However, with choice comes analysis paralysis, and with all of the options available it’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even start.
To simplify your decision, I’ve taken a handful of language websites and broken them down into different learning categories, so you can choose which style fits you best.
Learning a new language can be broken down into four learning methods:
- Algorithm learning
- Textbook learning
- Course learning
- Human learning
Each method has its advantages and its disadvantages, so be honest with yourself about which method you enjoy the most. Do you enjoy traditional textbook learning methods? Or do you thrive when practicing with another human being?
Second, we need to measure the four important factors for each method:
- Time commitment
- Engagement
- Personalization
- Effectiveness
This article takes an in-depth look at each service, and will hopefully give you a good idea of which solutions fit you best. Here are 11 websites that can help you learn a new language:
Algorithm Learning
1. Babbel
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Low
Babbel is a free tool available on any device that focuses on teaching you the basics of a language from writing, grammar, speaking, listening, and more. As a free app, there’s no risk to trying it out and getting started on learning a new language.
2. Memrise
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Low
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium
Memrise is a website that focuses on helping you memorize words. As we’ve mentioned on our language learning blog, memorizing ~2,500 words can help you understand 80% of any language.
Unlike most memorization methods, Memrise has gamified their learning approach to make it more fun and interactive for you.
3. Duolingo
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Low
With over 50+ million registered users, Duolingo is the leader in the free language learning category. Similar to Busuu, they have a gamified approach to teach you the basic knowledge of popular languages from Spanish to Mandarin. You can also get some speaking practice, as they’ll ask you to verbally repeat certain phrases during your training.
4. Busuu
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Low
Busuu is another free mobile app that embraces the importance of community, something that Duolingo lacks. But if you’re looking to learn the basics of grammar and vocabulary, there isn’t much of a difference between the two apps.
Course Learning
5. FluentU
Time commitment: Medium
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium
FluentU refers to itself as immersive online learning. It provides a series of videos and courses to teach you basic and advanced conversation phrases. However, self-motivation will be necessary to go through their video library and to hold yourself accountable if you want to see any type of results.
6. Michel Thomas
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium
Michel Thomas is a well-established language teacher who has created dozens of audiotape programs to help you learn new languages. They’re also a great way to learn basic conversation skills. Their only downside is that is that their practice conversations are one-sided. You’ll need to force yourself to talk out loud and repeat what the people in the audio program are saying in order to practice.
7. Fluent In 3 Months
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium
Fluent In 3 Months is a popular language learning website created by Benny Lewis. He has also created several premium online courses to help you learn languages faster (ostensibly in three months). While it’s hard to expect anyone to become fluent in that short of a time, it’s still worth checking out if you want to learn at your own pace.
Human Learning
8. Rype
Time commitment: Low
Engagement: High
Personalization: High
Effectiveness: High
Rype is a personalized language learning website that connects you with language coaches who provide lessons tailored to your needs.
As the first language coaching platform, Rype provides accountability and personalization by delivering honest feedback, allowing 24/7 access to your coach, and offering customized lesson packages such as lessons for travellers and lessons for beginners.
Although more languages are coming, they’re currently offering Spanish with plans to introduce French, German, and Italian in the near future.
9. Conversation Exchange
Time commitment: High
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Medium
Effectiveness: Medium
Conversation Exchange is a place where language lovers meet online to help each other learn their native language.
For example, a person fluent in German looking to learn English can pair up with a native English speaker looking to speak German. Conversations can take place in-person, over Skype, through text over Whatsapp, or via their chat software.
Although the concept is great, finding the right partner is a challenge due to the lack of personalization, a matchmaking system, and schedule coordination. Most students will not be as dedicated because of the lack of commitment involved, and it can take some time before you discover the partner you like.
If you’re lacking budget and have the patience and time to go on the journey, this is a great, free way to learn conversation skills!
10. LiveMocha
Time commitment: High
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Medium
Effectiveness: Medium
LiveMocha is an online language learning community by Rosetta Stone that allows you to connect with native speakers. They also have interactive lesson courses that you can go through for over 35 languages to learn basic vocabulary and grammar. However, if you want to take your speaking skills to the next level, this option is limited.
11. Polyglot Club
Time commitment: Medium
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: High
Effectiveness: Medium
The Polyglot Club is the most widely-known online language meetup site. It’s a destination where language lovers can organize local events around the world for conversation exchanges, practice sessions, and more. If you want to connect with fellow language learners in-person and practice your speaking skills in person, then you should find an event in your local city using this link.
With that said, it may be difficult for you to find native speakers at these events. Many of the people you find may just be getting started like yourself.
