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Best App to Learn Italian – Tried, Tested and Ranked

Best app to learn Italian

A lot has changed in the past few years when it comes to Italian language learning apps. Nowadays, apps have a lot more to offer than they used to. And while you shouldn’t be using apps exclusively to study Italian, they’re worth taking advantage of.

Language learning apps are no longer limited to teaching the language through games or phrasebooks. Lots of courses, even the older ones, have developed apps to cater to the growing number of people learning languages on their phones.

There are so many apps that have made it into this list, and it still isn’t a complete compilation. Instead, we’ve included our favorites in addition to some popularly recommended options and sorted them by what they do best.

Table of Best Apps to Learn Italian

Links below will send you to the app websites, and the app details are down below.


OVERALL BEST

Best App for Thoroughly Learning Italian: Ouino

Best Course for Practicing Oral Skills: Pimsleur

Best Course Structure: Babbel

Best Immersion Approach App: Yabla


READING AND LISTENING

Best Lessons in the Style of a Podcast: ItalianPod101

Great Reading Practice: Think In Italian

Best for Side-by-Side Reading: Beelinguapp


SPEAKING AND WRITING

Best for Pronunciation Feedback: Speechling

Best Pronunciation Dictionary: Forvo

Speaking Italian from Day 1: Pimsleur


VOCABULARY ACQUISITION

Best for Learning Words in Context: Clozemaster

Most Enjoyable Vocabulary Practice: Memrise

Best for Customizable Vocabulary Practice: Anki

Best Dictionary App: WordReference


TUTORS AND LANGUAGE EXCHANGES

Best for Finding a Tutor: italki and Preply


Overall Best Italian Learning Apps

Apps that provide Italian courses are quite many. Some of these apps feel like they were designed with the mobile experience in mind, others not so much. What they do have in common though, is that they try to cover multiple areas of language learning. The best app to learn Italian depends on your learning style and budget. For us, Ouino, Yabla, Babbel, and Pimsleur are the overall best.


Ouino
PimsleurBabbel LogoBabbelYabla Logo
Yabla
Cost$7 – $13 /month
$311.76 (Lifetime payment)
$14.95/month or $19.95/month$7 – $14/month
$299.5 (One-time payment)
$12.95/month
AccessibilityIos, Android, WebIos, Android, WebIos, Android, WebIos, Android, Web
LevelBeginner – AdvancedBeginner – AdvancedBeginner – AdvancedBeginner – Advanced
Number of languages offered 5 languages50+ languages14 languages6 languages
Lesson LengthVaries30-minute lessons10 – 15 minutesVaries
ReadingYY
WritingYY
ListeningYYYY
SpeakingYYYY
VocabularyYYYY
GrammarYYY
Grammar FocusQuizzes/Exercises, Structured LessonsDoesn’t focus too much on grammarGrammar explanations and tips within lessonsGrammar explanations within lessons
Speech RecognitionNYYY
Program styleGrammar explanations within lessonsStructured Lessons, Immersive, Quizzes/ExercisesInteractive exercisesImmersive, Quizzes/Exercises
ReviewOuino ReviewPimsleur ReviewBabbel ReviewYabla Review

Best App for Thoroughly Learning Italian

Ouino

Ouino Italian is a flexible language-learning platform that offers a customizable, modular approach to mastering Italian. It focuses on areas like vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and conversation through interactive exercises and non-linear learning paths. The program includes over 450 lessons and 1,300 exercises, along with speech improvement tools like pronunciation guidance. Learners can tailor their studies based on specific goals, making it suitable for both beginners and those looking to improve particular language skills. A one-time payment for lifetime access adds significant value, though it lacks advanced speech recognition features, and the absence of real-time feedback may be a drawback for some learners. Overall, Ouino Italian stands out for its comprehensive content, adaptability, and emphasis on practical language usage​.

Limited Time offer. Lifetime Access is only $95.76!! You can get an additional language for 50% off, OR you could get all 5 languages for life for $191.52. See details on the website.

See our Super-Detailed Ouino Review

Best Course for Practicing Oral Skills

Pimsleur Italian

Pimsleur has been a trusted name in language learning for many years, offering comprehensive Italian courses that have made it one of the most popular resources available. Its courses take an immersive approach, focusing heavily on developing listening and speaking skills and less on grammar explanations, reading, or writing. Offering more than 50 language courses, Pimsleur’s Italian lessons are predominantly delivered through well-structured audio lessons, making it an ideal option for those looking to strengthen their verbal communication in Italian.

Labor Day Offer! Save up to 50% oon ALL Access Subscription. See details on the website. Offer ends 9/7/2026.

See our Super-Detailed Pimsleur Italian Review

Best Course Structure

Babbel Italian

Babbel is a popular online language-learning resource with over a million users. Its Italian course is designed to help learners grasp Italian through structured lessons and interactive exercises. The lessons are well-structured, affordable, and focus on practical language skills. Babbel offers a comprehensive path for Italian learners, from the basics to more advanced topics, making it an excellent choice for building real-life conversational abilities.

Labor Day Sale! Get Lifetime for $199. See details on the website 9/7/2026

See our Super-Detailed Babbel Italian Review

Best Immersion Approach App

Yabla

Yabla fits into the same category as FluentU, but has better videos and practice activities for half the price. The videos come from diverse sources and cover multiple levels, all featuring native Italian speakers. A subscription doesn’t grant access to material in multiple languages like it does with FluentU, but it’s worth considering for Italian.

See our Super-Detailed Yabla Review

Apps to Learn Italian Reading and Listening

Being able to improve your comprehension and listening skills to the point where you are able to understand a fellow speaker of Italian or native Italian text is one of the greater challenges of learning the language. The apps in this category are best for improving these skills.

Best Lessons in the Style of a Podcast

ItalianPod101

ItalianPod101 provides plenty of listening practice in the form of podcast lessons. It can work really well as a supplementary resource but should be used alongside something with a bit more structure.

The individual lessons themselves are pretty good, it’s just that they don’t progress in a clear and logical order. The lessons do come with practice in the form of quizzes, grammar notes, cultural information, and a few other useful features.

ItalianPod101 would be best for those that are already following a course or using a textbook and want to supplement those resources. 

Try it out: Free 7-day trial without needing to provide payment information and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

You can save 25% on a subscription with the coupon code “ALLLANGUAGERESOURCES”.

See our Super-Detailed ItalianPod101 Review

Great Reading Practice

Think in Italian (Ripeti Con Me)

Think in Italian, created by Stefano Lodola, a well-versed Italian polyglot, offers a unique approach to learning Italian. It combines intuitive audio courses, a vast library of bilingual readings, and an innovative AI tutor, all tailored to enhance speaking rhythm and understanding of the Italian language. The course stands out for its effective teaching method, though it might not appeal to everyone due to its straightforward, non-gamified approach.

See our Super-Detailed Think in Italian (Ripeti Con Me) Review

Best for Side-by-Side Reading

Beelinguapp

With Beelinguapp, you can read and listen to stories with text displayed in your target language, a translation, or both side-by-side. With 13 languages available, you can even study Italian through a non-English language if you wish. Karaoke mode highlights the text in sync with the audio, and features like night mode and adjustable playback speed enhance the experience.

The app includes comprehension questions after each story, and its content ranges from children’s tales to articles on culture and science, as well as some news stories. For learners envisioning gelato-fueled afternoons in Rome or navigating conversations about Italian art, Beelinguapp is ideal for intermediate learners, and you can start with free content.

Try it out – Some stories are available for free.

Apps for Italian Speaking and Writing

Productive language skills such as speaking and writing are probably the most exciting skills to practice. Unfortunately, finding quality methods to practice can be challenging because both skills require an audience, and no one but a human is able to give you nuanced feedback. Check out the apps below to help you practice these skills.

Best for Pronunciation Feedback

Speechling

Speechling aims to teach Italian pronunciation through mimicking, a technique that works really well. Of course, doing your best to mimic native speakers is only so useful without getting feedback from someone with a trained ear.

With Speechling, you get to record yourself saying a word, phrase, or answer to a question in Italian. A native speaker will then listen to your recording and provide useful feedback for how you can improve. This experience can be extremely insightful! Although, you won’t learn to have in depth conversations about Michelangelo or Leonardo da Vinci’s works with a local Italian art enthusiast, you will get more comfortable with Italian speech. There is a basic version of Speechling for free with a limited number of recordings per month; a paid subscription allows you to get feedback on as many recordings as you like.

With the code ‘ALR123‘, you can save 10% on a subscription.

See our Super-Detailed Speechling Review

Best Pronunciation Dictionary

Forvo

Forvo is the largest pronunciation dictionary there is. You can listen to words being pronounced by native speakers all over the world. You can also add clips of yourself recording words to help others.

You can look at the map and see where the person who recorded the word was from. For some words, several people will have added their recordings, so you can click on different locations and hear regional differences in pronunciation.

Forvo is best for those that want to focus on the pronunciation of individual words.

Try it out – It’s free online. If you end up liking it and feel it’s worth it, purchase the app.

Speaking Italian from Day 1

Pimsleur Italian

Pimsleur Italian is one of the most enduring resources for learning the Italian language, with a strong focus on developing speaking skills. The courses are designed to build learners’ confidence in speaking Italian through immersive audio lessons that emphasize listening and verbal practice. While grammar, reading, and writing are secondary, the program excels at enhancing conversational fluency with practical, real-world dialogues.

Labor Day Offer! Save up to 50% oon ALL Access Subscription. See details on the website. Offer ends 9/7/2026.

See our Super-Detailed Pimsleur Italian Review

Learn Italian Vocabulary with Apps

Learning new words and phrases is a no-brainer when tackling a new language. A good number of the apps we mention in this category are flashcard-based and use a Spaced Repetition System (SRS). The SRS automatically adjusts the intervals in which you review a word. The more you get it right, the less often you see it, and vice versa. It’s something you should expect with good vocabulary-learning apps.

Best for Learning Words in Context

Clozemaster

Clozemaster is a gamified platform that helps learners of all levels learn words within the context of a sentence. You do this by basically completing tons of fill-in-the-blank questions, either by selecting the best option from a multiple-choice list or by typing in the answer.

This is really beneficial because you aren’t learning words in isolation. Instead, you not only learn what the word means but also have an example sentence of how it’s used. They also have some gamification elements akin to an older video game that make using Clozemaster a bit more fun. The free version is quite generous, so most learners won’t feel the need to upgrade to the Pro plan.

See our Super-Detailed Clozemaster Review

Most Enjoyable Vocabulary Practice

Memrise

Memrise is mostly free, insanely popular, and pretty fun for learning Italian. It uses gamification similarly to Duolingo to encourage students to come back and study a little bit each day. Although you can use Memrise to study more than just vocabulary, that’s what it’s best suited for. There are a bunch of user-created Italian courses that are free to use in addition to official Memrise courses that offer limited access for free.

The content type and quality can vary quite a bit from course to course, but that’s kind of the beauty of the platform. Memrise can be a really useful tool for building your vocabulary, but it probably shouldn’t be your only resource. It’s best for those that want a fun way to get started practicing new vocabulary right away.

See our Super-Detailed Memrise Review

Best for Customizable Vocabulary Practice

Anki

Anki, like Memrise, is a flashcard app that’s excellent for reviewing Italian vocabulary and other subjects. While it lacks the quick-start simplicity and gamified elements of Memrise, Anki shines in its level of customization. Users can tailor their decks extensively with images, audio, and personalized study settings. For those who prefer a ready-made solution, many shared Italian decks are available for download if you aren’t interested in spending the time to make your own. The app is free on most platforms except on iOS where it costs $25. You’ll need more to fully enjoy a wine tour in Tuscany but you’ll be able to identify lots of vocabulary. Anki is ideal for language learners who want a highly customized approach to learning Italian.

Best Dictionary App

WordReference

WordReference is a widely used dictionary app that offers language support in numerous combinations, allowing users to view definitions in English, Italian, or even switch to Italian-Spanish. Definitions include example sentences and essential details like parts of speech. A major advantage of WordReference is its built-in conjugator, which provides quick access to verb forms across all tenses.

This app is designed for everyone, as most learners benefit from a reliable dictionary and conjugation resource. WordReference is one of the most versatile, free, multi-language dictionary tools, with an extensive array of language pairs for easy translations. Its active language forum is also valuable, enabling users to seek help with complex language questions not always covered in traditional dictionaries.

Tutors and Italian Language Exchange Apps

Many people would assume that they need to travel to Italy to get a lot of speaking practice. This isn’t entirely true. In fact, even if you live in Italy, you may find it more convenient and affordable to get conversation practice by using one of these apps.

Best for Finding a Tutor

italki

italki is one of the only resources I recommend to everybody, regardless of the language they’re studying. There are currently over 200 Italian teachers offering classes on this platform, with the majority charging less than $15 per hour. Teachers set their own hours and rates on italki. Because there are so many tutors to choose from, you’ll be able to find someone to fit your budget, schedule, and learning style rather easily.

They also offer a ton of useful free features. For example, it’s a very popular place to find a language exchange partner. It’s a great place to ask questions and even get your writing corrected for free by members of the community. 

Try it out – Trial classes are offered at discounted prices, and the community features are free. You also get a $10 credit with your first purchase.

See our Super-Detailed italki Review

Preply

Preply is an online platform that connects Italian learners with tutors offering personalized instruction. With a range of tutors specializing in Italian, students can find their ideal match by exploring tutor demo videos and filtering by price and rating. Each tutor brings a unique teaching style, enhanced by access to Preply’s training and resources to support their professional development. This platform makes it easy for Italian learners to choose a tutor who aligns with their learning goals and budget.

Exclusive 50% discount for ALR readers! Make sure to use our link to receive it.

See our Super-Detailed Preply Review

Some May Like These Resources

In this category, you’ll find the apps that didn’t make our group of favorites for one reason or another. They each have their own strengths, though, and are worth considering. Check them out and see if you find one that’s interesting.

Mango Languages

While I tend to prefer other courses, Mango Languages is still a good option for beginners in Italian, especially if you’re looking to explore multiple languages. A subscription to Mango Languages provides access to courses in more than 70 languages, including Italian, making it a flexible choice for language enthusiasts.

See our Super-Detailed Mango Languages Review

News in Slow Italian

News in Slow Italian is an excellent learning resource; it’s very comprehensive and offers all the necessary tools to be able to practice all the aspects of the language. It’s also one of the most fun and original language learning tools I’ve seen and manages to be so without sacrificing on quality. This program is helpful for anyone who wants to learn Italian.

See our Super-Detailed News in Slow Italian Review

Rocket Italian

Rocket Italian is best for serious students who aren’t scared away by the high-ish price tag. With interactive exercises and a more traditional-course feel, it’s hard to say whether or not it’s worth the higher price. Luckily, they have a generous trial and refund period.

See our Super-Detailed Rocket Italian Review

Busuu

Busuu is a great choice for Italian learners, featuring a fun interface and a unique social feature that enables feedback from native speakers. While the grammar explanations could be more in-depth, the interactive layout and supportive community make it a highly engaging way to learn Italian.

See our Super-Detailed Busuu Review

Best Free(mium) Apps for Learning Italian

Are you looking for a budget-friendly app to learn Italian? Here are a few free and freemium apps that are worth checking out.

Best Reading Content

LingQ

LingQ is a bit unique. They have quite a few different types of articles at various difficulty levels and from lots of different sources. It’s user-friendly, and you can even upload your own Italian content to personalize your learning experience. One of LingQ’s standout features is its word-tracking system—it keeps track of the words you look up and color-codes them based on your familiarity. This creates a visual map of your progress and gives you extra reading practice while naturally reviewing vocabulary.

With content available in many languages, LingQ is perfect for those who might want to learn Italian alongside other languages. It’s an excellent choice for frequent readers and is suitable for both beginners and more advanced learners. There’s a limited free version, so give it a try.

Summer Sale! Get up to 45% OFF the Premium plan. See details on the website.

See our Super-Detailed LingQ Review

Best Free Audio Course

Language Transfer

This app is totally free for iOS and Android devices. Its no-nonsense interface is free of ads and provides easy access to the program’s 45 audio lessons in the Italian course. The instruction in the course is ideal for absolute beginners or learners that are looking to strengthen their foundation in Italian. It’s especially useful for English speakers, as the similarities between Italian and English are frequently used to teach a method for thinking about Italian.

The value of this app is super high. It may be less suitable for learners that struggle with material that’s purely audio, but the instruction is thorough. You’ll develop a strong foundation in Italian and maybe learn how to order espresso from a local Italian cafe. It’s not often you see something this valuable for free – no strings attached.

See our Super-Detailed Language Transfer Review

Best Italian Radio App

Radio Italia FM

With Radio Italia FM, you’ll be able to listen to dozens of radio stations from Italy. This gives you access to tons of Italian listening opportunities, including music and discussions on a wide range of topics.

This isn’t the only app you’ll find that allows you to listen to Italian radio but it does seem to be the best. Some individual stations have apps as well but many of them don’t seem to be as well designed.

Radio Italia FM is best for intermediate or higher level students looking to learn more about Italian culture and music.

Best Free Gamified Course

Duolingo

Chances are you’ve come across this one before—it’s free, fun, and offers lessons in a huge range of languages, including Italian. But while Duolingo’s popularity is well-deserved, it may not be the best fit for everyone learning Italian.

On the plus side, Duolingo has democratized language learning by creating what’s probably the best free language learning platform you’ll find and has made language learning accessible to millions with its engaging, gamified platform. Yet, for serious learners wanting to dive deeper into Italian, it might not quite hit the mark. You’ll need more than just Duolingo if you plan to take a cooking class in Italy, but it serves as a good starting point to learning Italian.

Duolingo is ideal if you’re looking to get a feel for Italian, casually practice, or if you’re someone who benefits from a bit of daily motivation.

See our Super-Detailed Duolingo Review

So, What is the Best App to Learn Italian for YOU?

As we mentioned, there are many apps available to help you learn Italian. It isn’t necessary for you to use all or even most of them, but you should be able to find those that suit your needs.

Although Italian learning apps are useful for a number of reasons, it’s best to explore additional methods to learn and get a more well-rounded education. For more options, check out these posts:

Whichever skill you want to improve, there’s definitely an app to help. Finding your preferred way of learning will depend on your learning preferences and language goals. All you need to do is try out a few and see what you like!

Do you think we’ve missed an app from this list? Let us know in the comments!

FAQs

What is the best app to learn Italian?

The best app to learn Italian varies based on your learning style, goal, and budget. After testing dozens of Italian apps, Ouino, Yabla, Babbel, and Pimsleur stood out as the overall best apps for learning Italian, with Ouino receiving the highest rating.

What is the best free app to learn Italian?

Among the dozens of free apps to learn Italian that we’ve tested, Language Transfer received the highest rating together with other free Italian language apps like Duolingo, LingQ, Radio Italia FM, edX, and Coursera.

How hard is it to learn Italian?

Learning Italian is considered relatively easy, especially for English speakers, due to its straightforward grammar rules, consistent pronunciation, and many words that are similar to English. The FSI classified Italian as a Category I language, so it takes about 600-750 hours of study to reach proficiency, though like any other language, advanced fluency may take years. With regular practice and immersion in the language, you can make steady progress. However, like any language, it does require dedication and time.

What is the best way to learn Italian?

The best way to learn Italian is to immerse yourself in the language and culture using various resources. Start with basic pronunciation, greetings, and vocabulary. Use apps like Ouino, Yable, Pimsleur, and Babbel for beginner lessons. Watch Italian movies with subtitles, listen to music, and read simple texts to practice. Regularly speak with native speakers or use online platforms like HelloTalk. Don’t worry about mistakes—they’re part of learning. Stay consistent, and you’ll build fluency and confidence in speaking Italian.

How to learn Italian fast?

The fastest way to learn Italian is through a mix of intensive study, immersion, and consistent practice. Start with basic pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Use language apps, online courses, and textbooks for structured learning. Immerse yourself by watching Italian movies, listening to Italian music, and talking with native speakers. Test and challenge your language skills by practicing conversations with language exchange partners or tutors. Combining these strategies with dedication and regular study can help you in learning Italian quickly.

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