Learning Italian can be a great adventure, and guess what? There are cool apps that make it even more fun!
But, what are the absolute best apps to learn Italian?
If you’re just starting or want to get better, this guide is here to help. We’ll check out the best apps to learn Italian and make learning Italian easy and enjoyable.
From games to chatting, these apps are like magic keys to help you speak Italian.
Let’s dive in and make learning a new language exciting!
Why Should You Learn The Italian Language?
Learning Italian can be like unlocking a treasure chest of culture and opportunities. It’s not just about enjoying Dante’s words or exploring Michelangelo’s art; it’s also a smart move for business, especially if you’re into fashion and design.
When you travel to Italy, speaking the language connects you to the heart of the place, letting you truly enjoy the landscapes and delicious food.
Plus, picking up Italian can boost your brainpower, making it easier to learn other languages later on. It’s not just practical; it’s also a way to make friends worldwide, joining a community of language lovers.
So, why learn Italian instead of learning Spanish?
It’s a journey that brings culture, career benefits, and personal growth – opening a door to a world of possibilities.
Quick Overview of the Best Apps to Learn Italian
| App | Best For | Base Price | Teaching Style |
| Mondly | Multi-language Learning | $10 / month | Conversational lessons with speech recognition |
| Babbel | Structured Learning | Free Lessons or $4.95 – $9.95 / month | Sequential lessons with a focus on grammar |
| Duolingo | Gamified Learning | Free (with ads) or $6.99 / month | Interactive and game-like lessons |
| Pimsleur | Auditory Learners | $15 / month | Audio-focused lessons for oral communication |
| Italki | Personalized Learning | ($8) Pay-per-lesson | One-on-one sessions with native speakers |
| Memrise | Vocabulary Building | From $8.99 | Mnemonic techniques and gamified learning |
| Tandem | Real Conversations | Pay/lesson | User-driven platform for language exchange |
My Top 7 Best Apps to Learn Italian
I’ve made a list of the best apps to learn Italian based on my own experience and opinions. Remember, this is a selection of the best of the best apps to learn Italian so really every app on this list is worth looking at.
Let’s get right into it.
1. Best Italian Learning App for Multi-language Learning: Mondly
Mondly, a popular language-learning app, stands out as a comprehensive tool for those eager to learn Italian. Geared towards learners of all levels, Mondly offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features designed to make language acquisition engaging and effective.
Best for:
Mondly is best suited for beginners and intermediate learners who appreciate a structured approach to language learning. The app caters to those looking for a well-rounded experience that includes vocabulary building, grammar lessons, and practical conversation skills.
Base Price:
Mondly operates on a subscription-based model, with pricing plans offering various durations. You can get access to Mondly for only $10 / month. The app also offers a free trial, leaving you with basically no risk to give it a try.
Mondly Teaching Style:
The teaching style of Mondly combines elements of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning, ensuring a holistic language learning experience. Interactive lessons incorporate real-life scenarios, and Mondly’s voice recognition feature helps users practice pronunciation with immediate feedback.
Pros:
- Diverse lesson content covering vocabulary, grammar, and conversation
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation
- Gamified learning experience for engagement
- Voice recognition technology for pronunciation feedback
Cons:
- Subscription costs for full access
- Content may be more beneficial for beginners and intermediates
2. Best Italian Learning App for Structured Learning: Babbel
Babbel excels in guiding beginners and intermediates through a structured learning path, emphasizing practical conversations. With a user-friendly interface, it offers effective vocabulary building. Babbel was also third on my best Spanish Apps list, so it’s a very valuable platform.
While less gamified, Babbel’s focus on real-life application makes it a valuable tool for those seeking a straightforward and personalized approach to learning Italian.
Best for:
Babbel caters to a broad audience but is particularly effective for beginners and intermediate learners who prefer a practical, conversation-focused approach to language acquisition. It suits those seeking a balance between structured lessons and real-life application.
Base Price:
Babbel operates on a subscription model with various plans. Subscription costs can vary from $4.95 – $9.95 / month, which is very low compared to other platforms. You can try the first lessons of every course for free, but after that you’ll need a subscription to keep learning.
Babbel Teaching Style:
Babbel stands out with its emphasis on practical conversational skills. Lessons are designed to be relevant to everyday situations, providing learners with the ability to apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. The app uses a combination of visual and auditory learning techniques.
Pros:
- Practical conversational focus
- Structured learning path
- Effective for vocabulary building
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Less gamified compared to some competitors
- Subscription costs for full access
3. Best Italian Learning App for Gamified Learning: Duolingo
Duolingo is your go-to for enjoyable language learning. With its playful games and engaging challenges, it’s perfect for beginners. Access basic content for free, join language clubs, and enjoy a community-driven experience.
While great for casual learners, advanced users may find it somewhat limited. In my opinion its really one of the best apps to learn Italian.
Best for:
Duolingo caters to a wide audience, but its engaging and gamified approach makes it particularly suitable for casual learners, beginners, and those who enjoy a more playful language learning experience. It’s ideal for individuals looking to infuse fun into their language acquisition journey.
Base Price:
Duolingo offers a freemium model, allowing users to access basic language lessons for free. For those seeking additional features and an ad-free experience, Duolingo Plus, a subscription-based service, is available. The premium subscription is competitively priced at $6.99 / month, offering additional features for dedicated learners.
From my personal experience of learning Spanish through Duolingo, I think that you don’t need Duolingo Plus and you’ll be fine with the free version of the app.
Duolingo Teaching Style:
Duolingo employs a gamified teaching style, turning language learning into a series of interactive challenges and games. The lessons cover a range of language aspects, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. The app utilizes visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning techniques.
Pros:
- Gamified learning experience for engagement
- Free access to basic content
- Multifaceted lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
- Community engagement through language clubs
Cons:
- Overemphasis on repetition in exercises
4. Best Italian Learning App for Auditory Learners: Pimsleur
Pimsleur is great for those who like to listen and learn. You can use it on the go, like when you’re traveling. It helps you talk in Italian and remember it better by repeating things. It’s not the best if you like reading, but if you want to learn by listening, Pimsleur is one of the best apps to learn Italian.
Best for:
Pimsleur is best suited for auditory learners and individuals who prioritize oral communication skills. It’s particularly effective for those with a busy lifestyle, as it allows for learning on the go, making it a great choice for commuters or individuals with limited time for dedicated study sessions.
Base Price:
Pimsleur operates on a subscription-based model, offering various plans for learners. The subscription price is about $15 / month to get full access to everything.
Pimsleur Teaching Style:
Pimsleur employs an audio-focused teaching style, relying on immersive listening exercises and repetition to reinforce language patterns. Lessons are structured to build conversational skills from the ground up, focusing on practical communication rather than written language skills.
Pros:
- Ideal for auditory learners
- Convenient for on-the-go learning
- Effective repetition for better retention
- Focus on practical conversational skills
Cons:
- Limited written component
- Not ideal for visual learners
5. Best Italian Learning App for Personalized Learning: Italki
Italki connects you with native-speaking tutors for personalized one-on-one sessions. Dive into cultural insights, practice practical language skills, and enjoy flexible scheduling. While costs vary, Italki tailors your Italian learning journey to fit your unique preferences, which is why I put Italki on this best apps to learn Italian list.
Best for:
Italki is best suited for learners who value personalized, one-on-one interaction with native speakers. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking conversational practice, cultural insights, and a tailored learning experience. Ideal for all proficiency levels, Italki connects users with qualified language tutors and provides a platform for language exchange with native speakers.
Base Price:
Italki operates on a pay-per-lesson model, allowing users to choose instructors based on their budget and learning goals. Prices vary depending on the tutor’s experience and qualifications. An expected cost of Italki is about $8 / hour, which is not a lot for one-on-one coaching. While Italki offers flexibility in pricing, users should check the platform for the most current rates.
Italki Teaching Style:
Italki’s teaching style is highly adaptable, as it depends on the individual tutor’s approach. Tutors on Italki may use a variety of methods, ranging from structured lessons to casual conversation, accommodating the diverse needs and preferences of learners.
Pros:
- Personalized learning with one-on-one sessions
- Cultural insights through interaction with native speakers
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones
- Opportunities for language exchange
Cons:
- Costs can vary based on tutor qualifications
- Quality depends on individual tutors
6. Best Italian Learning App for Vocabulary Building: Memrise
Memrise is all about making Italian vocabulary stick. With creative memory tricks and a playful game-style, it transforms learning into an enjoyable experience.
Whether you’re into images or audio, Memrise adds a dynamic touch. While it’s more about words than grammar, the app’s user-created content keeps things diverse and lively. Dive into Memrise for a fun and effective spin on Italian vocabulary building.
Best for:
Memrise is best suited for learners looking to enhance their vocabulary through a creative and mnemonic-driven approach. It’s particularly effective for those who enjoy gamified learning and want to focus on building a robust vocabulary foundation in Italian.
Base Price:
Memrise operates on a freemium model, providing free access to basic features, including vocabulary lessons. For users seeking additional features and an ad-free experience, Memrise offers a premium subscription with varying plans starting from $8.99 for a month.
Memrise Teaching Style:
Memrise’s teaching style revolves around the use of mnemonics and creative memory aids to help learners remember vocabulary. The app employs a gamified approach, turning language learning into an interactive and enjoyable experience. Lessons often include multimedia elements such as images and audio to reinforce memory.
Pros:
- Creative vocabulary building with mnemonics
- Engaging gamified learning experience
- User-created content for diverse learning materials
- Multimedia integration with images and audio
Cons:
- Limited grammar instruction
- Free version has limitations
- Gamification may not suit everyone’s learning style
7. Best Italian Learning App for Real Conversations: Tandem
Tandem brings real Italian conversations to your fingertips. Connect with native speakers, exchange cultures, and learn at your own pace. Whether through text or video, Tandem offers a flexible and personalized approach to language exchange. Perfect for those wanting an immersive journey into Italian, Tandem makes learning as vibrant as a conversation, which is why it deserves to be on this best apps to learn Italian list.
Best for:
Tandem is an ideal platform for learners who thrive on real conversations and cultural exchange. It’s perfect for those seeking language practice through one-on-one interactions with native speakers. Tandem is suitable for all proficiency levels, offering opportunities to both learn and teach a language.
Base Price:
Tandem operates on a freemium model, providing free access to basic language exchange features. Premium subscriptions are available for users who want additional perks, such as unlimited translations and profile customization.
Tandem Teaching Style:
Tandem’s teaching style is user-driven, allowing learners to set their goals and choose language partners based on mutual interests. The platform encourages conversational practice through text, voice, and video exchanges, fostering a dynamic and immersive learning experience.
Pros:
- Real-time conversations with native speakers
- Cultural exchange for deeper language understanding
- Flexible, user-driven learning approach
- Text, voice, and video options for diverse communication
Cons:
- Effectiveness depends on finding compatible language partners
How to Choose the Best Apps to Learn Italian for You?
Selecting the ideal language learning app for mastering Italian involves considering your learning style, goals, budget, and preferred teaching methods.
Identify whether you thrive with visuals, audio, or hands-on practice, and choose an app like Duolingo or Memrise for interactive learning or Tandem and Italki for real conversations.
Define your language objectives—be it conversation skills, grammar, or vocabulary—and evaluate the cost factor, whether through subscriptions or free versions with optional premium features.
It’s also important to explore teaching styles, ranging from structured lessons in apps like Babbel to personalized approaches in Italki and Tandem.
Ultimately, finding the best app involves a thoughtful blend of personal preferences, goals, and budget considerations.
Learning Italian Through Online Courses vs Apps
The decision between learning Italian through online courses and apps depends on your preferences, goals, and preferred learning style.
Online courses, such as those offered by platforms like Skillshare or Udemy (See also my Skillshare vs Udemy article), often provide a more structured and comprehensive approach.
These courses typically include in-depth lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, making them suitable for learners who thrive in a more traditional educational setting.
On the other hand, language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise are known for their flexibility and user-friendly interfaces. Apps are often designed for on-the-go learning, with gamified features that make the process engaging and interactive.
They are particularly effective for learners who prefer a more casual and self-paced approach. While online courses may offer more in-depth content, apps excel in providing accessible and bite-sized learning experiences.
So, consider your learning objectives, available time, and personal preferences when choosing between online courses and best apps to learn Italian for your language learning journey.
Combining both approaches can also offer a well-rounded and effective learning experience.
Wrap Up
Finding the best apps to learn Italian is like picking your favorite game. Duolingo, Tandem, Babbel, Italki, Memrise, Pimsleur, and Mondly—they’re all like different paths to learn. Each one has its own style, just like how some people like playing different games. You can even try more than one to see what you like best. Remember, the best apps to learn Italian for you are the ones that make learning Italian fun for you. Happy learning!
Related: Best Apps To Learn Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are these best apps to learn Italian suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Many of the mentioned apps, like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise, cater specifically to beginners. They provide a user-friendly starting point with basic lessons and interactive features.
2. How do I choose between the best apps to learn Italian?
Consider your learning style, goals, and preferences. If you enjoy games, Duolingo and Memrise might be great. For structured lessons, consider Babbel or Mondly. If you prefer real conversations, Tandem or Italki could be ideal.
3. Are these apps free?
Most apps offer free versions with basic features. However, some have premium subscriptions for additional benefits. It’s essential to check each app’s pricing structure to find what suits your budget.
4. Can I use multiple apps at once?
Certainly! Combining these best apps to learn Italian can provide a well-rounded learning experience. For example, you might use Duolingo for gamified lessons and Italki for real conversations.
5. How effective are language learning apps compared to traditional methods?
While apps offer flexibility and interactivity, their effectiveness depends on personal preferences. Traditional methods may suit some learners, but the engaging features of these best apps to learn Italian often make language learning more enjoyable and accessible.
6. Can I learn Italian solely through apps?
Yes, many learners have successfully achieved proficiency primarily through language learning apps. However, incorporating a variety of resources, such as books, movies, podcasts, or online courses can enhance your overall language skills.