Fluenz

Fluenz's distinct approach teaches core language principles such as grammar and pronunciation through real-world travel scenarios and instruction on how to interact and engage with locals. Its interface is visually appealing, and it features virtual face-to-face instruction from Sonia Gil, one of the company's founders.

This is one of the few apps we reviewed that can still be purchased outright and permanently installed on your computer, so once downloaded, you don't need internet connectivity to take courses. The lessons are also available on the Android and Apple mobile apps.

Because this Spanish language software is targeted and geared to teach teenagers and adults, it lacks games and showy awards for finishing classes. Fluenz, on the other hand, seeks to link the Spanish language to culturally relevant events and real-world conversational settings.

During testing, our reviewers discovered that Fluenz had a nice mix of auditory and visual teachings. There aren't as many speech-recognition exercises as in some of the other applications we examined, but the ones it does contain allow you to record your voice as half of a discussion that may take place in a restaurant or a taxi. After that, you can listen to the dialogue again and compare your accent to that of a native speaker.

Specifications

• Formats: Windows PC, Mac, iOS, Android
• Free trial: None
• Offline learning: Yes

Website: fluenz.com

Reasons to buy

• Great topical exercises
• Attractive, easy-to-navigate interface

Reasons to avoid

• Expensive
• Lessons move slowly