Babbel
Structured dialogue-based courses in 13 languages, built by actual linguists.
AppsCoursesPaidBeginnerIntermediateA1–B1Any language
What it actually is
Subscription-only after a handful of free intro lessons, typically $10–15/month with big discounts on annual plans. Lessons are short, dialogue-first and explain grammar properly, which makes it a much more serious beginner course than Duolingo. It covers only 13 languages and effectively stops around B1, so it is a stepping stone rather than a destination.
What it covers
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Speaking
- Listening
Learners who used it
From field notes — real posts we read and linked. What they say is their account, not our finding.
- 12 months at 1–2 h a day, from scratch, on a five-app stack · used it for grammar
- A 341-day streak, six tools, and five hours of silence at a family dinner · used it for grammar