Babbel Review: Is it a Good Choice for Language Learning?

By Jordan Fabel •  Updated: November 29, 2021  •  8 min read  •  Reviews
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Babbel is a very popular choice for learning a new language. If you’re searching for a language learning app that works, reading this Babbel review might help you make a solid decision. There are many apps to choose from in this space. Babbel might be the right one for you.

Babbel Review

A Review of the Pros & Cons for Babbel

If you want to learn a new language, you need to choose the right app, course, or program. Babbel should be on your list to consider. Let’s look at the pros and cons to help you make the right decision.

Pros for Babbel

Cons for Babbel

While there are plenty of positives for Babbel, there are some negatives, too. Some of the negatives won’t apply to you if you’re trying to learn Spanish or French. Other languages may bring some of the cons into play when making your final decision.

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Babbel Special Offer! Babbel Special Offer!

Start speaking a new language with confidence is more than a slogan. Babbel turns language learning into language using with a mission to get you speaking a new language as soon as possible!

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Babbel Review of the Cost

The cost of Babbel is one of the biggest benefits. Compared to other language learning apps and programs, it’s very cheap. This cost starts at less than $14 for one month. If you pay for multiple months, you can get Babbel for as little as $6.95 per month, on an annual plan.

Babbel does provide a 20-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy after 20 days, just contact customer service and they will provide a full refund.

Languages Offered by Babbel

If you want to learn a new language, you have plenty of options from Babbel. They offer language learning for:

All of these languages are offered when you choose Babbel. The courses are designed by more than 100 professional linguists and you can learn on any device.

Babbel App vs. Babbel Live Subscription

Babbel used to be just an app, but now, they offer a live subscription option. If you prefer a live virtual class, the Babbel Live Subscription is the right option for you. Let’s compare the two options.

The Babbel App for Language Learning

With a subscription to the Babbel App, you will gain unlimited access to hundreds of language lessons. It’s designed for learners and designed for those looking to have control over how they learn.

If you want to learn at your own pace, the Babbel App is for you. It fits with those on a tight schedule or looking to set their own schedule.

You can start talking in another language right from the very first lesson. The app will help you build a learning habit. It will give you the confidence to speak a new language in a real-life situation.

Babbel Live for Language Learning

If you prefer a live virtual class from a world-class teacher, Babbel Live is the right option for you. You will learn more than just vocabulary and grammar with this open. It will help you immerse into the culture of the language, too. With the Babbel Live option, you gain unlimited access to the Babbel App, too.

Classes are designed for real-world applications. You can learn how to order at a cafe, talk about daily life, and even get the work-life balance you need from learning a new language.

Babbel Live offers different levels including:

Even though Babbel Live is filled with live virtual courses, you can choose the pace you prefer to learn at. They offer three levels including:

You are actually allowed to take classes as often as you want, but these are the recommended paces. Babbel Love only offers courses in Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Other languages will likely be added at some point, however.

When you choose Babbel Live, you will also get a very small class size. They only allow six students per class to ensure you get the personal experience you need.

Comparing the Cost of the Babbel App to Babbel Live

The Babbel App is a simple subscription model ranging from about $7 to $14 per month. Babbel Live is also a subscription model. You get unlimited classes with your subscription and the prices range from about $50 to $100 per month. You get a discount for paying for three, six, or 12 months upfront.

Just like with the Babbel App, Babbel Live offers a 20-day money-back guarantee. You will also gain complete access to the Babbel App when you choose language learning from Babbel Live.

60k+ lessons available 🤯
Babbel Special Offer! Babbel Special Offer!

Start speaking a new language with confidence is more than a slogan. Babbel turns language learning into language using with a mission to get you speaking a new language as soon as possible!

We may earn a small commission if you use this link at no additional cost to you.

Babbel Review: A Comparison to the Competition

Babbel isn’t the only language learning option out there. Many other apps and programs are available for learning a new language. Let’s look at how Babbel compares to other top choices.

Babbel vs. Duolingo

Probably the closest competitor for Babbel is Duolingo. The biggest difference is Duolingo is free. The lesson structure for both is similar. However, Babbel is more focused on conversation, while Duolingo is more about vocabulary and grammar.

Babbel offers 14 language options, while Duolingo has 36, and even two fictional languages with Klingon and High Valyrian. However, the lessons you can get from Duolingo are rather limited in comparison. While it’s free, it doesn’t offer the same experience or the ability to start speaking quickly as Babbel does.

Babbel vs. Rosetta Stone

The biggest difference between Babbel and Rosetta stone is probably the price. Rosetta Stone runs from $179 to $479, depending on how many levels you want. It’s far more expensive compared to Babbel.

Of course, another big difference is the way you will learn. Rosetta Stones offers 28 total languages you can learn, which is more than Babbel. Rosetta Stone has been around since 1992 and wasn’t originally an app, however.

They are both good for beginners and tourists, but the cost is a pretty big difference between the two.

Babbel vs. Busuu

Both of these language learning options are pretty similar. They both offer affordable subscription prices and both have about the same number of languages. Busuu does have a free version you can try, but it’s rather limited.

One of the main differences between the two is the ability to get pronunciation help from real people on Busuu. While you can get this on Babbel, it will require the Babbel Live version to get this help.

All of these language learning options are very good for learning a new language. Babbel is very popular, along with all of the other three. There is no wrong decision, but for some, Babbel will be the right option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Babbel

Is Babbel worth the Cost?

For those looking to learn a language, yes, it’s well worth the cost. The Babbel Live option will even give you an instructor and it’s far cheaper than taking a college course.

Can I become fluent by using Babbel?

Yes, to an extent. You may need to take your language learning further to become fully fluent after using Babbel.

Who is Babbel best for?

Babbel is best for those looking to learn a language for travel, work, or just for fun. It can provide the basics and a few intermediate or advanced options for learning.

Is Babbel effective for language learning?

For many users, Babbel has been very effective for language learning. Many customer reviews have been very positive about the experience and how effective the app is. The live version offers an even more effective choice for language learning.

60k+ lessons available 🤯
Babbel Special Offer! Babbel Special Offer!

Start speaking a new language with confidence is more than a slogan. Babbel turns language learning into language using with a mission to get you speaking a new language as soon as possible!

We may earn a small commission if you use this link at no additional cost to you.

If you want to learn a new language, the Babbel App and/or Babbel Live might be the right option for you. It’s very affordable and offers the ability to learn at your own pace, regardless of the option you choose between the app and the live option.

Jordan Fabel

Jordan Fabel

Covering different 'paths' that people's lives can take. Creative, foster parent, ticket dismissal, you get the idea. Exploring the requirements, certifications, exams, and obviously, approved courses along each path.