Best Apps to Improve English Communication Skills: 20 Apps Honest Review

Strong English communication skills can open doors to new career opportunities, enrich travel experiences, and foster personal growth in our interconnected world. With countless apps claiming to be the best for learning English, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially since many reviews gloss over the limitations.

This guide cuts through the noise by offering a balanced look at 20 top apps to improve English communication skills, complete with their strengths, weaknesses, user-friendliness, and direct download links to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Top Apps for English Communication

Below is a curated list of 20 apps designed to enhance various aspects of English communication, from speaking and listening to vocabulary and grammar. Each entry includes what the app is best for, available platforms, pros, cons, a user ease rating, and a link to explore further. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming to polish your fluency, these English learning tools offer something for everyone.

Duolingo

• Best For: Beginners, general language learning, speaking, listening, reading, writing
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Engaging, gamified lessons with leaderboards, badges, and streaks
  • Combines speaking, listening, reading, and writing exercises
  • Generous free version includes most features
• Cons:
  • Gamification may not suit everyone’s learning style
  • Lacks real conversations with native speakers
  • Free version limits mistakes with a heart system
• User Ease Rating: 8.0/10
• Download / Visit: Duolingo

Babbel

• Best For: Structured courses, vocabulary building, grammar
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Textbook-like approach with clear grammar explanations
  • Live classes with human instructors for personalized feedback
  • Blends audio, video, and text for comprehensive learning
• Cons:
  • Less gamified than some competitors
  • Premium Live service can be costly
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Babbel

Rosetta Stone

• Best For: Immersive learning, beginners
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Polished user experience with immersive teaching methods
  • Includes bonus content like stories and phrasebooks
  • Optional online tutoring sessions for speaking practice
• Cons:
  • No placement test to gauge starting level
  • Exercises can feel repetitive
• User Ease Rating: 7.0/10
• Download / Visit: Rosetta Stone

Pimsleur

• Best For: Audio-based learning, speaking, listening
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Encourages speaking and understanding from day one
  • Clear, well-structured audio lessons
  • Ideal for auditory learners
• Cons:
  • Subscription is relatively expensive
  • Limited focus on reading and writing
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Pimsleur

Memrise

• Best For: Vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Lessons feature native speaker videos for authentic pronunciation
  • Wide range of accents and voices
  • Free plan covers core functionality
• Cons:
  • Videos may be challenging for absolute beginners
  • Limited supplemental materials
• User Ease Rating: 8.0/10
• Download / Visit: Memrise

Busuu

• Best For: Community interaction, writing and speaking practice
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Unique peer-feedback system from native speakers
  • Topic-specific lessons with polished presentation
  • Premium plan offers specialized courses
• Cons:
  • Gamification less engaging than Duolingo
  • Feedback can be inconsistent
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Busuu

ELSA Speak

• Best For: Pronunciation, speaking
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Science-based pronunciation coaching with detailed feedback
  • Diverse exercises like stress practice and conversation games
  • Helps users sound more native-like
• Cons:
  • Content volume can overwhelm new users
  • Speech algorithm may be overly strict
• User Ease Rating: 8.0/10
• Download / Visit: ELSA Speak

Tandem

• Best For: Language exchange, speaking practice
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Social media-like setup connects you with language partners
  • Built-in tools for translation and correction
  • Free version offers robust features
• Cons:
  • Influx of messages can be hard to manage
  • Some users treat it like a dating app
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Tandem

HelloTalk

• Best For: Language exchange, speaking, writing practice
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Connect via text, voice, or video with native speakers
  • Social media-like platform encourages natural interaction
  • Built-in translation and correction tools
• Cons:
  • User-generated content may contain errors
  • Conversations often stall after initial small talk
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: HelloTalk

italki

• Best For: One-on-one tutoring, personalized learning
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Access to over 4,000 teachers for tailored lessons
  • Flexible scheduling to fit your routine
  • Community features for language exchange
• Cons:
  • Lessons can be expensive
  • Tutor quality varies
• User Ease Rating: 8.0/10
• Download / Visit: italki

Cambly

• Best For: Conversation practice with native speakers
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
• Pros:
  • Casual, flexible conversations with native speakers
  • Affordable compared to traditional tutoring
  • Schedule classes or chat on-demand
• Cons:
  • Lacks structured learning content
  • Focused solely on conversation
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Cambly

Preply

• Best For: Personalized lessons with tutors
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Over 25,000 tutors for customized learning
  • Discounts available for new users
  • Wide range of languages and levels
• Cons:
  • Costs can add up quickly
  • Tutor quality can be inconsistent
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Preply

Speechling

• Best For: Pronunciation feedback, speaking practice
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Personalized pronunciation feedback from real coaches
  • Feedback delivered within 24 hours
  • Free version includes limited recordings
• Cons:
  • Full access requires a subscription
  • Limited to speaking practice
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Speechling

Yabla

• Best For: Reading and listening practice, immersive content
• Platforms: Web, iOS (Android app in development)
• Pros:
  • Immersive videos with interactive subtitles
  • Includes games and authentic content
  • Suitable for all proficiency levels
• Cons:
  • No Android app yet
  • Requires a subscription
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Yabla

Beelinguapp

• Best For: Reading and listening, side-by-side translations
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Side-by-side texts with translations
  • Karaoke mode enhances listening skills
  • Regular content updates keep it fresh
• Cons:
  • No speaking practice included
  • Limited to reading and listening
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: Beelinguapp

LingQ

• Best For: Reading practice, vocabulary building
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Easy word translation and vocabulary tracking
  • Users can upload their own content
  • Supports self-directed learning
• Cons:
  • Primarily focused on reading
  • Full features require a subscription
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: LingQ

Anki

• Best For: Vocabulary memorization, flashcards
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Customizable spaced repetition flashcards
  • Free on most platforms
  • Premade decks available for quick start
• Cons:
  • Steep learning curve for setup
  • Requires self-discipline
• User Ease Rating: 7.0/10
• Download / Visit: Anki

BBC Learning English

• Best For: Listening and reading, free resources
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Extensive free content, including audio series
  • Transcripts and quizzes enhance learning
  • High-quality, reliable resources
• Cons:
  • Focused on British English
  • No interactive speaking practice
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: BBC Learning English

HiNative

• Best For: Asking questions to native speakers, grammar, vocabulary
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Quick responses from native speakers
  • Mostly free with useful features
  • Ideal for clarifying specific doubts
• Cons:
  • Not a comprehensive learning platform
  • Relies on community participation
• User Ease Rating: 7.5/10
• Download / Visit: HiNative

FluentU

• Best For: Immersive learning through videos, all skills
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Pros:
  • Real-world videos with interactive subtitles
  • Quizzes and flashcards reinforce learning
  • Adaptive system tailors content to your level
• Cons:
  • Requires a subscription for full access
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners
• User Ease Rating: 8.0/10
• Download / Visit: FluentU

No app is perfect, but the right one can make a huge difference in your journey to learn English fluently. Whether you’re looking to improve speaking fluency, sharpen grammar with grammar correction apps, or dive into immersive content, the key is finding what works for you, and sticking with it.

Try a few of these top apps to improve English communication skills and see which one feels like the best fit for your learning style.

For more communication tips, visit Answeredly.