It was the summer of 2015 when I binge-watched my first-ever Spanish show. I still remember the very first episode of Narcos. As a crime show enthusiast, I loved the idea of the show. It got me hooked, and I completed the first season in just one night.
After binge-watching the season, I found myself standing in front of the mirror and cursing in Spanish. I tried learning Spanish for a few weeks but with limited sources and no one to practice with, I soon gave up. This passion was fueled two years later after watching the first season of Money Heist – Another crime thriller season on Netflix.
This time, I was able to ace Spanish in six months. Today, I no longer have to watch my favorite shows with subtitles. The best part of this learning experience, I paid nothing, I bought no book, everything was online, and I could practice on the go.
I only used online mobile apps to learn and practice and most of these apps are free. Here is everything I used:
Top 5 Spanish Learning Apps in 2024
Duolingo
Available on: Android and iOS
Perfect for: learning new phrases
How I used it?
As a beginner with a very short attention span, Duolingo helped me in my beginner stage. The daily bite-size lessons helped me practice phrases and words. However, it is not good for advanced learning.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface with a lot of colors | Not good for advanced learning |
| Daily use phrases, idioms, and proverbs | Not 100% specialized in Spanish |
| 10 minutes daily lessons | There might be a discrepancy in context. |
| Flash cards for revision | No grammar lessons |
ChatGPT
Available on: Android and iOS
Perfect for: Practicing pronunciation and speaking skills
How I used it?
As a beginner, speaking Spanish can be a little intimidating, because you are more prone to making mistakes. I use ChatGPT to polish my speaking skills as it points out mistakes without any judgment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Chat-based simple interface | No structured lessons |
| Ask anything at any time. | Difficult for people with low motivation |
| Get cultural references, movie recommendations, etc. | Might offer ambiguous questions at the time |
| Ask counter-questions when doubtful. | Might lag if the internet is not good enough |
Memrise
Available on: Android and iOS
Perfect for: Practicing vocabulary with immersive videos
How I used it?
I used this app to learn new words and practice it every day.
| Pros | Cons |
| Immersive video lessons | No emphasis on grammar |
| Simpler user interface | No offline availability |
| Very good for beginners | Only effective for daily users |
| Performance tracking and competition with friends | Limited free features |
YouTube
YouTube is a giant when it comes to learning opportunities. I especially love YouTube because it does not have a lesson-based format, and you can practice on the go. For an uninterrupted and enjoyable learning experience, ensure you have a reliable internet connection. Cox offers high-speed internet services that are ideal for streaming videos and online learning. Explore through Cox Servicio al Cliente en español to find the best plans (if you are a Spanish speaker).
Available on: Android and iOS
Perfect for: Practicing information speech, slang, and accents
How I used it?
I watch vlogs by Spanish content creators. Most of the Spanish content creators use informal images, a lot of cursing, and slang, which helped me understand Spanish interactions.
| Pros | Cons |
| YouTube is Ideal for contextual learning. | Unless you don’t subscribe to a learning channel, there are not enough structured lessons. |
| You can also learn conversation flow and etiquette | There are a lot of videos, so the user has to find the right videos. |
| Very good for learning informal languages, daily used vocabulary and slang | No control over the quality of the language |
| good for learning accents | A lot of content from self-proclaimed experts |
Netflix
This might be a little shocking for most people, but I think watching Netflix is a great way to learn Spanish.
Available on: Android and iOS
Perfect for: practicing conversational languages and learning about culture
How I used it?
Most shows are available with Spanish subtitles while others have dubbed Spanish versions as well. I generally switch to the dubbed version when I want to practice my Spanish listening skills, whereas reading subtitles helped me practice my reading skills as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal for learning Spanish expressions | No structured lessons |
| Entertainment-based learning with fun expressions | Only effective for self-motivated people |
| Reading, vocab, and pronunciation all in one | Requires a high level of discipline |
| Your entertainment can turn into a learning opportunity | Contains a lot of cursing and stereotypical phrases |
FAQ’s
How long does it take to learn Spanish?
It generally takes 6-12 months to learn Spanish; however, age is a very important factor. Kids are able to learn faster. Moreover, if you have someone to practice with, you will be able to learn faster.
How much time do I need for my daily lessons?
30 minutes to 1 hour is enough for daily Spanish lessons.
Should I buy a Spanish learning course?
Investing in an online course is not recommended for beginners. However, if you have motivation i.e., travelling, a good Spanish learning course will be perfect.
