps<\/h2>\n

1. Duolingo<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Duolingo is the best, right?<\/p>\n

It’s a super popular language-learning platform that offers free interactive lessons in English and many other languages. Through its user-friendly interface and fun gamified approach,<\/strong> Duolingo suits learners of all levels with exercises that cover vocabulary, grammar, listening and speaking skills<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Its easy-to-conquer bite-sized lessons<\/strong>, progress tracking, and rewards system make it an enjoyable and effective tool for individuals looking to improve their English proficiency at their own pace.<\/p>\n

Read our full review of Duolingo here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2. Busuu<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Busuu\"<\/a>Busuu is a super effective all-around language-learning app that provides free comprehensive English courses. What’s not to like, right?<\/p>\n

With its emphasis on research-backed interactive exercises, personalized study plans and real-life conversation practice with native speakers<\/strong>, Busuu offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience that’s sure to keep you coming back.<\/p>\n

You can enhance your English skills through writing, speaking and listening activities– and you can always receive feedback from Busuu’s vibrant and active community of language learners<\/strong>. It’s like the best of language learning with the best of social media, wrapped into one!<\/p>\n

Read our full review of Busuu here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Simpler<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Simpler English app simplifies written English<\/strong> for non-native speakers and those who struggle with complexity. It rephrases text using shorter sentences, common words and simpler grammar while preserving the original meaning.<\/p>\n

Features include vocabulary assistance, grammar checks and reading aids<\/strong> like text-to-speech. It aims to make English more accessible and understandable for all users, bridging the gap between complex texts and those who need a clearer version to engage effectively.<\/p>\n

Free English Vocabulary Apps<\/h2>\n

The more words and phrases<\/a> you know, the better you’ll be able to express yourself in English. So, check out some of these vocabulary-focused apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

4. Memrise<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Do you love playing\u00a0games<\/strong>? How amazing would it be if learning a language was similar to setting out on a journey to discover a hidden treasure?<\/p>\n

Well, Memrise is designed to make you feel just like that. Created like a game, Memrise is a pretty good app for learning useful and everyday vocabulary<\/strong> that you can immediately use in conversations.<\/p>\n

There are many different courses to choose from based on themes or specific vocabulary, such as IELTS<\/strong> vocabulary<\/strong> or even common English idioms and slang words<\/strong>. You can also create your own course<\/strong> by adding the vocabulary you want to learn.<\/p>\n

Memrise has a paid subscription option, but the free version is good enough for all your vocabulary needs!<\/p>\n

Read our full review of Memrise here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5. Word of the Day – Vocabulary Builder<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

\"english-learning-apps\"<\/a>When I was in school, my English teachers advised me to learn at least one new word daily<\/strong>. So every day, I would make time to choose a random number and open the dictionary to that page and learn a word from there. That habit really served me well.<\/p>\n

Well, now there are countless apps<\/strong> that’ll help you do just that. With these apps, you’ll learn a new word a day, along with its synonyms<\/strong> (words that mean the same thing) and opposites. Word of the Day is great because it also shows you how to use the vocabulary word in context.<\/p>\n

By the end of the year, you’ll have learned over 365 new words<\/strong>, from just one app alone!<\/p>\n

Free English Grammar Apps<\/h2>\n

Building a really strong foundation<\/strong> in English grammar is important. It’ll help you to communicate better and with more confidence. Here are some great apps for grammar practice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

6. Hello English: Learn English<\/h3>\n

Android<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hello English is a beautiful app, especially great for people who are just starting to learn English.<\/p>\n

This app has detailed English grammar tips<\/strong>. Plus, they provide a chat helpline<\/strong> where you can directly ask questions to teachers. It’s brilliant for non-native speakers from all around the world because you have the option to learn<\/strong> English from over 20 languages<\/strong>, with the help of accurate translations.<\/p>\n

The app comes with state-of-the-art speech recognition software<\/strong>, an audio dictionary, interactive lessons and even some games. Not only will you end up learning English grammar pretty fast, but you’ll also build a strong base in speaking, reading and listening<\/strong>. Your vocabulary will improve as well.<\/p>\n

Read our full review of Hello English here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

7. English Grammar Book<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Sometimes, the best approach to learning grammar rules is to follow a textbook<\/strong>. If this sort of learning suits you, then the English Grammar Book app is the right app for you.<\/p>\n

You can choose to browse by topic or by difficulty level<\/strong>. The explanations for each subject are very simple and easy to understand. And unlike a traditional grammar book, you get points and medals for completing levels and quizzes.<\/p>\n

Free English Speaking Apps<\/h2>\n

Now that the grammar and vocabulary bits are already taken care of, it’s time to focus on your speaking skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8. HelloTalk<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Speaking with a native speaker<\/strong> or even someone who is also learning the language is a great way to improve your language skills and help you gain confidence in using the language.<\/p>\n

If you’re having difficulty finding the right expert or study partner, there’s an app to save the day.<\/p>\n

On HelloTalk, you can look for native speakers in English and communicate with them, via text, voice and video messages, for free<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

HelloTalk is similar to a social media app<\/strong>. You can follow other language learners and post “Moments” which can be anything from questions you may have about a language to photos you have taken.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The free version of the app lets you learn one language at a time. The HelloTalk VIP subscription<\/strong> allows you to learn multiple languages and access extra features such as unlimited translations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You never know: you might make a wonderful friend<\/strong> in the process of practicing English.<\/p>\n

Read our full review of HelloTalk here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9. Speaky<\/h3>\n

Android<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Does the idea of chatting with a friend and learning a language<\/strong> sound like a dream to you?<\/p>\n

In that case, you need to download Speaky. You simply choose a language and your current level. Then, find a partner<\/strong> with the right profile for you. You can find people who are online and begin talking to them right away!<\/p>\n

And once you’ve gained confidence, you can offer to teach languages you’re fluent in. This means you can use Speaky like a language exchange<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Free English Reading and Listening Apps<\/h2>\n

Developing strong reading<\/strong> and listening skills<\/a> is very important. The easier it is for you to read and understand English, the more fluent you’ve become!<\/p>\n

10. Voice of America Learning English<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a> | Website<\/a><\/p>\n

\"english-learning-app\"<\/a>If your main focus is American English<\/strong>, then this app is a great option for you to practice your reading and listening skills while learning about American news and culture.<\/p>\n

VOA Learning English provides a wealth of listening material in the form of stories and news reports<\/strong>. When reading the articles you will find an audio player, enabling you to listen to the article being read aloud. The speed of the audio is pretty slow, and on the app, the audio transcripts are automatically highlighted (like a karaoke screen). This will help you follow the audio.<\/p>\n

After you finish reading or listening to the article you can find a list of key words<\/strong> used in the story below it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Try spending 10 or 15 minutes on this app each day, and both your language skills<\/strong> and knowledge of American culture will quickly improve<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

11. Book Dash<\/h3>\n

Android<\/a> | Online<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reading<\/strong> children’s storybooks<\/strong> is a marvelous way to improve language skills and have fun.<\/p>\n

This app offers over 200 African storybooks<\/strong>, entirely free and available in 11 different languages. The books are written and illustrated by a team of volunteers. So, if you read these stories, you’ll support a great volunteer project as well as improve your reading skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Accessing the stories isn’t difficult, since they are available online<\/strong> or on an Android app<\/strong>. (They are working on creating an iOS app.) Moreover, the uniquely African stories will introduce more diversity into your learning curriculum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Free English Writing Apps<\/h2>\n

Many people have a passion for writing<\/strong> because it’s a wonderful way to express yourself. Why not try writing in English?<\/p>\n

12. Grammarly Keyboard<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a>\"free-english-learning-apps\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you’ve been scared to express yourself because you’re scared of making mistakes, then you need this special keyboard<\/strong> in your smartphone. It’ll alert you when you make mistakes<\/strong>. Grammarly can help you correct punctuation and even find the right words for a particular context.<\/p>\n

Whether you have to write an email to your boss or text a friend in English, Grammarly will help you type with confidence<\/strong>. And if you keep track of your mistakes and try to avoid repeating them, you’ll notice your writing skills will improve too.<\/p>\n

13. Prompted Journal<\/h3>\n

iOS<\/a> | Android<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>When I was very young, my parents encouraged me to keep a diary<\/strong> and write down my own thoughts. That habit helped me express my emotions and learn about myself. It also helped me become a better writer! To practice your English writing, try keeping an English diary<\/strong> and writing in it regularly. This will encourage you to “think” in English<\/strong> and find better ways to express your thoughts.<\/p>\n

However, it can be difficult for you to get started. In that case, Prompted Journal’s app is the perfect solution. The app provides you with many ideas and topics to write about<\/strong>. Just pick one and write a paragraph or two each day.<\/p>\n

If video is your thing, you can learn by watching authentic videos on FluentU<\/a>:<\/p>\n

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p> \r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

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