Best Foreign Language Classes

Updated August 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Rosetta Stone Language Program
Rosetta Stone
Language Program
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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

A well-developed, engaging curriculum that is accommodating to first-time adult learners.

Pros

Multiple package options available to suit your needs, ranging from monthly to lifetime access. Live Group Coaching is a priceless tool in learning dialects and developing accurate pronunciation. Immersive learning introduces vocabulary through real-life scenarios.

Cons

Some users say the focus is mostly on conversation, so written language skills may feel under-developed.

Best Bang for the Buck
Udemy Online Courses
Udemy
Online Courses
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Budget-friendly Learning
Bottom Line

It's easy to learn or brush up on the basics, even on a shoestring budget, with per-class purchase options.

Pros

Platform is easy to navigate to find a course at your level. Lists the length of time for each lecture to facilitate self-paced scheduling. Popular choice for those who want separate courses for speaking and writing. There are also courses geared toward business communication for international entrepreneurs.

Cons

Udemy isn't an accredited institution, so courses don't count toward college or continuing education credits (CEUs).

Babbel Language for Life Courses
Babbel
Language for Life Courses
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

Lively, dialogue-driven program that can be accessed on any device for your convenience.

Pros

Short, engaging lessons maintain attention at just 10 to 15 minutes long. Users enjoy the immersive experience of "texting" with native speakers. Program uses a six-stage memory approach, making it easier to retain information as you progress. Overall excellent mobile experience.

Cons

Offers a collection of Romance and European languages, but doesn't offer any languages from Asia besides Indonesian.

Coursera Online Courses from Top Institutions
Coursera
Online Courses from Top Institutions
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Best Level Selection
Bottom Line

Not only is it easy to select a course based on level, but you can also choose one that aligns with your language needs.

Pros

Courses are structured and steady, making them ideal for adult learners. Many courses are designed to follow the national academic fluency standards of their native countries. When you complete a course, you can earn a shareable certificate. Users appreciate the focus on business communication.

Cons

Certain intermediate and expert lessons repeat information from beginner lessons.

edX Courses and Degree Programs
edX
Courses and Degree Programs
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Best for Communication
Bottom Line

Encouraging courses geared toward exam prep and upcoming travel, so the tone is focused and goal-oriented.

Pros

Each course page offers a detailed overview of curriculum and expectations, making it easy to select one that works for you. Verified certificates can be uploaded to LinkedIn and other professional networking sites. Bonus points for being one of the only programs to offer American Sign Language (ASL).

Cons

Selection of courses is somewhat limited compared to other programs and platforms, so it's not ideal for those seeking an immersive language experience.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

21 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
319 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

The team that worked on this review
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Melissa
    Melissa
    Senior Editor
  • Sian
    Sian
    Writer
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Rosetta Stone

Language Program

Rosetta Stone

Language Program

A well-developed, engaging curriculum that is accommodating to first-time adult learners.
$0
×

Babbel

Language for Life Courses

Babbel

Language for Life Courses

Lively, dialogue-driven program that can be accessed on any device for your convenience.

$0
×

Udemy

Online Courses

Udemy

Online Courses

It's easy to learn or brush up on the basics, even on a shoestring budget, with per-class purchase options.
$0
×

Coursera

Online Courses from Top Institutions

Coursera

Online Courses from Top Institutions

Not only is it easy to select a course based on level, but you can also choose one that aligns with your language needs.
$0
×

edX

Courses and Degree Programs

edX

Courses and Degree Programs

Encouraging courses geared toward exam prep and upcoming travel, so the tone is focused and goal-oriented.
$0

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