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Best Language Learning Apps For Kids
Our comprehensive guide to the best language apps for kids based on our team's testing and research
There’s a lot to consider when trying to find the right language learning app for your child. So which programs are actually age-appropriate for your child – and which ones will keep them both engaged and learning? After testing out all the top children-centered programs, we’ve ranked the best language learning apps for kids so you can find exactly the right fit for your family.
Team member John runs down our list of the best language learning apps for kids in under 10 minutes. Continue reading more for more detail.
Opening Thoughts On Children’s Language Apps
Because we typically focus on reviewing and comparing language apps for adults, we actually had to step back and come at this project from a slightly different angle. We did a bunch of research into how children learn differently than adults, tried out some new apps geared specifically towards kids, saw firsthand what works and doesn’t work, and generally speaking, had some fun doing it. There are a bunch of engaging apps on the market for kids these days.
Yet, one of the most important things we discovered along the way is that a lot of the language programs we really like for adults, including programs like Rocket Languages, Pimsleur and Babbel, don’t necessarily work for kids. Whether based on instructional methodology or content, some of our otherwise favorite language apps just weren’t a good match.
The other thing we quickly learned is that within this segment of language learning for “kids,” there is no one-size-fits-all approach. For example, a 4-year-old will need a very different app than a 12-year-old. They are simply at different stages of cognitive development and need different things from an app.
As such, in this post, we outline the top four language apps for kids that we think are worth mentioning based on our rating system, with specific commentary on which apps are best based on age and learning style. So with that in mind, let’s get to the first app.
Are These Language Apps Safe and Age-Appropriate?
Most of the top language apps for kids in 2026 now include safety features like no ads, offline modes, and protected child profiles. Apps like Rosetta Stone Kids also include speech feedback tools that help young learners practice aloud safely and privately. Always check for age ratings and parental controls before downloading.
Of all the programs we’ve looked at and used, Rosetta Stone is the most comprehensive. It has the best learning methodology for kids, and it can keep kids learning long term, as they won’t complete the app in just a few short weeks or months.
Once you move past the early language development stage and your kids are in school, things get a little more complicated. From age 8 onward, you need a more robust program that older kids won’t burn through quickly. Not to mention, it needs to fit their evolving learning style.
To this end, of all the programs we’ve tested, we found Rosetta Stone to be the best. This is especially true for parents looking for a curriculum for their homeschooler.
A Rosetta Stone Spanish exercise
The greatest advantage of using Rosetta Stone for children is the teaching methodology and learning framework. Where other apps focus on audio lessons or using foreign language cartoons with subtitles to teach, we like that Rosetta Stone is picture-based and more interactive.
The basis of the Rosetta Stone program is learning through images, which in a way, somewhat mirrors how kids learn when they’re first learning English as a toddler. They associate the new words they’re learning with objects and images directly, rather than using another language as a go-between.
Then, doubling down on that learning framework, Rosetta Stone has the added benefit of leveraging immersion. The program uses very little English, so children are forced to learn whatever language they’re learning as they go. They can’t fall back on English – the only way to advance is by actually picking up new words and phrases.
Another advantage of the Rosetta Stone program is that the drills are very interactive. Kids have to stay engaged as they match images to phrases and complete flashcard-like exercises.
We found Rosetta Stone to be great for children
This is a much more active form of learning than simply watching cartoons with subtitles, and this has been shown to increase language retention. One more reason why we give Rosetta Stone such a high grade in the category of kids apps: this program offers a wealth of material.
Children won’t run of material for a long time, and they can take this app with them from grade to grade, which we really like.
Bottom line, for school-aged kids (likely 8 and older), Rosetta Stone for Kids is our highest-rated app.
In terms of cost, Rosetta Stone is actually fairly reasonable compared to other apps. They offer options for learning just one language or having access to all 25 offered languages. If you plan on encouraging your kids to learn multiple languages, it’s a great value.
If your child is working through the Rosetta Stone app, but you feel like it’s not quite enough (which could be the case given how fast the lessons move), you may want to supplement their learning with LingoPie.
This is a video-on-demand platform where you learn by watching shows and movies. Though also an app for adults, they have a dedicated kids section too. In short, they take native cartoons and layer in useful learning features, such as English translations, color-coded words, playback speed controls, loop settings, and the ability to auto-generate video flashcards.
LingoPie is a great supplemental app for kids
Basically, think of LingoPie as Netflix Kids, but for language learning. It’s a cool supplemental program where you can throw on a 15-minute Spanish language cartoon for your kid (or whatever language they’re learning) and let them watch that after they’ve done their lesson on one of the apps discussed above.
This really helps to round out their learning so they can develop an ear for the language. Plus, LingoPie is also a pretty good deal in terms of price. Typically, you can find this app for $7 per month, which is a great value.
For kids just entering elementary school, we recommend Dinolingo. Although this program is technically marketed for kids ages 2 to 12, we consider it the perfect app for kids ages 6 to 8. Lessons are a little more complex than what young children will encounter in Gus on the Go, but the bright colors and simple activities would probably bore most older kids.
Dinolingo covers an impressive 50 languages, making it perfect for families wanting to learn a lesson popular language, like Hindi, Serbian, or Vietnamese. The program uses interactive games and cartoons to build kids’ vocabulary, but with a much more extensive list of words and phrases than Gus on the Go offers.
Sequential lessons laid out along the learning path cover everyday topics like food, animals, family, and colors. Children pick up words in the context of natural phrases and sentences, giving them a natural sense of how the language works.
The Dinolingo learning path
Each lesson takes just 5 to 10 minutes to complete, making Dinolingo easy to fit into a busy schedule. After logging in, kids can work through as many activities as they want, following a predictable pattern of fun instructional videos, songs, audiobooks, and games that reinforce new vocabulary.
The Dinolingo app is modern and easy to use, with modules that even pre-readers can easily swipe and click through.
Specifically, we really like two things about this app. First, we love how they use an immersive approach, similar to Rosetta Stone. This helps your child truly internalize the language as they build associations between the new words they’re hearing and related cartoons, video footage, songs, audio stories, and images.
Typical Dinolingo exercise
Second, we also like how they create an engaging learning experience. The bright dinosaurs are a huge hit with kids, and plenty of printable worksheets and posters provide some offline, hands-on review. Dinolingo has also worked to gamify things a little – kids can earn coins, points, trophies, and new dinosaur avatars – although they’re still working to create a rewards store with in-app prizes.
In short, based on the nature of the content, the style of the interface, and how the lessons progress, we feel that this is the perfect app for kids aged 6 to 8.
The Dinolingo parent dashboard
In terms of cost, subscriptions cost about $19 per month, or you can save by paying about $200 upfront for the annual plan. One of my favorite features is definitely the detailed parent dashboard, which provides progress reports for each child, plus access to every lesson and activity in the program.
Note that each subscription includes access to all 50 languages and covers up to 6 kids for no additional charge. This means you can mix and match which language each child is studying based on personal interests, or sign the whole family up for the same language so everyone can practice together. Either way, it’s a great value for families with multiple kids.
For the very early development period of age 4 to 6, when you’re just trying to get your child acquainted with the basics of a new language, we like Gus on the Go.
This children’s-only app has been around forever, and it is very good at what it does: teaching your kid some basic vocabulary in a fun way.
In short, the app uses a main character named Gus (an owl) to teach new words and phrases while traveling along a map. Most of the vocab your child will learn is related to animals, modes of transportation, body parts, clothes, and other basic topics. Everything is very simple and straightforward, making it easy for young learners to follow along.
Gus On The Go drill
Gus takes a short trip, which your child can direct on the map, working through quick games and obstacles along the way. In total, the app will teach your child about 100 words across 10 lessons. The cartoons and storylines are clearly geared toward young children, and everything is age appropriate.
When you finish the 10 lessons, you can then advance to their secondary app, called Stories. This app adds a silly twist to a classic fairy tale while teaching more advanced phrases and even some basic sentences. Stories is a nice add-on once your child gets a little older and has finished working through the basic app.
Gus On The Go is very kid-friendly
Bottom line, for young children working on early language development, we were big fans of Gus on the Go. It keeps kids engaged, is content-appropriate, and uses a very straightforward learning approach with the added benefit of spaced repetition.
Plus, each app only costs $4 to purchase, so it definitely isn’t going to break the bank. In short, it’s a great starter app.
As discussed above, which language learning app is best really depends on your child’s age and learning style. For kids 6 and under, we like Gus on the Go. It’s a great starter app for children learning vocabulary basics and getting acquainted with their new language. With their Stories companion app, it’s a nice package.
Once kids move beyond Gus on the Go (think ages 6 to 8) and need something with a little more depth, Dinolingo is a great option. With kid-friendly content, an easy-to-use interface, and engaging lessons, it is a great learning tool.
We’re also a big fan of LingoPie as a fun way to get kids excited about language learning. This is best used as a supplemental resource, not a primary educational program, and works best for older kids who already have some foundation in the target language.
However, if you’re looking for the best all-around app for your school-aged children to learn a new language, we really like Rosetta Stone for Kids. Between their image-based teaching framework, immersion methodology, comprehensive curriculum, and hands-on drills, they’re an excellent app for kids—especially homeschoolers needing a foreign language curriculum.
FAQ
What are the best language learning apps for kids?
Of the more than dozen language learning apps we purchased and tested out, three rose to the top. Rosetta Stone, Dinolingo, and Gus On The Go received our highest grades. They are each well-suited for children for differing reasons.
Which language program for children should I use to teach my kids?
For kids under the age of 6, we recommend Gus On The Go. It’s a great starter app. However, for children aged 8 and older, Rosetta Stone is the best app. We were big fans of its image-based teaching framework and immersive environment.
Are there any free language learning apps for kids?
There are a handful of free apps for children to learn a new language, but generally speaking, we rate the free apps pretty poorly. Even modestly-priced apps like Dinolingo and Rosetta Stone are far superior.
What’s the best children’s app for Spanish, French or Mandarin?
If your child is learning Spanish, we recommend Babbel Kids or LingoPie Junior. For French, Gus on the Go is excellent. For Mandarin, check out Dinolingo. These apps use stories, cartoons and games to match your child’s pace and curiosity.
What age is best to start language apps?
Children as young as 3 can start with visual, game-based apps. Most programs offer content from ages 4 through 12.
Editor's Choice 
