Best mobile language software

Software has long been a draw for language learners who need the time and flexibility to learn at their own pace. As the world becomes increasingly mobile, language learning is gravitating away from the PC and many companies are offering multiple, if not uneven, options for on-the-go instruction and games.

Mobile language learning takes off

The mobile language market has an impressive assortment of web-based tools and mobile apps including games, glossaries and video dialogue. Most are great deals for consumers seeking cheaper ways to practice a foreign language. Reviewers caution that many are not comprehensive learning resources but can serve as excellent references or on-the-go exercises.

While reviews of language apps abound, most focus on cool features rather than flexibility, which is critical to mobile users. Grammar puzzles on an app will only teach you so much, and any option that requires an Internet connection can spell trouble for mobile language learners -- especially those who want to brush up on vocabulary at 10,000 feet.

It's a tall order, but the ideal mobile language product lets customers practice (and play) on multiple devices; syncs activity and progress between devices; makes most of its content available on and offline; and enables customers to access their lessons on multiple platforms, and in multiple formats.

Language learning mobile options are limited

Despite unprecedented demand for mobile options and a growing number of language learning apps, language-software companies are offering a surprisingly uneven selection of services.

Rocket Languages' core business used to be CDs. The CDs are still available but its primary product is now browser-based software, which works with any browser and is much less expensive ($299 for CDs vs. $99 for online access). Online service includes interactive audio lessons, cultural tips, chat rooms and other features in 12 languages, but its mobile offerings are limited. Its mobile options include MP3s and apps for iPad, iPhone and Android, but the apps don't function well without a solid WiFi connection, according to a reviewer at The New York Times. Quizzes and personal vocabulary lists are stored online, but not on external devices. Most importantly, the company doesn't offer voice recognition software on its app, so you'll need to be wired or using the CD to get any substantial feedback on your pronunciation.

Rosetta Stone debuted its TOTALe at $999, a price that gave customers and reviewers sticker shock. It now adopts a piecemeal approach to pricing that also draws the ire of critics. Its apps for Android (mixed reviews on several sites) and iPad (4.5 out of 5 on iTunes), sync and track progress across devices. The issue is that the apps are included when you purchase its online software ($299 for multiple levels), but are only available for three months when you purchase the CD-ROMs ($179 for one level or up to $499 for multiple). The MP3 files are only accessible if you buy the more expensive CD-ROMs.

Other industry leaders are still playing catch-up with younger, nimble websites and apps. Audio-intensive Pimsleur only provides mobile options for the Barnes & Noble Nook, while Powerspeak, ($99-$249 for elementary levels; $139-$379 for high school level), an online language course for kids, doesn't have any mobile options. A New York Times reviewer, however, likes Living Language's interface and "range of surprising and engaging exercises and games."

A mobile tool with glossaries, a voice recognition tool and games

So what works best? The New York Times, The Street and other expert reviewers lavish praise on Babbel, which offers speaking exercises, games, up to 3,000 vocabulary words and a voice recognition tool that gives scored feedback. These features are available on its website -- or on its complementary app, which one top reviewer deemed the most powerful on the market.

Reviewers like Babbel's themed dictionary (food and drink, sport, etc.), which makes it easy to find and learn terms that you want to use. It doesn't offer MP3s but has web-based software, Kindle eBooks and Android, iPhone and iPad apps. Babbel syncs your progress between devices (via WiFi) so you can easily switch between your mobile device(s) and a PC. Reviewers say its games are engaging and fun, and the voice recognition tool gives more feedback than its competitors. More than 4,000 Google Play user reviewers give the Spanish app 4.75 out of 5 stars.

While the writing exercises and community features are only offered in the online version, the app is strong enough that you won't fall too far behind if you're away from the PC for a while. It's free with an online subscription or is a steal on its own ($2 a month or up to $39.99 for lifetime access) -- but some reviewers note that like most language learning apps, it is a resource and not intended to be a full-fledged course.

Babbel is the best language tool for mobile users

Reviewers agree that Babbel's remarkable website and apps are affordable and practical tools for on-the-go language learners. The only company offering similar services is Rosetta Stone, but its mobile options are only available with pricey software and don't generate rave reviews like Babbel. The only drawback is that Berlin-based Babbel offers only eleven (mostly European) languages: French, Spanish, Italian, German, Swedish, Brazilian Portuguese, English, Dutch, Polish, Indonesian and Turkish, and the last four are vocabulary-only courses.