There are dozens of Portuguese learning apps available — but not all of them are equally effective.
Some focus on vocabulary drills.
Some focus on pronunciation.
Some emphasize grammar.
Others prioritize conversation practice.
This guide compares the best apps for learning Portuguese as an English speaker — including both Brazilian and European variants.
Before choosing an app, make sure you’ve decided which variant you’re learning:
👉 Brazilian vs European Portuguese
What Makes a Good Portuguese Learning App?
The best apps should:
• Teach pronunciation clearly
• Explain grammar logically
• Reinforce repetition
• Provide structured progression
• Match your learning style
Apps alone do not create fluency — but they can accelerate structured learning.
1️⃣ Babbel Portuguese
Best for: Structured beginners who want clear grammar explanations
Babbel offers a structured course designed specifically for English speakers.
Strengths
• Clear lesson progression
• Strong grammar explanations
• Practical dialogue-based lessons
• Good pronunciation modeling
Limitations
• Primarily focuses on Brazilian Portuguese
• Limited free content
• Less conversational flexibility
Babbel works well if you want guided structure and predictable progression.
👉 See full Babbel Portuguese Review
2️⃣ Pimsleur Portuguese
Best for: Pronunciation and listening development
Pimsleur uses an audio-first approach focused on speaking and repetition.
Strengths
• Excellent pronunciation training
• Forces active recall
• Great for commuting
• Builds speaking confidence early
Limitations
• Minimal grammar explanation
• Limited visual learning
• Less vocabulary breadth
Pimsleur works well as a pronunciation companion alongside structured study.
👉 See Pimsleur Portuguese Review
3️⃣ Duolingo Portuguese
Best for: Casual learners and daily habit building
Duolingo is widely used and free to start.
Strengths
• Gamified learning
• Daily streak motivation
• Broad vocabulary exposure
• Free tier available
Limitations
• Limited grammar explanation
• Weak speaking practice
• Less structured progression
Duolingo works best as a supplemental tool, not a primary system.
4️⃣ Preply (Portuguese Tutors)
Best for: Real conversation practice
Apps build knowledge — but conversation builds fluency.
Preply allows you to book online Portuguese tutors and filter by:
• Brazilian or European Portuguese
• Budget
• Availability
• Teaching style
Strengths
• Real speaking practice
• Immediate correction
• Custom learning pace
• Variant selection
Limitations
• Requires scheduling
• Costs vary
• Not self-paced
If your goal is fluency, adding conversation practice early accelerates progress significantly.
👉 Explore Portuguese Tutors on Preply
Which App Is Best for You?
It depends on your learning style.
If you want:
Structured grammar → Babbel
Strong pronunciation → Pimsleur
Habit building → Duolingo
Real speaking practice → Preply
Most learners benefit from combining:
• One structured app
• One speaking platform
Apps teach structure.
Conversation builds confidence.
Brazilian vs European Support
Before subscribing, always verify:
• Which variant the app teaches
• Whether European Portuguese is supported
• Whether tutors can match your region
Brazilian Portuguese is more commonly supported across platforms.
If you are relocating to Portugal, confirm European support before committing.
Do You Need a Paid App?
Not necessarily.
You can build a strong foundation using:
• Free resources
• Structured study plans
• Listening practice
However, paid platforms often provide:
• Better structure
• Faster feedback
• More consistent progression
Your decision should depend on:
• Budget
• Time commitment
• Motivation level
Final Recommendation
No single app guarantees fluency.
But structured learning + consistent practice does.
If you’re just starting:
Start with a structured app like Babbel.
Add pronunciation reinforcement with Pimsleur.
Begin tutor sessions once you feel comfortable forming sentences.
Most importantly:
Follow a structured plan.
👉 90-Day Portuguese Study Plan
👉 How to Learn Portuguese Step-by-Step
Portuguese fluency comes from consistency — not from app hopping.