Learning Spanish has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the wide variety of online courses available today, many of which are free. Language learning is no easy task. You often start out motivated and energized, only to find yourself struggling to keep up after a while — we’ve all been there. These apps try to make learning more engaging with rewards and fun exercises to help you stay committed.
Whether you’re picking up the language for travel, work, or personal interest, the right course can make all the difference. With options like Duolingo, Rocket Spanish, and Baselang, the online learning landscape is filled with tools designed to suit every learning style, from complete beginners to those aiming for fluency.
In this article:
Why Should You Learn Spanish Online?
As we’ve already established, learning a new language is tough, no matter how motivated you are. Sometimes, frustration kicks in and you want to skip a few weeks. Life happens. But learning online gives you the freedom to study whenever and wherever. If you're feeling motivated late at night, you can study then. If you only have 5 minutes in the morning, that’s fine too. It's flexible and convenient. Even if you hire a tutor, you can find one in a different time zone to fit your schedule.
There’s an app, course, or tutor to suit everyone’s needs. From fun games and quizzes in Duolingo to live conversations and grammar lessons in Baselang or Rocket Spanish, there’s something for every learner. Many platforms even personalize lessons so you can focus on what you need most. Plus, many courses are budget-friendly, and as an added bonus, you don’t need to commute to an in-person class!
1. Rocket Spanish
TLDR: Rocket Spanish is ideal if you're serious about learning Spanish and want a structured, long-term plan to help you get there.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, all-in-one Spanish course, Rocket Spanish is one of the best options out there. It's designed to take you from beginner to upper-intermediate (around a B2-C1 level on the CEFR scale). It’s structured to cover all aspects of language learning—listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The program is a perfect mix of practical, everyday language skills alongside deeper grammar lessons.
Features
One of the standout features of Rocket Spanish is its Interactive Audio lessons. These podcast-style lessons place you in real-world conversations. This will help you practice speaking from day one. The lessons pause to give you a chance to repeat what you’ve learned, which is especially useful for improving pronunciation.
In addition to audio, there are Language and Culture lessons that break down grammar concepts and provide cultural insights, so you can understand the language in context. Rocket Spanish also includes built-in tools for pronunciation practice and reinforcement activities like quizzes and flashcards, so you can retain what you’ve learned.
Price
You can purchase their level 1 course for $150, and around $450 for all three levels. They have a free trial as well. A major benefit of Rocket Spanish is that it’s a one-time purchase. Unlike many other courses that require monthly subscriptions, Rocket Spanish gives you lifetime access to all its materials with a single payment.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive course that covers all language skills | ❌ Grammar lessons can feel a bit dry at times |
| ✅ Flexible structure allows personalized learning focus | ❌ Higher initial cost compared to subscription courses |
| ✅ One-time payment for lifetime access | |
| ✅ Free trial with no credit card required |
2. StoryLearning - Spanish Uncovered
TLDR: Spanish Uncovered is perfect for learners who enjoy stories and want to immerse themselves in the language while picking up vocabulary and grammar along the way.
If you prefer learning through engaging stories rather than repetitive lessons, StoryLearning's Spanish Uncovered is a great option. Designed for beginners through to intermediate learners, this course uses a unique story-based method to teach Spanish. Each lesson revolves around a chapter of a story that’s entirely in Spanish. You then watch video lessons that explain the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation that appeared in the story, so you can learn in context.
Features
The standout feature of Spanish Uncovered is its story-based approach. The entire course is structured around a continuous story that keeps you engaged while you learn. Following each chapter, there are video lessons that explain the grammar and vocabulary introduced in the story, breaking down complex concepts in a simple and engaging way.
This method is excellent for learners who prefer contextual learning and enjoy a more natural, less textbook-heavy approach. In addition to the story and video lessons, the course also offers extensive lesson notes and practice questions to help reinforce what you've learned.
Price
You can try Spanish Uncovered with a 7-day free trial. After that, the course costs around $297 for lifetime access. It’s a one-time payment that gives you full access to the entire course, including all lessons and materials.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Story-based approach keeps learning engaging and immersive | |
| ✅ Excellent for contextual learning | |
| ✅ Lifetime access with one-time payment | |
| ✅ Free trial available |
3. Baselang
TLDR: Baselang is the best choice if you want unlimited live Spanish lessons with native speakers and complete flexibility over your schedule.
Baselang stands out because of its unique offer: for a monthly fee, you can take unlimited 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with native speakers. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for fluency, Baselang’s flexible structure lets you book as many classes as you want, whenever you want. It is perfect for learners who need real-time interaction and personalized lessons.
Features
The primary feature of Baselang is its unlimited live classes. You can schedule lessons with professional, native Spanish-speaking tutors at any time that suits you.
Baselang offers a structured curriculum that covers everything from basic grammar to advanced topics. While the curriculum ensures progress, you can also customize your lessons to focus on specific areas like conversation practice, pronunciation, or even business Spanish. Since you can switch teachers, Baselang allows you to experience different teaching styles and accents from various Spanish-speaking regions.
Price
Baselang charges a monthly subscription fee of $149 for unlimited lessons. For those who want to give it a try first, Baselang offers a 7-day trial for just $1. It is a low-cost way to see if it suits your learning style.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Unlimited lessons for a fixed monthly price | ❌ Subscription cost can add up over time |
| ✅ Flexible scheduling with classes available 24/7 | ❌ Availability of specific teachers can vary |
| ✅ Personalized learning with native Spanish speakers | ❌ Quality of lessons may vary between teachers |
| ✅ Structured curriculum with optional customization | |
| ✅ $1 trial for 7 days |
4. Pimsleur
TLDR: Pimsleur is perfect for learners who want to focus on improving their pronunciation and conversational skills through an audio-driven method.
Pimsleur has been a leader in audio-based language learning for decades, and it’s one of the best options if you prefer listening and speaking over reading and writing. Designed for those who want to practice Spanish while on the go, Pimsleur’s 30-minute audio lessons focus heavily on pronunciation and practical conversation. This makes it a fantastic tool for developing conversational confidence, even at the beginner level.
Features
The audio-only lessons are Pimsleur’s defining feature. These lessons focus on real-life conversations, teaching you how to construct sentences and respond in everyday situations. What’s unique about Pimsleur is its backward build-up technique, where they break down words syllable by syllable and have you repeat them. This is excellent for honing pronunciation and recognizing the rhythm of spoken Spanish.
The spaced repetition system is another highlight. Key vocabulary and phrases are reintroduced at increasing intervals, which helps reinforce your memory and solidify your learning. While Pimsleur is heavily focused on listening and speaking, they now offer a mobile app with additional features like quizzes, flashcards, and reading lessons to complement the audio-based method.
Price
There are 6 levels for Spanish language, each costs $150. You can also opt for a 7-day free trial to get a feel for the program before committing.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Focuses on pronunciation and conversational skills | ❌ Doesn't cover much writing or grammar |
| ✅ Perfect for learning while commuting or multitasking | ❌ Some users may find the repetitive format dry |
| ✅ 30-minute lessons make it easy to fit into a busy schedule | ❌ Requires dedication to speaking out loud to see results |
| ✅ Spaced repetition reinforces long-term memory | ❌ May need to pair with other resources for reading/writing |
| ✅ Available for offline use and offers a 7-day free trial |
5. Ouino Spanish
TLDR: Ouino Spanish is the go-to option for learners who want a flexible, non-linear approach to mastering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation at their own pace.
Ouino Spanish stands out as one of the most customizable and grammar-focused courses available. It’s designed to fit different learning styles, letting you choose what you want to study and when. With a focus on all the key language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), Ouino provides a non-linear learning path, so you can start with any section or skip around based on your needs. It’s especially great for learners who want more control over how they study, without being tied to a rigid progression.
Features
Ouino offers five core sections: Building Blocks (Grammar), Verbs and Conjugation, Vocabulary, Conversations, and Pronunciation. Each section is broken down into bite-sized lessons. It is easy to tackle specific topics like verb tenses, adjectives, or thematic vocabulary (e.g., food, travel).
One of the best things about Ouino is its interactivity. Lessons come with quizzes, interactive exercises, and speech comparison tools that let you compare your pronunciation to a native speaker’s. The grammar lessons are thorough but not overwhelming, which helps demystify tricky topics without bogging you down in technical details.
Another standout feature is the flexibility. There’s no set order to the lessons, so you can pick and choose what you want to focus on—perfect for learners who want to zero in on specific areas. You can also take quick lessons (10-15 minutes) or spend longer periods practicing.
Price
Ouino Spanish is available as a one-time purchase for $97 for lifetime access to all five modules. They also have a subscription option starting at $12.99 per month if you prefer to pay in installments. You can also purchase all of their languages for around $190, so if you love learning new languages, this app is perfect. A free trial is also available to test out some lessons before buying.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Super flexible, non-linear course structure | ❌ Lacks the entertainment value of some other courses |
| ✅ Comprehensive grammar explanations and verb conjugation | ❌ Grammar tips can feel a bit dry at times |
| ✅ Interactive tools for pronunciation and speaking practice | ❌ The large desktop version can be a heavy download |
| ✅ One-time purchase option with lifetime updates | ❌ Less focus on speaking practice compared to live classes |
| ✅ Suitable for a wide range of learning styles | ❌ No speech recognition tool |
6. Hotel Borbollón
TLDR: Hotel Borbollón is ideal for beginners who want an entertaining, story-driven way to learn Spanish. It uses AI to adapt lessons to your skill level and keeps things fun with an engaging storyline.
If you’re a beginner looking for a Spanish course that doesn’t feel like a traditional classroom, Hotel Borbollón is a great choice. The course is based around a story—a quirky tale of a surgeon from Buenos Aires who inherits a struggling hotel in Madrid. This narrative-driven approach makes learning fun and immersive, and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to avoid dull grammar lessons while still making real progress. The AI-powered lessons tailor the difficulty based on your strengths and weaknesses. The course stays challenging but manageable.
Features
The key feature of Hotel Borbollón is its story-based learning format. You follow the main character's journey, completing lessons that mix grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice along the way. The lessons are short (10-15 minutes) and designed to be engaging, with a blend of animated videos, audio, and interactive quizzes.
Another standout is the AI technology behind the course. After a few lessons, the program learns your skill level and tailors future lessons to focus on the areas where you need the most practice. This personalized learning experience helps you make faster progress while keeping the lessons enjoyable.
Additionally, you get instant feedback after each lesson, with explanations for any mistakes, so you can quickly improve. The course covers both Latin American and European Spanish, giving you exposure to different accents and regional variations. Plus, there’s an AI chatbot, Aimigo, that you can use to practice having conversations in Spanish, which is especially useful for beginners who want to practice speaking.
Price
Hotel Borbollón operates on a monthly subscription model, price starting at $10 per month, depending on the plan. They also offer a free 7-day trial to let you explore the course before committing. The only downside is that you can only complete one lesson per day and four lessons per week, so it’s not ideal if you want to binge-learn.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fun, engaging story-based learning format | ❌ Limited to one lesson per day and four per week |
| ✅ AI-powered lessons adapt to your skill level | ❌ Monthly subscription pricing can add up over time |
| ✅ Exposure to both Latin American and European Spanish | ❌ Not suitable as a core learning method for advanced students |
| ✅ Interactive and short lessons, perfect for beginners | |
| ✅ AI chatbot for conversational practice |
7. Lingoda
TLDR: Lingoda is perfect for those who want live, interactive Spanish lessons with professional teachers. It offers flexible scheduling and a curriculum that focuses on building your speaking and listening skills through real-time conversation.
If you're looking to learn Spanish through live, instructor-led classes, Lingoda is one of the best options out there. With Lingoda, you can take group or private lessons with professional teachers, all from the comfort of your home. Their classes are designed to help you build real conversational skills, with a focus on speaking and listening. It is a great choice for learners who thrive in interactive environments.
Features
One of Lingoda’s biggest strengths is its live classes with real teachers. You can choose between group lessons (with 3-5 students) or private one-on-one sessions. The curriculum is structured to guide you through different levels of Spanish, but there’s flexibility in terms of scheduling and class types.
Lingoda also has a self-study area that complements the live classes. After each session, you’ll have access to homework and additional resources to reinforce what you’ve learned. This combination of live interaction with independent study makes it a well-rounded option for learners who prefer structured yet flexible lessons.
You can book classes 24/7, which makes it easy to fit learning into your schedule. Another key feature is Lingoda’s qualified instructors, all of whom have at least 2 years of experience teaching languages. This ensures that every class you take is high quality and focused on helping you improve quickly. Additionally, Lingoda offers a Certificate of Completion for each level of Spanish you complete, which can be helpful if you're learning for professional or academic reasons.
Price
Lingoda operates on a subscription model, with pricing dependent on how many classes you want to take per month. For example, five group lessons per month cost around $79, while 12 group lessons cost around $163. Private lessons are more expensive, with prices starting around $39 per month for one class. The more you purchase, less it costs. While Lingoda is on the pricier side, the live instruction and flexible scheduling make it worth the investment.
They also offer a 7-day free trial, where you can take three group classes for free to see if Lingoda is a good fit for you.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Live classes with professional teachers | ❌ Subscription pricing can be expensive |
| ✅ Flexible scheduling — book classes anytime, 24/7 | ❌ Some lesson materials can feel repetitive |
| ✅ Choose between group or private lessons | ❌ Depending on your level, homework may be challenging |
| ✅ Comprehensive curriculum and homework to reinforce learning | ❌ Group classes may move slower than private sessions |
| ✅ Option to earn certificates of completion for each level |
8. SpanishPod101
TLDR: SpanishPod101 is an excellent option if you prefer learning Spanish through audio lessons and want the flexibility to learn on the go. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate learners who want to focus on listening comprehension and speaking skills.
SpanishPod101 is one of the largest collections of Spanish language podcasts and audio lessons available online, with hundreds of hours of material. Whether you're a complete beginner or at an intermediate level, SpanishPod101 gives you access to graded lessons that gradually increase in difficulty, so it is suitable for learners of all stages. The program is especially beneficial if you’re looking for an audio-first approach to learn Spanish. It would be convenient to study while commuting or during your free time.
Features
The heart of SpanishPod101 lies in its podcast-style lessons, which introduce new language concepts through conversations. Each lesson features a dialogue between native speakers, followed by a breakdown of vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context by the instructors. This mix of conversational Spanish and detailed explanations makes it a well-rounded learning experience. Additionally, the casual, friendly banter between the hosts keeps the lessons engaging.
SpanishPod101 covers a wide range of topics and Spanish dialects, and you can focus on the variety that interests you most (such as Mexican, European, or Peruvian Spanish). The program also has video lessons and interactive tools like flashcards, quizzes, and vocabulary lists that you can use to reinforce your learning.
One of the newer features of SpanishPod101 is the curated learning pathways that guide you through lessons in a logical order, so it’s easier to follow a structured progression. The program also comes with line-by-line audio practice and interactive transcripts, which allow you to listen to individual lines of a conversation and practice your pronunciation.
Price
The basic plan for SpanishPod101 starts at $5, where you get the access to all lessons and in-depth lesson notes. They also have Premium plan with various assessments, personal word bank and flaschards. For $23 you can get Premium Plus plan that can get you 1-on-1 access to a private teacher.
SpanishPod101 also offers a free membership, giving you the access the first few lessons of each level for free, and you can try their premium features with a 7-day free trial.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Huge collection of audio lessons across different dialects | ❌ Some lessons can feel repetitive |
| ✅ Flexible — learn on the go with podcast-style audio | ❌ Sheer volume of content can be overwhelming for beginners |
| ✅ Covers a wide range of topics and everyday conversations | ❌ The platform layout can be confusing for new users |
| ✅ Lessons are graded, so you can advance from beginner to intermediate | ❌ You may need additional resources for grammar and writing practice |
| ✅ Interactive tools like quizzes, flashcards, and line-by-line audio | ❌ Most interactive features are behind the higher-tier paywalls |
9. Rosetta Stone
TLDR: Rosetta Stone is a solid choice if you want to learn Spanish through immersion, using visual and contextual cues to grasp the language without relying on English explanations. It’s particularly suited for beginners who prefer a structured, no-English approach.
Rosetta Stone is a long-standing name in language learning, known for its inductive learning method that mimics how you would learn Spanish if you were living in a Spanish-speaking country. Rather than explaining grammar and vocabulary in English, Rosetta Stone uses images, words, and phrases in Spanish, asking you to match them to pictures and gradually build up your language comprehension through context. This method is effective for beginners and early intermediate learners, helping them think directly in Spanish without translating from their native language.
Features
The Rosetta Stone platform emphasizes immersion—lessons are taught entirely in Spanish using a visual-based learning approach. You'll start with basic words and concepts like "el niño corre" (the boy runs) by matching them to images, then progress to more complex sentences. This approach helps you to internalize grammar structures without overwhelming you with explanations.
One standout feature is speech recognition technology called TruAccent, which helps you improve your pronunciation. It listens to your spoken Spanish and compares it with native speakers to ensure you’re on the right track. This is particularly helpful for improving your accent and gaining confidence in speaking.
Rosetta Stone’s lessons are divided into bite-sized chunks, perfect for learners who want to fit short sessions into their day. They also offer live tutoring sessions (for an additional fee) where you can practice speaking with native instructors. Additionally, their phrasebooks and stories help you practice conversational Spanish in real-life contexts.
Price
Rosetta Stone offers several pricing options depending on your commitment level.
A 3-month subscription costs $47.97, giving you access to one language.
Their 12-month subscription costs $126 for unlimited access to all languages.
You can also opt for a Lifetime subscription, which costs $399 and gives you access to all current and future languages offered by Rosetta Stone.
They offer a 3-day free trial so you can try out the platform before committing to a subscription.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Immersion-style learning with no English explanations | ❌ Progress can feel slow, especially with more complex topics |
| ✅ Speech recognition helps you practice pronunciation | ❌ Some learners may miss detailed grammar explanations |
| ✅ Short, interactive lessons that fit into a busy schedule | ❌ Images and context don’t always explain abstract concepts well |
| ✅ Available on multiple devices (desktop, mobile app) | ❌ Subscription model can be expensive over time |
| ✅ Live tutoring sessions are available for additional practice | ❌ May not be enough on its own for advanced learners |
10. Coffee Break Spanish
TLDR: Coffee Break Spanish is an excellent option for learners who prefer audio-based lessons that can fit into their busy schedules. It’s a great way to learn Spanish during short breaks or while on the go.
Coffee Break Spanish is a podcast-style language course that allows you to learn Spanish in manageable chunks, much like enjoying a quick cup of coffee. It's perfect for learners who want to develop their listening and speaking skills while commuting, walking, or during any spare time. The lessons are concise, conversational, and engaging. They are a fun and flexible way to incorporate Spanish into your daily routine.
Features
The Coffee Break Spanish podcast offers four levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, with 40 lessons per season. Each lesson is about 15-20 minutes long, covering essential vocabulary, grammar points, and useful expressions. The lessons are designed around real-life situations, helping you learn how to communicate in practical contexts.
The format is conversational, with a host and guest discussing key language points. For beginners, the lessons are conducted primarily in English, gradually introducing more Spanish as you progress. The advanced seasons, such as En Marcha con Coffee Break Spanish, are conducted mainly in Spanish, helping learners further develop their fluency.
One of the best aspects of Coffee Break Spanish is that you can access the basic audio lessons for free. If you want to go deeper, there’s a premium option that provides lesson notes, bonus audio, and interactive exercises to reinforce your learning.
Price
The basic podcast lessons are free, which makes Coffee Break Spanish an accessible starting point for anyone. They also offer levels called “seasons” and each one costs around $145.
Each season comes with bonus materials, such as lesson notes, translation exercises, and bonus audio to deepen your learning experience.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Free to access basic audio lessons | ❌ Limited focus on reading and writing |
| ✅ Lessons fit into short time slots—great for busy schedules | ❌ The premium version can be pricey for each season |
| ✅ Podcast format allows you to learn while on the go | ❌ Lessons are audio-heavy, so visual learners might need extra materials |
| ✅ Builds strong listening and conversational skills | ❌ Explanations in English may be too much for advanced learners |
| ✅ Covers a wide range of real-life topics | ❌ Premium content needed for full experience |
Final Thoughts
Remember—learning a language isn’t always about staying motivated every day. There will be days when you don’t feel like it, or think that if you don’t have a lot of time, it’s better to skip it. But even dedicating just 5 minutes each day can make a difference. Choose the right app or course for you, and remember to be kind to yourself in the process. Watch Spanish shows, enjoy the music, and make it fun!
If you're looking for free options to get started, Duolingo is a popular choice and you most likely have already heard about it. Its fun, gamified lessons are great for beginners to build vocabulary and basic grammar skills. You keep a streak every day, so you have no choice to skip days and this will help you stay dedicated. Have fun!
