English learning software is a great tool to help you on your learning journey, especially if you’re learning English at home. Since these programs are designed for learners like you, you are sure to improve your English skills if you use any of them.
Here is a list of 12 of the best English learning software programs to help you find one that works for you.
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Cost: $179 for lifetime access; $7.99/month (12 months) or $11.99/month (3 months)
Rosetta Stone is probably one of the best-known language learning programs, although it is also one of the more expensive.
Rosetta Stone will immerse you in English from the start and have you pick up speed to learn the language as quickly as possible.
Rosetta Stone helps you learn patterns instead of memorizing words and rules. The software wants you to not only learn a new language, but to think in it.
Rosetta Stone also has an online community and live tutoring available that allows you to play games, speak with other learners and even practice with native speakers!
FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.
It uses a natural approach that helps you ease into the English language and culture over time. You’ll learn English as it’s spoken in real life.
FluentU has a variety of engaging content from popular talk shows, nature documentaries and funny commercials, as you can see here:
FluentU makes it really easy to watch English videos. There are captions that are interactive. That means you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples.
For example, when you tap on the word "searching," you'll see this:
Learn all the vocabulary in any video with quizzes. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning.
The best part is that FluentU keeps track of the vocabulary that you’re learning and gives you extra practice with difficult words. It even reminds you when it’s time to review! Every learner has a truly personalized experience, even if they’re learning with the same video.
Cost: $24.95/month or $149.95/year for one language
Transparent Language is a professional language learning software program used by learners of all ages and levels.
One of the best things about Transparent Language is that the program will suggest a starting point based on your level, but you can choose how quickly or slowly you learn.
There are many different things you can do with this software, from taking long courses to completing quicker challenging activities.
Transparent Language offers a wide range of options, making it one of the most complete programs for people learning on their own. You are certain to find something on this program, no matter what your learning goals are.
Mango Languages is modestly priced compared to its other software counterparts.
The program contains a mixture of reading and listening activities in an all-in-one interface. It also uses a conversation-based methodology to reinforce grammar, pronunciation, and more.
Additionally, there’s a personalized review system that adapts to your needs.
Price: $6.67 to $8.99 per month (depending on duration)
The eEnglish Learning lessons are among the most affordable and the most specific of these programs.
eEnglish’s Pronunciation Power program helps you learn and improve 52 sounds from the English language.
Although this program won’t do much to hone other skills besides pronunciation, they are extremely thorough in teaching that skill.
eEnglish helps you work on saying full words and sentences correctly, including where to put the stress, how your mouth should look, timing and rhythm, and intonation (the “music” of the word).
You can even take an exam to see which sounds you need to work on.
The Complete English Web Suite focuses on teaching you individual words of the language as well as its general rules.
With a high focus on grammar and vocabulary, the program will teach you to read and write better. You also will have access to multiple-choice quizzes, interactive text and mini lessons.
The web suite does allow you to progress at your own pace, but this is more of an academic course and may be a bit more rigid in structure than other programs.
1-2-3 English is a language learning program that teaches you the basics of the language through multimedia and English immersion.
The goal of this program is to help you hold basic conversations with native English speakers.
Each lesson covers a general topic, like food, colors, body parts or shopping. The best part is that the program also teaches quite a bit about culture.
This is done through the use of helpful videos and audio clips and even a bonus DVD featuring native English speakers.
Preply allows you to choose from a range of different English tutors, who you can practice conversation with and ask any questions you might have about learning the language.
You can narrow down your search results for teachers by the other languages they speak, or the specialties they have. This includes options like conversational English, business English, and more.
Preply is great for the one-on-one experience of working with a tutor, but you should have some basic English knowledge before you start.
While most people can find English learning software that fits their learning style, you might be wondering if the search is worth it.
English learning software is great for anyone who:
Wants to learn English on their own, in their own time.
Needs some extra help learning at home.
Needs better organization to their studies.
Is willing to spend some money (these programs are not always cheap).
Is serious about learning English.
Wants to learn English faster.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to pick out a great program to use. But where do you start?
Choosing the Right English Software Program
When you’re choosing an English learning program, these are some of the things you should consider:
Price. How expensive is the program? Does it take monthly payments, one single payment or do you have to buy different levels separately?
English level. Look at the levels each program offers and see if they’ll fit your needs.
Length. How long do you plan to spend on this program every day? Look at the length of each lesson and see if it will suit your lifestyle and the way you study.
Availability. Some of these programs need you to download software. Others just need you to have an Internet connection.
The best way to know if you like a program is to try it. Many English learning programs have free trials or demo lessons for you to try before you buy. Take advantage of this when it’s available!
How to Get the Most from English Software Immersion
To get the most out of these programs:
Incorporate cultural elements into your studies. Not all programs include cultural lessons, so make sure that you are balanced in this aspect.
Do everything you can to immerse yourself. Bookmark websites, increase your book collection and watch television in English. Any way that you can add more English to your daily life will help you practice the language.
Be consistent. If you don’t create a study routine, you will forget what you’ve learned as soon as you learn it.
Learning English on your own can be difficult. But any of these great programs can make learning English at home easier for you!
