An Honest Review of the 5 Best English Learning Apps in 2024

Here's an honest review of the 5 best English learning apps in 2024. This review is organized based on the features, advantages, disadvantages, and target audience of each app, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps in the world, known for its gamification approach that makes learning feel like a game.

Honest Review: Duolingo is perfect for beginners who want to build a consistent English learning habit. Its fun interface and "streak" system (a series of study days) are very effective in maintaining motivation. The material is presented in concise levels and units, so it doesn't get boring. However, Duolingo focuses more on basic vocabulary and grammar. To improve your speaking and practical conversation skills, you may need to combine it with other apps.

Pros:

Free: Most features are free.

Gamification: Learning feels fun and addictive.

User-Friendly Interface: Very easy to use, even for beginners.

Language Variety: Offers many languages ​​besides English.

Cons:

Lack of Focus on Speaking: The speaking feature is limited and doesn't provide in-depth feedback.

Not Suitable for Advanced Levels: The material at the advanced level tends to be less complex.

2. Babbel

Babbel is designed for those who want to master English quickly and effectively, especially for everyday conversation.

Honest Review: Babbel is more structured than Duolingo. The material is written by language experts and focuses on realistic conversational situations. Ideal for those who want to communicate quickly. Babbel provides more in-depth grammar and vocabulary practice that is relevant to everyday life. Although it is a paid course, the quality of the material is worth it.

Pros:

Conversation-Oriented Material: Lessons are designed to help you speak confidently.

Focus on Practical Skills: Teaches phrases and vocabulary that are useful in real life.

Clear Grammar Explanations: Provides easy-to-understand grammar explanations.

Cons:

Paid: You need a subscription to access all materials.

Limited Language Selection: The language selection offered is not as comprehensive as Duolingo.

3. ELSA Speak

ELSA Speak is a very specific app that focuses on one thing: improving your English pronunciation and intonation.

Honest Review: If your biggest problem is speaking and pronunciation, ELSA Speak is the solution. This app uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyze your voice and provide very detailed feedback. It will show you where your pronunciation mistakes are and how to correct them. It's like having a personal pronunciation coach in your pocket.

Pros:

Advanced AI Technology: Accurately detects pronunciation mistakes.

Focus on Pronunciation and Intonation: Very effective for removing accents or practicing correct pronunciation.

Personal Coaching: Provides personalized coaching tailored to your needs.

Cons:

Paid: Key features are premium.

Not Comprehensive: Doesn't cover all aspects of English, such as grammar, writing, or reading, in depth.

4. Busuu

Busuu is an app that offers a combination of structured lessons and live interaction with native speakers.

Honest Review: Busuu is ideal for those who want to learn from scratch to advanced and also want to practice alongside others. In addition to comprehensive learning materials (grammar, vocabulary, etc.), Busuu has a community feature where you can submit written assignments or audio recordings to be corrected by native speakers. You can also help correct the writing of others who are learning Indonesian. This is a very unique and effective feature for conversation practice.

Pros:

Interaction with Native Speakers: The community correction feature is very helpful.

Structured Materials: Offers a comprehensive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels.

Certification Options: You can earn an official certificate from McGraw-Hill Education.

Cons:

Best Paid Features: Interaction with native speakers and access to all materials are premium features.

5. Cakap

Cakap is an Indonesian-made app that offers an interactive English learning experience with professional teachers.

Honest Review: Cakap differs from other apps in that it offers more flexibility. This app offers online classes, both private and semi-private, with professional teachers.