I’m looking for highly rated learning apps designed specifically for adults. I want to upskill or pick up new hobbies, but I’m feeling overwhelmed with the numerous options available. Can you suggest some top-rated apps that are effective and user-friendly?
Oh boy, picking the ‘best’ learning app is like choosing the best ice cream flavor—highly subjective and depends on what exactly you’re craving. BUT since you’re asking for top-rated apps for adults, let me hit you with a few that people seem to swear by:
- Duolingo - Wanna speak French, Spanish, Klingon (yep, that’s there too)? People love this for learning new languages, probably because the gamified style makes you feel like you’re leveling up in life.
- LinkedIn Learning - Corporate skill vibes. Tons of business, tech, and creative courses taught by legit experts. Also, they toss you a certificate to flex on LinkedIn after you finish. Nice touch.
- Skillshare - Perfect for creative hobbies—writing, painting, photography. If you’re feeling a little artsy-fartsy, this one’s your jam.
- Coursera - More academic. They partner with universities. You can even get certifications or degrees if your wallet is heavy enough. Great for serious upskilling or career growth.
- MasterClass - So, everyone raves about this, probably because the teachers are actual celebs in their fields. Wanna learn cooking from Gordon Ramsay or tennis from Serena Williams? This is the boujee option.
- Memrise - Another language app, kind of chill compared to Duolingo. Focus on real-world expressions instead of obsessing over grammar rules.
- Khan Academy - Great for brushing up on math, science, or other academic subjects. It’s free, which is a major win.
- Yousician - For music lovers! Learn guitar, piano, singing, and more. Super interactive—like Guitar Hero but actually useful.
- Codecademy - Coding for noobs and pros alike. If you’ve been dreaming about speaking Python or JavaScript (not literally), try this.
- Rosetta Stone - OG language-learning app. Expensive, but people still swear by it for fluency.
I could keep going, but the gist is: narrow down what you wanna learn first, then pick the app that matches. Trying them out might help too—most have free trials or basic versions. Rn, this list should help cut down the overwhelming “too many options” vibe.
If you’re drowning in app options, I feel you. It’s honestly overwhelming how many learning apps are out there, but here’s my two cents. While @andarilhonoturno dropped some solid recommendations (a lot of which I agree with), there are a few others that deserve some spotlight or maybe just a different angle. Here’s my take:
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Blinkist – Look, if reading full books isn’t your jam or you just don’t have time, this app gives you key takeaways of nonfiction books in like 15 minutes. It’s great for wannabe intellectuals (myself included) who can’t sit through 300 pages.
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Tinycards – OK, so Duolingo is the MVP for languages, but their spin-off Tinycards is a flashcard app for learning literally anything. Super useful if your idea of fun is memorizing facts, vocab, or trivia.
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Beelinguapp – If hardcore language apps like Rosetta Stone feel intimidating or too pricey, this one’s actually kinda chill. It lets you learn languages by reading stories side-by-side in your native language. Practical, and a little less ‘gamey’ than Duolingo.
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Udemy – I mean, it’s a no-brainer. Tons of courses. They’re hit or miss quality-wise, but if you keep an eye on sales, you can grab courses for like 10 bucks. Just don’t expect Ivy League-level teaching.
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Elevate – For those who wanna feel like they’re working on their brainpower without full-on studying, this app offers ‘gameified’ exercises for math, writing, and focus. Makes you feel smarter, even if you’re just procrastinating.
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Tandem – Another language hack I swear by. You find native speakers to chat with, which beats learning textbook phrases you’ll never use. Is it awkward messaging strangers sometimes? Sure. But it works.
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Artistic apps – Apps like Procreate Pocket (for digital art) and Simply Piano are amazing if you’re into creative hobbies. Prefer getting hands-on rather than endless watching? These get you actually doing fun stuff.
Okay, I will throw some shade at LinkedIn Learning (sorry, @andarilhonoturno). It’s not bad, but man, it’s so dry. If the goal is practical skills, Udemy or Skillshare feels way less… corporate. Plus, LinkedIn Learning’s vibe is like “job training on a PowerPoint,” which is fine for work but meh for personal enjoyment, IMO.
Lastly, don’t overlook apps specific to niche stuff you’re into—like Goodreads for book lovers or MyFitnessPal for health enthusiasts who want to re-learn (or learn) how to eat properly. The BEST app for you depends not just on what you wanna master, but what gets you hyped about learning. If you’re bored 10 minutes in, none of these apps will stick. So, experiment. Use those free trials like a pro.
Narrowing down the best learning apps depends on your goals. Want to pick up a creative hobby, boost professional skills, or dive into completely new fields? Here’s a nuanced take that builds on what’s been shared but also mixes in a few overlooked gems:
Pros and Cons Breakdown for Different Apps
1. Lynda/LinkedIn Learning
Pros: Comprehensive courses for professionals, certificates look good on your profile.
Cons: Yep, it can feel corporate and, honestly, dull for personal stuff. Great for work-skills, less so for hobbies.
2. Skillshare vs. Udemy
Skillshare Pros: Subscription model gives you access to tons of hobbies (art, design, etc.). Short, bite-sized lessons are practical.
Cons: Can feel shallow if you’re seeking more advanced depth.
Udemy Pros: One-time payment per course, often heavily discounted. Explores a wide range of topics—coding, lifestyle, tech—you name it.
Cons: Quality control isn’t consistent. Still, if you’re willing to read reviews first, you can find gold-tier materials.
3. Duolingo
Pros: Fun interface, great for beginners to get hooked on a new language.
Cons: Depth tapers off quickly. Serious learners might outgrow it.
Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Overlook
Busuu
Think of it as Duolingo’s big sibling. Busuu is more structured, focusing on conversational practice with native speakers. Unlike Tandem’s casual vibes (as someone suggested earlier), this one’s ideal if you crave formalized language teaching but still want interactivity.
Pimsleur
Expensive but EFFECTIVE for quick speaking skills. Download audio lessons and listen anywhere. Its strength lies in pushing you to talk in full phrases early on rather than endless vocab drills—rivaling Rosetta Stone for efficient learning. (Cons: Not flashy. It’s BYOD—bring your own discipline.)
EdX (especially if Coursera leaves you meh)
Not getting much love here, but it’s a legit contender for academic courses. Universities like MIT, Harvard, and more offer free-to-audit classes or affordable certificates. If Coursera feels prepackaged, EdX often keeps it more no-nonsense. Works better if you thrive on structured, syllabus-style teaching.
Learning Music Tools
Already noted Yousician, but Simply Piano is ridiculously easy to start with for keyboard newbies. GarageBand (Apple-exclusive) turns ANY casual learner into someone who feels semi-professional when creating their first jam! Also, don’t forget MuseScore if you’re serious about music theory.
Overlooked Cons with Popular Apps
- MasterClass: Sure, Gordon Ramsay can yell into your soul via tutorials, but most lessons are inspiration-heavy, skill-light. Good if you love celeb worship, not so much for practical tools.
- Blinkist: Quick summaries = great. Misses nuance = bad. Only use it supplementary, not as a replacement for full books.
- Khan Academy: Absolutely brilliant (and free!), but geared mainly at academic basics rather than adult-focused specialized areas.
Conclusion
No one app fits all, let’s be real—experimentation is the key. Aim for Udemy or Skillshare for fun/new hobbies, EdX or Coursera for formal upskilling, and at least trial something like Duolingo to double-dip into a language. Pay attention to free trials, user reviews, and, ultimately, the app that keeps your curiosity alive.