Language apps are one of the few purchases where the price can swing from free to several hundred dollars for what looks like the same thing. The good news: with a little planning you can pay far less than list price and still get a course you'll actually finish.
1. Decide how long you'll realistically study
A lifetime plan sounds like the best value, and it often is, but only if you'll study for more than about a year. If you're preparing for a single trip in spring, a three-month plan covers the essentials: greetings, directions, ordering food and small talk.
2. Match the method to how you learn
- Short daily lessons suit commuters and coffee-break learners. Babbel's 10 to 15 minute lessons are built for this.
- Immersion (pictures and sound, little translation) suits people who like to puzzle things out. Rosetta Stone leans this way.
- Speaking practice matters most if your goal is conversation. Look for speech recognition and review features.
3. Buy codes, not auto-renewals
Activation codes from a retailer give you a fixed term with no surprise renewal. When the term ends, you choose whether to continue. Codes are also easy to give as gifts.
4. Time your purchase
Software discounts cluster around New Year, back-to-school season and late November. If you're not in a hurry, wait for one of those windows and sign up for our Grove Letter to hear about them first.
5. Protect the device you learn on
While you're upgrading your skills, it's worth upgrading your security. A multi-device antivirus plan such as Norton 360 Deluxe or McAfee Total Protection covers your laptop and phone for less than the cost of one dinner out.
The short version
- Pick the plan length that fits your real goal.
- Choose the teaching style you'll enjoy.
- Prefer fixed-term codes over auto-renew.
- Shop seasonal sales.
