Many people search for the best online Estonian course to help them learn this distinctive Baltic language.
Estonian is a fascinating language to study, with its unusual grammar, melodic sound and close relationship to Finnish. Fortunately, more online course options are finally becoming available.
Whether you’re planning to visit or live in Estonia, connect with Estonian speakers, or simply take on a rewarding language challenge, the benefits of speaking Estonian can’t be overstated.
Today I’m going to give you my rundown of the best - and worst - online Estonian courses.
Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of each Estonian course, along with pricing information and a brief summary.
Where applicable, I’ll also link to a full review of the course.
Table of contents
IMPORTANT: Some of the items listed below are probably only loosely defined as “courses” for Estonian. The reason I’ve included them is that they’re popular enough Estonian tools and therefore should be included.
DISCLAIMER: The comments below are personal opinions and some affiliate links are used.
The best Estonian courses online (most popular Estonian resources)
1. Talk In Estonian
Cost: $97 (one-time purchase)
Summary: Talk In Estonian is definitely one of the best online courses for learning Estonian, with hundreds of lessons designed to take you from zero knowledge through to a B1 equivalent competency.
It’s a linear course that will walk you through every aspect of the language in an easy-to-understand format.
What I like:
- Very comprehensive, detailed course that covers all aspects of Estonian
- Inexpensive and no subscriptions necessary
What I don’t like:
- Linear course may not be for everyone
Use the code MEZZOGUILD20 to save 20% on their Estonian course.
2. Speakly
Cost: Subscription model (€15.99 per month, €47.99 per year, €69.99 single payment)
Summary: Speakly is an adaptive learning platform developed by Estonian polyglots.
It focuses on teaching the most statistically relevant words and phrases first.
The program immerses learners in practical, real-life conversations.
This helps you rapidly build your conversational fluency.
What I like:
- Created by native Estonians
- Focuses on statistically most common words
- Includes helpful listening and speaking exercises
What I don’t like:
- Grammar explanations are very brief
- Can be challenging for absolute beginners
3. Keeleklikk
Cost: Free
Summary: Keeleklikk is a government-funded online course designed specifically for beginners studying Estonian.
It uses video lessons, interactive exercises, and animations to teach the language.
This is a great tool to build a strong foundation in grammar and everyday vocabulary.
What I like:
- 100% free to use
- Officially supported by the Estonian Ministry of Education
- Very comprehensive coverage of grammar and vocabulary
What I don’t like:
- The interface is somewhat dated
- Exercises can occasionally feel repetitive
4. Glossika
Cost: Subscription model ($19.99 a month)
Summary: Glossika relies on an audio-first approach to language learning.
It uses mass sentence repetition to build muscle memory and improve speaking confidence.
The Estonian course focuses heavily on syntax and pronunciation.
This helps learners absorb grammar naturally through context rather than rules.
What I like:
- Strong focus on listening and speaking skills
- All audio is recorded by real native speakers
- Improves your natural sentence pattern recognition
What I don’t like:
- Can be expensive compared to other language apps
- There’s no explicit grammar instruction provided
Read this Glossika review to learn more.
5. italki
Cost: Pay per lesson (varies, typically $10-$25/hour)
Summary: italki connects learners directly with native Estonian tutors.
You can schedule personalized, one-on-one video lessons easily.
It’s arguably the most effective platform for actively practicing your speaking.
You get real-time feedback while tackling complex Estonian grammar with a real human.
What I like:
- Offers 1-on-1 personalized lessons
- Provides direct speaking practice with native Estonians
- Highly flexible scheduling options
What I don’t like:
- Lesson quality and teaching styles vary by tutor
- Requires you to schedule your sessions in advance
Check out this italki review.
6. Lingvist
Cost: Subscription model (approx. $9.99/month)
Summary: Lingvist utilizes advanced spaced repetition technology to help learners memorize vocabulary fast.
The platform analyzes your progress in real-time.
It then presents Estonian words precisely when you need to review them.
This makes it an excellent supplementary tool for expanding your vocabulary.
What I like:
- Features a highly advanced spaced repetition algorithm
- Clean, distraction-free learning interface
- Created by an Estonian physicist
What I don’t like:
- Focuses strictly on vocabulary acquisition
- No direct speaking or pronunciation practice available
7. Mondly
Cost: Freemium / Subscription model (approx. $9.99/month)
Summary: Mondly offers a gamified approach to learning Estonian through bite-sized daily lessons.
It emphasizes practical vocabulary and basic phrases.
The app also provides pronunciation practice through a built-in speech recognition feature.
What I like:
- Highly gamified and visually engaging experience
- Includes a useful speech recognition tool
- Bite-sized daily lessons keep you motivated
What I don’t like:
- Doesn’t explain complex grammar rules
- Some of the practice sentences can feel unnatural
8. Mango Languages
Cost: Subscription model ($7.99/month) or Free via participating libraries
Summary: Mango Languages breaks down Estonian sentences into manageable parts.
It uses color-coded mapping to highlight grammar structures easily.
The course focuses heavily on speaking and listening skills.
It does this by simulating real-world conversations and providing cultural notes.
What I like:
- Helpful color-coded grammar mapping
- Strong focus on conversational skills
- Often completely free through local libraries
What I don’t like:
- The overall course is relatively short
- Lacks advanced reading and writing exercises
See this Mango Languages review to learn more.
9. Drops
Cost: Freemium (5 mins free/day) / Subscription model
Summary: Drops is a beautifully designed app that focuses purely on vocabulary.
It uses engaging visual associations and mini-games to teach Estonian words.
This tool is ideal for visual learners trying to build a robust mental dictionary.
It avoids getting bogged down by grammar rules entirely.
What I like:
- Beautiful and minimalist user interface
- Fun, game-like swiping mechanics
- Excellent resource for visual learners
What I don’t like:
- Teaches only single words and phrases with zero grammar
- The free version has a strict 5-minute daily limit
10. Clozemaster
Cost: Freemium / Subscription model for Pro
Summary: Clozemaster is a gamified learning platform that teaches Estonian in context.
It presents vocabulary within full sentences using fill-in-the-blank tests.
This method bridges the gap between beginner apps and native content.
It provides massive exposure to actual Estonian sentence structures.
What I like:
- Provides mass exposure to vocabulary in context
- Fun, gamified retro 8-bit interface
- Great option for intermediate learners
What I don’t like:
- Can be very overwhelming for absolute beginners
- The text-to-speech audio can occasionally sound robotic
11. 50Languages
Cost: Free (with ads) / Small one-time fee to remove ads
Summary: 50Languages provides a very straightforward introduction to the Estonian language.
It features 100 simple lessons covering basic vocabulary and survival phrases.
This tool is best used as a practical phrasebook.
It’s a helpful audio resource for absolute beginners or travelers heading to Estonia.
What I like:
- Completely free basic resources available
- Good source for learning essential survival phrases
- Includes easily downloadable audio files
What I don’t like:
- The web interface is quite outdated
- Lacks engaging or interactive exercises
Summary: best online Estonian courses
This pretty much sums up every decent online Estonian course option currently available.
In addition to an Estonian course, make sure you’re getting regular Estonian practice with native speakers.
For that, italki is still the easiest way to find really inexpensive practice partners and tutors.
Just remember that even if you have all the courses on this list, you’ll still fail at Estonian without the right motivation.
Even a poor Estonian course can be effective in the hands of someone with the right amount of determination to succeed.
For tips on how to learn Estonian and overcoming various language learning struggles, subscribe below by ‘Joining the Guild’ (select Estonian as your target language).
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