So, you want to learn Spanish? ¡Excelente! Maybe you’re dreaming of ordering tapastapas (small Spanish savory dishes) in Madrid, navigating the vibrant markets of Mexico City, or simply connecting with the 500 million Spanish speakers worldwide.
Whatever your motivation, the first step can feel daunting, especially when you look at the price of some language courses.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a single dólardollar to start your journey. The world of language learning apps is packed with incredible free resources that can take you from "hola" to confident conversations.
We’ve downloaded, swiped, and studied to bring you the definitive list of the best free apps for learning Spanish. Let's find the perfect one for you.
1. Duolingo: The Gamified Guru
Best for: Absolute beginners, casual learners, and anyone who loves a good winning streak.
You can't talk about language apps without mentioning the green owl. Duolingo turns learning Spanish into a game. You earn points, compete against friends, and unlock new levels by completing short, bite-sized lessons. It’s incredibly motivating for building a consistent daily habit.
Why We Love It
- Fun and Addictive: The game-like structure makes it easy to come back day after day.
- Strong Foundation: It's excellent for learning basic vocabulary, verb conjugations, and sentence structure.
- Comprehensive Path: The learning path is long and covers a wide range of topics from beginner to intermediate levels.
What to Watch Out For
- The free version has ads and a "hearts" system that limits how many mistakes you can make.
- Some sentences can feel a bit unnatural or robotic. It's great for grammar rules but not always for real-world conversation.
Duolingo is great at teaching you how words fit together. Let's try a classic Spanish sentence structure puzzle, just like you'd find in the app.
Arrange the words to form a correct sentence:
2. Memrise: The Real-World Vocab Builder
Best for: Visual learners and anyone who wants to hear Spanish spoken by real people.
Memrise focuses on teaching you words and phrases you'll actually use. Its secret weapon is "Learn with Locals," a feature that shows you short video clips of native speakers saying the words you're learning. This is a game-changer for tuning your ear to authentic accents and pronunciation.
Why We Love It
- Authentic Audio/Video: Hearing real native speakers is invaluable for pronunciation and listening skills. For more immersive practice, check out our Spanish Stories.
- Spaced Repetition: The app uses a smart algorithm to remind you of words right before you’re about to forget them, locking them into your long-term memory.
- User-Generated Content: You can find courses on everything from Spanish slang to specific textbook vocabulary.
What to Watch Out For
- The free version has limitations on some learning modes.
- It's more focused on vocabulary and phrases than in-depth grammar explanations.
3. HelloTalk: The Digital Language Exchange
Best for: Intermediate learners who need to practice speaking and writing.
You can study all the flashcards in the world, but fluency only comes from practice. HelloTalk connects you with native Spanish speakers who are learning English. You can chat via text, voice messages, and even video calls. It’s like having a pen pal in your pocket.
Why We Love It
- Real-World Practice: It's the best way to test your skills in real, low-pressure conversations.
- Built-in Correction Tools: Your language partners can easily correct your messages, and you can correct theirs. This is an incredibly effective way to learn.
- Cultural Exchange: You learn more than just the language; you learn about the people and culture behind it.
What to Watch Out For
- It's not a structured course. You need to be self-motivated to find partners and start conversations.
- The quality of your experience depends on finding good, responsive language partners.
The correction feature is the heart of HelloTalk. It helps you spot and fix common mistakes, like mixing up "ser" and "estar."
Drag the handle to compare
We use ser (soy) for permanent characteristics and origins, and estar (estoy) for temporary states and locations. Getting this right is a huge step! If you struggle with this, review our guide on Ser vs. Estar.
4. Drops: The 5-Minute Vocabulary Booster
Best for: Busy people and visual learners who want to build a massive vocabulary base.
Have you only got five minutes to spare? That's all you need for Drops. This beautifully designed app focuses exclusively on vocabulary. It uses engaging, fast-paced visual games to help you learn new words.
Why We Love It
- Visually Stunning: The minimalist design and clear illustrations make learning feel effortless.
- Time-Gated Lessons: The 5-minute limit per day in the free version is surprisingly effective. It prevents burnout and makes you want to come back for more.
- Curated Word Lists: You can learn vocabulary based on specific topics like food, travel, or business.
What to Watch Out For
- It's purely for vocabulary. You won't learn any grammar or how to form sentences.
- The 5-minute daily limit can feel restrictive if you want to binge a study session.
The Perfect Pairing
Drops is an amazing supplement to another app. Use Duolingo for your main grammar lessons, then hop on Drops for 5 minutes to supercharge your vocabulary on the same topic!
Quick-Fire Quiz!
Feeling confident? Let's test what you've learned about a key Spanish concept.
How would you say 'The coffee is hot'?
Which Free Spanish App is Right for You?
The "best" app is the one you'll actually use. Here's a quick summary to help you decide:
| App | Best For... | Key Feature | Free Version Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Absolute Beginners | Gamified learning path | Ads and a "hearts" system |
| Memrise | Vocabulary & Listening | Real-world video clips | Limited access to learning modes |
| HelloTalk | Speaking & Writing Practice | Chat with native speakers | Limited translations & partners |
| Drops | Quick Vocabulary Building | 5-minute visual games | 5-minute daily time limit |
Don't be afraid to download two or three and see which one clicks with your learning style. The most important thing is to start. Pick an app, dedicate just 10 minutes a day, and you'll be amazed at how quickly your Spanish skills grow. Of course, we do also recommend you try out Inklingo, there's a 7 day free trial, and we believe it's by far the best way to improve your reading comprehension and overall vocabulary.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)