Best language learning apps for young kids (2026): an honest guide

How to use this guide

We make Language with Songs, so read our opinion with that in mind. We've tried to make this genuinely useful: each app is described from its own website or app store listing (linked below), prices are what we saw in October 2026, and for each one we say who it suits. We've left out products where we couldn't verify the basics, and products not designed for young children.

Step 1: Check it actually teaches a second language

This trips up a lot of parents. Two of the most popular learning apps for young children are excellent at what they do, but they don't teach English-speaking kids another language:

• Duolingo ABC is a free learn-to-read app for English: letters, phonics and sight words. (Our comparison.)
• Lingokids is a broad early-learning app (literacy, math, science, social-emotional skills and more) delivered in English. (Our comparison.)

Both can sit happily alongside a language app; just don't choose them for Spanish or French.

Step 2: Choose the language

If you haven't decided yet, our guide on how to choose a language for your child walks through heritage, community, school options and more. Then check the app offers it:

• Widest choice: Dinolingo (50 languages), Gus on the Go (about 30, each a separate app), Little Pim (12).
• The most common European languages plus Mandarin and Korean: Muzzy BBC (7).
• Six European languages with the same curriculum in each: Language with Songs: Spanish, French, German, Italian, European Portuguese and Dutch.

Step 3: Choose the format

• Videos (Little Pim; also part of Muzzy and Dinolingo): good for babies and toddlers, and for target-language immersion. Watch together where you can.
• Games (Gus on the Go, Studycat; also Muzzy and Dinolingo): good for children who like to tap, match and get instant feedback.
• Songs (Language with Songs; songs also appear in Muzzy, Dinolingo and Studycat): good for music-loving children and for listening away from the screen in the car or at bedtime. See why songs help kids learn languages.

The apps in brief

Dinolingo

A large platform with videos, games, songs, books and worksheets in 50 languages, for ages 2–14 according to its website; a family plan covers up to 6 children. Best for: big families, homeschoolers and less common languages. Compare.

Gus on the Go

Separate vocabulary apps per language with 10 lessons and review games each; the Spanish listing says ages 0–5, no ads and no in-app purchases. Best for: a simple one-off purchase for toddlers. Compare.

Little Pim

Five-minute immersion videos with an animated panda, voiced by native speakers according to the company; 12 languages in one subscription. Best for: babies and toddlers. Compare.

Muzzy BBC

Animated story films plus vocabulary videos, hundreds of games, songs and printables in 7 languages. Best for: a broad course spanning a wide age range. Compare.

Studycat

Immersive game-based apps (Spanish, French, German, Chinese and English) with songs, stories and speaking practice for ages 3–8; the Spanish listing says it works offline and is ad-free. Best for: preschoolers who love games.

Language with Songs (us)

Original bilingual call-and-response songs, a line in English and then the target language, with karaoke-style lyrics and the English meaning on screen. 134 songs per language in 32 themed units; the first unit (6 songs) is free and Premium includes all six languages. It's a web app, songs only: no games or videos. Best for: music-loving children aged 2–8 and parents who want to sing along and understand every line.

Whatever you choose

Apps are a tool, not a teacher. The things that make the biggest difference at this age are regular short sessions, an adult joining in, and the language turning up in daily life. Our guides on daily routines and raising a bilingual child at home show how.