These 15 apps will turn you into a language pro before your next road trip
Are you planning a road-trip with friends or on your own, and want to avoid the famous « Sorry, my English is bad » at every stop? Good news: mastering a language is easier than ever thanks to your smartphone. According to a Babbel study, 92% of travelers say that speaking the local language makes their experience more authentic. And, frankly, ordering a beer in the local language is more stylish.
Are you planning a road-trip with friends or on your own, and want to avoid the famous "Sorry, my English is bad" at every stop?
Good news: mastering a language is easier than ever thanks to your smartphone.
According to a Babbel study, 92% of travelers say that speaking the local language makes their experience more authentic.
And, frankly, ordering a beer in the local language is more stylish.
Here are 15 apps to boost your language skills before you hit the road. Ready to impress everyone, even the customs officer?
Let's get started!
1. MosaLingua: The ally for people in a hurry
If you want to progress quickly without getting in over your head, MosaLingua is your best friend.
The app relies on spaced repetition, a method validated by science to retain a maximum of vocabulary.
You can learn in 10 minutes a day, perfect for guys who don't have time to lock themselves away for hours on end.
Over 10 million users have already adopted it. It's practical, efficient and, above all, there's no need for unnecessary chitchat.
2. Lingoda: Live lessons with real teachers
Want to speak like a local before you leave? Lingoda offers online courses with native teachers, 24 hours a day.
You choose your schedule, your level, and progress at your own pace. 95% of users say they feel more comfortable speaking after just a few weeks.
Ideal for those who want to switch from tourist mode to local mode in record time.
3. Duolingo: The classic that motivates
It's impossible to talk about language apps without mentioning Duolingo. Its playfulness and daily reminders keep you on your toes.
With over 500 million downloads, it's not for nothing! Lessons are short and fun, and you earn points for every step you take.
Perfect for turning learning into a game and boosting your motivation before you set off.
4. Babbel: For real conversations
Babbel is all about efficiency: each lesson is designed to help you hold a real conversation.
73% of users claim to be able to hold a conversation after just five hours of use.
The app features realistic dialogues, pronunciation exercises and personalized reminders.
Ideal for those who want to get straight to the point and talk like a real local from the first coffee on the road.
5. Busuu : Learn with a real community
Busuu has over 120 million users ready to help you progress. You can correct other people's exercises and get advice from native speakers.
The app also offers personalized plans according to your objectives: travel, work or simple pleasure.
According to an internal study, 22 hours on Busuu is equivalent to a university semester.
Not bad for stress-free road-trip planning!
6. Tandem: Talk with native speakers from all over the world
Tandem puts you in direct contact with native speakers to trade via chat, audio or video.
It's the perfect app for practicing in real-life conditions and discovering local expressions.
Over 10 million users use it to make rapid progress.
You can even filter by interests to find partners who share your passion for road-trips or cars.
7. HelloTalk: The social network for languages
HelloTalk turns learning into a social experience. You trade with native speakers via messages, calls or even stories.
The app offers instant correction and translation tools for stress-free progress. Over 30 million members share tips, memes and advice.
Ideal for those who want to learn while having fun and make friends all over the world.
8. Memrise: Learn with videos from real locals
Memrise is all about immersion: you learn through videos of native speakers talking in their everyday environment.
The app uses spaced repetition to help you memorize in the long term. According to a study by the University of London, Memrise users progress 44% faster than those who learn on their own.
Perfect for picking up local accents and expressions before you leave.
9. Drops: Express vocabulary
Drops is the app for those who want to enrich their vocabulary without getting bored. Sessions last 5 minutes, with highly effective visual games.
Over 35 languages are available, from Portuguese to Japanese. According to the creators, 94% of users see a rapid improvement in their vocabulary.
Ideal for learning essential words before hitting the road.
10. Mondly: Conversation and augmented reality
Mondly features interactive dialogues and even an augmented reality chatbot to help you practice speaking.
The app covers over 40 languages and adapts lessons to your level. According to Statista, Mondly has over 100 million users worldwide.
Perfect for stress-free practice in ordering a coffee or asking for directions, even in the middle of the countryside.
11. Beelinguapp: Read stories in two languages
Beelinguapp lets you read stories, articles or songs in two languages side by side. Compare, understand and progress.
The app also offers audio to work on your pronunciation. According to an internal survey, 87% of users find that the method boosts their reading comprehension.
Ideal for those who like to learn by reading, even in the back seat.
12. Pimsleur: Audio learning while driving
Pimsleur is the solution for hands-free learning. The audio lessons are designed to be followed in the car, perfect for road-trips.
The method has been around for over 50 years and has proved its worth: 80% of users claim to be able to hold a conversation after 30 days.
Ideal for making progress without wasting a minute on the road.
13. Clozemaster: For guys who like a challenge
Clozemaster is for those who want to learn more than just vocabulary.
The app features fill-in-the-blank phrases for learning in context, with over 50 languages available. Built-in statistics let you track your progress and challenge yourself.
Perfect for those who love competition and want to boost their level before setting off on an adventure.
14. Rosetta Stone: Total immersion
Rosetta Stone focuses on total immersion: no translation, you learn as a child learns his mother tongue.
The app features pronunciation exercises with voice recognition and lessons adapted to your pace. Over 25 years' experience and millions of users worldwide.
Ideal for those who really want to immerse themselves before leaving
15. MosaLingua (again!): For revision on the road
Before you leave, remember to download MosaLingua's offline packs. You'll be able to study even without a network, between two gas stations or on a mountain top.
The app also includes survival cards for emergency situations. Handy, especially if you want to avoid language problems in the middle of the pampas.
Your road-trip has never been so stylish!