Learn Arabic Apps: 17 Most Remarkable Ones For 2024
Arabic is an enchanting and intricate language spoken by almost half a billion people worldwide. Aspiring language learners will benefit from this invaluable skill in a myriad of ways. In addition to opening opportunities in some of the wealthiest economies in the world, the ability to speak Arabic can foster a greater knowledge of Islam and the rich history of some of the longest-standing civilizations. Learning the Arabic language as an Anglophone not only encourages intercultural understanding but allows you to experience the full hospitality of native Arabic speakers in your travels.
Learn Arabic Apps
One of the most convenient ways to learn Arabic is through language learning apps. Practicing just a few minutes a day on an app can do wonders to help you learn Arabic. Nowadays, there is a wide array of language learning apps available to anyone hoping to master a new language, each with its own strengths. The following is a list of some of the best apps for those who want to learn the Arabic language.
1. Pimsleur
Image from Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a language learning app based on the Pimsleur method. The method was created by the renowned linguist scholar, Dr. Paul Primsleur. After extensive research, he found the most effective method to retain new words and phrases in the brain’s long-term memory. The method, known as Graduated Interval Recall, has influenced many apps, but none implement it as well as Pimsleur. The app offers over 50 languages, including Arabic.
Pros
Pimsleur is one of the best apps for learning Arabic because of its extensively researched and scientifically proven method. It mimics the organic way you learned your first language through listening to native speakers and repeating it. This is an extremely effective approach to absorbing new words. It also ensures that students speak with the right pronunciation from the very start of their journey to learning Arabic.
Pimsleur trains students to excel at conversational Arabic with its lesson structure. Anyone aspiring to become fluent in Arabic will benefit from the gradual introduction of new words and the more organic way the Pimsleur app teaches grammar.
The app also comes with useful features such as flashcards, quizzes, reading booklets, and instant replay. It is also one of the few apps with a course that specifically teaches Modern Standard Arabic.
Cons
Visual learners will struggle with the audio-exclusive course on the Pimsleur app. Since the lessons are entirely in audio, students will master skills such as speaking with flawless Arabic pronunciation and listening comprehension but will lack reading or writing abilities.
It is free to download, but students must subscribe for $19.99 per month to unlock more Arabic language lessons.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT PIMSLEUR
2. italki
Image from italki
italki is a language app that is designed to bring together students with native language tutors for 1-on-1 online lessons. Students have the option to search for their teacher, browse through their profiles, and choose the best match for them. Once a student selects an instructor, they can create a personalized lesson plan for them.
italki is available for both Android and iPhone users. The cost of lessons varies depending on the expertise of your tutor at a starting price of $8 per lesson for certified teachers and $4 per lesson for tutors.
Pros
italki is one of the few Arabic learning apps that offer 1-on-1 lessons. This is a great option for students who learn best with an instructor. Since the lessons are personalized, those who hope to learn the Arabic language can choose their own pace and lessons. All instructors are experienced in teaching Arabic vocabulary, basic grammar, and culture.
italki is one the best apps in terms of flexibility. Their pay-as-you-go structure allows students to decide how much they pay for their language courses making this one of the most affordable Arabic learning apps. There is also a section for practicing writing in which students can receive feedback.
Cons
Recent updates on italki have made it more difficult for students to search for language partners on the app.
The design and layout are also less intuitive and functional than their website. It is one of the less user-friendly apps on this list.
Furthermore, while there are many experienced tutors on italki, some students have reported poor experiences with their instructors.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT ITALKI
3. ArabicPod101
Image from ArabicPod101
ArabicPod101 is a great Arabic language app. They offer thousands of high-quality audio lessons. There are courses available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners. Students can choose from an extensive library of lessons that include grammar, vocabulary, writing, and speaking exercises.
ArabicPod101 offers a three-tier subscription program. For the price of $36 for 6 months of access, students can subscribe to the basic plan. For the price of $120 for 6 months, students unlock premium access. For the price of $110, students unlock premium plus content.
Pros
ArabicPod101 is one of the most comprehensive languages apps available to students. With a premium membership, students can access their huge library consisting of thousands of high-quality audio lessons. There are courses for learners at all levels.
Each tier unlocks more study tool features such as a list of 2000 core Arabic words and phrases, a grammar bank, vocabulary exercises, offline access to lessons, and more.
Students who enjoy learning by listening to a podcast will benefit greatly from this app. Although a premium membership is required to access most of the features, ArabicPod101 offers a free one-week trial.
Cons
Since ArabicPod101 is an audi0-based language resource, this may not be the best Arabic app for visual learners.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT ARABICPOD101
4. Duolingo
Image from Duolingo
Duolingo is one of the most popular apps for learning languages. The app uses a fun, game-like approach to teach beginners the basic words, phrases, and grammar rules of the language.
It is available for free to download on Android and iPhone devices. It offers in-app purchases, including membership to Duolingo plus at the price of $6.99 per month.
Pros
Duolingo is one of the best free Arabic learning apps available. This app offers one of the most fun approaches to language learning. It makes learning feel like a game while teaching students new Arabic words, phrases, common phrases, and basic grammar. Students essentially learn Arabic while playing fun games.
There are many useful practice tools, such as speaking exercises, writing practice, listening comprehension fill-in-the-blanks, and pronunciation practice.
The best part is that all of these features are available for free. For users who want an app the works offline, Duolingo plus is the solution.
Cons
True to its game-like design, Duolingo users need hearts to complete Arabic lessons and for each mistake, you lose a heart. Each heart takes several hours to replenish. As a result, Arabic language beginners might take longer to get through this language course.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT DUOLINGO
5. Memrise
Image from Memrise
Memrise is a language learning app that focuses on teaching useful everyday phrases through video examples of native speakers.
Most of its features are available for free to Android and iPhone users. However, users can unlock the Memrise Pro account for $9 per month, $59 per year, or 130 for lifetime access.
Pros
This is one of the most useful apps for learning everyday phrases. The videos of locals are extremely helpful to students who need to practice their pronunciation. It also gradually teaches new vocabulary contextually to help learners understand the meaning of Arabic words better.
Cons
Since so many of its features are free, it relies on ads for most of its revenue. As a result, users will frequently get ads in the middle of the lesson which can be annoying to some.
Moreover, there seems to be a problem with settings changed on the app not syncing properly to the website.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT MEMRISE
6. Anki
Image from Anki
Anki is a study tool app that could function as a language learning tool.
It is available for free download on Android and iPhone devices, but students can access the unlimited version for the price of $12/year or $25 for a lifetime.
Pros
This is one of the most effective apps to learn Arabic words and their meaning. Students have the option to customize their flashcards, allowing for a more tailored Arabic language learning experience.
Anki is a fun way to learn new words and new phrases at your own pace. It also allows learners to become more familiarized with the Arabic alphabet.
Cons
Designing your own deck of Arabic language flashcards may be too time-consuming for some people.
Moreover, the app offers no practice in terms of speaking, pronunciation, or listening skills.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT ANKI
7. Clozemaster
Image from Clozemaster
Clozemaster is one of the most fun gaming apps for language learning. Students are exposed to the Arabic alphabet and words using a game-like approach.
The app is free to download for Android and iPhone users, but there is a pro version, which works offline, for the price of $8.99/month or $69.99/year.
Pros
Clozemaster encourages students to treat learning Arabic like a game. Thus, students who enjoy gaming and want to learn Arabic should consider this app. It’s a great way to slowly build your vocabulary by learning new words in context.
The app also works offline for users who pay for the pro version making this convenient for those who need an offline language learning app.
Cons
While there is an audio clip for each sentence which is useful for pronunciation practice, students won’t become fluent in Arabic using Clozemaster alone. Students who wish to learn conversational Arabic should consider other apps.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT CLOZEMASTER
8. Hans Wehr
Image from Hans Wehr
Hans Wehr is a dictionary app to help you learn Arabic. Students can search for words using the Arabic alphabet or the Latin alphabet.
It is available to Android and iPhone users completely for free.
Pros
This Arabic app is an invaluable tool to help students learn Arabic. Users can conveniently use the search function to find any Arabic word they don’t understand. It is one of the most essential apps for anyone learning the Arabic language.
Cons
As a dictionary, this app is intended more as a vocabulary resource rather than an actual language learning app that teaches Arabic.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HANS WEHR
9. LingQ
Image from LingQ
LingQ is a languages app that offers a massive library to Arabic learners.
Android and iPhone users can download the app for free, but LingQ users can subscribe to the premium for the price of $12.99/month for unlimited lessons.
Pros
LingQ is one of the best apps for reading Arabic online. It allows users to import news articles, blog posts, and books to practice reading.
Its course library is impressive with thousands of hours of audio files. Students can download the audio for offline listening. It also gives students the option to save new vocabulary that they encounter.
Cons
Though it is amazing for learning new vocabulary, it’s one of the least intuitive and user-friendly apps.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT LINGQ
10. Beelinguapp
Image from Beelinguapp
Beelinguapp is an app that uses the parallel texts method to help students acquire Arabic naturally.
It is available to Android and iPhone users for free, but there are in-purchases.
Pros
Beelinguapp is a great app to learn reading skills, listening comprehension, and build your vocabulary.
Students who love to read and would like to experience reading books and the news in two languages at the same time should consider this app.
Cons
The audio might be too fast for beginners. There is also limited content available to free users.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT BEELINGUAPP
11. Radio Arabic
Image from Radio Arabic
Radio Arabic is a free radio app available on the Google app store. It offers more than 500 Arabic radio stations to listeners and language students.
The app is completely free, but it does offer in-app purchases.
Pros
This is one of the best free apps available to help anyone learn Arabic. With hundreds of radio stations, it serves as a good online source for listening materials.
Students can learn about current events and aspects of daily life in several Arabic-speaking countries.
Cons
This is not a complete language resource by any means. It will help improve listening comprehension and pronunciation skills but will do nothing for your Arabic writing skills.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT RADIO ARABIC
12. Arabic Alphabet
Image from Arabic Alphabet
Arabic Alphabet is one of the most useful apps for mastering the Arabic alphabet.
Users with Google devices can download this app for free, but there are in-app purchases.
Pros
This app offers a great way to improve your Arabic writing skills. Students can also learn how to write the alphabet as well as numbers through the app’s stroke animations.
There are also useful exercises such as quizzes and flashcards to help students learn Arabic.
Cons
Arabic Alphabet is an extremely useful app, but it does crash often. Students with newer phones also struggle to access the app.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT ARABIC ALPHABET
13. Madinah Arabic
Image from Madinah Arabic
Madinah Arabic is available for free to iPhone and Android users.
Pros
It is one of the best free apps for beginners. Madinah Arabic is a great way to learn Arabic grammar and vocabulary.
Cons
The app offers very little in terms of practice exercises. While it teaches the lessons well, students will need to find another method to reinforce that knowledge themselves.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT MADINAH ARABIC
14. Tandem
Image from Tandem
Tandem is an online languages exchange app available on iPhone and Android.
It is free to download, but with in-app purchases.
Pros
Arabic students looking for an online community will find what they’re looking for in Tandem. Students speak to native speakers and work their way towards fluency through conversation.
Cons
Depending on your luck, students may struggle to find a serious language exchange partner.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TANDEM
15. HelloTalk
Image from HelloTalk
HelloTalk is another online languages exchange app that could help you become fluent in Arabic.
Pros
Those who wish to speak to a language exchange partner and potentially make new friends should consider HelloTalk.
Cons
Like many social apps, students who use HelloTalk risk the chance of encountering rude exchange partners. Many users have also expressed concerns about privacy due to the app’s tracking setting.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HELLOTALK
16. HiNative
Image from HiNative
HiNative is an app that connects students with native speakers.
It is available to download for free, but a premium subscription costs $11.40/month.
Pros
Students have the benefit of asking questions from those who are fluent in Arabic. It exposes people to different accents and their cultures.
Cons
Free users can only access the translate function a few times before it’s locked. Only those with a premium subscription have unlimited access to translate and ask questions functions.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HINATIVE
17. Mondly
Mondly is a languages app available to iPhone and Android users.
It offers free daily lessons, but a premium version can be purchased for $9.99/month or $47.99/year.
Pros
This is one of the best apps for learning useful phrases and everyday vocabulary. It offers high-quality audio to teach students correct pronunciation. Students who prefer to learn Arabic by listening to dialogue will enjoy this course.
Cons
This is better suited for beginners who want to develop a better grasp of the basic vocabulary. Advanced learners will not benefit as much from Mondly.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT MONDLY
Conclusion
With so many Arabic language learning options out there, it can be overwhelming for students. The best overall app for students regardless of learning level is Pimsleur. The Pimsleur approach to learning Arabic is scientifically proven to help students become fluent quickly. It is one of few apps with courses on Modern Standard Arabic. Moreover, it is cheaper than Rosetta Stone and offers plenty of features that Rosetta Stone does not. It is widely considered to be one of the most effective and trusted language apps. Those who are on a budget should consider Duolingo or Clozemaster. The game-like approach of these apps will make learning Arabic fun.
