I’m trying to learn Spanish without spending money, so I’m searching for the best free apps that can help me improve. Any recommendations or suggestions based on your experience would be greatly appreciated!
Alright, buckle up, language enthusiast! You wanna learn Spanish for free, huh? Not bad. Got a few gems for ya, and they won’t charge a penny unless you willingly stroll into their “premium” traps (which you don’t have to because we’re better than that).
-
Duolingo - Yeah, it’s basic, but it’s free and feels like a game. You’ll learn how to say “la manzana” (apple) and probably hear that owl judging you, but it works for vocab and basic sentence structure. Plus it emails you passive-aggressive reminders to practice, which is… fun?
-
Memrise - It’s got a good combo of vocab and phrases you’d actually use—none of that “Juan eats soup in the bathtub” nonsense. Plus, the videos of real native speakers help loads with pronunciation.
-
Busuu - Free version is solid! You can practice writing, speaking, and vocab. But seriously, don’t bother upgrading unless you’re rolling in spare cash. Focus on community corrections—they’re pretty neat.
-
Clozemaster - Like Duolingo but on 100 cups of coffee. You fill in the missing words in sentences, and it’s addictive. Good for vocab in context. Not all interface-y and pretty, but hey, free wins.
-
Anki - Not an “app” in the usual sense, but it’s an epic tool if you don’t mind loading your own flashcards. You can find Spanish card decks online to download for free. Spaced repetition = memorization domination.
-
Quizlet - Like Anki’s chill cousin. You can look for Spanish vocab decks or make your own, but it feels less robotic than Anki. Plus, the games are kinda fun.
-
Beelinguapp - Read Spanish stories with English side-by-side. Great if you like context and colorful words like “patatas bravas” (spicy potatoes, a.k.a. food you should eat when you’re fluent enough to visit Spain).
-
HelloTalk - Okay, this one’s a li’l social. You chat with Spanish speakers learning your language, but beware! You’ll send one innocent “hola” and suddenly they’re explaining the subjunctive mood IN DEPTH.
Now, quick caveat: none of these apps will make you fluent on their own. If you sit scrolling TikTok instead of practicing, don’t @ me when you’re still at “Dónde está el baño?” after three months. Apps = tools, not magic wands, my friend. ¡Buena suerte!
If you’re on a freebie mission to learn Spanish, let me add something different to the mix, since @viajeroceleste already rattled off a pretty solid list. I agree mostly (except Clozemaster – that’s more “chaotic energy” than useful IMO), but here are some other options people seem to miss:
1. Language Transfer – THIS is the real MVP for beginners. It’s a podcast-style app that teaches you Spanish in a logical, pattern-based way. No fluffy vocab drills, no ads. Just pure “aha moment” material. Plus, the guy’s voice is super chill, like your own personal language therapist.
2. SpanishDict – More than just a dictionary. Use the “Learn Spanish” section for grammar lessons, vocab quizzes, and conjugations that won’t make your head explode. Grammar tips are straightforward, which is a godsend because Spanish grammar can get wild.
3. Conjugar (on desktop) – If conjugations are your nemesis (spoiler: they will be), try this free site. Throw verbs at it, and it spits out full conjugation charts. Simple, effective, zero frills.
4. Podcast immersion – Forget apps for a sec — start streaming free Spanish podcasts. Try Duolingo Spanish Podcast (beginner-friendly stories with English context) or Coffee Break Spanish. Listening to native accents trains your ear faster than apps ever will.
5. Google Translate + Scavenger Hunt – Hear me out. Pick an object around your house (like, idk, a fork), type it into Translate, listen to the pronunciation, and practice saying it. This could be your weirdly fun daily drill.
Now, look, speaking practice is major, and apps are hit-or-miss for that. If HelloTalk stresses you out (same), there’s also Tandem — kinda similar but slightly less overwhelming to navigate. But that “subjunctive mood deep dive” @viajeroceleste mentioned? Yup, terrifyingly real.
Actual Fluency Tip™: Don’t over-rely on apps. Pair them with live practice like shouting phrases at your dog, texting in Spanish, or even screaming into the void, “¡Odio los verbos irregulares!” ‘Cause seriously, each one thinks it’s special.
Avoid over-relying on just free apps to learn Spanish—combine methods! While Duolingo, Memrise, and Busuu are hyped (and yes, they offer a gamified vibe), I’d shake things up by recommending BBC Languages. Yes, it’s old-school and web-based, but it’s packed with real-life lessons and video clips to boost listening comprehension. Plus, no pushy notifications or premium “traps” like some other apps.
For practicing speaking? Forget exclusively using HelloTalk or Tandem if the whole “social anxiety” factor kicks in. Instead, record yourself using WhatsApp voice notes and play them back. Seriously. You’ll catch your own pronunciation hiccups, and it’ll prep you for actual convos later on.
Now, let’s talk grammar because apps like Clozemaster and Quizlet are great for vocab-building, but structuring sentences? Meh. StudySpanish.com is a fantastic free resource. It’s straightforward and doesn’t overwhelm you with ads. Side note: SpanishDict (mentioned earlier) rivals it but has a slicker interface.
A slight twist on apps for cultural immersion: use LyricsTraining. Play Spanish songs and sing along—it doubles as listening practice with some karaoke fun. Just avoid reggaeton lyrics too early unless you’re ready for slang overload.
One thing I’d pass on? Language Transfer. While fantastic conceptually, it lacks interaction, so you’re passively absorbing info most of the time. Balance it with something engaging, like Beelinguapp or even free YouTube Spanish lessons (check out Dreaming Spanish or Butterfly Spanish). They’re lively and low-commitment.
Lastly, don’t underestimate real-life labeling. Grab sticky notes, slap “el espejo” (mirror) onto your mirror, “la puerta” (door) on your door, and go full kindergarten mode. Adds constant exposure when apps aren’t open (and no Wi-Fi’s needed!).