Explore the best English learning apps for students to improve speaking, writing, vocabulary and fluency. This guide lists top apps for Duolingo and IELTS preparation with daily learning strategies and expert tips for faster results.
Learning English is now easier than ever with mobile apps that make practice interactive, convenient and fun. Whether you’re preparing for a language exam like Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or simply want to improve communication skills for studying abroad, the right app can accelerate your fluency.
This blog explores the best English learning apps for students in 2026, with features, benefits and expert recommendations to help you choose the app that matches your learning style and daily routine.
Why Use English Learning Apps?
| Benefit | How It Helps Students |
| Easy to use | Learn anytime, anywhere |
| Structured learning | Improves vocabulary, grammar & speaking |
| Practice for study abroad | Exam-specific preparation |
| Confidence building | Reduces hesitation while speaking |
| Cost-effective | Free or low-budget options available |
Best English Learning Apps for Students in 2025
1. Duolingo – Beginner to Intermediate
Ideal for students starting their English learning journey.
- Gamified lessons
- Learn vocabulary and sentence formation
- Great for daily practice
Best For: Beginners, Duolingo English Test prep
Free with premium option
2. Grammarly – For Writing & Grammar
Perfect for improving writing accuracy (assignments, emails, SOPs, essays).
- Real-time grammar correction
- Detects punctuation & sentence improvement
- Useful for academic writing + test prep
Best For: Writing clarity & mistake reduction
Free + Premium version
3. BBC Learning English – Listening + Speaking
Improves pronunciation, real-life English use, and media-style communication.
- Native speaker audio
- Language tips and daily phrases
- Short lessons & podcasts
Best For: Listening & speaking practice
Completely free
4. HelloTalk – Chat with Native Speakers
Chat-based learning through real-time conversations.
- Practice English with native speakers
- Get corrections from other users
- Voice message support
Best For: Real conversational English
Free with upgrades
5. Speechnotes – Improve English Speaking
Designed to help students become fluent.
- Voice-to-text conversion
- See errors while speaking
- Practice Duolingo & IELTS speaking
Best For: Speaking speed & clarity
Free
6. Quizlet – Vocabulary Boost
Best for learning exam-relevant word lists.
- Pre-set flashcards
- Study modes (Match, Test, Learn)
- Excellent for improving descriptive writing
Best For: High-impact vocabulary
Free
7. Elsa Speak – Accent & Pronunciation Trainer
Helps perfect your accent through AI feedback.
- Voice recognition technology
- Tracks pronunciation accuracy
- Reduces mother-tongue influence
Best For: Duolingo & IELTS Speaking
Paid with free trial
8. Memrise – Real-Life English Phrases
Uses short video clips from native speakers.
- Learn natural expressions
- Helps in informal & daily communication
- Available offline
Best For: Everyday speaking & travel English
Free + Premium
9. Cake – Learn through YouTube Clips
Makes learning interactive using social media content.
- Short video lessons
- Speech repetition training
- Fun quizzes
Best For: Visual learners
Free
10. Cambridge Exam Lift – Structured Exam Prep
Created by Cambridge for exam readiness.
- Structured lessons
- Skill-based practice modules
- Suitable for IELTS, B2/C1 exams
Best For: Exam preparation
Free + in-app upgrades
Best App Combination Based on Student Goals
| Goal | Best Apps |
| Build fluency | HelloTalk + Speechnotes |
| Improve writing | Grammarly + Quizlet |
| Duolingo Test prep | Duolingo app + ELSA Speak |
| IELTS prep | BBC Learning + Cambridge Exam Lift |
| Beginner friendly | Duolingo + Cake |
| Accent improvement | ELSA Speak + HelloTalk |
How to Use Apps Effectively – Daily Plan
| Time | Task |
| 15 mins | Duolingo or Memrise (vocab) |
| 10 mins | Speechnotes speaking practice |
| 10 mins | Grammarly or writing task |
| 10 mins | BBC Learning English podcast |
| 15 mins | HelloTalk or conversational practice |
Total: 1 hour/day for visible improvement in 30 days
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Download apps but don’t practice daily
- Rely only on reading – no speaking
- Ignore grammar correction
- Practice without time tracking
- Memorise words without using them
Conclusion
English learning apps are powerful tools when used correctly, but real improvement happens through regular practice, real conversations, mock tests and confidence-building exercises. Use apps daily, speak out loud, and combine learning with live practice for best results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best English learning apps for students?
Top English learning apps include Duolingo, Grammarly, BBC Learning English, HelloTalk, ELSA Speak, Quizlet and Memrise. These help improve speaking, grammar, vocabulary and listening skills.
2. Which app is best for improving speaking skills?
Speechnotes and HelloTalk are ideal for speaking practice. Speechnotes helps improve speech fluency through voice-to-text, while HelloTalk lets you practice real conversations with native speakers.
3. Can I prepare for Duolingo using mobile apps?
Yes, apps like Duolingo, ELSA Speak, Speechnotes and Grammarly are effective for Duolingo English Test preparation. Use them daily along with mock tests to improve fluency and accuracy.
4. Is Duolingo app enough for the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo app helps build basic vocabulary and grammar but is not enough on its own. Combine it with mock tests, speaking practice and writing exercises to score 120+ in the real exam.
5. Which app helps improve vocabulary quickly?
Quizlet and Memrise are the best apps for fast vocabulary development. Quizlet uses flashcards and tests, while Memrise teaches words using real-life examples and videos.
6. What is the best free English learning app?
Duolingo and BBC Learning English are the best free apps. Duolingo helps with basic language learning, while BBC Learning improves listening, pronunciation and real-world English usage.
7. How long should I use apps daily to see results?
For visible improvement, practice 30–60 minutes per day using a mix of speaking, vocabulary and grammar apps. Consistent daily practice for 30 days shows strong results.
8. Can English learning apps replace coaching?
Apps can improve speaking, writing and vocabulary, but they cannot fully replace personalised coaching. Use apps for daily practice and trainer or teacher guidance for structured learning.
9. Which app improves pronunciation?
ELSA Speak is the best app for pronunciation as it provides AI-based feedback. It helps reduce native accent influence and improves clarity for exams like Duolingo and IELTS.
10. Are learning apps good for IELTS preparation?
Yes, apps like BBC Learning English, Speechnotes, ELSA Speak and Cambridge Exam Lift help improve listening and speaking skills for IELTS. However, students should still practice mock tests separately.
11. Which app helps with grammar correction?
Grammarly is the best app for correcting grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. It is useful for writing tasks, emails, assignments and test preparation.
12. Do English learning apps work offline?
Apps like Memrise, Cake and some Duolingo lessons can work offline. However, apps like HelloTalk and Grammarly require an internet connection for full functionality.
13. Can I learn English just through conversation apps?
Conversation apps like HelloTalk help improve speaking, but they should be combined with grammar, reading and writing practice for complete language development.
14. What is the best combination of apps for fluency?
For best results, use this combination:
Speaking: Speechnotes + HelloTalk
Vocabulary: Quizlet + Memrise
Grammar & Writing: Grammarly
Pronunciation: ELSA Speak
Foundation Practice: Duolingo15. How does Stubard help international students abroad?
Stubard helps international students find safe, affordable and student-friendly accommodation near universities abroad, reducing stress so they can focus on exam preparation and academics confidently.
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