Babbel

Babbel's online platform offers affordable, comprehensive language learning features, but users say its mobile apps are what make this company stand out. 

Bottom line

A favorite of on-the-go language learners. Babbel's web-only option and impressive apps make it an ideal choice for mobile users. While Babbel's content can't compete with heavyweights like Rosetta Stone or Tell Me More, reviewers and users say its interactive online lessons, excellent app, speech recognition and vocabulary lists make learning a foreign language both fun and achievable, without breaking the bank. Babbel offers full courses in seven languages and vocabulary-only courses in four languages. One cautionary note for Swedish students, however: many native speakers on message boards complain that some of the terms aren't accurate.

Setup

Simple, web-based software. Germany-based Babbel teaches only a handful of languages (most of them European) and offers three refreshingly simple pricing plans -- one, three or six months. You can also sign up for a single-lesson trial to get a taste of the content. It's a straightforward, standard process: once you pay you'll get a confirmation email and will need to set up a password. But many budding linguists instead vie for Babbel's cheap app, which offers many of the online services.

Interface

Babbel is so straightforward, you can't get lost. Babbel originally began as a social media site, and it still has an uncomplicated design with a strong community component. The site has just six sections listed in the header: home, courses, people, board, chat and messages. Babbel offers a terrific feature that lets customers choose the language of their interface. If you're looking for more of an immersion experience, this certainly can't hurt. Chat rooms are available in multiple languages.

Features

Mobile flexibility and a comprehensive method. Unlike other language-learning competitors that downplay grammar and writing, Babbel uses a truly comprehensive method of teaching. Conjugation, grammar, listening comprehension, writing and speaking lessons are all offered in engaging multimedia exercises. For example, a word and accompanying image pops up on the screen, and a native speaker pronounces it. You're then told to type the word on the page and repeat it into a microphone. This speech recognition technology (and scored feedback) is also available on Babbel's wildly popular app, which offers up to 3,000 vocabulary words and practical, interactive lessons. One top reviewer says it's the most powerful app on the market. There is also content tailored for travel and business.