Comparison

Babbel vs Rosetta Stone vs Busuu vs Mondly vs Pimsleur vs Preply

We evaluated lesson quality, speaking practice, convenience, and value across top platforms. Babbel is our best overall pick for most learners—clear explanations, practical dialogues, and bite-size lessons that build real conversation skills.

Editor’s Choice: Babbel

Strong speaking practice

Offline mobile lessons

10–15 min sessions

4.7/5Avg. user sentiment

10–15 minLesson length

14+Popular languages

Highlights

Practical dialogues

Everyday conversations plus cultural context so you learn the why without slowing down.

Steady progress

Spaced review and cumulative practice reinforce skills across all modalities.

Flexible & affordable

Short sessions, mobile offline access, and plans for individuals or families.

Ready to start with the safest first pick?

Great for beginners to upper-intermediate learners focused on real-life conversation.

Get Babbel

Side-by-side comparison

Quick take: Babbel is best overall. Pimsleur excels at audio-only; Preply leads for live tutoring; Rosetta Stone is immersive; Busuu adds community corrections; Mondly is highly gamified.

Feature	Babbel Best overall	Rosetta Stone	Busuu	Mondly	Pimsleur	Preply
Lesson style	Dialog-based + concise grammar notes	Image-based immersion, minimal translation	Bite-size lessons + community feedback	Gamified, phrase-driven with chatbots	Audio-first “listen & respond”	Live 1:1 tutoring marketplace
Speaking practice	Guided dialogues & speech input	Pronunciation checks	Exercises + peer reviews	Voice drills & prompts	Call-and-response prompts	Live conversation
Live classes	Optional Babbel Live add-on	Separate/limited	Primarily self-study	Primarily self-study	Primarily self-study	Core experience (1:1)
Offline mode	Mobile lessons offline	Available on mobile	Available on mobile	Available on mobile	Download audio lessons	N/A (live sessions)
Best for	Everyday conversation & steady progress	Visual immersion fans	Guided study + community help	Gamified motivation & phrases	Hands-free learning on the go	Personalized coaching
Free plan	Paid after trial	Paid after trial	Limited free tier	Limited free tier	Paid after trial	Pay per lesson
Pricing	varies by plan	varies by plan	freemium & paid	freemium & paid	by level	Varies by tutor
Languages	Popular European & more	Broad selection	Popular languages	Popular languages	Major languages	Wide (depends on tutors)
Placement / level test	Included	Included	Included	Included	Not typical focus	By tutor

Choose confidently

Choose Babbel if…

You want a balanced, structured path to real-life conversation without sacrificing flexibility or clarity.

Choose Pimsleur if…

You prefer audio-only, hands-free learning (commutes, workouts) with strong recall prompts.

Choose Preply if…

You need tailored 1:1 tutoring, accountability, or specific goals like exams or business language.

Choose Rosetta Stone if…

You learn best through immersive visuals and can embrace a slower build-up.

Choose Busuu if…

You like community corrections on writing and speaking alongside structured courses.

Choose Mondly if…

Gamified streaks and chatbot-style practice keep you motivated.

What learners say

“Babbel finally made conversations click for me. The lessons are short but surprisingly thorough.” — Alex M. Beginner → Intermediate Spanish

“I tried several apps—Babbel felt the most practical and easy to build a habit with.” — Priya R. French for travel

Bottom line: Babbel is the best first pick

Practical lessons, clear guidance, and offline learning help you stay consistent.

Start with Babbel