Ranking of the best apps for learning English for 2020

Just 10 years ago, the acquisition of new knowledge by a schoolboy, a student was accompanied by a visit to the library, spending a lot of money on tutors. Convenient mobile applications have replaced voluminous foreign dictionaries. With their help, you can not only view the spelling of certain words, but also listen to the correct pronunciation of phrases in English. It became easier for a child to master an additional language due to a convenient, interesting interface, bright details and learning in a playful way the materials provided. The study is possible for all groups of citizens who have smartphones with one of the operating systems - Android or iOS. The article contains a ranking of the best programs for learning English for 2020.

Application selection based on personal knowledge

Self-study English is the first step to self-development and overcoming laziness. Therefore, it is worth understanding for yourself whether there is a desire, as well as the opportunity to devote time to studying. If the answer is yes, then it is necessary to determine the degree of already existing knowledge and be ranked at one of the levels:

• Beginner (beginner level), the self-explanatory name shows low knowledge. A person can introduce himself, answer the simplest questions about family, work, place of residence. Understands short phrases of 2 - 3 words;
• Elementary (elementary), the student understands statements about the weather, will be able to ask for directions and understand the answer. Able to read, translate a simple sentence, order food online;
• Intermediate (medium). A student's vocabulary is much larger than that of a beginner, ranging from 2800 to 3000 words. He is able to describe emotions, impressions, tell about dreams. He will be able to evaluate and express thoughts about the current situation, to indicate his point of view on this or that account. Will be able to write an essay, a letter. For such a person, watching a movie is no longer just a picture, a set of incomprehensible phrases, but an understandable speech plot, although sometimes you have to think out a sentence;
• Upper - Intermediate (intermediate - advanced). At this level, understanding of a complex story comes, it is possible to competently support a complex conversation on a familiar professional specialty. Free conversations on abstract, spontaneous topics are available. A native speaker can write an important, complex letter on an unfamiliar topic without resorting to a dictionary;
• Advanced (advanced). In the arsenal of about 4500. A person understands long texts in business English. Can speak freely on all topics. Understands slang, idioms in English-language films. Writes clear, structured texts;
• Proficiency (proficiency) from 5000 words. The native speaker speaks, writes, reads in English as in a native language.

Having decided on the level of native speaker, the user will be able to install any application correctly, taking into account the peculiarities of their knowledge.

Android and iOS

The closed information system iOS is installed and specially designed only for iPad, IPhone, Apple TV. It is not possible to install iOS on a third-party smartphone. As a result, Apple technology holders should choose programs for learning foreign languages, created specifically for iOS. And there are many of them, usually there is a mark on them informing about the appointment for a particular system. You can download the program through the App Store.

Through Google play in the Android system, it is possible to download almost any training application, it is enough to drive the name of the required training program into the Play Market search engine, select the desired one from the proposed ones and click on download, then open.

For both systems, you can usually find paid and free options.

Functionality of programs

Each English language program includes a similar set of required lessons. Divided into categories and levels of ownership. Depending on the chosen application, the student gains knowledge in the following areas:

• vocabulary: learning new words, phrases and expressions;
• spelling;
• grammar: adverb; verbs, tenses; rules for the use of articles; modal verbs; plural nouns
• pronunciation.

Some programs allow you to connect with a native speaker from any country and get practical advice from him. This is especially true when traveling, traveling.

Depending on the selected training system, the interface may change, advertising may / may not be present. Access to some levels may be restricted due to paid use.

Top 11 Popular Apps

For Android

ED Words

The ED Words application was created by the online school Englishdom. Easy and affordable learning of the English language makes it possible to learn new words without attending expensive classes, while gaining the maximum knowledge at any level from beginner to advanced. The platform is focused on assimilating a huge number of words, doing it in a playful way, which has a positive effect on children's inconstancy. The game allows you to move up the level, get access to the premium version. Competition with other students reignites in children a new interest and urge to learn. Characteristics: 350 tasks; monitoring progress; several levels of difficulty.

• the ability to raise levels for free;
• 350 thematic assignments;
• constructor of your own dictionary.

• the application works only for learning new words;
• no pronunciation section;
• there is an advertisement.

Duolingo

The popular all over the world application with a stylish interface is chosen by schoolchildren and children. For the start, a test is proposed that determines the category of knowledge. If the level is low, the information is correspondingly compressed and dosed. In addition to private individuals, teachers of universities and schools choose the self-instruction manual as an additional task for students. In addition to English, Duolingo teaches German, Spanish, and French. Sections for training: numbers, professions, seasons, travel, education.

• works offline;
• easy interface;
• division into courses.

• the free version is full of ads;
• slow system performance;
• does not teach business English.

 

Busuu

Busuu teaches from the very beginning level A, it will come in handy for those who own B, B2. Lessons are divided into items according to ability. The main focus is on grammar, tests and new words. A separate category is tasks for repetitions, vocabulary training. The most pleasant thing about learning is getting confirmation in the form of an official certificate at the end of the course. The application allows you to save on expensive distance learning, almost completely replacing individual lessons.

• suitable for children;
• official certificates are issued;
• there are tests.

• no advanced english section;
• for the extension, the developers have set up an automatic write-off of the payment;
• there is advertising.

Puzzle Movies

The platform is aimed at moviegoers who speak intermediate English.Watching movies is accompanied by double subtitles, which is good for both visual and auditory memory. The library is often updated with new paintings. Students can practice an American accent, choose knowledge classes. For Android only. The original versions of the films allow not only to learn the language, but also to have a great time with benefit. The calm interface does not irritate the eyes.

• the ability to watch films in the original;
• division into levels;
• double subtitles in the video.

• frequent advertising;
• not suitable for beginners;
• 8 out of 10 users reported slow performance.

Genius

And this resource is adapted for music lovers, more than 1.5 million songs will help to memorize the pronunciation of melodic English words by ear. Familiar performance systematically allows you to hone competent eye stretching. The platform is also full of various films in the original performance, which will allow you to get enough of speech patterns, slang. There are no subtitles. Frequent updating of the film library will not let you get bored. Genius is suitable for all levels, except for beginners and young children.

• the ability to listen to a song while reading the words at the same time;
• good speech practice;
• modern approach to learning.

• attack advertising;
• inconvenient management;
• some videos are hidden by the developers.

LinguaLeo

LinguaLeo is perhaps the most popular one-to-one learning service. Not without reason, because the bright design attracts children's attention so much and does not irritate adults. English is studied in a game format. The main reference point is the development of vocabulary and grammar on the selected topic. Motivates the smallest students - the opportunity not to leave the lion hungry, earning meatballs with the correct answers. Another reason for such a frequent installation is the huge amount of audio, video files, films, books and music, which certainly attracts the older generation, removing the language barrier.

• original learning techniques;
• game form;
• suitable for children.

• not for level C;
• advertising;
• the audit section needs to be revised.

For iOS

Nemo

A program for learning a language by ear, namely listening to a native English speaker and then pronouncing foreign phrases, as well as individual words. The system will help you learn the most common sentences, words that are in demand in everyday life. When customizing the program for yourself, it is enough to set the necessary topic or base of words for memorization. In offline mode and when the display is off, you can listen to lessons through headphones or a speaker. The built-in audio recording function allows you to practice pronunciation and listen to the result. The large dictionary is regularly updated, and there is always an opportunity to resort to the lessons learned. In addition to iPhone and iPad, the service operates on Apple Watch.

• listening to words in the background;
• easy perception of lessons;
• automatic speech reproduction.

• no adjustment of the speed of pronunciation;
• the price is 700 rubles for an iPhone;
• no transcription.

Aword

The simplest memorization system based on the Ebbinghaus memorization curve is popular among all age groups. Doctors have indicated a positive effect on brain activity in patients prone to brain disease. This is due to the fact that the system offers training using cards with illustrations, which are equipped with voice acting. This has a positive effect on visual and auditory memory at the same time. The app often returns the student to phrases that were difficult to pronounce. Aword is suitable for all levels, it will not be interesting only for those who have a perfect command of the language. A paid version is available. For the youngest students there is an additional section, there is an opportunity to watch films, the film library is replenished very often. IOS only.

• to any level;
• the dictionary is updated frequently;
• suitable for children and the elderly.

• a lot of advertising;
• expensive paid content;
• repeating words.

Drops

Easy learning, nice design with fun animations are some of the positive qualities of the Drops service. A simple approach to learning a language gives effective results at levels A - C. The program is based on the press of a button and a swipe. With these movements, words are combined into sentences and the missing words are inserted into the text. The only sad moment for students who are serious about self-study is the limitation of access time, only 5 minutes a day. This time is enough to review the material covered and learn a few new words. You can fix the moment by purchasing paid content.

• beautiful design;
• ease of use;
• a paid subscription is available.

• there are restrictions in the free version;
• access restriction for 5 minutes;
• not for advanced level.

Wlingua

Wlingua contains 600 lessons, divided into the study of parts of speech, complex phrases, rules, grammar. All words, sentences are accompanied by pictures, as well as correct, clear pronunciation, for correct repetition and memorization. Work begins with an offer to the student to pass a test that reveals the level of knowledge. In accordance with the result, a starting lesson and an individual training program will be assigned. The student chooses American or British English. Reading materials, a grammar reference book are timely updated with new relevant information. Directed to train people from level A to level C 2.

• it is possible to choose American or British English;
• there are pictures describing the action;
• there is a grammar reference.

• not suitable for beginners;
• technical problems when dragging words to lists;
• failure of the accrual of stars provided by the program.

English At Work

Service for intermediate level Intermediate, as well as for advanced native speakers. These are business lessons that will allow you to freely express yourself at work, correctly draw up applications and letters. Meetings will be easier with a large dictionary and voice assistant that speaks difficult phrases. The application will help economists, businessmen, lawyers improve basic and business English in a short time. Characteristics: 200 useful phrases, words; the skill of competent business correspondence; memorizing idiomatic phrases.

• beautiful design;
• ease of use;
• a paid subscription is available.

• suitable only for intermediate level speakers;
• often freezes when switching from one to another category;
• no work offline.

Conclusion

In order to choose the right service for learning English, you should first of all decide on your level of knowledge. There are many apps that cater to different categories of learners, from beginner to advanced. If you make the wrong choice, you can always uninstall the application and install a new one, but you shouldn't buy a subscription right away, it is important to carefully read the terms of purchase, otherwise you can get an automatic renewal. Whatever application you choose, the most important thing is perseverance and a great desire to master the language.