Whether you prefer to learn by self-studying or are just too busy to go to live classes, using a language learning app might be your only way to learn a new language. However, many people question the results you can achieve with such type of software. Indeed, depending on your studying methods, only a few of them will work for you. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there, which means that there’ll be one that will help you learn a new language in no time. Busuu and Rosetta Stone are excellent examples of language learning apps with distinct teaching methods. So, which one will help you achieve a decent level of fluency the quickest?
| Overview | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| Logo |  |  |
| Rating |  |  |
| Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
| Visit | Visit Site | |
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free Trial |
| Coupons | Coupons | Coupons |
| Headquarters | UK | U.S. |
| Founded | 2008 | 1992 |
| Main Features | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| # of Languages | 12 | 24 |
| Languages | ES, FR, DE, PT, JP, RU, CN | ES, FR, DE, JP, IT, CN, RU, PT, EN |
| Placement Test | ||
| Interactive Games | ||
| Audio | ||
| Videos | ||
| Live Tutoring | ||
| Average Duration of Lessons | 10 mins | 15 mins |
| Cultural Context |
| Language Skills | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| Vocabulary | ||
| Grammar | ||
| Writing | ||
| Reading | ||
| Speaking | ||
| Listening |
| Platforms | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| Browser Version | ||
| Windows | ||
| Mac | ||
| Linux | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS |
| Pricing | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| Lowest Price | $5.41/mo | $10.38/mo |
| Monthly Subscription |
| |
| Quaterly Subscription | $26.34/mo ($79) | |
| Biannual Subscription | $19.84/mo ($119) | |
| Yearly Subscription |
| $14.92/mo ($179) |
| One-Time Purchase | ||
| Free Trial | 3 days | |
| Free Version | ||
| Money-Back Guarantee | 14 days | 30 days |
| Payment Methods | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| Visa | ||
| Mastercard | ||
| American Express | ||
| PayPal | ||
| Wire Transfer | ||
| Discover | ||
| Amazon Payments | ||
| Google Checkout |
| Customer Supporter | Busuu | Rosetta Stone |
| 24/7 | ||
| Live Chat | ||
| Community | ||
| On Call |
Busuu
Busuu offers 12 language courses that go up to B2 level with customizable structures. By asking what your goals are and how much time you’re willing to spend studying each day, this language learning app builds courses accordingly and informs you how much time it will take to achieve your objectives. When you finish a level, Busuu allows you to download the respective certificate that you can then add to your CV.
While Busuu’s primary teaching method is flashcards, it spices things up a little bit by introducing a few other types of exercises, such as following native dialogues and answering quizzes. On top of this, Busuu also comes with a unique built-in social platform that allows you to speak with native speakers of your target language and ask for help on specific exercises.
There’s a free plan available for Busuu, but it’s quite limited as some of the locked exercises are important. This means upgrading to a premium account is most often necessary. You can either get full access to one course for $5.41 per month or unlock all available languages for $6.28 per month.
Busuu Vocabulary Exercise
Busuu Review Dashboard
Busuu Mobile Interface
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone’s course portfolio boasts over 20 languages. While these don’t offer much cultural context, they all come with a comprehensive 45-minute placement test. Unlike many of its competitors, Rosetta Stone prefers an immersive approach right off the bat. In other words, all explanations are written in the language you’re learning and there are no translation exercises. That’s not an issue though, as Rosetta Stone uses deduction to teach vocabulary pieces, so you won’t have a problem understanding what you have to do.
Lessons go through reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, where repetition is prevalent. While this can become tiresome rather quickly, it’s an essential part of learning a new language with Rosetta Stone. Thankfully, the language learning app provides some extra activities for you to do. You can speak with other students through the built-in chat, go through the several small stories available, or give live tutoring a try.
Prices are a bit steep, with the lowest costing $10.38 per month with a two-year billing cycle. Despite this, you can also get a lifetime subscription, and Rosetta Stone allows you to test one class for free.
Rosetta Stone Vocabulary Exercise
Rosetta Stone Course Structure
Rosetta Stone Mobile Interface
Conclusion
Busuu and Rosetta are reliable language learning apps – that’s why they’re both used by millions of students worldwide. However, they do teach languages differently and come at distinct price points. Rosetta Stone offers the most comprehensive courses. Even if there isn’t any cultural context, the app provides reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, which allows you to learn the language at a deeper level. Moreover, by having an immersive approach, Rosetta Stone makes you think in the language you’re learning straightaway. Meanwhile, Busuu is undeniably the most affordable option, especially when you can access all language courses for as low as $6.28 per month. What’s more, Busuu’s built-in social platform works far better than Rosetta Stone’s basic chat. In short, Busuu is the perfect option for people who don’t want to spend too much on a language learning app or would like to make friends throughout the course. Rosetta Stone is for more traditional students who prefer following a stricter structure with all types of exercises.