Master Any Language Anywhere: The Top 10 Immersion Apps You Need to Get Fluent Fast

YouTube

YouTube is a treasure trove of language immersion. From DIY tutorials, to vlogs, to news, to documentaries, you can find content to perfectly match your interests and proficiency level. Channels like Easy Languages, Learn German with Anja, and Français Authentique offer excellent content for immersive learning. Additionally, you can use YouTube’s subtitle feature to aid your understanding in the earlier stages of your journey or install the Language Reactor extension for supercharged subtitles.

💡 Pro Tip: To help train the algorithm to focus on only content in your target language, set up a new dedicated Google account for each language you are learning.

Netflix

Netflix isn’t just for binge-watching your favorite shows; it can also be a powerful tool for language immersion! Many series and movies are available in multiple languages (for both dubbing and subtitles). Watching series in your target language can significantly boost your listening skills, expose you to native expressions and cultural nuances, and even provide reading practice when you use target language subtitles.

Here are some of my favorite foreign-language shows on Netflix:

• Brazilian Portuguese: 3%

• French: Lupin

• Japanese: Samurai Gourmet

• Korean: Squid Game

• Mandarin Chinese: Wave Makers

• Spanish: La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)

💡 Pro Tip: The Language Reactor extension for Google Chrome I mentioned above also works in the browser version of Netflix.

LingQ

LingQ is a comprehensive platform that offers thousands of hours of content in various languages. It uses a unique system where you can import any content, including YouTube captions, Netflix subtitles, podcasts, news articles, etc., and turn them into interactive lessons. LingQ’s built-in dictionary allows you to learn in context and quickly save new words ("LingQs"), which you can then practice via spaced repetition flashcards, fill in the blank exercises, etc.

💡 For more about LingQ, read my review here: Review of LingQ: Learn Dozens of Languages Using Authentic Content You Choose

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps, and for good reason! It's masterful gamification helps keep you consistent and coming back for more. While it’s not exclusively focused on immersion, its bite-sized lessons can complement immersive learning and help you master grammar and vocabulary. Duolingo Stories are especially useful, providing short, engaging narratives that help improve your reading and listening skills. And the new Duolingo Max tier offers lots of communication practice.

💡 For more about the pros and cons of Duolingo, see my post: Why Duolingo Won’t Get You Fluent in a Language (But Why You Should Use it Anyway!)

Clozemaster

Clozemaster focuses on learning language in context through full sentences and fill-in-the-blank exercises. The app is designed to help you acquire vocabulary and understand grammar through repetition and natural exposure instead of through conscious memorization of rules. Clozemaster’s gamified elements provide a bit of fun, and their collections keep you focused on vocabulary that fits your interests and level.

💡 For more about Clozemaster, see my post: How to Improve Your Listening, Reading & Spelling Skills with Clozemaster

HelloTalk

HelloTalk lets you chat for free with native speakers around the world. You can connect via text, voice messages, or video calls, allowing for both real-time and asynchronous practice. The app includes translation tools, grammar correction, and a social feed where users share posts in their target language. This interactive approach lets you actively practice your target language through authentic conversations.

italki

If you want to improve your speaking skills, you have to actually practice speaking! And italki is the best way to do that no matter where you live. The app and site connect you with professional language teachers and community tutors to schedule one-on-one lessons online. This personalized approach allows you to tailor your learning experience to your specific needs and goals instead of having to split the time with other students.

Teacher AI

Recent advances in artificial intelligence and LLMs (large language models) have taken the world by storm, and are rapidly changing how we work and learn. Including languages! One of my favorite new AI-powered tools is Teacher AI, which provides unlimited, 24-7, personalized conversation practice. While I think speaking with real humans using a site like italki is also important, Teacher AI provides a lower friction way to practice communicating.

ChatGPT

Another powerful AI-powered tool worth adding to your language learning arsenal is OpenAI's ChatGPT, which allows you to practice speaking and writing anywhere, anytime. You can ask questions, get clarification on the distinction between similar words, get your writing corrected, and even practice conversations via text or speech. With the release of the ChatGPT 4o model, the tool is now even more useful for language learning.

Anki

All of the above tools are a great way to get the exposure and practice you need to learn languages naturally. However, it is worth adding in a little bit of deliberate language study to speed acquisition and help you quickly remember new words. And the best tool for that is Anki, a highly customizable flashcard app that utilizes the power of "spaced repetition" to memorize vocabulary as efficiently as possible.

💡 For more about Anki, see my post: Rapidly Expand Your Foreign Language Vocabulary with These 7 Expert Anki Tips

Immersing yourself in a new language no longer requires a plane ticket! With the above apps (and a little discipline), you can bring the world to you. From compelling native content, to language exchanges, to personalized tutoring, to self-guided study, these tools provide everything you need to create an effective and enjoyable language immersion experience right at home. Happy diving!