“What’s the best app to learn English?” My students at the library ask me this all the time, and the answer is good news: the best apps to learn English for free really are free. You can start today with a phone and 10 minutes a day. In my experience, the best choice for most adults is USA Learns for step-by-step lessons, Duolingo for daily practice, and VOA Learning English for listening. Let’s take it one step at a time.
One honest note first. An app can teach you a lot, but you learn English fastest when you also speak with real people. At the end of this guide, I’ll show you how to find free classes near you.
Best free ways to learn English at a glance
| Name | Cost | Works on | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Learns | Free | Phone, tablet, and computer (website) | Full beginner lessons and life in the U.S. |
| Duolingo | Free; optional paid plan | iPhone and Android | Short daily practice |
| VOA Learning English | Free | Website | Slow, clear listening and reading |
| Mango Languages | Free with a participating library card | App and website | Learning with help in your own language |
USA Learns: best free full course
USA Learns is a free website for adults learning English. It was started with support from the U.S. Department of Education, and today it’s run by the Sacramento County Office of Education. It works on phones, tablets, and computers.
- What you get: English courses for beginners, plus a course called Access America about living in the United States, a citizenship course for the naturalization interview, and a nursing assistant course.
- What you practice: speaking, listening, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, and grammar.
- The catch: It’s a website, not an app, and it looks simple. It works best if you go in order, lesson by lesson.
- Price: $0.
Open USA Learns and start with the first English course.
Duolingo: best for daily practice
Duolingo turns learning into short, game-like lessons. You see words and pictures, listen, and answer. It’s good for building a daily habit. When you set up your account, choose English as the language you want to learn, then pick the language you already speak.
- Pros: Lessons only take a few minutes, and the app keeps track of your streak.
- Cons: It isn’t a full course, so use it along with something else and practice speaking out loud. The app also pushes the paid plan, Super Duolingo, which removes ads.
- Price: Free with in-app purchases. The App Store says every course is free, and lists paid Super Duolingo plans, with a 14-day free trial.
- Rating: 4.7 stars (5.5 million ratings on the App Store), as of October 2026.
- Privacy: The App Store label lists several kinds of data that may be used to track you, including location and contact info.
Download Duolingo from the App Store or Google Play. You don’t have to buy anything to use it. If it offers a free trial, remember to cancel before it ends if you don’t want to pay.
VOA Learning English: best for listening
Voice of America is a U.S. government news service. Its Learning English site has news stories, videos, and audio made for English learners. The speakers talk more slowly than normal, and the words are simpler, so it’s easier to follow.
- Pros: Real news in plain English, with audio you can read along with.
- Cons: It’s for learners who already know a little English. Complete beginners may want to start with USA Learns.
- Price: $0.
Visit VOA Learning English. Try this: read a short story while you listen to it, then say a few sentences out loud.
Mango Languages: free with your library card
Many public libraries give you Mango Languages for free. Mango has English courses taught in your own language, which makes it easier if you’re just starting out.
- Pros: Free with your card, and lessons that explain English in your own language.
- Cons: It only works if your library offers it, and you need a library card.
- Price: $0 with a participating library.
Ask at your library, or look on its website under “databases” or “online learning.” Then go to Mango Languages and choose your library when you sign up. Most libraries give out cards for free if you bring a photo ID and something with your address on it.
Free English classes near you
Apps are a great start. Classes give you something apps can’t: a teacher and other people to talk with. Here’s how to find them:
- Go to USAGov’s page on finding courses to learn English. It points you to programs in your area.
- Call or visit your public library. Many libraries offer free English classes or conversation groups.
- Ask at a community college, a community center, or a place of worship.
- Call your state’s adult education office.
Some free classes have waiting lists, so sign up early. If you get stuck on any of these steps, ask a librarian. They help people with this every day.
A simple 10-minute plan
- Do one lesson in USA Learns or Duolingo
- Listen to one short story on VOA Learning English
- Say three new words out loud, and use each in a sentence
- Write down one new word and keep it on a sticky note
For more beginner-friendly guides, see our learning apps and our free apps section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free app to learn English?
For most adults, a mix works best: USA Learns for lessons, Duolingo for daily practice, and VOA Learning English for listening.
Can I learn English with only a phone?
Yes, you can start with only a phone. Practice speaking out loud, and try to talk with people when you can.
Are these apps safe?
The ones in this guide come from the official stores or well-known organizations. Before you install any app, check the developer name and the App Privacy or Data safety section.
Do I need to pay for Duolingo?
No. The courses are free. The paid plan removes ads and adds extras, and you can skip it.
You can do this
Pick one resource from this list and do one lesson today. Learning a language takes time, and small steps add up. That’s it. You did the hardest part by starting.
