Babbel Review: Why It Beats Duolingo for Serious Learners

Have you ever found yourself stumbling over words in a foreign language, embarrassment bubbling up as you struggle to express a simple thought? You’re not alone.

Did you know that 75% of English speakers worldwide are non-native? Language learning can often feel like an uphill battle, whether it’s the sinking feeling when you can’t find the right word, the frustration of being misunderstood due to pronunciation, or the awkwardness of navigating unfamiliar cultural norms.

I was raised in a bilingual household with a mix of German and English, and speaking to my German relatives has always been challenging. Despite being surrounded by both languages growing up, I still stumble over words and occasionally feel embarrassed when I can’t make certain pronunciations. My German uncle and I found a middle ground: Both of us are terrible at speaking the other’s native language, so he speaks German to me, and I respond in English!

But that solution only goes so far. While that approach can work with relatives, it doesn’t completely solve the challenge of feeling confident in a language part of my heritage.

I recently tried Babbel, a language-learning app designed to bridge gaps like these or learn new languages from the ground up (I started learning Spanish with Babbel, a language I’ve always been interested in trying). The app’s structured lessons and interactive exercises offered a practical way to improve my language learning skills and build my confidence.

In this Babbel review, I’ll discuss the pros and cons, what it is, who it’s best for, and its key features. Then, I’ll show you how I used Babbel to start learning a foreign language and attend my first live group class!

I’ll finish the article by comparing Babbel with my top three alternatives (Pronounce, Duolingo, and Langua). By the end, you’ll know if Babbel is right for you!

Verdict

Babbel offers well-structured lessons with practical vocabulary and speech recognition for effective pronunciation practice. It also provides live private and group classes with native speakers in 14 languages. However, some languages have limited content, difficulty levels can increase abruptly, and the service may feel expensive and repetitive for some users.

What is Babbel?

Babbel is a prominent language learning platform known for its blend of self-paced lessons and live online classes. With over 15 million subscriptions sold, it combines award-winning courses crafted by a team of language experts with interactive tools like speech recognition and real-life dialogues.

Babbel offers guided learning through its app, where you can access lessons, games, and podcasts tailored to your proficiency level. Babbel Live provides unlimited access to group and private classes with certified teachers.

The platform creates meaningful language learning experiences that help you speak a new foreign language within weeks. Babbel’s personalized approach includes real-time feedback and progress tracking, like having a private tutor.

The company also boasts a diverse executive team, including CEO Arne Schepker, who led Babbel to significant growth with over $324 million in annual revenue and over 16 million subscriptions sold. Julie Hansen, the CRO and U.S. CEO, has played a crucial role in expanding Babbel’s global reach, while CFO Christian Baier focuses on financial strategy and operational excellence.

Driven by a mission to foster communication and create more profound connections across cultures, Babbel’s products support a wide range of learning styles and goals. The company’s dedication to innovation and quality is why it earned so many accolades, including recognition as the “Most Innovative Language Learning Company” by Fast Company in 2023!

Who is Babbel Best For?

Babbel is a versatile language-learning platform offering a detailed and structured approach. It’s particularly suitable for those seeking practical language skills for professional, personal, or travel-related purposes:

• Busy Professionals: Babbel’s bite-sized lessons are ideal for individuals with limited time. These quick sessions allow learners to practice during short breaks or commutes, making them suitable for those with hectic schedules. Babbel’s mobile app offers 10-15-minute lessons that can be completed during a coffee break or commute.
• Travelers: For those who frequently travel, Babbel teaches practical vocabulary and phrases that are useful in real-life situations. The platform also includes cultural insights to help users navigate social interactions in foreign countries. Babbel’s “Culture Bites” feature provides cultural context and etiquette tips for the languages you’re learning.
• Language Enthusiasts: Anyone passionate about languages will find Babbel’s extensive course offerings engaging. The app provides a structured learning approach, benefitting beginners and advanced learners. Babbel’s Explore tab offers specialized courses and themed lessons for deeper language exploration.
• Expats and International Students: Babbel is helpful for those moving to new countries. It offers a solid foundation in the local language to enhance communication with locals and ease the transition to a new environment. Babbel Live provides live online classes with native speakers to practice conversation skills in real time.
• Lifelong Learners: Babbel caters to curious individuals wanting to expand their knowledge. Its courses support continuous learning at all proficiency levels. Babbel’s podcasts offer additional language content for continued learning beyond the app.
• Businesses: Babbel for Business offers language learning solutions for companies to train their employees in various languages, improving communication in international business settings. Its customized learning plans are industry-tailored to specific industry vocabularies and business scenarios.
• Students and Teachers: Babbel provides structured lessons and progress tracking, making it useful for formal language education. Babbel’s Review Manager helps reinforce learned content and track progress over time.

Babbel Key Features

Babbel stands out from other language apps because it simplifies complex grammar through structured lessons rather than relying heavily on games. It also enhances learning with personalized review sessions and speech recognition for immediate pronunciation feedback:

• Babbel Live: Unlimited live online classes, including private and group options on different topics. You’ll participate in live virtual classes with top language teachers on Zoom.
• Babbel App: Self-paced learning with interactive lessons, speech recognition, and personalized review sessions.
• Personalized Learning: Babbel personalizes language learning by providing tailored course material, real-time feedback, and progress tracking.
• Courses: Structured lessons across various topics and language levels.
• Review System: Recap lessons to reinforce learning and practice your vocabulary with custom collections.
• Podcasts: Enhance language learning on the go with podcasts covering exciting topics for different levels.
• Games: Interactive games to reinforce phrases and vocabulary.
• Grammar Guide: Simple explanations and examples for grammar rules.
• Babbel Magazine: Articles on language, culture, and learning tips.
• Business Language Training: Upgrade your company’s language skills for better communication with Babbel for Business.

How to Use Babbel to Learn a New Language

Here’s how I used Babbel to start learning Spanish and attend my first live class:

1. Sign up for Babbel.
2. Choose a language.
3. Choose your subscription.
4. Identify your language level.
5. Begin your first lesson.
6. Set a weekly goal.
7. Review your vocabulary.
8. Choose how you want to review.
9. Attend a live class.

Step 1: Sign Up for Babbel

I started by going to Babbel.com and selecting “Sign Up.”

Step 2: Choose a Language

Next, Babbel asked me which language I was most interested in learning how to speak. I’m most interested in learning Spanish, so that’s the language I selected.

Next, Babbel asked me a few questions to personalize my experience and create my Babbel account:

• Why are you learning Spanish?
• Do you know any Spanish?
• What are you looking to achieve?
• How much time do you want to commit to learning Spanish?
• What’s your learning style?
• How old are you?
• How did you hear about Babbel?
• What’s your name?
• What’s your email address?
• Choose a password

Step 3: Choose Your Subscription

Next, Babbel gave me two subscription options for how I wanted to start learning Spanish: Babbel Self-Study and Babbel Live.

Babbel Self-Study

Here’s what Babbel Self-Study offers:

• Learn independently with interactive app-based lessons crafted by over 150 language experts.
• Dive into a guided curriculum that teaches practical language skills and helps you build lasting memories for real-world conversations.
• Enjoy quick insights through podcasts, videos, and culture bites while engaging games keep your skills sharp.
• Take advantage of the personalized planning tools for curriculum, goal-setting, and progress tracking.

Babbel Live

Babbel Live offers the best of both worlds: live online classes with real teachers and access to all Babbel Self-Study materials!

• Practice speaking with top-rated, native-speaking teachers who lead one-on-one private and small group classes (max. six students) to help you master the language effectively.
• Enjoy the flexibility of classes available from morning to night, and even book last-minute sessions if needed.
• You can take as many Babbel Live classes as you want with no hidden fees. Your learning experience is unlimited and fully supported!

Before making any commitments, I selected “Continue” under “Babbel Self-Study” to familiarize myself with the app and see what Babbel had to offer.

If you upgrade through Babbel Self-Study or Babbel Live, you can contact customer service within 20 days and get a full refund, so there’s no risk!

Step 4: Identify Your Language Level

Next, Babbel welcomed me to my dashboard! Immediately on the homepage was a quiz to identify my language level and some language lessons.

I started by selecting “Find level” to see where my Spanish-speaking levels were at.

Selecting “Find level” immediately started a fill-in-the-blank quiz. I had to choose my answer and hit “Confirm answer” to proceed. Alternatively, I could skip if I wasn’t sure of the answer.

I started filling in the blanks to the best of my ability and moving through the questions. There was a good mix of easy and more challenging questions.

Step 5: Begin Your First Lesson

After answering a few questions, Babbel informed me that I was ready to start learning to introduce myself and answer simple questions. I selected “Start learning.”

Back in my Babbel dashboard, I could start my first lesson: Greeting people and saying goodbye. I hit “Start lesson.”

The first lesson had eight basic questions. Most of them were easy, while others were a bit more challenging.

Babbel let me replay the audio as many times as I wanted to get the pronunciation just right. I appreciated the pronunciation tips that would occasionally appear, helping me fine-tune my speaking skills.

Some questions had images, others were purely audio, and others required me to match phrases with their correct translations. I appreciated the variety; it kept the learning experience engaging and helped reinforce different skills!

My first lesson on Babbel was complete! I’m proud to say that I got a perfect score.

Step 6: Set a Weekly Goal

Back in my dashboard, Babbel asked me to set a weekly goal. Goals are essential for staying motivated and tracking progress in language learning. I hit “Let’s go!” I could also set goals from my dashboard.

Babbel asked me about my motivation for learning Spanish:

• Travel
• Personal interest
• Skill improvement
• Work
• Family/friends
• School

Next, Babbel asked me the language level I wanted to reach:

• Basic: Use simple expressions for introductions, personal details, and hobbies.
• Independent: Grasp key points in daily conversations and express opinions.
• Proficient: Communicate fluently in social, academic, and professional settings, including understanding implied meanings.

From there, Babbel asked me when I wanted to reach my goal:

• 1-3 months
• 3-6 months
• 6-12 months
• More than 12 months

Babbel gave me a summary of my language goals and asked me how many minutes I wanted to practice per day:

• 5 minutes per day.
• 15 minutes per day.
• 30 minutes per day.
• 60 minutes per day.

The time per day determined how many activities I would need to accomplish weekly to reach my goal. For example, practicing fifteen minutes daily would mean completing seven weekly activities.

Once complete, I could see my progress in my activity and course completion at the bottom of my dashboard.

Step 7: Review Your Vocabulary

I noticed a small notification on the top navigation bar next to “Review,” which I selected.

Babbel wanted me to review my vocabulary to improve long-term memory, so I selected “Review vocab.”

Step 8: Choose How You Want to Review

There were four different ways I could review my vocabulary:

1. Flashcards
2. Listening
3. Speaking
4. Writing

I chose flashcards, but “Speaking” would likely be the best option. Practicing speaking when learning a new language reinforces pronunciation and usage in real-life scenarios.

Step 9: Attend a Live Class

The last two features I visited were “Live” and “Explore.” Both were accessible from the top navigation bar.

The “Live” tab was where I could access private or group classes with certified teachers. They covered various topics, such as booking a hotel room and discussing your family. You can filter them by language levels, days, and times.

Babbel gave me two free classes I could attend just by making my Babbel account. I attended a live group class titled “Where is it?” Selecting the class took me to a page where I could download a PDF of the material the teacher would cover, so I knew what to expect beforehand!

The class was enjoyable, and I learned a lot during the 55 minutes. The teacher was also very nice, which made the experience even better!

The Explore tab in Babbel provides access to courses and content tailored to my language learning needs:

• Courses by level or topic.
• A grammar guide.
• Podcasts for on-the-go learning.
• Audio “Culture Bites” to learn more about the language with fun cultural facts.
• Games for language learning.
• Babbel magazine has articles on language, learning, and culture.

Overall, Babbel provided an engaging and structured way for me to start learning Spanish. Unlike other language learning apps, it combines interactive lessons with live classes, crucial for practicing real-world conversations. The personalized experience and goal setting made staying motivated and tracking my progress easy!

Top 3 Babbel Alternatives

Babbel is a solid option for learning languages, but you might want to explore other options to see which language-learning app is most suitable for you.

Here are the best Babbel alternatives I’d recommend:

Pronounce

The first Babbel alternative I’d recommend is Pronounce AI. What stood out to me about Pronounce was its real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and fluency, making it a practical tool for improving English communication skills. Although AI should never be your therapist, I had an engaging, real-time conversation with an AI speed coach on mental health!

While Pronunciation and Babbel offer interactive lessons, Pronounce excels in providing real-time feedback on pronunciation and grammar. Pronounce also tailors its experience exclusively to improve English-speaking confidence.

Meanwhile, Babbel excels at offering well-structured lessons across 14 different languages that focus on vocabulary, grammar, and real-life dialogues. Both platforms feature speech recognition, but Pronounce emphasizes personalized coaching for fluent speaking, whereas Babbel leans more into its lesson structure and live classes.

If you want personalized, real-time English speaking improvement with an AI coach, choose Pronounce! For broader language learning with structured lessons and live virtual classes with native speakers, Babbel is your best bet.

Read my Pronounce review or visit Pronounce!

Duolingo

The next Babbel alternative I’d recommend is Duolingo. It’s the most popular language-learning app, and people worldwide love it for its gamified approach to language learning. With its free mobile app, Duolingo makes language learning fun and easy to fit into any busy schedule!

Duolingo and Babbel offer well-structured lessons, speech recognition for pronunciation, and interactive exercises to reinforce learning. While Babbel focuses on practical vocabulary and grammar in real-life scenarios, Duolingo’s game-like approach keeps lessons fun and engaging.

Babbel also provides access to live classes with native speakers, which is excellent for those who want real-time interaction and constructive feedback. Duolingo is free, but a paid upgrade is available for more advanced features.

From my experience, Babbel offers a more structured, in-depth learning process for people serious about mastering a language quickly. At the same time, Duolingo is great for casual learners or beginners looking to learn at their own pace. Duolingo’s courses are available in over 40 languages, while Babbel focuses on 14 languages with high-quality lessons curated by language experts.

Choose Duolingo if you want something fun and free with a comprehensive language selection. Babbel is the best choice for structured lessons and live-teacher interaction!

Langua

The final Babbel alternative I recommend is Langua. Langua stands out for its combination of AI-powered conversations and personalized tutoring, making language learning efficient and enjoyable.

Langua and Babbel offer structured lessons and real-life practice. Still, Langua stands out with its advanced AI conversation feature, which provides instant corrections during role plays and builds confidence in speaking without the pressure of real-time interactions with native speakers. On the other hand, Babbel is more focused on structured lessons with speech recognition and live classes, connecting learners with native speakers for real-time practice through Babbel Live.

Langua focuses more on providing personalized tutors and AI-assisted conversations. This conversational interactivity helps learners practice real-world scenarios and improve fluency more effectively. It combines the best of AI-driven learning and human tutoring, helping you accelerate fluency at your own pace with custom flashcards and AI-corrected conversations.

Meanwhile, there are 14 Babbel languages with various lessons and interactive exercises. Its strength lies in its courses designed by experts and its emphasis on real-life scenarios and cultural context.

From my experience, Langua’s blend of AI and tutoring feels more interactive. I love Langua because it integrates AI-driven conversations into daily practice, offering an easy way to sharpen my language skills.

Babbel is the better choice if you’re looking for structured lessons with access to live classes. However, if you prefer a combination of AI-driven speaking practice and personalized tutoring for flexible learning, Langua is for you!

Babbel Review: The Right Tool For You?

My experience with Babbel has been motivating and effective. As soon as I signed up and chose Spanish as my target language, Babbel set the stage for a successful learning journey.

I appreciated how Babbel took the time to understand my language level before diving into my first lesson. Once my lesson was complete, Babbel reviewed my vocabulary to reinforce what I learned and solidify my understanding, making each new word and phrase stick.

From there, I could set specific goals and see my progress to keep me motivated and on track. Babbel was transparent and flexible, allowing me to choose how long I wanted to practice per day to fit my schedule and how many activities to expect per week. The app made it easy to integrate learning into my routine and stay on track!

I also explored Babbel Live by attending a live group class. These classes added an invaluable layer of real-world practice with a language expert teacher.

The interactive lessons, review methods, and live class interactions made learning Spanish enjoyable and effective. Overall, Babbel has been an excellent companion in my journey to mastering Spanish, with a dynamic and supportive environment that has kept me motivated and on track!

If you’re not sure whether or not Babbel is the right language-learning app for you, here are my top Babbel alternatives:

• Pronounce: Those seeking real-time feedback on English pronunciation and fluency with personalized AI coaching.
• Duolingo: Casual learners or beginners looking for a fun, gamified approach to learning multiple languages for free.
• Langua: Learners who want a blend of AI-powered conversations and personalized tutoring for flexible and interactive practice.

Thanks for reading my Babbel app review! I hope you found it helpful.

By signing up, you can do your first lesson, track your progress, and attend two live group classes for free. Try Babbel for yourself and see how you like it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How good is Babbel?

With millions of users, Babbel is considered an effective language-learning platform. Many users report significant improvements in their speaking and comprehension skills. However, some learners find the exercises can become repetitive, particularly the fill-in-the-blank tasks, which may lead to a less engaging experience over time.

Does Babbel work?

Yes, Babbel works effectively for language learning. Research from institutions like Yale and Michigan State University shows that using the app significantly improves oral proficiency and language skills.

Is Babbel worth it?

Babbel is worth it for its well-structured lessons and practical approach, especially in the real world. However, some people find the exercises tedious and repetitive, impacting their learning experience.

How does Babbel work?

Babbel works by providing structured, interactive lessons focusing on practical language skills. It offers a variety of exercises to improve vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. You can engage with the content at your own pace with features like speech recognition and spaced repetition to reinforce your learning and improve retention.

Is Babbel free?

Signing up for Babbel gives you limited access to one lesson, progress tracking, and the ability to book two free live group classes, among other valuable resources. To access the full range of lessons and features, you must pay for a subscription with various pricing plans.

Is Babbel enough to be fluent?

Babbel can help learners achieve basic conversational proficiency, but it may not be sufficient for complete fluency. While studies show that Babbel users can improve their speaking skills and vocabulary significantly, achieving complete fluency typically requires additional practice and immersion beyond what Babbel offers. Go beyond the app and interact with native speakers!

What are the disadvantages of Babbel?

Babbel’s disadvantages include that some languages have less content, the progression difficulty can be abrupt, repetitive exercises may become monotonous, and the service can be pricey.

What is better, Rosetta Stone or Babbel?

Babbel is generally considered better than Rosetta Stone for most language learners. While Rosetta Stone offers a fully immersive approach, Babbel provides more practical, conversation-focused lessons with explanations in the learner’s native language. Therefore, Babbel makes it easier for beginners to grasp new concepts.

How much does Babbel cost a month?

Babbel offers various subscription plans. A one-month subscription costs approximately $14.95. The price decreases with longer commitments, such as $12.65 monthly for a three-month plan and $7.45 monthly for an annual subscription. There is also a lifetime option with a one-time payment of $349.00.