Learning English has become an essential necessity in modern times, whether for professional growth, travel, studying abroad, or simply accessing content not available in Portuguese. With technological advancements, learning the language has become much more accessible thanks to educational apps, which allow students to study anywhere, at their own pace, using modern methods based on spaced repetition, gamification, and voice recognition. Today, there are many options on the market, but some apps stand out for offering a complete, didactic, and globally accessible experience. Below, you'll find the best apps for learning English, all available for download worldwide and with features that cater to beginners to advanced students.
Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the world's most popular apps for learning English. With millions of active users, it has become a global benchmark for combining effective teaching with gamification. The app offers short, fun, and interactive lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, writing, listening, and even pronunciation. The interface works similarly to a game, with daily goals, rewards, and a level system that keeps the user motivated.
One of the great advantages of Duolingo is that it can be used for free, with a Plus subscription option for those who want to remove ads and access exclusive features. The app is available for download in virtually every country and works both online and offline — after downloading the lessons beforehand. Furthermore, Duolingo uses spaced repetition technology, which helps users memorize words and structures more easily.
Another positive point is accessibility. Duolingo is available in dozens of languages, making it easy for people of different nationalities to learn. It also offers themed challenges, interactive stories, and a global ranking to encourage progress. For those looking for a lightweight, efficient, and fully global app, Duolingo is one of the safest choices.
Babbel
Babbel is another globally prominent app for learning English, known for its focus on practical conversation and real-life context. While many apps concentrate only on vocabulary or short exercises, Babbel offers lessons created by professional linguists, with real-life communication situations, natural dialogues, and clear grammar explanations. This makes learning more solid and applicable to everyday life.
The app is available for download worldwide and offers courses tailored to different levels — from beginners to advanced students. A key feature of Babbel is its emphasis on pronunciation: using voice recognition technology, the app corrects the user's speech and helps build confidence when communicating in English.
Another strong point is its organized structure. Each lesson lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, which fits perfectly into the routine of people who have little time to study. In addition, Babbel offers periodic review exercises based on long-term memory, reinforcing the learned content. Although it is a paid app, its quality and methodology make it one of the best global options for those seeking fast and consistent learning.
Busuu
Busuu is a globally recognized app known for its method that combines technology with human interaction. It offers comprehensive English courses, from basic to advanced levels, with practical exercises in writing, reading, grammar, listening, and speaking. Busuu's distinguishing feature is the possibility of receiving corrections from native speakers, making learning more natural and personalized.
The app is available for global download and works on a variety of devices, allowing users to study anywhere. It uses a smart study plan that analyzes the student's available time and goals, creating a personalized schedule. This helps maintain consistency, one of the most important factors for learning English efficiently.
Another highlight of Busuu is its speech recognition system, which helps train pronunciation. In addition, the app provides an international community where students from all over the world interact, exchange messages, correct each other's exercises, and foster a collaborative environment. Although it has premium features, Busuu offers excellent value for money for those seeking a complete app focused on human interaction, something essential for developing fluency.
Memrise
Memrise is an app designed for efficient memorization of words and expressions, using techniques based on cognitive science. It is very popular around the world for offering dynamic English courses focusing on useful vocabulary, real phrases, and videos of native speakers. This allows the user to learn how words are naturally pronounced in everyday life.
The app is available for download in dozens of countries and has a simple and fun interface. Memrise uses spaced repetition and visual association to reinforce learning, making the process much faster and more intuitive. Furthermore, the courses are designed to simulate real-life situations, such as ordering in restaurants, informal conversations, shopping, and travel. This helps the user communicate confidently in real-life contexts.
The "Learn with Locals" feature is one of Memrise's great differentiators. It allows users to watch short videos of native speakers talking about common phrases, improving listening comprehension and pronunciation. The app also allows offline study, provided the content has been downloaded beforehand. For those seeking a light, fun, and effective method, Memrise is one of the best apps available for learning English globally.