How Babbel Works
In this Babbel review, we’ll go over the basics of what you need to know about the language app. By the end of this complete overview, you’ll know what Babbel does, what language you can learn, and an understanding of how the language app works. Ready to dig in?
What is Babbel?
Babbel is a language learning app that is subscription based to help you learn 14 languages offered on their platform. The format of the app is curriculum-based with pre-recorded content and there is no live interaction involved.
Who is Babbel For?
Most of Babbel’s audience appears to be beginner learners who are just getting started with learning a new language. It is also on the low end in terms of pricing, given that they’re offering a software-based learning approach. It’s particularly useful for people who are looking to learn new vocabulary words and improve their sentence structures.
Another difference that we’ve noticed is that Babbel does allow you to jump around different levels if you feel it’s too advanced or beginner for you. This is one feature that Duolingo does not allow you to do. You have to start from the very beginning with Duolingo, until you arrive at the stage that you’re most suited for. That means it does open the field for slightly more advanced language learners to use Babbel.
Focus & Specialty
Now let’s go over how the language app works and how it can help you learn a new language.
For starters, Babbel is primarily focused on helping you learn new words, improve your language grammar skills, and sentence structures. Compared to similar language apps like Duolingo and Busuu, Babbel claims to help you work on your conversation skills as well.
According to a review from PC Mag:
“Babbel has high-quality material, though the interface itself isn’t very cutting-edge. Babbel teaches reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I had some trouble with the speech-analysis component, but the rest of the tools and content were reliable.”
Given that their content is unique per each language, Babbel may have varied quality/quantity of content. For example, Babbel Spanish may have better quality and quantity of lessons versus a less popular language like Italian.
In short, the user experience is not too much different than learning with Rosetta Stone or Duolingo, as the app uses a mixture of flashcards, fill in the blanks, and multiple choice formatting to teach you a language. As we mentioned before, it does not offer any live lesson experiences or interactions with native speakers for conversation improvement.
Babbel Price
From a cost perspective, Babbel is fairly low. While you have to pay per each language you want to learn, you do receive a good amount of content for the price you pay. Compared to similar instructional and software based language apps, Babbel is on target. While you get a taste of Babbel’s product via a series of 10 basic language lessons, you hit a pay wall within minutes asking you to sign up.
Price comparison of similar apps to Babbel:
- Duolingo: Free
- Rosetta Stone: $6.99/mo (24 month subscription) to $18.99 (3 month subscription)
- Busuu: Free + $6.66/mo (24 month subscription) to $12.99 (3 month subscription)
- Memrise: Free + $4.92 (12 month subscription) to $9 (monthly subscription)
Based on search queries, most people seem to be debating between using Babbel vs Duolingo, given the latter’s free price point. We recommend you take a look at our Babbel vs Duolingo review guide to get a better idea of both app’s pros and cons.
Time Required
From a scheduling perspective, Babbel is in line with similar language apps since they can all be done on-the-go from your smartphone. If you manage to have some down time in your work schedule, opening the app and getting some lessons done should not be a problem.
Alternative to Babbel
When learning a new language, you want to have both a tool to help you with basic words and grammar, and a way to improve your conversation skills with a real speaker. Think of it as, having a fitness app and a trainer to help you get results in your health.
While these software based apps are great value for the price you are required to pay, there’s a ceiling you hit eventually. Most of the apps we mentioned in this guide do not offer assistance with conversation skills. If you’re looking to build genuine relationships, find a new job or to travel the world, becoming a fluent speaker will offer the most impact.
This is whomes in, the #1
1. Passive learning vs. Immersion
Compared to the passive learning approach, Jumpspeak offers active immersive learning where you speak from day one. On top of that, you're getting instant feedback each time from our smart speech recognition technology.
Research from the National Training Laboratories has discovered that the human brain retains…
5% of what they learn when they’ve learned from a lecture.
10% of what they learn when they’ve learned from reading.
20% of what they learn from audio-visual
30% of what they learn when they see a demonstration
50% of what they learn when engaged in a group discussion.
75% of what they learn when they practice what they learned (Jumpspeak)
90% of what they learn when they teach someone else/use immediately (Jumpspeak)
2. Relevant content you actually care about
Most language apps we've found don't resemble conversations you end up having in real-life. Especially when you start traveling.
This is why at Jumpspeak, we've sourced conversation topics, styles, and local slang words from native speakers to design conversations that truly sound real. Topics like tinder dates, ordering at a cafe, negotiating at a local Mexico City marketplace, and more.
How are Babbel and Jumpspeak Similar?
With that said, Babbel and Jumpspeak share similar benefits despite its fundamental differences.
1. You can learn on-the-go
Time is the most important commodity we have. This is why Jumpspeak, similar to Babbel, was designed for the busy person in mind, offering bite-sized language lessons that are as short as 2-3 minutes along.
2. Risk-Free Trials
More importantly, both Babbel and Jumpspeak offer risk-free trials to get started.
Jumpspeak gives you 14 days to try it, 100% risk-free (plus a 30-day money back guarantee). We know you won’t be disappointed.
Final thoughts on Babbel
We hope this Babbel review was valuable for making an informed decision for you. We encourage you to try both options to see which one is truly right for you.
As we shared, starting your language learning journey with Jumpspeak is not only easier than ever, but it’s 100% risk-free. You can sign up today for your language lesson trial.
We can’t wait to have you inside our family.
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