Best app to learn French

Learning French opens doors to vibrant cultures, exciting travel opportunities, and expanded career options. But, let's face it—traditional learning methods can get a bit tedious. Thankfully, numerous apps make learning French engaging, interactive, and incredibly effective. Here are our top picks for the best apps to learn French quickly and enjoyably.

Best 7 apps to learn French

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is among the most popular and free apps to learn French, offering bite-sized lessons that feel more like a game than a chore.

• Key Features: Gamified lessons, quick quizzes, speaking exercises, progress tracking.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros: Completely free, engaging interface.
• Cons: Ads in the free version, limited advanced content.

2. Babbel

Babbel stands out for its practical approach, emphasizing real-world conversational skills and essential grammar.

• Key Features: Conversational scenarios, vocabulary review, grammar explanations, interactive dialogues.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros: Structured learning path, excellent pronunciation guidance.
• Cons: Subscription required after initial free trial.

3. Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone offers immersive language learning without translations, helping you think directly in French.

• Key Features: Immersive learning, speech recognition, personalized lessons, audio companion.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros: Deep immersion method, excellent for pronunciation.
• Cons: Can be pricey, no translations may confuse beginners.

4. Memrise

Memrise focuses on memory techniques and authentic video content from native speakers to teach everyday language.

• Key Features: Video clips, spaced repetition, vocabulary drills, pronunciation practice.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros: Authentic video content, highly engaging.
• Cons: Limited free content; subscription needed for full features.

5. Busuu

Busuu provides personalized study plans and connects you with native speakers to practice French in real-time.

• Key Features: Customized lessons, speaking practice with natives, grammar reviews, certification available.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros: Real-world interaction, structured curriculum.
• Cons: Best features require premium subscription.

6. Drops

Drops makes vocabulary learning fast, fun, and visual, ideal for learners who enjoy quick, engaging sessions.

• Key Features: Visual associations, 5-minute daily lessons, extensive vocabulary range.
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Pros: Perfect for busy learners, engaging visuals.
• Cons: Limited depth; primarily vocabulary-based.

7. Tandem

Tandem connects you directly with native speakers, providing authentic conversational practice and cultural exchange.

• Key Features: Language exchange, messaging, voice/video chat, topic prompts.
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Pros: Real conversations, cultural exchange opportunities.
• Cons: Less structured, depends heavily on active community participation.

Choosing the best app to learn French depends on your specific goals and learning style. For beginners seeking free and casual learning, Duolingo is an excellent choice. If you're serious about mastering conversational French, Babbel and Rosetta Stone offer structured paths. For vocabulary enhancement, Drops is fantastic, while Tandem excels for learners wanting real-world conversational practice.