Arguably, learning French has never been as easy as it is today thanks to the numerous online language resources accessible to us online.
There are many different ways that you can go about learning the French language, but one of the best is using an app that provides interactive lessons.
Apps like Duolingo and Babbel exist for this reason alone – they’re not just language-learning tools, they’re designed with teaching in mind.
They make it easy for anyone interested in learning another language (or brushing up on their existing skills) because all the content is available at your fingertips through an easily navigable interface.
In this blog post, we provide you with a list of the ten best apps to learn French.
These best French learning apps are based on several key factors, including:
👍 Compatibility to aural and visual language learners
👍 Integration into French culture and lifestyle
👍 Price, subscription models, and overall effectiveness
The winner? Mondly
Mondly is a great app for students looking to get a general introduction to the French language.
It claims to have 1000 learning modules to help you learn French and make conversation with French-speaking people.
The institution provides classes on topics such as education and travel. Within each class, participants perform a broad range of activities to learn the words and phrases appropriate to each topic.
Furthermore, you can practice the language directly with a real French translator and native speakers at your own pace.
Mondly’s chat system allows for French conversation in a safe and regulated environment inside the app. It’s a great place to practice speaking French and learn new French words.
One of the factors that make Mondly the best app to learn French is the fact that it offers ‘scene modeling’ through virtual reality.
This means that once you download the app, you can experience the best of France without ever leaving your home.
One of the best features is their visualization of Normandy, which allows you to explore some of its best sights while still learning French at the same time.
Mondly |
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Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Highly effective at improving listening skills, reading skills and overall comprehension. Provides an opportunity to speak through functional speech recognition tool. | Cheaper than main competitors, including Yabla and FluentU. Free Trial Included. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Modern dashboard. Very easy to use and navigate. Interactive AR and VR exercises. | 41+ languages available including Spanish, Chinese, Italian, German, French, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, English and Japanese. Multiple language combinations, meaning you can learn from any language into any other. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 41 languages and language combinations 👍 VR and AR experiences imbedded 👍 Can be used remotely and on-the-go 👍 World class speech recognition | 👎 Not the cheapest option on the market 👎 Limited speaking practice |
SummaryMondly ticks the boxes that so many language apps fail to tick. The variation of games, quizzes and activities keeps users engaged on the platform and takes any boredom out of learning. It is one of the few language learning options that covers listening, reading, writing and speaking in one solution, without focusing heavily on grammar. Mondly is suitable for beginner and intermediate learners. Advanced learners will likely prefer interaction with real people, although the app does cater for them too. |
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Free Trial Included |
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Videos all in one place: FluentU
FluentU is a special app that lets you discover the true French language, regardless of where you’re at in terms of French-speaking and comprehension ability.
The app utilizes a natural method that allows the user to gain insight into French culture over time.
You can listen to French as it is spoken through real people. In addition, you can tap on a single word for the immediate search and you can use Dynamic Flash Cards with words to reinforce learning.
FluentU helps you to understand your newly gained French vocabulary and utilizes this information to create an individual experience based on custom video recommendations.
It gives you extra practice on harder vocabulary words and remembers you when it’s time to review what you have learned previously.
The apps are available online for iPhone and Android devices. FluentU is best for French learners most interested in improving their listening skills.
It is not the best option for those interested in pronunciation practice and does not necessarily lead you to be able to speak French in a short amount of time.
However, this French app does provide insight into French culture through native French speakers.
FluentU |
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|---|---|
Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 3.5 out of 5.0 stars |
| Highly effective at improving listening skills, reading skills and overall comprehension. | More expensive than its main competitor, Yabla, but more video content available. 14 Day Free Trial included. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Modern dashboard. Very easy to use and navigate. | Spanish, Chinese, Italian, German, French, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, English and Japanese. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 Huge library of video content 👍 Modern, user-friendly dashboard 👍 Interactive Subtitles 👍 Wide variety of games and activities | 👎 Not the cheapest option on the market 👎 Limited speaking practice |
SummaryFluentU is a great language immersion tool. The real-life and simulated videos encourage you to see the language for yourself in a realistic way, emulating real-life experiences. There are features for quizzes and flashcards as well as a dictionary to look up vocabulary that you are unfamiliar with. In terms of grammar explanations and speaking practice, FluentU is lacking a little. We recommend seeking additional tools to really strengthen those skills. |
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$20 p/month (Free Trial for 14 days) |
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Babbel French: Another well-known language veteran
Babbel is one of the best apps to learn French for those unfamiliar with online learning and in need of a simple, user-friendly experience.
With its award-winning interactive lessons, you’ll feel like you’re having a conversation with a native speaker pretty quickly.
In 2021, Babbel also launched Babbel Live, a premium feature that enables you to have language lessons with French native speakers.
Babbel offers more than 50 different languages, from Spanish and Italian to Russian and Chinese. Whether your goal is business, travel, or just for fun, Babbel French can accommodate all language learner needs.
Babbel |
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|---|---|
Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.5 out of 5.0 stars | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Great new Babbel Live feature for Premium users, which provides tutors with speaking practice. | More expensive than many competitors. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Modern dashboard. Very easy to use and navigate on desktop and app. | 40+ languages available, including Spanish, French, Italian, German and Chinese. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 Clear grammar explanations 👍 Easy to use on the go 👍 Tutor included for premium users | 👎 Repetitive with limited reading practice |
SummaryBabbel is a great option for anybody looking to improve their understanding of a foreign language. The Premium Plan includes access to a native tutor through the Babbel Live feature, as well as access to frequent language webinars. Babbel courses are effective but can be repetitive. We'd like to see Babbel incorporate new culture-related lessons into their programs. |
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A Favorite Among Businesses: Learn French with Busuu
Busuu is a French learning app that has many more features than its rival, Duolingo. Its Busuu for Business feature has made it one of the best apps to learn French for businesses.
The technology brings together speech and text recognition software to help its users learn new words, French verbs, and individual verb conjugations.
There are four different units consisting of five lessons in each, all available with audio.
Busuu French will not necessarily take you to a conversational French level in a short space of time, but it is one of the few French apps that enables you to learn French grammar through detailed, clear grammar explanations.
This feature makes it best for intermediate and advanced learners. It is a great mobile app through which to learn new words and practice French at your own pace.
You can use it for free online or offline with your IOS or Android device.
Busuu French |
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Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Effective at improving listening skills and overall language comprehension through repetition. | More expensive than many competitors. 7 Day Free Trial included. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Modern dashboard. Very easy to use and navigate on desktop and app. | 40+ languages available, including Spanish, French, Italian, German and Chinese. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 Clear grammar explanations 👍 Easy to use on the go 👍 Proven, effective method 👍 Voice recognition software | 👎 Lack of speaking practice 👎 Repetitive with limited reading practice |
SummaryBusuu is an updated version of Babbel and Duolingo blended into one modern, user-friendly app which is great on both desktop and mobile. Each Premium Plan includes more than 75 hours of audio content, taking you from beginner through to intermediate and eventually advanced level. Native speakers feature throughout the course to get you used to listening the language. Busuu's programs include great grammar explanations which help it to stand out fro its main competitors. |
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Rocket French: Proven to be successful for language learners
Rocket French is one of the best online programs to learn French if you are at a beginner or intermediate level.
It comprises immersive audio lessons and a dynamic, interactive website with a user-friendly dashboard and interface.
If you’re learning French on your own, without anyone correcting your pronunciation when you speak with real people, this is the best way to learn the language.
Rocket French is one of the best apps to learn French in today’s language market.
It provides an innovative way to learn French with a course that will take you from a novice to a confident speaker in just six months.
Rocket French is an online interactive learning system that includes over 500 hours worth of tuition as well as personalized attention from a language coach.
This French course uses the best teaching techniques and incorporates the best educational materials from around the world.
It also provides you with flexible lessons which can be taken on your own time alongside exam exercises and conversation exchanges with native speakers.
Rocket French |
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Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 4.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Highly effective at improving listening skills, reading skills and overall comprehension. | Not the cheapest option but justified pricing based on features and benefits available. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Simple, modern dashboard designed to be as easy as possible to use. | 12 of the world's most popular languages available including Spanish and French. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 No Subscription Fees 👍 Very Good App & Website 👍 Comprehensive Courses 👍 Money Back Guarantee | 👎 One-Time Payment Required 👎 You May Require a Language Tutor |
SummaryRocket Languages is one of the more advanced language learning resources we have come across. Its lesson features, comprehensive courses and travelogues make it better than the majority of its competitors for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. It is more expensive than many short term because it requires a one-time payment, not a subscription. There is a free trial available for all learners. |
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One-time Payment Dependent on Language |
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Rosetta Stone French: A Veteran in the Language Field
Rosetta Stone is one of the oldest language education options available and offers what was once a unique way to learn French through an app.
From the start of the course, it teaches French without using the English language to do so.
Although the method used by Rosetta Stone may seem unfamiliar at first, by linking concepts and objects to French words directly instead of their English equivalents, Rosetta Stone provides a method that has great long-term advantages.
It is more expensive than many other language apps but the program offers a free trial you must take for a spin.
If you’re a student, you could also have the advantage of a student discount.
Rosetta Stone French |
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|---|---|
Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 4.5 out of 5.0 stars |
| Effective at improving listening skills and overall language comprehension through repetition. | This rating is based on a one-time purchase for access to all languages. Still more expensive than many competitors if you purchase a subscription. 3 Day Free Trial included. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Modern dashboard. Very easy to use and navigate on desktop and app. Can be used on two devices at the same time. | 40+ languages available, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 Variety of exercises 👍 Requires constant engagement 👍 Proven, effective method 👍 Encourages speaking practice | 👎 More expensive than main competitors 👎 Repetitive with robotic dialogue |
SummaryRosetta Stone is a better option than Pimsleur for anybody who relies on visual elements to learn. Visual learners will benefit from its library of images and the way it uses them to teach vocabulary. Whilst the tool is excellent at teaching vocabulary, little context is provided until further into the course. Rosetta Stone's method is effective but repetitive. We'd like to see more natural conversation included in its courses. |
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Pimsleur French: Perfect for those who want to improve listening skills
Pimsleur French is perfect for those who are looking to improve their listening and general comprehension skills.
It uses the principle of conversational immersion, enabling you to listen to French conversation and become participatory in doing so.
The Pimsleur app covers all four language skills – reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension – with 30 minutes of lessons per day!
However, the course is entirely aural so you listen throughout the 30 minutes.
You’ll have access to a pre-recorded native speaker trainer that will help guide your learning experience from beginner level through to advanced levels.
Some may find that Pimsleur is best used in tandem with other language apps because it does not work for reading comprehension.
Nonetheless, it is one of the best apps to learn French for anybody not dependent on visual aspects when learning a foreign language.
Pimsleur |
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|---|---|
Effectiveness | Value for Money |
| 4.0 out of 5.0 stars | 3.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Effective at improving listening skills and overall language comprehension through repetition. | More expensive than many competitors. 7 Day Free Trial included. |
Ease of Use | Languages |
| 5.0 out of 5.0 stars | 5.0 out of 5.0 stars |
| Modern dashboard. Very easy to use and navigate on desktop and app. | 40+ languages available, including Spanish, French, Italian, German and Chinese. |
✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| 👍 Huge library of audio lessons 👍 Modern, user-friendly dashboard 👍 Proven, effective method 👍 Encourages speaking practice | 👎 More expensive than main competitors 👎 Repetitive with limited reading practice |
SummaryPimsleur is a great option for anybody looking to improve their understanding of a foreign language. Each Premium Plan includes more than 75 hours of audio content, taking you from beginner through to advanced level. Native speakers feature throughout the course to get you used to hearing the language. Pimsleur's method is effective but repetitive. We'd like to see Pimsleur incorporate better grammar explanations into their lessons. |
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Mango Languages French: Perfect for Beginners
French by Mango Languages is a great French app to learn Basic French.
Free with some library subscriptions in Canada and the United States, it is best for French listening practice and reading.
Mango Languages technology teaches French through spaced-repetition, including access to flashcards, daily vocabulary tests, new French phrases, and custom travel vocabulary.
The primary Mango language French program consists of four units of five lessons in each.
In addition to the basic courses provided in the app, it provides support with audio.
French audio is available and accompanies each French word and expression.
This is ideal for comparing your audio recordings to native French speech and practicing the correct pronunciation of French words and phrases.
Spotify: Not just a music streaming platform
Believe it or not, Spotify is among the most reliable sources for learning French.
It gives you unlimited French listening texts and an opportunity to listen to free French Podcasts.
Podcasts can be an incredible way to learn a language and you can find them on a variety of topics that interest you.
Spotify can be used online or downloaded free via the internet for an iPhone or Android device.
It’s free but you can subscribe to stop advertising if you want with the app advert free.
For beginner students, try ‘Learning French with Hugo’ as he speaks only in French. It’s a great way to test yourself and become used to the French language from an early stage.
Learn French with Brainscape
Brainscape French has become one of the more popular apps to learn French in recent years.
It has verb conjugation exercises and thousands of Vocab Cards with audio.
It also has a Sentence Builder component built in to help you to increase your mastery of French grammar by translating more advanced sentences.
Recently, this app has also added some Flashcards for listening to French history and pop culture.
This is the only French-language app on the market which uses the custom algorithm shown to be the most designed to foster this sort of learning.
According to extensive scientific research, the most efficient way of learning a foreign language is to practice repetition at spaced repetition rates.
Our 10 Best apps to learn French: A Summary
French is one of the most challenging Latin languages to learn, but if you’re determined to master it then these apps will enable you to build a solid linguistic foundation when doing so.
A language learning app is never going to provide the same level of linguistic or cultural immersion as a French-speaking country.
After all, without face-to-face physical interaction, you are unable to converse with a native French speaker.
However, an online French course or French learning app does enable you to improve your French skills, be it through grammar explanations, learning French vocabulary, or bettering your writing skills.
With so many free trials available now and user-friendly interfaces, you can test a range of these apps and language courses until you find which one works for you.
It’s important to consider which aspects of French you want to learn or improve before
If you’ve decided to learn a new language or are in the process of learning one, it is best to try out a few different apps and see if they work best for your needs.
So, whether you want something simple like basic French vocabulary practice from Mango Languages Basic French course or more advanced sentence building exercises from Brainscape’s Sentence Builder component, there’s an app here that will suit your personal preferences.
To start the process, why not benefit from our discount code with Rocket Languages and take the Rocket French beginner course?