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Mango Languages vs Rosetta Stone
Determine which program is right for you in this Rosetta Stone vs Mango Languages comparison
Rosetta Stone and Mango Languages are two very different language learning programs. To be clear, there are several similarities between the two companies, but by and large, these language apps are grounded in fundamentally different teaching styles and lesson formats. In this article, we highlight the major differences between Rosetta Stone and Mango Languages so that you can decide which language app is the better fit for your learning style.
Given that this is a lengthy, detailed comparison, we’ve included jump-to links above for your convenience.
Video Review: Mango Languages Or Rosetta Stone?
In the video above, John from the TPI team covers the pros and cons of each language program. For more detail regarding Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone, be sure to continue reading our full written comparison below.
Let’s begin this article by covering our preferred language learning program between these two, Rosetta Stone. We’ll discuss the major reasons to use Rosetta Stone over Mango, then flip the script and cover Mango’s strengths.
Great Fit For Visual Learners
The Rosetta Stone language program is a fantastic fit for visual learners. Nearly every single practice drill and exercise that you will be asked to complete within the standard lesson plan is built around images.
As such, if you’re type of person that tends to understand and retain new information based on what you see, then Rosetta Stone will likely be a good fit for your learning style. Plus, beyond the image-heavy lessons, Rosetta Stone also offers a bunch of on-demand, bonus videos as well.
Typical Rosetta Stone exercise
For reference, with Mango Languages, visuals are used much more sparingly. Their lessons tend to include more text-based drills and exercises.
Natural Language Learning Process
The second strength of the Rosetta Stone program that we noted is the immersive experience they offer users. Unlike Mango’s program, you’ll notice that there is very little use of the English language within the Rosetta Stone lessons.
Rosetta Stone purposely limits English in order to create a more immersive experience. Their goal is to imitate the natural language learning process as closely as possible.
And this makes sense. When you’re learning English as a toddler, there is no other language or means of translation to help aid you in the learning process. You either learn English or you don’t. Rosetta tries to incorporate this concept into their framework.
The image-heavy lessons
They want you to acquire the target language using visual cues, repetition, and your own intuition, just as you did when you were a child.
Now, for those of you who get frustrated easily, you can turn on translations within the Rosetta Stone app for English assistance, but it’s not recommended. It’s turned off by default in order to preserve the natural language learning process.
TruAccent Speech Technology
Another advantage for Rosetta Stone is the company’s TruAccent speech recognition technology. Rosetta’s speech tool is among the best I’ve tested in the language learning industry.
It’s neck and neck with Rocket Languages, Pimsleur, and Babbel in my opinion. It’s easy to use, quick and accurate. It’s clear the company has invested significant money and resources to provide their users proper feedback during pronunciation practice drills and exercises.
Rosetta Stone’s speech software is great
To be fair, Mango’s speech tool is pretty good too and includes a really cool feature (which I cover below), but it is hard not to note Rosetta Stone’s tech given its accuracy.
Bonus Learning Tools
The final reason to use Rosetta Stone is the bundle of extra features that the company provides. Beyond the standard curriculum, the company provides a complete suite of learning tools, including on-demand videos, phrasebooks, stories, live lessons, stories, and downloadable audio companions for when you’re on the go.
The stories bonus feature
Simply put, you just won’t find this level of resources with Mango Languages.
Of all these bonus resources though, my personal favorite is the stories feature. They are like mini-podcasts, and they are a great way to improve your listening comprehension and reading skills.
Next, let’s cover the major reasons to go with Mango Languages over Rosetta Stone, as there are a few good reasons why they might be a better fit for you.
Grammar Instruction
Mango’s strongest relative advantage to Rosetta Stone is its grammar instruction. Mango includes detailed grammar explanations and notes within their lessons, while Rosetta Stone does not.
To reiterate, Rosetta Stone takes a more immersive approach. They want you to learn the language naturally and worry about grammar later, just as you did when you were a toddler.
Mango Languages grammar note
To be honest, this subject is heavily debated within the world of language learning. Some linguists believe that detailed grammar instruction is a must, while others believe it can actually be detrimental during the early stages of language acquisition—it just depends on what side of the fence you land on.
Nonetheless, I do really like Mango’s grammar analysis and instruction.
Voice Analysis
Another reason to use Mango is because their speech tool includes a really neat feature. Essentially, Mango Languages has you record yourself reading a phrase or sentence, and then they provide a graphic representation of your tone and inflection which you can then compare to a fluent speaker.
Mango’s voice recognition tool
This way, not only can you perfect your pronunciation, but you can also start to mimic the tone and inflection points that native speakers use as well. This is a pretty cool and useful feature.
Translation Explanations
One other cool feature that is unique to Mango is a toggle switch between literal and understood phrases. This little toggle switch allows you to alternate back and forth between the familiar, everyday understanding of a phrase in your target language, and its literal word-for-word English translation.
I know this may sound minor, but it’s actually super helpful. This is especially true for common terminology used in certain in languages and cultures that may not translate exactly into English.
Sentence Structure Color Coding
The final advantage for Mango is how they color code sentences during lessons. In essence, each element within a given sentence is color coded (think verbs, adjectives, objects, subjects, etc.).
Mango’s color-coded sentences really help
That way, as you progress through the course, you’ll start to pick up and learn the structural differences and similarities between English and your target language. I found that to be a big value add.
Before giving you my final verdict, I want to touch on pricing. With Rosetta Stone, you have three different subscription plans to choose from.
Though typically priced higher full retail on their website, you can almost always find one of their monthly subscription options for around $8 to $12 per month, and their lifetime membership (which includes access to all Rosetta Stone languages) for around $200.
Rosetta Stone learning units
Mango Languages offers two different subscription plans. There’s a single language option or an “all languages” option, which gives you access to all their different language courses (there’s about 70 language courses in total).
If you want to pay on a month-to-month basis, the single language plan costs around $8/month, and the all language plan costs around $18/month. Alternatively, if you want to prepay in advance for an entire year, the single language plan ends up costing a little under $7/month, while the all language plan ends up being around $15 on a monthly basis.
At these cost levels, if you’re looking for a month-to-month plan, pricing between these two companies is extremely close. However, if you want to learn multiple languages or you know that you want long term access, the lifetime membership from Rosetta Stone is clearly the way to go.
Verdict: Rosetta Stone or Mango Languages?
After using and reviewing each of these apps for a while, I believe that Rosetta Stone is the superior language learning tool. Mango Languages definitely offers some really cool and unique features, such as their voice analysis tool and color coding, but all in all, I think Rosetta Stone offers the more well-rounded and effective language courses from top to bottom.
I’m a big fan of their immersive learning framework, their TruAccent speech tech is quick and accurate, and all of the visuals included within their lessons really helps to keep you engaged. Not to mention, you have to factor in the mountain of bonus tools and resources that Rosetta Stone provides as well.
FAQ
What is the difference between Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone?
Learning framework and lesson format are the two biggest differences between Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone. The lessons from Mango Languages are shorter, prioritize reading exercises, and include more grammar explanations, while the Rosetta Stone lessons include more visuals and provide a more immersive experience overall.
Which is better, Mango Languages or Rosetta Stone?
After using and reviewing each language program, our team believes Rosetta Stone offers the more complete and effective language learning courses.
Is Mango Languages cheaper than Rosetta Stone?
It depends. If you are looking for a monthly subscription plan, the two companies are very close in terms of pricing. However, if you want long term access, or if your goal is to learn multiple languages, Rosetta Stone offers the better deal.
