20 Best Arabic Apps To Learn The Language (Expert Opinion)

If you’re looking for apps to learn Arabic, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

Whether your goal is connecting with family, travelling through the Middle East or North Africa, understanding the Quran, or just tackling one of the world’s most incredible languages, there’s likely an app that can help.

But many are frankly rubbish.

In this guide, I’ll make it easier and give you my take on a wide selection of the best apps currently available for learning Arabic, drawing from extensive research as a fluent speaker.

1. Rocket Arabic (Most Comprehensive App)

Rocket Languages offers a comprehensive course specifically for Egyptian Arabic, one of the most widely understood dialects. This is a solid choice if your goal is conversation and understanding Egyptian media. The platform uses audio lessons, interactive exercises, and culture notes to provide a well-rounded learning experience. It follows a structured path and includes voice recognition for pronunciation practice.

Pros:

• Focuses on a specific, widely understood dialect (Egyptian).
• Lifetime access option – pay once, learn forever.
• Strong emphasis on conversational practice and pronunciation.
• Includes lessons on culture and reading/writing the Arabic script.
• Well-structured lessons suitable for beginners.

Cons:

• Primarily focuses on Egyptian Arabic, so less ideal if you need MSA or a different dialect.
• Can be more expensive upfront for lifetime access compared to subscriptions.
• Interface might feel slightly dated.

Pricing: Offers a free trial. Lifetime access typically costs around $150 for Level 1, with bundles for multiple levels available (often discounted).

Read my review of Rocket Arabic.

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2. ArabicPod101 (MSA/Dialect Lessons)

ArabicPod101 by Innovative Language is known for its massive library of audio and video lessons covering levels from Absolute Beginner to Advanced. It touches upon MSA and potentially some dialect exposure (often Egyptian or Moroccan, depending on the specific lesson series). The core format is podcast-style lessons with dialogues, breakdowns, and cultural insights, supplemented by tools like flashcards and notes.

Pros:

• Huge volume of lessons covering various topics.
• Lessons often feature native speakers from different regions.
• Offers flexibility with different subscription tiers.
• Mobile app allows for offline learning.

Cons:

• Can feel unstructured; navigating content can be overwhelming.
• Quality can vary between lesson series.
• Dialect content isn’t always clearly defined or comprehensive.
• Aggressive marketing emails.

Pricing: Free lifetime account with limited access; 7-day Premium trial. Paid tiers: Basic (~$4/mo), Premium (~$10/mo), Premium PLUS (~$23/mo). Lower prices with longer commitments.

Read my review of ArabicPod101.

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3. AlifBee (Comprehensive MSA)

AlifBee is designed specifically for learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), starting from the alphabet up to advanced levels. It uses a gamified approach with interactive exercises covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It’s structured logically and includes cultural context.

Pros:

• Comprehensive MSA curriculum, great for a strong foundation.
• Excellent starting point for absolute beginners (teaches the script).
• Covers all four language skills.
• Engaging, gamified exercises and clean interface.
• Includes placement tests.

Cons:

• Strictly MSA, no specific spoken dialects for conversation.
• Some users report minor sluggishness or small text issues.
• Free content is limited; subscription needed for full access.

Pricing: Free access to early lessons. Premium subscription around $9-$15/month, with discounts for quarterly/annual plans (~$112/year).

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4. Mango Languages (MSA + Multiple Dialects)

Mango Languages stands out by offering courses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) alongside major dialects like Egyptian, Iraqi, and Levantine. Its practical, conversation-based approach breaks down sentences and teaches vocabulary and grammar in context, using spaced repetition and pronunciation comparison tools.

Pros:

• Excellent versatility with MSA and several key dialects.
• Focuses on practical conversational skills from the start.
• Clean, intuitive interface and includes cultural notes.
• Often available for FREE through public libraries (check yours!).

Cons:

• Doesn’t teach the Arabic script in depth (assumes prior knowledge).
• May feel repetitive for some users.
• Grammar is integrated contextually, less explicit than some prefer.

Pricing: Free trial (14 days). Subscriptions ~ $12/month (single language) or ~$20/month (all languages). Always check for free library access first.

Read my review of Mango Languages.

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5. Kaleela (MSA + Multiple Dialects)

Similar to Mango, Kaleela aims to teach both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and various dialects, including Jordanian/Palestinian, Syrian, and Egyptian. It was developed by Arabic language professors and offers courses for different levels, aiming to get users using Arabic quickly.

Pros:

• Offers both MSA and several important dialects.
• Designed by language professionals.
• Covers beginner to advanced levels.
• Interface similar to Duolingo, potentially familiar to users.

Cons:

• Requires a subscription for full access; free content might be limited.
• Some user reviews mention occasional glitches or inaccuracies (though others praise it highly).
• May not be as widely known or polished as some larger competitors.

Pricing: Free to download with limited access. In-app purchases for subscriptions (e.g., ~$17-20/month, with potential discounts for longer terms).

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6. Pimsleur (MSA Audio Focus)

Pimsleur’s audio-focused method is excellent for developing listening and speaking skills in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Using spaced repetition through 30-minute daily lessons, it builds conversational confidence and good pronunciation without heavy initial grammar focus. Premium versions add reading practice and review tools.

Pros:

• Excellent for developing good MSA pronunciation and listening comprehension.
• Proven spaced repetition system aids memory.
• Allows for hands-free learning (great for commutes).
• Focuses on core vocabulary and practical structures.

Cons:

• Primarily teaches MSA, not spoken dialects.
• Minimal focus on reading/writing in core audio lessons.
• Can feel slow-paced or repetitive for some.
• Relatively high cost for subscription or purchase.

Pricing: Free lesson trial. Subscription ~$20/month (Premium MSA). Lifetime purchase options ~$150/level or ~$350 for Levels 1-3.

Read my review of Pimsleur Arabic.

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7. Duolingo (Gamified MSA Basics)

The ever-popular Duolingo offers Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) using its signature gamified approach. Bite-sized lessons, points, and streaks help with motivation, covering the alphabet, basic vocabulary, and sentence structures.

Pros:

• Free to use (with ads/limitations).
• Motivating game-like structure for beginners.
• Good introduction to the Arabic alphabet and basic MSA vocabulary.
• Accessible and easy-to-use interface.

Cons:

• Teaches only MSA, which isn’t ideal for everyday conversation.
• Can be repetitive; sometimes teaches odd sentences.
• Limited grammar depth and unreliable speech recognition.
• Not sufficient on its own for fluency.

Pricing: Free version available. Duolingo Super removes ads/limits for a monthly/annual fee.

Read my review of Duolingo.

Let me show you my unique method for learning Arabic: Sign me up

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8. Busuu (Structured MSA + Community)

Busuu provides structured Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) courses aligned with CEFR levels (A1, A2, etc.). It covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with a standout social feature allowing feedback from native speakers on exercises.

Pros:

• Structured lessons based on CEFR levels.
• Valuable social feature for native speaker corrections.
• Covers all four skills, including writing practice.
• Clean interface and placement tests.

Cons:

• Focuses solely on MSA, lacks dialect content.
• Best features require a premium subscription.
• Free version can feel quite limited.

Pricing: Limited free plan. Busuu Premium unlocks all content via subscription (check app for current rates).

Read my review of Busuu.

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9. Memrise (MSA/Vocab SRS)

Memrise excels at vocabulary acquisition using spaced repetition (SRS). For Arabic, it offers courses on the script, MSA vocabulary, and potentially some dialect phrases. Its “Learn with Locals” video clips of native speakers are a strong point.

Pros:

• Excellent for drilling vocabulary with SRS.
• “Learn with Locals” feature provides real native speaker exposure (often MSA).
• Good for learning the Arabic alphabet.
• Lots of user-generated content (quality varies).

Cons:

• Less structured for grammar than full course apps.
• Heavily focused on vocab drilling.
• Content quality/focus (MSA vs. dialect) varies, especially in user courses.

Pricing: Free tier with limited features. Memrise Pro unlocks all official content via subscription (~$80/year, check for offers).

Read my review of Memrise.

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10. Drops (Gamified Vocab)

Drops focuses purely on vocabulary learning through fast-paced, visually appealing mini-games. It aims to make learning vocabulary feel effortless and fun, limiting sessions to 5 minutes to encourage habit formation. It covers a wide range of topics for Arabic.

Pros:

• Highly engaging, game-like interface for vocabulary.
• Beautiful visuals aid memory.
• 5-minute session limit encourages daily practice.
• Covers a large vocabulary base across many topics.
• Good pronunciation audio.

Cons:

• Strictly vocabulary, no grammar or sentence structure focus.
• 5-minute limit on the free version can feel restrictive (requires premium for unlimited time).
• Not a comprehensive learning solution on its own.

Pricing: Free version limited to 5 minutes per day. Premium unlocks unlimited time (monthly ~$10, annual ~$70, lifetime options sometimes available).

Read my review of Drops.

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11. Glossika (MSA/Dialect Sentence Training)

Glossika uses sentence-based spaced repetition to build fluency. It offers courses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and potentially specific dialects (like Egyptian or Moroccan, depending on availability). It focuses on internalizing patterns through high volumes of listening and repetition.

Pros:

• Focuses on whole sentences, helping internalize grammar naturally.
• High-quality native speaker audio.
• Spaced repetition algorithm aids retention.
• Offers both MSA and potentially some dialect options.

Cons:

• Can feel very repetitive (just listening and repeating sentences).
• Minimal explicit grammar explanation.
• Subscription cost is relatively high.
• Might be challenging for absolute beginners without some prior foundation.

Pricing: Offers a 7-day free trial. Subscriptions are around $17/month (Basic, 1 language) or $25-$30/month (Pro, all languages), with annual discounts.

Read my review of Glossika.

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12. LingQ (Reading & Listening Focus)

LingQ, developed by polyglot Steve Kaufmann, is built around learning through extensive reading and listening to authentic content. You import texts or use library materials, look up words to create ‘LingQs’ (known words), and track your vocabulary growth. It’s excellent for intermediate learners wanting to consume lots of content.

Pros:

• Excellent for improving reading and listening comprehension with authentic materials.
• Tracks known vocabulary effectively.
• Allows importing your own content (articles, ebooks, YouTube videos with transcripts).
• Large library of user-uploaded content.

Cons:

• Less structured for absolute beginners; assumes some foundational knowledge.
• Primarily focuses on reading/listening, less direct speaking/writing practice.
• Interface can feel busy or complex initially.
• Free version is quite limited (number of LingQs, imports).

Pricing: Limited free version. Premium (~$10-15/month depending on plan length) unlocks unlimited LingQs and imports. Premium Plus adds points for tutoring/writing correction.

Read my review of LinQ.

Find out your Arabic level by taking this quiz: Start quiz

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13. Playaling (YouTube Video Wrapper)

Playaling is specifically designed for learning spoken Arabic dialects using real-world video content. It features interactive transcripts, a pop-up dictionary that covers MSA and dialects, and exercises based on the videos. It covers Levantine, Egyptian, Gulf, and potentially other dialects.

Pros:

• Excellent resource for learning dialects through authentic video content.
• Interactive transcripts and integrated dictionary are very helpful.
• Focuses on real-world language as it’s actually spoken.
• Covers major dialect groups.

Cons:

• Sources freely available YouTube content and transcripts
• Relatively new platform compared to some giants.
• May require some foundational knowledge, might be challenging for absolute beginners.
• Content library might still be growing.

Pricing: Offers a free trial. Subscription needed for full access (check website for current pricing).

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14. TalkInArabic.com (Multiple Dialects - Web App)

TalkInArabic.com stands out for its ambitious goal of covering a wide array of spoken Arabic dialects. It offers audio and video lessons featuring native speakers from regions including Egyptian, Levantine (Syrian, Jordanian, Palestinian, Lebanese mix), Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian, Sudanese, Saudi, and Iraqi. The focus is on conversational language. Note that this is currently a web-based platform, not a dedicated mobile app.

Pros:

• Covers an impressive range of major Arabic dialects often neglected by other resources.
• Features audio and video lessons produced by native speakers from various countries.
• Subscription options are relatively inexpensive, especially the lifetime plan.

Cons:

• No dedicated mobile app currently available (web access only).
• Some users find the lesson structure lacks clear progression and updates can be infrequent.
• Might be challenging for absolute beginners due to natural speech speed and lack of script focus.

Pricing: Offers some free sample lessons. Premium access costs $12.95 per month, $95.40 per year (around $7.95/month), or a $197 lifetime membership (one-time payment).

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15. italki (Tutoring Platform)

italki isn’t a course app itself, but a platform connecting language learners with professional teachers and community tutors for 1-on-1 lessons. You can find tutors specializing in MSA or various dialects (Egyptian, Levantine, Gulf, Maghrebi, etc.) for personalized instruction, conversation practice, and feedback.

Pros:

• Access to a huge number of native Arabic tutors for any dialect or MSA.
• Personalized lessons tailored to your specific needs and goals.
• Direct conversation practice and immediate feedback.
• Flexible scheduling and variable pricing to fit budgets.

Cons:

• Cost depends on the tutor and lesson frequency (pay per lesson).
• Requires active participation and scheduling lessons.
• Quality varies between tutors (check reviews and book trial lessons).

Pricing: Varies widely depending on the tutor. Professional teachers typically charge more than community tutors. Trial lessons are usually offered at a discount. Pay per lesson or buy lesson packages.

Read my review of italki.

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16. Tandem (Language Exchange)

This is a popular language exchange app where you find native Arabic speakers learning your language, and you teach each other through text, voice messages, and calls. You can specify if you’re learning MSA or a particular dialect. It offers built-in translation and correction tools.

Pros:

• Free way to practice speaking/writing with native speakers.
• Exposure to natural, informal language (dialects).
• Can find partners interested in specific dialects.
• Built-in tools facilitate communication.

Cons:

• Finding serious and reliable partners can take time and effort.
• Not a structured course; learning depends on partner interactions.
• Can sometimes be misused as dating apps (especially reported by female users).
• Requires you to also help others learn your language.

Pricing: Both apps are free to use with core features. Optional premium subscriptions unlock features like unlimited translations, advanced search filters, and no ads.

Read my review of Tandem.

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17. Write It! Arabic (Alphabet Practice)

Write It! Arabic focuses specifically on teaching the Arabic alphabet and script. This app guides you through tracing letters, learning their sounds, and recognizing their different forms (initial, medial, final).

Pros:

• Focused practice on the challenging Arabic script.
• Interactive tracing exercises help build muscle memory.
• Good for absolute beginners needing to master the letters first.
• Often inexpensive or offer free basic versions.

Cons:

• Limited scope – only teaches the script, not vocabulary or grammar.
• Features vary between apps (some are very basic).
• Not a complete learning solution.

Pricing: Varies. Some are free (“Joode”, “Write It! Arabic” basic), others are paid (“Write Me” ~$10 for one language). Check specific app stores.

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18. Hans Wehr App (MSA Dictionary)

An indispensable tool for serious Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) students. The Hans Wehr is a classic Arabic-English dictionary based on the root system. App versions digitize this, allowing quick lookups by root letters or the word itself.

Pros:

• Essential reference for intermediate/advanced MSA learners.
• Allows searching by the crucial Arabic root system.
• Much more convenient than the physical book.
• Most app versions are free or low-cost.

Cons:

• It’s a dictionary, not a learning course. Requires understanding of roots.
• Primarily MSA/classical; less comprehensive for dialect terms.
• Quality/features vary between different app implementations.

Pricing: Many popular versions (like Gibreel Abdullah’s on Google Play) are Free and Open Source (FOSS).

(Search app stores for other versions)

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19. Madinah Arabic (Classical/Quranic MSA)

Madinah Arabic provides free resources primarily for Classical Arabic / MSA, often geared towards understanding the Quran. Based on the Madinah Islamic University curriculum, it offers structured lessons on reading, grammar, and vocabulary via its website. Associated apps exist but may be less reliable.

Pros:

• Free, comprehensive curriculum for MSA/Classical Arabic.
• Well-structured, traditional grammar approach.
• Excellent for students focused on Quranic Arabic.

Cons:

• Website interface can feel dated.
• Focus is grammatical/text-based, less on modern conversation/dialects.
• Associated mobile apps have mixed reviews regarding functionality/updates; the website is likely better.

Pricing: Primarily free via the website. Some associated apps might have a small fee, but check reviews carefully.

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20. Quranic Apps (Specialized Quran Study)

Quranic: Learn Quran and Arabic is dedicated specifically to teaching Quranic Arabic (in case the name wasn’t obvious enough!). This focuses on vocabulary specific to the Quran, Tajwid (pronunciation rules), and grammar relevant to understanding the text.

Pros:

• Tailored specifically for understanding the Quran.
• Often include features like Tajwid rules, root word analysis, and verse-by-verse breakdowns.
• Gamified options exist (“Quranic”) alongside more traditional study tools.

Cons:

• Focus is extremely specific; may not teach broader conversational Arabic or modern vocabulary.
• Primarily teaches Classical/Quranic Arabic, which differs from MSA and dialects.

Pricing: Varies widely. Many offer free basic versions with paid upgrades for more content or features.

How to choose the best apps for learning Arabic

With so many options covering different needs, deciding which Arabic app is “best” really boils down to your specific goals.

Ask yourself:

1. Why are you learning Arabic? Travel? Family? Quran? Work? This dictates the MSA vs. dialect priority.
2. Which Arabic?
   • MSA: Standard, formal Arabic. Start with AlifBee, Duolingo, Busuu, Madinah Arabic, Hans Wehr (dictionary).
   • Dialect: For speaking with people in a specific region (Egypt, Levant, Gulf, Maghreb), you MUST learn the dialect (people don’t natively speak MSA anywhere). Your first stop should be TalkInArabic.com. Use Rocket Arabic (Egyptian), ArabicPod101 or Mango, or find dialect tutors on italki. Glossika’s great too.
   • Quranic: For understanding the Quran specifically. Look at Madinah Arabic or dedicated Quranic apps.
3. Your current level? Absolute beginners need script apps (Write It! Arabic, etc.) or courses starting from scratch (Duolingo). Intermediate/Advanced learners benefit from content immersion (TalkInArabic.com, LingQ, Playaling), vocabulary builders (Memrise, Drops), dictionaries (Hans Wehr), or tutor/exchange practice (italki).
4. Your learning style? Gamification (Duolingo, Drops, Kaleela). Structured courses (Rocket, Busuu). Audio-heavy (Pimsleur, Glossika). Reading-heavy (LingQ). Video-based (Playaling, ArabicPod101). Conversation practice (italki, Tandem).
5. Your budget? Explore free options/tiers (Duolingo, Madinah Arabic, Tandem, Hans Wehr). Then consider paid apps (most others) or pay-per-lesson/tutor apps (italki).

If you’re looking for courses, rather than apps, see my other list here.

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Know of any other decent apps for learning Arabic that I didn’t mention?

Share it below in the comment section.

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