Learning French doesn’t have to drain your wallet or require years of expensive classes. With the right resources at your fingertips, picking up this beautiful language becomes surprisingly manageable.
The good news? Several trendy free tools have emerged recently, and even premium language apps now offer generous 7-day trials to help you dip your toes into French without any financial commitment.
In this post, I'll give you the deets on the 7 best apps to learn French for free, breaking down their unique strengths and potential drawbacks so you can find the perfect fit for your learning style.
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Why Use Apps To Learn French
Language apps make it easy to fit French into your daily routine. Whether you have a few minutes on your commute or during a break, you can make steady progress in just 10 minutes a day. They're great for building vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and staying consistent.
That said, apps work best as a supplement. If you're aiming for fluency or need to pass an official test, it's a good idea to combine them with formal classes or tutoring. Think of apps as a helpful tool, not a full replacement for structured learning.
Best Apps To Learn French
Language Transfer
Language Transfer is a completely free, audio-based language learning program created by Mihalis Eleftheriou that focuses on building logical connections between your native language and French. Using what's called "The Thinking Method," this app encourages you to understand grammar patterns through reasoning rather than memorization.
In terms of pricing, there's no subscription trap, no "free trial" suddenly demanding your credit card, and no premium features locked behind a payment screen – it's genuinely free from start to finish.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free – No hidden costs, trials, or premium features | Audio-only format – No visual materials, PDFs, or downloadable references to support learning |
| High-quality audio production – Clear, professional recordings that are easy to follow | No speaking or writing practice – Focuses only on listening comprehension and mental processing |
| Efficient, no-filler content – Every minute is dedicated to actual language instruction without gamification fluff | Limited real-world application – Lacks cultural context and authentic conversation examples |
| Logical teaching method – Helps you understand the "why" behind grammar rules rather than just memorizing | Not a complete solution – Works best as a foundation tool rather than standalone language course |
| Offline accessibility – Download lessons to learn without internet connection | Visual learners may struggle – No charts, written examples, or visual reinforcement of concepts |
Anki
Anki is a free, open-source flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize French vocabulary and phrases. Based on Hermann Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve research from the 19th century, Anki algorithmically determines the optimal time to review each flashcard, theoretically maximizing your retention while minimizing study time.
While Anki has a devoted following among language learners and polyglots, it's worth noting that the app requires a significant upfront time investment to create quality cards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free and open-source – No subscription fees or hidden costs | Time-consuming setup – Creating quality flashcards requires significant upfront investment |
| Powerful spaced repetition algorithm – Scientifically optimized review timing for maximum retention | Can become overwhelming – Daily reviews pile up quickly and can feel like a chore |
| Highly customizable – Create personalized cards with audio, images, and formatting | Removes context – Isolated flashcards don't show how words work in natural conversations |
| Offline functionality – Study without internet connection once cards are downloaded | Steep learning curve – Interface can be confusing and intimidating for beginners |
| Pre-made decks available – Access thousands of user-created French decks to save time | Addictive card creation – Easy to spend more time making cards than actually learning |
| Multi-platform sync – Works across desktop, mobile, and web with progress syncing | No speaking or listening practice – Focuses purely on recognition and recall, not production skills |
Lingopie
Lingopie takes a refreshingly different approach to learning French by using TV shows, movies, and documentaries as your primary learning material. Instead of artificial lessons or repetitive drills, it lets you hear and directly learn from real French as it's actually spoken in natural contexts. The platform also features interactive subtitles that let you click on any word for instant translations and pronunciation, as well as the ability to save vocabulary for later review.
While Lingopie is free for only 7 days, this trial gives you complete access to all features, including connecting with your existing Netflix and Disney+ accounts for even more French learning opportunities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Authentic content immersion – Learn from real French TV shows, movies, and documentaries | Requires internet connection – Streaming content means you need reliable wifi for most features |
| Interactive subtitles – Click any word for instant translation, pronunciation, and vocabulary saving | Content may be challenging for absolute beginners – Real native speech can feel overwhelming at first |
| Cultural context included – Understand French humor, social cues, and cultural references naturally | Subscription required after trial – Full access needs paid membership after 7-day free trial |
| Multiple learning modes – Watch with French subtitles, English subtitles, or no subtitles as you progress | Content focus over grammar – Emphasizes natural acquisition rather than structured grammar lessons |
| Vocabulary tracking – Save words and phrases with context from actual scenes for better retention | Addictive entertainment value – You might get so absorbed in shows you forget you're studying |
| Progress tracking – Monitor your learning journey across different shows and difficulty levels | Wide content variety – So many options you might spend time choosing what to watch next |
Mauril
Mauril is a completely free app created by CBC/Radio-Canada, specifically designed to help people learn French through authentic video clips from Canadian TV shows and news broadcasts.
What makes this app particularly special is its focus on Canadian French and Quebecois dialect, offering learners exposure to the unique expressions, accent, and cultural context you'll encounter if you're planning to live, work, or study in Quebec or other French-speaking regions of Canada.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Authentic Canadian content – Learn from real CBC and Radio-Canada shows and news broadcasts | Canada-only availability – Not accessible to international users without VPN workarounds |
| Quebecois dialect exposure – Perfect for understanding Canadian French accent and expressions | Not beginner-friendly – Assumes some foundational French knowledge before starting |
| Interactive comprehension exercises – Engaging activities that test your understanding after each video | Limited curriculum scope – Focuses on listening skills rather than comprehensive grammar or vocabulary |
| Completely free – No subscription fees, trials, or premium features | Requires supplementation – Works best when combined with other learning resources |
| Cultural immersion – Gain insights into Canadian French culture and current events | |
| Listening skill development – Excellent for improving comprehension of natural speech patterns |
Tandem
Tandem is a language exchange app that connects you with native French speakers around the world for authentic conversations and cultural exchange. With over 10 million users speaking more than 300 languages, the platform operates on a simple principle: you help someone learn your native language, and they help you learn French.
As for the learning segment, the app offers text messaging, audio messages, and video calls, along with built-in correction tools that let partners fix each other's mistakes in real-time. However, many users note that finding serious, committed language partners can be challenging, as the app's design sometimes attracts people more interested in socializing than structured language practice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real conversations with native speakers – Practice French with actual French speakers from around the world | Dating app atmosphere – App design and user behavior often feel more social than educational |
| Cultural exchange opportunities – Learn slang, regional expressions, and cultural nuances firsthand | Inconsistent partner commitment – Many conversations fizzle out quickly or lack educational focus |
| Built-in correction tools – Partners can fix your mistakes directly in chat for immediate feedback | Limited structure – No formal lessons or curriculum, relies entirely on conversation partners |
| Multiple communication options – Text, audio messages, and video calls for varied practice | Time zone challenges – Coordinating with global partners can be difficult for regular practice |
| Free basic version available – Core features accessible without subscription | Requires existing French knowledge – Not suitable for absolute beginners who need foundational skills |
| Global French speaker access – Connect with speakers from France, Quebec, and other regions | Quality varies significantly – Partner reliability and teaching ability is completely unpredictable |
TV5Monde
TV5Monde offers a completely free French learning app that uses authentic video content from the francophone world's leading television network. The app features hundreds of videos, including news reports, music videos, film clips, and cultural documentaries from French-speaking regions like Paris, Geneva, Dakar, Montreal, and Brussels.
This French language learning app is designed for learners from beginner (A1) to intermediate (B2) levels. Its exercises were created by French teachers from Alliance Française institutions. Each video comes with French subtitles, transcriptions, and interactive exercises, including multiple-choice questions, crosswords, and fill-in-the-blank activities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free with no limitations – Full access to all features without trials or subscriptions | Limited to intermediate level – Caps at B2 level, not suitable for advanced learners |
| Authentic francophone content – Videos from across French-speaking countries and cultures | Can be overwhelming for absolute beginners – Real TV content might be challenging for A1 learners |
| Professional pedagogical approach – Exercises created by qualified French teachers from Alliance Française | Interface could be more intuitive – Some users find navigation and organization unclear |
| Offline functionality – Download videos and content to learn without internet connection | Limited speaking practice – Focuses mainly on listening comprehension and reading skills |
| TCF test preparation – Includes practice exercises and simulators for official French proficiency tests | Video quality varies – Some older content may have lower production values |
| Multi-language support – Interface available in 9 languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, and more |
Duolingo
Duolingo is probably the most recognizable name in language learning apps, and for good reason. This gamified platform makes learning French feel like playing a mobile game, complete with streaks, achievements, leaderboards, and that famous green owl mascot who's become an internet meme for his persistent notifications.
While some language learning purists criticize its sometimes quirky example sentences and limited real-world context, millions of users have successfully built foundational French skills through consistent daily practice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly gamified and motivating – Streaks, achievements, and social features keep you engaged daily | Limited real-world context – Sentences can feel artificial compared to authentic French content |
| Structured progression – Clear learning path from beginner to intermediate levels | Repetitive exercise format – Can become monotonous after extended use |
| Free with comprehensive content – Core features available without payment, plus affordable premium option | Translation-heavy approach – Relies heavily on English-French translation rather than immersion |
| Short, manageable lessons – 5-15 minute sessions fit easily into busy schedules | Limited speaking practice – Pronunciation exercises exist but aren't comprehensive |
| Multiple skill areas covered – Reading, writing, listening, and some speaking practice included | Passive learning style – Focuses more on recognition than active language production |
| Offline access with Plus – Download lessons for learning without internet connection | Can develop bad habits – Overly focuses on individual sentences rather than natural conversation flow |
Which App Are You Trying Next?
As you can see, learning French doesn't have to break the bank, and with so many quality free options available, there’s really no excuse not to start today. But before you download any of these, remember that nothing beats experiencing French the way native speakers actually use it.
That's why Lingopie stands out.
By watching real French shows with subtitles, Lingopie let's you pick up the language, culture, and context all at once—things you won’t find in most textbooks. Want to experience it for yourself? Start your 7-day free trial and bring your French to life with Lingopie!
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