Want to Learn English for Free? Here Are the Apps That Actually Work
If you want to improve your English without spending money, you’re not alone.
Every year, millions of learners search for the best free English learning apps — but most end up frustrated because:
- many “free” apps are not actually free
- they hide important lessons behind paywalls
- they limit how fast you can learn
- or they only teach one skill (like vocabulary or listening)
So you download an app…
You practice for a week…
And suddenly it tells you: “Upgrade to continue.”
This guide fixes that problem.
You’re about to discover the best truly free English learning apps — apps you can use fully (or almost fully) without paying.
We’ll show you:
- which apps actually help you improve
- which skills each app is best for
- how to combine free apps to learn faster
- and how to build a daily routine using only free tools
By the end, you’ll know exactly which free English learning app is right for you, whether you’re a beginner, returning learner, or advanced speaker who wants to push further.
Let’s start with a quick summary of the top free apps.
What Makes a Good Free English Learning App?
Before choosing the best free English learning app, it’s important to understand what “free” really means — and what makes a free app actually useful for learning.
Many apps say they’re free…
…but only a few are truly usable without paying.
Here are the qualities a good free English app must have:
1. A Truly Free or High-Value Free Version
Many apps offer “free trials” or extremely limited free features.
Those don’t count.
A good free app should let you:
- learn multiple lessons
- practice daily
- progress through levels
- improve in at least 1–2 skills
without requiring payment.
2. Covers Multiple Skills (Not Just One)
A strong English-learning app should help you improve more than one skill, such as:
- vocabulary
- listening
- grammar
- reading
- speaking
- pronunciation
Free apps often focus on only one, so we highlight which skills each app teaches best.
3. Clear and Simple Explanations
A good free app should explain English in a way that is:
- easy
- short
- understandable
- practical
Especially important for beginners and self-study learners.
4. Enough Depth to Improve Over Time
Many free apps give you:
- one lesson
- one unit
- or one quiz
…and then stop.
We only recommend apps where you can improve for weeks or months without paying.
5. No Aggressive Ads or Paywalls
Some free apps interrupt you constantly:
- pop-up ads
- “upgrade now” screens
- locked lessons
Good free apps should feel smooth and enjoyable — not stressful.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s review the best free English learning apps in 2025 and what makes each of them great.
1. Best Overall Free English Learning App — ★ Duolingo
If you want an app that makes learning English easy, fun, and completely free, Duolingo is still the best overall choice for most learners in 2025. It teaches vocabulary, simple grammar, sentence structures, and listening skills through short, game-like lessons.
It’s not perfect — and it won’t take you to an advanced level — but for beginners and low-intermediate learners, Duolingo offers more free content than almost any other app.
Why Duolingo Is Great for Free Learners
- 100% free course structure (no paid lessons required)
- Gamified design keeps you motivated
- Lessons are short and easy to repeat
- Good for building daily study habits
- Covers a wide range of beginner–intermediate topics
- Free listening exercises help build comprehension
- Perfect for casual learning or restarting your English journey
For learners who struggle staying consistent, Duolingo is one of the easiest apps to maintain daily learning with.
What You Can Learn with Duolingo (Free Version)
Duolingo teaches:
- Everyday vocabulary
- Common phrases and expressions
- Basic grammar (verb tenses, plurals, adjectives, articles)
- Sentence structure
- Listening practice
- Reading practice
- Basic speaking repetition exercises (non-graded)
It’s strongest in building vocabulary and sentence patterns quickly.
What’s Free vs. Paid in Duolingo
Free Version Includes:
- All core English lessons (A1–B1)
- Unlimited daily learning (with ads)
- Basic listening practice
- Review lessons
- Streaks, XP, progress tracking
- Some speaking activities
- Stories (in selected countries)
Duolingo Super (Paid) Adds:
- No ads
- Unlimited hearts
- Personalized practice
- Mistake-focused reviews
- Additional challenges
Important:
Duolingo’s free content is enough for several months of steady learning.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the best free options for beginners
- Very easy to use — great UI/UX
- Highly motivating (streaks, levels, badges)
- Builds a daily habit naturally
- Clear explanations for basic grammar points
Cons
- Not effective for advanced learners
- Limited speaking practice
- Not ideal for complex grammar
- Ads can be annoying
- Writing skills are not well-developed
Best For (Level + Learner Type)
Best for levels:
- A1–A2 (beginners)
- B1 (lower-intermediate)
Best for learners who:
- Want to learn English for free
- Prefer short, simple lessons
- Need motivation to study daily
- Want a friendly, stress-free learning experience
- Are building a foundation before moving to deeper apps
2. Best Free App for Listening — ★ BBC Learning English
If your goal is to improve listening, pronunciation, and understanding real English, BBC Learning English is one of the best completely free resources you can find. There are no paywalls, no upgrades, and no locked lessons — everything is 100% free.
It feels like taking high-quality English lessons from professional teachers… but without paying anything.
Why BBC Learning English Is Great for Listening
- Uses real spoken English, not slow or artificial recordings
- Teaches listening through short, focused lessons
- Includes news stories, conversations, and real-life English
- Professional pronunciation guides from British experts
- Perfect for improving accents, natural rhythm, and intonation
- Free quizzes help you check understanding
- Helps you transition from “classroom English” to real-world English
If you struggle to understand native speakers, this is a must-have app.
What You Can Learn for Free
BBC Learning English includes dozens of categories, such as:
- Everyday conversation
- Pronunciation training
- Grammar lessons
- Vocabulary and idioms
- English for work and business
- News reports (with explanations)
- Exam preparation (IELTS-style listening)
Each lesson comes with:
- a video or audio clip
- transcript
- short explanation
- practice questions
No account required — just open and learn.
What’s Free vs. Paid
Free Version Includes:
- All lessons, videos, and quizzes
- Full grammar + vocabulary libraries
- Pronunciation guides
- News-based English
- Downloadable transcripts
- Listening exercises for all levels
- Daily updates
Paid Version:
There is no paid version.
Everything is free — permanently.
This is extremely rare among English-learning tools.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free (no hidden upgrades)
- Best listening practice for intermediate learners
- Real English, not textbook English
- Excellent pronunciation content
- Great for improving comprehension quickly
- High-quality teachers and explanations
- Covers many skill areas (grammar, vocabulary, listening)
Cons
- Not ideal for absolute beginners
- No speaking practice
- No progress tracking
- Content can feel unstructured if you don’t follow a playlist
Best For
Best for levels:
- A2–C2 (upper beginner → advanced)
Best for learners who:
- Want FREE listening practice
- Prefer learning through videos
- Want to understand native speakers better
- Like short, modern English lessons
- Are preparing for IELTS or TOEFL listening
BBC Learning English is one of the best listening apps — free or paid — and a perfect match alongside Duolingo or Quizlet.
3. Best Free App for Vocabulary — ★ Quizlet
If your goal is to learn new English words quickly, remember them longer, and test yourself in different ways, Quizlet is the best free vocabulary learning app available today. It’s simple, fast, and extremely effective — especially for learners who like flashcards.
The free version gives you more vocabulary-learning power than almost any other app.
Why Quizlet Works So Well for Vocabulary
- Uses spaced repetition, the most scientifically proven memory method
- Offers millions of free vocabulary decks created by teachers and learners
- Lets you practice words in multiple modes (flashcards, tests, writing)
- Helps build vocabulary for daily English, business, travel, or exams
- Perfect for quick 5-minute learning sessions
- Easy to use on both mobile and desktop
It’s the best free tool for building vocabulary fast — especially for beginners and intermediate learners.
What You Can Do for Free in Quizlet
With the free version, you can:
- Study unlimited vocabulary sets
- Create your own custom vocabulary lists
- Use flashcards
- Practice spelling, writing, and matching games
- Take tests generated automatically
- Review difficult words
- Track progress on each set
For exam learners, Quizlet is also excellent for IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge vocabulary.
What’s Free vs. Paid in Quizlet
Free Version Includes:
- Unlimited study of all public decks
- Flashcards
- Write & match modes
- Test generator
- Audio pronunciation
- Progress tracking per deck
Quizlet Plus (Paid) Adds:
- AI-powered explanations
- Advanced progress analytics
- Smart grading
- Offline access
- No ads
The good news:
The free version is already powerful enough for regular vocabulary learning.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free app for vocabulary memorization
- Fastest way to learn new words
- Great for reviewing and testing yourself
- Huge library of vocabulary topics
- Easy to customize your learning
- Strong for exam prep vocabulary
Cons
- No grammar lessons
- Limited context (depends on the deck)
- Free version has ads
- Does not teach pronunciation deeply
- Not a full English-learning course
Ideal For
Best for levels:
- A1–C2 (all levels)
Best for learners who:
- Want to grow vocabulary quickly
- Prefer short study sessions
- Need a memorization tool that actually works
- Are preparing for English exams
- Like organized, list-based learning
- Want a fully free vocabulary solution
Quizlet is the easiest way to build your English vocabulary for free — especially if you use it daily for 5–10 minutes.
4. Best Free App for Grammar — ★ British Council LearnEnglish
If you want to improve your grammar without paying, the British Council LearnEnglish app is the strongest free option available. It offers clear explanations, structured lessons, and practice exercises created by professional English teachers — and almost everything is completely free.
No other free grammar app combines clarity, quality, and a full beginner-to-intermediate curriculum like this one.
Why It’s the Best Free Grammar Tool
- Lessons are written by expert English teachers
- Clear, simple explanations (ideal for beginners & intermediate learners)
- Exercises help you practice grammar immediately
- Covers all essential grammar topics — from beginner to upper-intermediate
- Professional, trustworthy, and globally recognized
- No unnecessary complexity or confusing rules
If grammar feels difficult, this app makes it simple.
What’s Included for Free
You get a complete grammar course covering:
Grammar Topics Include:
- Present, past, and future tenses
- Articles (a, an, the)
- Prepositions (in, on, at, for, since, to)
- Adjectives & adverbs
- Modals (can, could, would, should, must)
- Conditionals
- Passive voice
- Question forms
- Countable/uncountable nouns
- Comparative & superlative forms
Each lesson includes:
- a clear explanation
- examples in context
- practice exercises
- instant feedback
- level labels (A1–B2)
This makes it easier to study the right grammar for your level.
What’s Free vs. Paid
Free Version Includes:
- Nearly all grammar lessons
- Grammar explanations
- Practice quizzes
- Level-labeled courses (A1–B2)
- Listening + grammar combined activities
- Daily practice reminders
Paid Version Adds:
- Extra practice packs
- More quiz variations
- Offline access
- No ads
The free version already provides more than enough for daily grammar improvement. It’s one of the best truly free grammar resources online.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-quality, teacher-made grammar lessons
- Covers all key grammar topics (A1–B2)
- Great for self-study
- Completely free to start — huge amount of content
- Excellent for improving writing accuracy
- Easy to understand, even for beginners
Cons
- Not ideal for advanced grammar (C1–C2)
- Practice can feel repetitive over time
- No speaking component
- Interface is simple compared to newer apps
Suitable Levels
Best for levels:
- A1 (Beginner)
- A2 (Elementary)
- B1 (Intermediate)
- B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Best for learners who:
- Want to improve grammar for free
- Prefer clear, simple explanations
- Need structured lessons
- Want grammar for writing, exams, or speaking accuracy
- Learn best with traditional grammar exercises
British Council LearnEnglish is hands down the most trustworthy and comprehensive free grammar-learning app you can use today.
5. Best Free App for Real English — ★ YouTube (Learning Channels)
If you want to learn English using real conversations, real pronunciation, natural speed, and real-world context, nothing beats YouTube — and it’s completely free.
Unlike traditional learning apps, YouTube gives you access to thousands of teachers, hundreds of learning styles, and unlimited lessons for every level.
It’s the most powerful free English-learning tool in the world if you know which channels to follow.
Why YouTube Is Unbeatable for Free Learning
- 100% free — unlimited lessons
- Real English from real speakers
- Lessons available for every level and learning style
- Great for listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking
- You can learn with subtitles, speed control, transcripts
- Content is constantly updated
- Perfect for improving natural fluency and understanding accents
YouTube teaches English the way people actually speak it, not the simplified versions found in many apps.
Best YouTube Channels for English Learners (2025)
Here are the most effective channels to learn English for free:
1. BBC Learning English
- Best for clear pronunciation
- Short, professional lessons
- Learn through news, culture, and everyday English
2. English with Lucy
- Excellent pronunciation training
- Helpful grammar and vocabulary lessons
- High-quality visuals and explanations
3. Speak English With Mr. Duncan
- Fun, energetic lessons
- Great for speaking practice and confidence
- Ideal for beginners and low-intermediates
4. Rachel’s English
- Best for American pronunciation
- Mouth positions and sound explanations
- Great for accent reduction
5. E2 English
- Extremely helpful for IELTS and TOEFL
- Academic listening and speaking skills
- Great for exam strategies
These channels alone can replace hundreds of dollars of tutoring if used consistently.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited free English lessons
- Real-life English, not textbook English
- Full control over speed, subtitles, and playback
- Excellent for listening and pronunciation
- Massive variety of teachers and styles
- Great for visual learners
- Surprisingly good for grammar (if you choose the right channels)
Cons
- Too much content can feel overwhelming
- No built-in progress tracking
- Hard to know which videos to watch without guidance
- Not ideal for structured, step-by-step courses
Who Should Use YouTube to Learn English?
Best for levels:
- A2–C2 (upper beginner → advanced)
Best for learners who:
- Want real-world English
- Prefer videos over exercises
- Need help with accents and natural pronunciation
- Want to understand native speakers better
- Are preparing for IELTS / TOEFL listening
- Enjoy learning with visuals
YouTube is one of the best free tools for boosting listening and speaking confidence — especially when paired with Duolingo or British Council.
6. Best Free App for Reading English — ★ LingQ (Free Tier)
If you want to improve your English through reading real content, LingQ is one of the most powerful tools you can use — even in its free version. It helps you learn vocabulary naturally by showing words in context, tracking what you know, and letting you import your own reading materials.
While LingQ has a paid version, the free tier is surprisingly useful and can significantly improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary.
Why LingQ Is So Effective for Free Learners
- You learn English through real stories, articles, and dialogues
- Every word is clickable — see meaning instantly
- Helps you learn natural grammar patterns without studying rules
- Builds vocabulary through repetition in context
- Tracks known words so you can measure progress
- Allows you to import content (articles, texts, transcripts)
This makes LingQ one of the few apps where you can learn English the same way native speakers learn — through reading and exposure.
What You Can Access for Free in LingQ
Free Features:
- Access to many beginner & intermediate lessons
- Ability to read and listen to selected courses
- Highlighting unknown and known words
- Basic vocabulary tracking
- Importing a limited number of your own texts
- Sync between desktop and mobile
Free Tier Limits:
(These should be explained clearly for honesty.)
- Limited number of LingQs (saved words)
- Some courses require premium to unlock fully
- Limited imports
Even with these limits, you can use LingQ every day without paying.
How Reading Helps You Learn Naturally (Why LingQ Works)
LingQ is based on a powerful language-learning principle:
You learn grammar faster when you see it repeatedly in real sentences.
With LingQ, you naturally absorb:
- sentence structure
- verb patterns
- prepositions
- collocations
- common phrases
This makes it especially effective for intermediate learners and anyone who hates grammar textbooks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free tool for learning English through reading
- Click any word to see meaning instantly
- Helps vocabulary and grammar at the same time
- Very motivating to see progress with “known words”
- Lets you learn with content you enjoy
Cons
- Free tier has limits
- Not ideal for complete beginners
- Interface feels busy at first
- Works best if you enjoy reading
Best For
Ideal levels:
- A2–C2
Ideal learners:
- People who love reading
- Learners who want natural grammar exposure
- Students preparing for IELTS/TOEFL reading
- Anyone who wants to learn vocabulary in context
- People who prefer flexible study over structured lessons
LingQ is one of the most powerful free tools for growing your English through real content — especially if you use it with Quizlet or BBC Learning English.
7. Best Free App for Speaking Practice — ★ ELSA (Free Version)
If your goal is to sound more natural, improve your accent, or finally fix the pronunciation mistakes that stop people from understanding you, then ELSA (English Language Speech Assistant) is the most powerful free speaking tool you can use.
Even the free version gives you access to AI-powered pronunciation feedback — something almost no other app offers for free.
It’s like having a pronunciation coach in your pocket.
Why ELSA Is Great for Speaking and Pronunciation
- Uses advanced AI to analyze your speech
- Shows exactly which sounds you pronounce incorrectly
- Helps you fix stress, rhythm, intonation, and individual sounds
- Gives you a “fluency score” and detailed breakdown
- Works with short, simple speaking tasks (great for beginners)
- Immediate improvement — often within minutes
If you struggle with pronunciation, free ELSA training can dramatically improve clarity.
What You Can Do in ELSA for Free
The free version includes:
- A daily set of pronunciation exercises
- AI analysis of your speaking
- Feedback on sounds, stress, and intonation
- Practice with common English words
- Short speaking drills
- Some topic-based lessons unlocked weekly
This is enough to start improving your accent without paying anything.
What’s Free vs. Paid in ELSA
Free Version Includes:
- Daily pronunciation practice
- Basic speaking assessment
- Access to selected lessons
- Real-time feedback on problem sounds
- Score tracking
ELSA Pro (Paid) Adds:
- Full curriculum access
- Speaking coach programs
- Unlimited assessments
- Advanced feedback on fluency & grammar
- Personalized lesson plans
The free version is excellent for beginners and anyone wanting to improve specific problem sounds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free pronunciation AI tool
- Extremely accurate speaking feedback
- Helps you sound clearer and more natural
- Great for TOEFL/IELTS speaking prep
- Short, bite-sized practice sessions
- Faster improvement than textbook speaking exercises
Cons
- Limited lessons in free version
- Not a full speaking course
- Doesn’t teach conversation skills
- Works best with headphones/microphone
Best For
Ideal levels:
- A1–C2 (all levels benefit from pronunciation practice)
Ideal learners:
- People who want a clearer accent
- Anyone struggling to be understood
- Learners preparing for interviews or presentations in English
- IELTS/TOEFL speaking students
- Anyone with little time — ELSA lessons are very short
ELSA is the best free app to start improving your pronunciation today — and when combined with YouTube listening practice, progress can be surprisingly fast.
8. Best Free App for Students — ★ Khan Academy (Grammar + English)
If you prefer clear video lessons, step-by-step explanations, and a completely free learning experience with zero ads, then Khan Academy is one of the best choices.
Although it is not designed specifically as an “English learning app,” its Grammar and Reading & Writing courses are world-class — and perfect for learners who want strong foundations.
Everything is 100% free. No trials, no upgrades, no locked lessons.
Why Khan Academy Is Great for English Learners
- Excellent for visual learners
- Short, simple video explanations
- Extremely clear grammar instruction
- Great for students preparing for school or university
- Teaches writing skills, punctuation, and sentence structure
- Interactive quizzes reinforce what you just learned
- Covers concepts deeply, not superficially
Khan Academy often explains English better than many paid courses.
What’s Included (All Free)
Khan Academy offers several English-related courses, including:
Grammar Course
Covers:
- Parts of speech
- Verb tenses
- Modifiers
- Clauses
- Punctuation
- Subject–verb agreement
- Sentence structure
Each topic has:
- short videos
- practice problems
- quizzes
- progress tracking
Reading & Writing Courses
Covers:
- reading comprehension
- analyzing texts
- academic writing
- argument construction
- essay structure
- effective communication
This is extremely helpful for intermediate and advanced ESL learners.
What’s Free vs. Paid
Free Version Includes:
- All lessons
- All videos
- All quizzes
- All writing resources
- Progress dashboard
- Teacher/parent tools
Paid Version:
There is no paid version.
Khan Academy is funded by donations, so everything is permanently free.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free grammar videos available online
- Amazing for visual learners
- Zero ads, zero paywalls
- Professional-quality explanations
- Great for academic English
- Helps learners who want deeper understanding
Cons
- Not a typical “app” — feels more like an online course
- No speaking practice
- Not focused on everyday conversation
- Can feel too academic for casual learners
Best For
Ideal levels:
- A2–C2 (upper beginner → advanced)
Ideal learners:
- Students preparing for exams or school
- Learners who prefer structured lessons
- People who like clear video explanations
- Anyone who struggles with grammar concepts
- Learners who want a deeper understanding of English
Khan Academy is a rare find: a world-class English resource that is totally free forever — perfect for students, visual learners, and anyone who wants to build strong grammar and writing skills.
9. Best Free English Course App — ★ Coursera (Audit Mode)
If you want to learn English through university-level courses — pronunciation, grammar, writing, business English, and academic English — Coursera is the best free option available.
Most people don’t know this, but you can take almost any Coursera course for free by choosing Audit Mode.
You only pay if you want a certificate.
This means you can learn from top universities like:
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of California, Irvine
- Georgia Tech
- Arizona State University
- British Council partners
…without spending a single cent.
Why Coursera Is Amazing for Free English Learning
- You get access to full university courses
- Completely free (if you use Audit mode)
- Includes video lessons, readings, and quizzes
- High-quality teaching from real professors
- Courses cover all English skills: grammar, writing, business English, and speaking
- Perfect for learners who want “real classes” instead of apps
It’s one of the most powerful free English-learning opportunities available today.
Sample Free English Courses You Can Take
Here are some of the best free English courses on Coursera:
1. English for Career Development (University of Pennsylvania)
Great for job interviews, CV writing, and professional communication.
2. Academic English: Writing Specialization (UC Irvine)
Perfect for essays, reports, and academic writing.
3. Improve Your English Communication Skills (Georgia Tech)
Helps with speaking confidence, presentation skills, and workplace English.
4. Grammar and Punctuation (UC Irvine)
A complete grammar course for intermediate learners.
5. IELTS Preparation Courses
Excellent for learners preparing for IELTS.
All of these can be taken for free by selecting Audit Mode.
What’s Free vs. Paid in Coursera
Free Version (Audit Mode) Includes:
- All video lessons
- All readings
- All weekly modules
- Discussion forums
- Some quizzes
- Instructor lectures
Paid Version Adds:
- Graded assignments
- Certificates
- Peer-reviewed assessments
- Professional credit
The learning content is the same.
You only pay if you want certification.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best free access to high-quality English courses
- Taught by university professors
- Very structured and academic
- Covers every English skill
- Perfect for motivated learners
- Free learning without commitment
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners (courses are often intermediate+)
- Requires more time and focus
- Interface is more “academic” than app-like
- Certificates require payment
Ideal Learners
Best for levels:
- A2–C2, especially B1–C2
Best for students who:
- Want serious English improvement
- Prefer classroom-style learning
- Need English for school or university
- Want grammar and writing explained deeply
- Are preparing for job applications or academic programs
Coursera is the best platform for learners who want serious, structured English courses for free — with zero pressure to pay unless they want certification.
10. Best Free English App for Kids — ★ FunEnglish (Free Tier)
If you’re looking for a free English learning app designed specifically for children, FunEnglish is the strongest fully safe, engaging, and child-friendly option. It teaches English through bright animations, songs, games, and interactive lessons — and the free version offers enough material for beginners to start learning right away.
Most kids learn English fastest when lessons feel like play, and FunEnglish is built exactly for that purpose.
Why FunEnglish Works Well for Kids
- Uses play-based learning (games, puzzles, songs)
- Bright visuals and characters keep children engaged
- Covers vocabulary, simple grammar, listening, and basic speaking
- Great for early learners (ages 3–10)
- Lessons are very short and easy to follow
- Safe environment with no inappropriate content
If you want a free app that your child will enjoy using every day, this is one of the best.
What’s Included in the Free Version
The free tier includes:
- Access to several themed lessons
- Vocabulary games
- Short pronunciation activities
- Listening and matching tasks
- Songs and stories
- Progress overview for parents
Children can learn:
- colors
- animals
- family words
- numbers
- simple verbs
- classroom language
- basic adjectives
- daily routines
What’s Free vs. Paid
Free Version Includes:
- Several starter lessons
- Core vocabulary units
- Basic pronunciation games
- Songs and interactive activities
Paid Version Unlocks:
- Full curriculum
- More games
- Additional stories
- Advanced vocabulary units
However, the free version is still perfectly usable as a starter English app for kids.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very kid-friendly and fun
- Excellent for visual and playful learners
- Builds early vocabulary quickly
- Short, engaging lessons
- Safe and simple interface
Cons
- Free version is limited
- Not suitable for older children or teens
- Little reading/writing development
- No advanced content
Best For
Ideal levels:
- Early learners (Pre-A1 – A1)
Ideal age:
- 3–10 years old
Best for families who:
- Want a free, safe app for their child
- Prefer playful, game-based learning
- Need short lessons that keep kids interested
- Want vocabulary-focused learning
Side-by-Side Comparison Table — Best Free English Learning Apps
| App | Best For | Skills Taught | Levels | Truly Free? | Ads? | Offline? | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Beginners | Vocabulary, basic grammar, listening | A1–B1 | Yes | Yes | No | Fun, motivating, easy to use | Not good for advanced learners; limited speaking |
| BBC Learning English | Listening & pronunciation | Listening, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar | A2–C2 | 100% free | No | Limited | Real English, high-quality lessons | No tracking, no speaking practice |
| Quizlet | Vocabulary | Vocabulary, spelling, reading | A1–C2 | Yes | Yes | Limited | Fast memorization, SRS, huge libraries | No grammar or speaking |
| British Council LearnEnglish | Grammar | Grammar, reading, listening | A1–B2 | Yes | Some | Yes | Clear explanations, professional content | Not for advanced learners |
| YouTube | Real English, listening | Listening, pronunciation, grammar, speaking imitation | A2–C2 | 100% free | Yes | Yes (if Premium) | Unlimited lessons; real-life English | No structure; overwhelming choices |
| LingQ (Free Tier) | Reading & vocabulary | Reading, vocabulary in context | A2–C2 | Yes (limited) | No | Yes (limited) | Builds vocabulary naturally | Limited word saving; not ideal for A1 |
| ELSA (Free Version) | Speaking & pronunciation | Speaking, pronunciation | A1–C2 | Yes (limited) | No | Yes | AI pronunciation feedback | Free version has limited lessons |
| Khan Academy | Students, visual learners | Grammar, reading, writing | A2–C2 | 100% free | No | Yes | Excellent lessons; academic quality | Not conversation-focused |
| Coursera (Audit Mode) | Courses & academic English | Writing, grammar, speaking, academic skills | A2–C2 | Yes | No | Yes | University courses for free | Requires time; no certificates in free mode |
| FunEnglish (Kids) | Children | Vocabulary, listening, speaking basics | Pre-A1–A1 | Yes (limited) | Yes | No | Fun & engaging for kids | Free content is small; for young ages only |
Which Free English App Should You Choose?
Most learners download several apps and still feel confused about which one to use.
The truth is: the best free English app depends on your level and your goal.
Below is a clear, simple guide to choosing the right app without wasting time.
Choose Based on Your Level (A1–C2)
A1–Beginner
You should choose apps that are:
- simple
- visual
- repetition-based
- easy to understand
Best choices:
- Duolingo (vocabulary + basic grammar)
- FunEnglish (kids, optional)
- BBC Learning English (Beginner playlists)
A2–Elementary
You’re ready for real sentences and basic listening practice.
Best choices:
- Duolingo
- BBC Learning English
- Quizlet (basic vocab sets)
- ELSA (free drills)
B1–Intermediate
This is where progress becomes exciting. You need more real English.
Best choices:
- YouTube (English learning channels)
- British Council LearnEnglish
- Quizlet (topic vocabulary)
- LingQ (free tier)
B2–Upper Intermediate
You can start using advanced content and academic English.
Best choices:
- LingQ
- YouTube
- Khan Academy
- Coursera (audit mode)
C1–C2 Advanced
You need natural English exposure and academic material.
Best choices:
- YouTube
- LingQ
- Coursera (audit mode)
- Khan Academy
Choose Based on Your Goal
Here is the simplest breakdown:
Goal: Improve Speaking
- ELSA (free)
- YouTube “shadowing” lessons (imitate speakers)
Goal: Improve Listening
- BBC Learning English
- YouTube
Goal: Learn Grammar
- British Council LearnEnglish
- Khan Academy (Grammar videos)
Goal: Build Vocabulary
- Quizlet
- LingQ (context vocabulary)
Goal: Learn Real English (not textbook English)
- YouTube
- LingQ
Goal: Learn English for Free, From Zero
- Duolingo
- BBC Learning English
Goal: Improve Academic English
- Coursera (audit mode)
- Khan Academy
Best 2-App Combinations (Free Only)
These combinations give you a complete English-learning system — for $0.
Combo 1: Best for Beginners (A1–A2)
- Duolingo → build basic vocabulary & grammar
- BBC Learning English → beginner listening
Combo 2: Balanced Learning (A2–B1)
- Duolingo → structure
- YouTube → real English listening
Combo 3: Fast Vocabulary Growth (All Levels)
- Quizlet
- LingQ (free)
Combo 4: Improve Speaking Fast
- ELSA
- YouTube shadowing
Combo 5: Academic English (B2–C2)
- Coursera (Audit Mode)
- Khan Academy
Combo 6: Natural English + Motivation
- Duolingo
- LingQ
100% Free Daily English Study Routines
These routines use only the apps we reviewed, and they work even if you have no time, no money, or no study plan.
They are simple, effective, and easy to follow every day.
You can choose 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 20 minutes, depending on your schedule.
5-Minute Routine (Ultra Short, Beginner-Friendly)
This routine is perfect for busy learners or people restarting their English journey.
1. Duolingo — 3 minutes
Do 1–2 short lessons to practice basic vocabulary and sentence patterns.
2. BBC Learning English — 2 minutes
Watch a super-short “English in a Minute” or “Quick Fix” video.
What this routine improves:
- vocabulary
- listening
- basic grammar
- motivation & habit-building
Great for beginners (A1–A2).
10-Minute Routine (Most Popular)
This routine balances structured study with real English practice.
1. Duolingo or British Council — 4 minutes
Choose one:
- Duolingo → vocabulary & structure
- British Council → grammar lesson review
2. YouTube — 4 minutes
Watch part of a mini-lesson (e.g., Lucy, BBC, E2 English).
3. ELSA or Quizlet — 2 minutes
Choose one:
- ELSA → quick pronunciation drill
- Quizlet → vocabulary flashcards
What this improves:
- grammar
- vocabulary
- listening
- pronunciation
Perfect for A1–B2 learners.
20-Minute Routine (Fastest Progress)
This is the most effective free routine for fast improvement.
1. British Council or Coursera (Audit Mode) — 6 minutes
Study a grammar point OR a part of a university lesson.
2. YouTube — 6 minutes
Watch a real English clip with subtitles.
Practice “shadowing” for 20–30 seconds (repeat after the speaker).
3. LingQ (Free Tier) — 5 minutes
Read a short story or text and learn 5–10 new words in context.
4. ELSA — 3 minutes
Do a pronunciation check or a daily drill.
What this improves:
- listening
- grammar
- reading
- vocabulary
- pronunciation
- speaking rhythm & confidence
Ideal for B1–C2 learners.
These routines give you:
- Consistency
- Clear focus
- Balanced skill development
- Zero cost
- Progress in small steps
Common Mistakes People Make With Free English Apps
Learning English with free apps is completely possible — but many learners get stuck because they make simple mistakes that slow their progress.
Avoid these, and you’ll improve much faster.
Mistake 1 — Switching Between Too Many Apps
Many learners download 7–10 apps… and use none of them consistently.
Why it’s a problem:
- No routine
- No long-term progress
- You forget what you learned
- You never reach intermediate level
Fix:
Pick 1–2 main apps and 1 support app.
Example:
- Duolingo (main)
- YouTube (main)
- Quizlet (support)
Mistake 2 — Only Studying Easy Lessons
Free apps often make early lessons simple on purpose.
Why it hurts you:
- You don’t challenge your brain
- You stop improving
- Your vocabulary stays limited
- You never reach B1/B2 fluency
Fix:
Move to harder content as soon as you feel comfortable.
A little confusion = growth.
Mistake 3 — Not Practicing Speaking
Even if you understand English, you won’t become fluent without speaking.
Why it matters:
- Speaking is a muscle
- You can’t improve pronunciation silently
- Free apps rarely include conversation practice
Fix:
Use ELSA, YouTube shadowing, or speak out loud with Duolingo or British Council lessons.
Mistake 4 — No Review System
Learning a word is easy.
Remembering it is the hard part.
Why it’s a problem:
- You forget 50–80% of vocabulary in 1 week
- Your progress feels slower than it really is
Fix:
Use a review tool like Quizlet or LingQ’s vocabulary review at least 2–3 times per week.
Mistake 5 — Expecting One Free App to Teach Everything
There is no “perfect” free English app.
Why this is unrealistic:
- One app cannot cover all skills equally
- Grammar, speaking, listening, reading all require different methods
Fix:
Use a combination:
- Duolingo → structure & vocabulary
- YouTube → real English
- British Council → grammar
- ELSA → pronunciation
- Quizlet → memorization
This gives you a complete learning system for $0.
Mistake 6 — Not Using Real English Content
Beginner apps are helpful, but you won’t become fluent reading only short sentences.
Fix:
Add real English as soon as possible:
- YouTube
- Podcasts
- LingQ stories
- BBC listening clips
This builds natural fluency and comprehension.
Mistake 7 — Learning Without Goals
Without a clear goal, progress becomes slow and random.
Fix:
Choose a simple, realistic target:
- Learn 10 new words per day
- Watch one English video daily
- Finish one grammar unit per week
Small wins → big results.
FAQs About Free English Learning Apps
1. What is the best free app to learn English?
Duolingo is the best overall free app for beginners, while BBC Learning English and YouTube are the best for listening and real English.
2. Can I learn English fluently using only free apps?
Yes — but only if you combine apps.
Use Duolingo + YouTube + ELSA + Quizlet for a complete, free learning system.
3. What is the best free English app for speaking?
ELSA (free version) gives the best pronunciation feedback of any free app.
For real speaking imitation, use YouTube shadowing.
4. What is the best free English app for grammar?
British Council LearnEnglish is the best free, structured grammar app from A1–B2.
5. Is Duolingo really free?
Yes.
Duolingo offers a full English course for free. The paid version removes ads and adds extra features, but all core lessons are accessible without paying.
6. What is the best free app for English listening?
BBC Learning English and YouTube offer the highest-quality free listening lessons.
7. What is the best free app for vocabulary?
Quizlet is the best because it uses flashcards, spaced repetition, and custom study modes.
8. What is the best free app for kids learning English?
FunEnglish is the most engaging free option for ages 3–10.
9. Do free apps have enough content to reach advanced English?
Free apps can help you reach intermediate and sometimes upper-intermediate.
Advanced learners should combine:
- YouTube
- LingQ
- Coursera (Audit Mode)
These offer real-world and academic English content for free.
10. Which free app should I start with as a complete beginner?
Duolingo + BBC Learning English (Beginner playlists) is the simplest, most effective starting combination.
