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#5 in Best Language Learning Apps in 2026
Best for real-world listeningWATTB80/100

Memrise

Our verdict · Great for training your ear to natural, everyday speech from real native speakers.

Choose it if

Real native-speaker video clips build authentic listening skills

Skip it if

Thin on structured grammar teaching

Where to get it

Memrise

WATTB Score

80/ 100

Our research-based editorial assessment.

How we score →

Free; Pro from ~£8/month (annual, indicative)

Indicative price at the time of review.

Memrise's distinguishing feature is its large library of short video clips of ordinary native speakers using real phrases, which is excellent for tuning your ear to the natural pace, accent and slang that scripted studio audio misses. It pairs this with spaced-repetition vocabulary drilling and an AI chat companion (MemBot) that lets you practise free-form conversation without the pressure of a real person. It is best thought of as a vocabulary and listening booster rather than a complete grammar course, so it works well as a supplement alongside a more structured app. The core catalogue of well-supported languages is around 20-plus and depth is uneven; many older community-made courses have been retired, but the official experience is polished and beginner-friendly.

The good & the bad

Pros

  • Real native-speaker video clips build authentic listening skills
  • AI chat companion for low-pressure speaking practice
  • Effective spaced-repetition vocabulary system

Cons

  • Thin on structured grammar teaching
  • Course depth is uneven across languages

How it compares

PickWATTB ScorePriceBest for
1.Babbel94/100From ~£5.99/month (annual plan, indicative)overall
2.Duolingo92/100Free; Super from ~£6.99/month (annual, indicative)free app
3.Pimsleur88/100From ~£15/month (all-access, indicative)speaking and listening
4.Busuu86/100Free; Premium from ~£5.83/month (annual, indicative)structured progress
5.MemriseThis pick80/100Free; Pro from ~£8/month (annual, indicative)real-world listening
Swipe to compare

Key facts

Best for
real-world listening
Typical cost
Free; Pro from ~£8/month (annual, indicative)
Method
Native-speaker video + spaced repetition
AI features
MemBot conversation practice
Languages
20+ well-supported (depth varies)
Free tier
Yes
Platforms
iOS, Android, web

Researched by WATTB

Published
31 August 2026
Updated
31 August 2026
Last verified
31 August 2026

We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →

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