Review of LingQ: Learn Dozens of Languages Using Authentic Content You Choose

LingQ is a comprehensive language learning system co-created by the renowned polyglot Steve Kaufmann (you can listen to my podcast interview with him here). The platform allows users to easily look up and save new words and phrases—a process they call "LingQing"—using content from their expansive library or by importing custom content from the web.

The app focuses heavily on listening and reading tasks, following the exact same input-based method Steve has used to learn over 20 (!!!) foreign languages himself. But output is certainly not ignored. Using LingQ points (which can be either purchased outright or earned by tutoring others or sharing content you've created), users can speak with tutors and get their writing corrected by native speakers.

After using LingQ for over 15 years, here is my deep dive into what makes the platform tick, what I love about it, and where it could still improve.

How LingQ Works (The Basics)

The LingQ methodology is brilliantly simple, but it can take a moment to get used to (especially if you're coming from highly structured classes or textbook-based learning).

Here are the basic steps to use the app:

① Choose a lesson

Select your target language, browse the library, and open a level-appropriate lesson that looks interesting. Or import your own content from Netflix, YouTube, podcasts, news sites, blogs, etc.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to first install the LingQ Importer extension (available for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox). You can then instantly import personalized content to your LingQ account with just one click!

② Read and Listen

Every library lesson includes text and matching audio. Try to read and listen to each lesson multiple times. I prefer to read first, then listen along as I read, and then just listen without looking at the transcript.

💡 Pro Tip: If importing text content, LingQ's built-in text-to-Speech (TTS) technology lets you listen along. Alternatively, you can manually upload your own MP3 (e.g. recorded by a language tutor).

③ Make LingQs

Click on a new word and choose a definition using the pop-up dictionary. The most common definitions used by other users are shown by default, but you can select other dictionaries and customize the definition as you like.

④ Adjust Highlights

LingQ uses various colors to indicate whether words are new to you or have been previously studied in other lessons. New words are highlighted in blue, active words are various shades of green, and known words have no color.

💡 Pro Tip: To mark a word as "known," tap the checkmark in the upper-right corner of the dictionary popup. You can also change the status of a word here: 1 = New, 2 = Recognized, 3 = Familiar, 4 = Learned.

⚠️ Note: Until a recent update in February 2026, active words were highlighted in yellow, instead of green. I've seen quite a few complaints from the LingQ community online, so this might switch back in a future update.

⑤ Review Your LingQs

You can practice your LingQs using a variety of activities, including:

• spaced repetition flashcards

• cloze exercises (fill-in-the-blank)

• multiple choice quizzes

• write-in answers

Go to Library > Vocabulary to review all saved LingQs.

What I Like Best (LingQ Pros)

After using LingQ for quite some time now, here's what I've come to like best:

① Gamification & Statistics

LingQ tracks your "known words" across the entire language. So as your vocabulary grows, you get a highly motivating statistical breakdown of exactly how many words you know. You can also track how many hours you have spent reading, listening, and speaking (if you work with tutors on LingQ).

② Highlight Colors

When you save words and phrases, these items appear highlighted in all future texts you study, too. To quickly remind yourself of the meaning or pronunciation, you simply hover over the LingQ or tap it on your mobile device. Seeing previously encountered words pop up in brand-new contexts is one of the most powerful ways to naturally acquire vocabulary.

③ Flexible Hints & Built-In Dictionaries

When you want to LingQ a word or phrase, you can choose from popular community definitions, add your own, or copy and paste from integrated multilingual dictionaries. I find that the act of creating (or at least editing) the hint helps increase retention and deepen my understanding of the nuance of new words.

④ Spaced Repetition Integration

After creating LingQs, they are automatically scheduled for review following a spaced repetition schedule. You receive daily email reminders, and you can quickly scan through the words and hints using flashcards, cloze tests, or dictation exercises to refresh your memory.

💡 Pro Tip: For more about spaced repetition, see my post 3 Ways to Supercharge Your Memory and Master New Japanese Words, Kanji & Grammar.

⑤ Infinite Content & Custom Lessons

The LingQ library has heaps of lessons covering a wide range of abilities and interests. However, my absolute favorite feature is the ability to import your own content. Using the browser extension, you can import YouTube videos, Netflix subtitles, news articles, and blog posts with a single click.

⑥ Custom Display Settings for Japanese Text

I especially appreciate the ability to customize how Japanese text is displayed:

• Add or hide spaces between words: Unlike most European languages, Japanese lacks spaces between words. So if you are a beginner struggling to parse word boundaries, go to Settings > Reader and toggle on Show spaces between words.

• Add or hide kanji readings: Another tricky part of Japanese is that kanji can have multiple readings. If you need a little help, turn on readings in either rōmaji or hiragana.

Where LingQ Could Improve (LingQ Cons)

By now, it should be obvious that I like LingQ. I think it's one of the best tools available for input-based learning and it perfectly dovetails with my Anywhere Immersion Method. But no tool is perfect, and it’s worth mentioning a few areas where LingQ struggles:

① Steep Learning Curve

Because LingQ doesn't hold your hand like Duolingo, the dashboard can feel overwhelming at first. It takes a few days to get used to the interface and the mechanics of "LingQing."

② Limited Free Level

While LingQ is officially "freemium," the free tier limits you to creating only 20 LingQs. In reality, LingQ is a premium tool, and you will need to pay for a monthly or annual subscription to get any real value out of it.

③ Clunky UI in Places

While the recent LingQ 5.0 update vastly improved the aesthetics, the website and mobile apps still feel a bit cluttered and overly complex.

Tips for Success with LingQ

If you decide to give LingQ a try, here is how to get the most out of the app:

① Follow Your Bliss

Don't force yourself to read boring beginner dialogues. Use the browser extension to import Wikipedia articles, song lyrics, or YouTube about your hobbies.

② Listen While You Read

To build your listening comprehension, always try to listen to the native audio while following along with the text. This is especially important for tonal languages like Mandarin Chinese.

③ Read Widely Instead of Obsessing Over Flashcards

Steve himself rarely uses the flashcard review tools. Instead, he simply reads and listens to more content, allowing words to naturally repeat themselves in varying contexts.

💡 Pro Tip: Such "extensive reading" tends to be much more effective than "intensive reading." I also like "narrow reading" (in which you read a few different articles on the same topic).

My Verdict

LingQ faces stiff competition from VC-funded companies with far larger marketing and development budgets. But its focus on effective methods, authentic content, and community have helped it survive and thrive for nearly two decades.

There is no perfect system out there (nor will there ever be), but LingQ offers driven, independent language learners one of the best resources on the market for learning multiple languages in a natural, input-based way.

Those more accustomed to formal, highly structured language programs probably won't like LingQ very much. But then again, such folks wouldn't agree with most of what I have to say anyway! 🤷‍♂️