2023 has already started, and many people have started to carry out the targets he compiled at the end of last year. Some want to try to live healthier by exercising more diligently; others want to change their work patterns to be more productive. Some have plans to learn new things.

Do you have a specific plan or target? If one of your targets is learning new things, you can start by learning a foreign language. We all know that learning a new language can be tough, and not everyone has time to take a class or the money to hire a personal tutor. But, with technological advances, you don't need to attend an offline course to learn a new language. Learning foreign languages can be done alone at home with a smartphone. Here are the 4 best language learning apps you can try in 2023.

Duolingo

You might also have heard of Duolingo, a language-learning app that turns it into a game. Luis von Ahn successfully merged gamification and learning, addicting people to languages and producing an app with over 100 million users. The app has become a staple example of mobile language learning.

Many Duolingo courses are created by native speakers, giving rise to perhaps less expected courses such as Guarani or Klingon. With 37 choices, the app includes some truly unusual options. The app helps you stay motivated with frequent reminders and awards for progress. The adorable owl mascot guides you through your lessons and suffers the consequences if you don't stick with it.

Babbel

Babbel is the best choice for many people. It breaks lessons into short, easily digestible chunks with interactive, quiz-like elements that keep you on your toes. This app uses bite-sized lessons — 10–15 minutes each — to help you learn alongside your busy schedule. The program repeats vocabulary throughout each level, a proven method that helps learners retain new words. Lessons are also created with native speakers and cover scenarios you'll use.

Apart from the general beginner’s courses, Babbel also has separate packages devoted to improving specific skills such as grammar or vocabulary. Babbel’s classes can be downloaded for later offline study, and the app will send you convenient reminders so you don’t miss your daily session.

Drops

If you want to hone in on vocabulary, Drops uses a series of five-minute exercises to drill new words. The time limit gives it a gamified element that will keep you on your toes, and the "travel talk" feature will teach you phrases you'll especially need while abroad. The overall design and gamification elements make Drops one of the most unique language learning apps. The Drops app's fun, colorful layout makes the language you're trying to learn feel less intimidating, even if you have no prior experience with it.

Memrise

Memrise is a British language platform that uses spaced repetition of flashcards to increase the learning rate. With home videos of native speakers, Memrise gives users a sense of how the new language sounds. It also utilizes proven memory techniques to cement lessons into your brain faster and an algorithm that adapts to your learning pace and style. It also keeps track of the words you've mastered for those who like a record of success.  

There are 23 languages to choose from with a free tier or a premium paid plan that’s $9 per month (or $7.50 per month for the annual plan). You can use Memrise online or using your phone’s mobile app.