The best apps to learn French in 2025
Alysa Salzberg
November 04, 2025 • Updated November 19, 2025
Alysa Salzberg
November 04, 2025 • Updated November 19, 2025
Note: Prices are in USD. App pricing and features change frequently. All prices mentioned in this article were verified in November 2025, but we recommend checking the official websites for the most current pricing and offerings.
Looking for the best French learning app? I tested 9 popular apps for 2+ weeks each to find out which ones actually deliver on their promises and which waste your time.
The short answer: It depends on your goal. Want to speak confidently in real conversations? You need an app with pronunciation feedback and conversational practice. Prefer grammar drills? Look elsewhere.
Below, you'll find honest comparisons based on real testing, including what each app does well and where it falls short. (Spoiler: No app is perfect, including mine.)
I tested each of these French learning apps for at least 2 weeks, focusing on what matters most for adult learners who want to actually speak French:
What we tested:
Why trust this comparison: I'm Benjamin, a native French speaker who's taught thousands of students through French Together. I've tested these apps both as a teacher and as a language learner myself (I've used similar apps to learn German and Spanish). This comparison is based on real testing, not just reading marketing pages.
Some apps on this list are affiliate partners (including French Together, which I built). When you buy through links, we may earn a commission, but this doesn't influence our reviews. Every app here is honestly assessed based on the criteria above.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you what the best French learning app is. No, I'm not even going to say French Together! :-) This is because everyone learns differently and has different goals and needs. The real question is, what is the best French learning app for you?
Here are some areas where the different apps on our list excel:
| Category | Best App |
|---|---|
| Best app for French listening practice | FluentU / French Together |
| Best app for mastering everyday French conversations | French Together |
| Best app for relatively short but varied lessons and practice | Babbel (see: Babbel vs Duolingo) |
| Learning app that covers the most aspects of French | Rocket French (Busuu is a close second, but lacks lessons on French culture) |
| Best app for pronunciation practice | Pimsleur / French Together |
If you're curious about these apps, as well as some others, read to see some of the good and bad points of each one, as well as a brief description.
And if you want to go more in-depth, you'll also find links to longer reviews of most of the apps here.
π Ready to start speaking French? If you want an app focused on real conversation practice with instant pronunciation feedback, try French Together free for 7 days (cancel anytime during trial). Or keep reading to see how it compares in detail.

Full disclosure: This is my app, so I'm obviously biased. But I built it because I was frustrated with how other apps teach French. Here's what makes it different:
French Together uses the LSR Method (Listen, Speak, Repeat), specifically designed to get you speaking in real conversations, not just completing lessons.
French Together is a French conversation practice app, which means that its goal is to help you speak everyday French as quickly as possible.
French Together prepares you for real-life conversations in French by teaching you the most common vocabulary and helping you practice listening and speaking skills.
The app teaches you to have real conversations through a series of lessons that include:
Each lesson takes about 15 minutes to complete and focuses on practical, real-world French that you'll actually use in conversations.
Real results from French Together users:
"I live in Paris, and since I started using French Together, people I interact with regularly have been commenting on how much my French has improved." β Stephanie A.
"Passed B1 oral A1 written with 92 and 95 percent pass rates. No way would have achieved that without this course." β Chris H., Switzerland
"This course has given me more confidence in my pronunciation and usage... I really only had about 2 months with your program and already felt more comfortable." β Rebecca S., United States
French Together is specifically designed for learners who want to speak French in real-life situations. That means it's NOT ideal if you:
Fair warning: As the creator, I'm obviously biased. That's why we offer a 7-day free trial (cancel anytime) and 30-day money-back guarantee so you can judge for yourself with zero risk.
French Together costs $174 per year (which breaks down to $14.50/month) or $29/month if you choose the monthly plan.
Check your local version of French Together's pricing page for prices in your currency.
French Together offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it completely risk-free.
π° Price vs. Value: French Together costs more than some apps ($14.50/month vs. Duolingo's free tier), but here's why users tell us it's worth it:
Think about it this way: If French Together helps you have confident conversations 3 months sooner than a cheaper app, is $43.50 worth it? (That's the cost difference for 3 months vs. a free app.)
β Start your 7-day free trial now (cancel anytime)

Langua is a web app that allows learners to build vocabulary and watch podcasts and videos with features like a transcript and one-click translation tool. There's also an AI-generated Stories feature. But Langua is probably best known for its AI chatbot that lets you practice French conversation.
Bottom line: Langua is great for intermediate learners who want AI chat practice, but if you're a beginner who needs structured lessons with pronunciation feedback, consider French Together's focused approach.
Langua offers a limited free version for testing. For full access, there are two paid tiers:
US Pricing:
Communicate Plan: $19.90/month or $16.90/month (billed annually at $202.80/year)
Unlimited Plan: $29.90/month or $24.90/month (billed annually at $298.80/year)
Langua provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on web and Android, or a free trial on the iOS app.

Based on a language learning method developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1960's, and available in one form or another (cassettes, CD's, downloads, etc.) since the 1980's, Pimsleur is a language learning app you can use on your computer or mobile device(s).
For Dr. Pimsleur, languages are best learned through listening and repetition, as opposed, say, to writing or grammar exercises or reading.
But while many other apps (including French Together) might make listening exercises a priority but have other resources, the Pimsleur Method relies heavily (or in some cases, entirely) on audio learning and the repetition of words, sounds, and syllables, with little or no print or visual resources. Learners listen to dialogues and then follow a series of lessons that build on vocabulary from these dialogues.
For more information, check out our in-depth review of the Pimsleur French app. Otherwise, read on for my major takeaways from the app.
Before we continue, it's very important to be aware that there are two different versions of the Pimsleur French app.
The basic Pimsleur app consists of 30 lessons of about 30 minutes for each level you purchase. These are audio-only and you can't slow down the audio speed, although you can replay/rewind lessons. There are no additional review or exercise materials offered. As in both versions of the Pimsleur app, there are no transcripts, either.
The Premium Pimsleur app option consists of those 30 lessons of 30 or so minutes for each level you purchase. It also includes exercises and review materials for each lesson. Most of these are actually what you'd expect from a standard app, even a free one: flash cards, speaking exercises, fill-in-the blank sentences and the like. There are also audio lessons for selected grammar and culture concepts.

Bottom line: Pimsleur is excellent for audio-focused learners, but if you need visual transcripts and more conversational French, French Together combines audio practice with written support.
Pimsleur offers subscription plans with a 7-day free trial:
US Pricing:
For just $1 more per month, the All Access plan gives you access to all 51 languages instead of just one, making it the better value.
Additional Options:
Pimsleur offers a 7-day free trial on all plans.

Babbel's language learning app offers French lessons for beginners to upper intermediate level. Each course is made up of nine lessons that each take roughly 10 minutes or so to complete. The lessons include a wide variety of exercises.
Babbel covers most basic parts of French learning: listening, reading, speaking, writing, and features grammar and even culture-related explanations.
You can find more information in our in-depth Babbel French review. Or read on for my major takeaways about the app.

Bottom line: Babbel is great for varied, bite-sized lessons, but if you need adjustable audio speeds and transcripts, try French Together.
Babbel offers several subscription lengths, with better value for longer commitments:
US Pricing (Single Language):
Lifetime (All 14 Languages):
These prices include Babbel's standard promotional discounts. The 12-month plan offers the best value at 50% off the monthly rate.
Babbel provides one free lesson per language and a 20-day money-back guarantee.

FluentU is a language learning platform with a cool concept: learning through videos. Namely, actual French videos you'd find on YouTube.
You can watch and listen to the videos at regular or slowed-down speed, and also benefit from cool features like highlighting words in subtitles to get a translation. Words and phrases you highlight can be saved and used in lessons.
You can find more information in our in-depth FluentU review. Or read on for my major takeaways from the app.
Bottom line: FluentU is perfect for immersive video learning, but if you need speaking practice with pronunciation feedback, French Together focuses on conversation skills.
FluentU offers video-based immersive learning with real-world French content:
US Pricing:
Note: FluentU frequently runs promotions offering significant discounts (up to 40% off). Regular pricing is typically higher, around $30/month or $240+/year.
FluentU provides a 14-day free trial with no commitment and a 20-day money-back guarantee. One subscription gives you access to all 10 languages offered.

Busuu is a popular, award-winning learning French learning app that features lessons for beginners to upper intermediate French learners.
Busuu features a personalized learning plan comprised of lessons that include practice with listening (both audio and video are used), vocabulary, and grammar. The app is also known for allowing users to record responses to certain exercises and ask other users who are native or fluent speakers their opinion.
You can find more information in our in-depth Busuu review. Or read on for my major takeaways from the app.

Bottom line: Busuu is comprehensive and well-structured, but if you want AI conversation practice with instant feedback, French Together offers 100 daily AI messages.
Busuu offers both a free and premium version:
Free Version (Basic):
Busuu has a limited free tier that includes access to basic lessons in all 14 languages and community feedback from native speakers. However, it's quite restricted and serves more as a trial. You'll need Premium for full access to course materials.
US Premium Pricing:
Premium unlocks all course content, offline mode, personalized study plans, grammar lessons, AI-powered reviews, and official McGraw Hill certificates.
Busuu offers a 14-day money-back guarantee and student discounts (30% off with ISIC card).

Rosetta Stone rose to fame as a language learning system. Now, there's also a Rosetta Stone app available.
The Rosetta Stone app focuses first on teaching the fundamentals of a language. Then, learners can choose to continue with personalized 25-minute tutoring sessions.
Bottom line: Rosetta Stone works well for visual, structured learners, but if you need realistic conversation speeds and detailed pronunciation feedback, French Together offers both.
Rosetta Stone offers subscription and lifetime pricing options:
US Pricing (Single Language):
Lifetime (All 25 Languages):
These prices include Rosetta Stone's typical promotional discounts (25-45% off). The 3-month and 12-month subscriptions give you access to one language only, while the Lifetime plan includes all 25 languages.
Rosetta Stone offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Regular pricing (without sales) is significantly higher, but discounts are available year-round.

Rocket French is an app that takes a fun but fairly thorough approach to language learning, with two sections of lessons.
First, there's audio, where you'll study dialogues and build vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills based on those.
Then there's a language and culture section featuring information about not only French culture but additional grammar information.
Although their structures are a bit different, this approach is similar to some other apps, such as our very own French Together.
You can find more information in our in-depth review of Rocket French. Or read on for my major takeaways from the app.

Bottom line: Rocket French is comprehensive with culture lessons, but if you prefer shorter, focused conversation practice, French Together's 15-minute lessons may fit better.
Rocket French uses a one-time purchase model rather than subscriptions. You buy the course and own it forever:
US Pricing (with typical discounts):
Payment Plans:
These are sale prices with Rocket Languages' frequent promotional discounts (30-45% off). Regular pricing is significantly higher ($149.95-$449.85).
Unlike subscription apps, Rocket French is a one-time purchase for lifetime access, with no recurring fees. Rocket Languages frequently runs sales, so it's worth waiting for a promotion.

Duolingo is a learning app that offers courses in more than 40 languages, as well as kid-oriented courses in reading (in English) and math.
You can use it as a web app on your computer or you can download it onto your mobile device.
Duolingo French offers practice in areas like vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and speaking. To a certain extent, there's grammar learning, as well, although I found the explanations included in the "guidebook" before each lesson to often be too cursory and not serious enough.
The interface and lessons are fun and have a cartoonish, whimsical aesthetic.
For more information, check out our in-depth review of Duolingo. Or read on for my major takeaways from the app.

Bottom line: Duolingo is great for gamified, fun practice, but if you need structured pronunciation feedback and conversational French, French Together's focused method delivers faster results.
Duolingo is completely free and includes full access to all language courses. It's one of the most popular free language learning apps available.
Free Version:
Duolingo's free tier includes access to all 40+ languages and lessons. You'll see ads and have a "hearts" system that limits mistakes, but it's fully functional for long-term learning.
Super Duolingo (Optional Premium):
For an ad-free experience with additional features, Super Duolingo costs:
Super Duolingo removes ads, provides unlimited hearts (no lives limit), and adds personalized practice. However, the free version is excellent for most learners and includes all core content.
To help you compare at a glance, here's how these apps stack up on key features:
| App | Pronunciation Feedback | Natural Speed Audio | AI Conversation | Annual Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Together | β 0-100% scoring | β Slow + natural | β 100 msg/day | $174 | Speaking practice |
| Langua | β οΈ Inconsistent (beta) | N/A | β Unlimited | $203-299 | AI chat focus |
| Pimsleur | β Audio only | β No control | β | $165 | Audio learners |
| Babbel | β οΈ Not strict | β No slow speed | β | $107 | Varied exercises |
| FluentU | β | β Adjustable | β | $144 | Video immersion |
| Busuu | β οΈ Basic | Varies | β οΈ Community only | $73 | Grammar + variety |
| Rosetta Stone | β οΈ Basic | β οΈ Slow only | β | $131 (12mo) | Visual learners |
| Rocket French | β Good | β | β | $260 (one-time) | Comprehensive |
| Duolingo | β οΈ Basic | Varies | β | Free (+$60 premium) | Gamification |
β = Excellent | β οΈ = Limited/Basic | β = Not available or very limited
My personal recommendation? Don't just read reviews. Actually test 2-3 apps during their free trials to find what clicks for you.
Start with apps that match your primary goal:
Why try French Together first? We're the only app that combines AI pronunciation scoring, conversation practice with 100 daily messages, and slow+normal speed audio from native speakers. Plus, our 30-day money-back guarantee means there's literally zero risk.
β Try French Together free for 7 days and see if you can hold your first French conversation by next week.
Most apps on this list offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test risk-free:
Good luck with your French learning journey! And if you have questions about any of these apps, feel free to reach out.
Questions about which app is right for you? Drop me a line. I'm Benjamin, and I actually respond to emails.
Last updated: November 2025
Alysa Salzberg is an American writer, teacher, and cookie enthusiast who has lived in Paris, France for over a decade. She graduated from New York University's Gallatin School and has taught English and French for 10+ years. She's the author of the novel "Hearts at Dawn" and brings a unique perspective to French language learning.
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