Language learning tools: Busuu vs Babbel

We get it. You’re learning a new language but you don’t want to waste your time using the wrong product. With dozens of language apps out there in the market, each has their own advantages and disadvantages. The question is, which is right for you based on your learning needs, budget, schedule, and more?

You’re in luck. In today’s complete guide of Busuu vs Babbel, we’re going to reveal how each language app works.

You could also check this article for more on Language Learning Tools: Memerise vs Duolingo

Babbel Review:

Babbel is a subscription-based app where you can try out the first lesson free. Select from 14 languages, listen and repeat words, and then test what you learn. You can also disable the microphone and just hear the words spoken to you with a brief quiz at the end.

When you finish the lessons, you can view the vocabulary lists and then choose from flashcards or writing exercises to review what you learned.

Busuu Review:

Boasting over 80 million users worldwide, the best aspect of Busuu is its interactivity. With 12 languages languages, full courses, exercise reviews from native speakers, and accent training, you get a complete experience with Busuu.

You can begin with a placement test so that you start at the right level. This is terrific if you are not a complete beginner but want to practice language skills you learned earlier. The app also provides offline access, grammar tips, and official certificates with its premium upgrade.

Busuu is an all-around super option that gives you a wide range of learning activities.

Comparison of Busuu and Babbel:

	Babble	Busuu
Price	€4.95/month when committing for 12 months               €5.54/month when committing for 6 months               €6.65/month when committing for 3 months   Free trail	Premium: $9.99$ one month   $8.33per month for a three-month subscription   $5.82 monthly for a six-month subscription   $5.41 per month for a year     Free trail Premium plus: $13.99 for a single month’s subscription     $19.66 per month for three months   $6.66 per month for six months $5.74 monthly for a year’s subscription
Platform	Android / IOS /Web	IOS / Android /Windows /
Number of languages	14 German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Dutch, Polish, Indonesian, Russian, Danish, Norwegian and English.	+12 English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic
Focus	Helps with beginner conversation phrases	Grammar & Vocab
Structure	Focuses on use of words and some conversation	Learning vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures
Easy to pick up (provides shorter lessons)	Offer ” bite-sized” lessons	Offer ” bite-sized” lessons
Interactive	Medium	Low-Medium
Time required	30 minutes a session	30 minutes a session

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, while Busuu and Babbel initially make good first impressions with their impressive layouts and easy navigation, both are lacking in depth in certain areas. While they make good enough resources for beginners, if you’re more serious about learning a language, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

Babbel has its shortcomings, and it won’t blow you away, but it works. The practice is efficient and makes for time well-spent. Providing you aren’t looking to learn an Asian language, you’ll get something out of a Babbel course.

Busuu’s lessons are generally good quality, but the app needs more grammar explanation and practice. You should avoid Busuu at all costs if you’re looking to learn Chinese (and likely Japanese or Arabic) – there are far better alternatives available.

Our top recommendations for other language learning resources vary based on the language you want to learn.