Babbel vs Memrise: Which App Helps You Learn Spanish Faster?

By Bellah Mukisa

Reading time: 0 minute

March 17, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Overview of Babbel and Memrise

2. Key differences Between Babbel and Memrise

3. Learning approach: Structured lessons vs. spaced repetition

4. Pricing & value for money

5. Which one should you choose?

Final verdict: Babbel vs. Memrise for Spanish

Introduction

When learning Spanish, choosing the right language app can make all the difference. Two of the most popular options, Babbel and Memrise, offer distinct learning approaches:

Babbel focuses on structured, interactive lessons that integrate grammar, speaking practice, and real-world dialogues.
Memrise uses a flashcards-based system with spaced repetition to enhance vocabulary practice.

But which one is better for learning Spanish efficiently? In this guide, we’ll give a side-by-side review of the best Spanish courses for online learners. We shall highlight their teaching methods, lesson formats, vocabulary practice strategies, and pricing. This will help you know how to choose the best Spanish learning program for your goals between Babbel or Memrise for your Spanish vocabulary.

1. Overview of Babbel and Memrise

What is Babbel?

Babbel is a structured, curriculum-based learning platform that helps learners develop real-world Spanish skills through:

Short, 10-15 minute lessons that cover grammar, vocabulary practice, and conversation skills: Babbel designs its lessons to be concise, making them easy to fit into busy schedules and maintain focus. Each lesson incorporates explanations and exercises related to the grammatical rules of Spanish. The content aims to build the learner's ability to engage in basic Spanish conversations through dialogues and practice exercises
Speech recognition technology for pronunciation improvement: Babbel uses speech recognition technology to help learners speak Spanish. It gives feedback on their pronunciation. The software analyzes their speech and compares it to the right pronunciation. This helps learners find and fix errors.
Grammar explanations integrated into lessons: It integrates grammar with vocabulary and conversation practice. It explains grammar within the lessons, often during relevant dialogues or exercises. This approach helps learners see how grammar works in real language use.
Review exercises to reinforce learned content: Babbel has features that let learners review and practice what they've learned. These exercises help strengthen long-term memory and stop forgetting. They may include flashcards, quizzes, or fill-in-the-blank activities.
No free plan, but affordable subscription options: It uses a subscription model, unlike some language learning apps that provide a lot of free content. There isn't a fully free version, but Babbel offers several subscription tiers at different prices. Many users find these prices affordable compared to other language learning resources.

Best for: Learners who want structured lessons with grammar support and practical speaking exercises.

What is Memrise?

Memrise is an app focused on vocabulary practice. It helps learners memorize words and phrases quickly. It uses spaced repetition and user-generated content. Features include:

Flashcards with native speaker videos for pronunciation practice:

Memrise utilizes digital flashcards to present vocabulary. A significant feature is the inclusion of videos of native Spanish speakers pronouncing the words and phrases.

This gives learners real audio-visual input. It helps them with pronunciation, lip movements, and intonation. These skills are key for speaking and understanding the language.

Spaced repetition technology (SRS) to improve long-term memory:

SRS is a key feature. The app's algorithm monitors learners performance on each word. It schedules review sessions based on this data.

This personalized method helps learners revisit words and phrases at the best times. It strengthens your long-term memory and improves retention compared to regular memorization.

User-generated content for extra vocabulary practice:

In addition to official Memrise courses, learners can check out a big library of content created by fellow learners. This includes extra vocabulary lists, themed courses, and fun "Memes" to help you remember words differently. This crowdsourced feature offers a broader selection of learning materials and viewpoints.

Limited free plan available, premium features require a subscription:

Memrise provides a basic version of its app for free. This version has limits on content and features.

To access everything the app offers, learners must subscribe to a premium plan. This includes all courses, advanced learning modes, offline access, and detailed learning statistics. This model is typical for language learning apps.

Best for: Learners who want to expand their vocabulary practice quickly through repetition-based learning.

2. Key differences Between Babbel and Memrise

If you're wondering about Babbel vs Memrise, which is better, it depends on your learning preferences and goals. Here are the key differences:

Feature	Babbel	Memrise
Teaching methodology	Structured, grammar-based lessons	Spaced repetition & flashcards
Lesson format	Interactive exercises & dialogues	Flashcards with native speaker videos
Vocabulary practice retention	Integrated into lessons	Spaced repetition (SRS)
Speaking practice	Speech recognition & dialogues	Listening to native speaker videos
Grammar explanations	Yes, within lessons	No, vocabulary practice-focused
Offline learning	Available for premium users	Available for premium users
Best for	Structured learners who want real conversations	Learners focused on vocabulary building
Pricing	Starts at	Starts at

3. Learning approach: Structured lessons vs. spaced repetition

Babbel’s Approach: Interactive & Grammar-Based

Babbel provides a step-by-step approach to learning Spanish, ensuring learners understand:

• Grammar rules and sentence structure: It helps learners understand how Spanish works. This goes beyond memorization and builds a stronger, more flexible grasp of the language.

• Contextual vocabulary within real dialogues: Babbel presents vocabulary through real dialogues. This strategy effectively builds a practical Spanish vocabulary. It focuses on understanding, usage, and memorability. By grounding new words in real scenarios, it prepares learners for real-world communication.

• Pronunciation with speech recognition technology: It uses speech recognition technology for pronunciation practice. This tool helps learners engage with spoken language. They get immediate feedback and can improve their Spanish pronunciation step by step.

Ideal for learners who:

Prefer structured lessons that follow a logical progression
Want clear grammar explanations alongside vocabulary
Need conversational practice with real-world dialogues

Memrise’s approach: Flashcard-based vocabulary learning

Memrise is designed for memorizing words and phrases efficiently. Its method includes:

• Spaced repetition system (SRS) to reinforce vocabulary retention: The SRS system works like a personal memory helper. It makes sure learners review vocabulary and phrases at the best times. This helps you remember more and forget less.

• Native speaker video clips to improve listening comprehension: Memrise gives learners real exposure to proper pronunciation, visual cues, and context. This helps them understand diverse accents. All these factors greatly enhance their listening skills in Spanish.

• Gamified exercises to keep learning engaging: Memrise uses gamified exercises to make vocabulary learning fun and effective. These fun activities motivate learners. They have game-like features and look great. This approach turns vocabulary acquisition from a chore into an enjoyable experience.

Ideal for learners who:

Want to quickly expand their Spanish vocabulary
Learn best through repetition and recall-based exercises
Prefer a gamified, entertaining learning experience
Lesson format & user experience

Babbel: Interactive, practical lessons

10-15 minute lessons for busy learners: Each lesson is brief. This makes it easy to fit language learning into a packed schedule. You don’t need a lot of time.
Grammar explanations in dialogues: It weaves grammar concepts into realistic conversations. This approach helps learners see how grammar functions in everyday communication.
Speech recognition for pronunciation correction: Babbel listens to your spoken Spanish. It gives feedback on your pronunciation. This helps you find and fix errors.
Listening comprehension exercises: Lessons include activities to boost your understanding of spoken Spanish. You’ll often listen to audio clips of native speakers in different situations.

Pros: Great for practical, real-world communication

Cons: Less emphasis on quick vocabulary expansion

Memrise: Flashcards & repetition-based learning

Use flashcards with native speakers to practice pronunciation: Memrise provides digital flashcards for learning new words and phrases. These flashcards often include audio or video of native Spanish speakers.
Spaced repetition system (SRS) for long-term retention: Memrise uses a Spaced Repetition System. This method schedules reviews of learned items at increasing intervals. This technique boosts memory by reinforcing information just before you might forget it.
Gamified quizzes and streaks make learning fun: They add game-like features to lessons, keeping vocabulary practice engaging. These features encourage users to practice more often.

Pros: Excellent for memorizing words and phrases quickly

Cons: No structured grammar lessons or real-world dialogues

4. Pricing & value for money

Babbel pricing

Subscription plans:

• $7.99/month (billed annually)

• $12.99/month (billed monthly)

• Lifetime access: $299

Best for: Learners who want a structured, conversation-focused learning experience.

Memrise pricing

Subscription plans:

• $8.49/month (billed annually)

• $14.99/month (billed monthly)

Best for: Learners who want to improve vocabulary quickly using repetition.

5. Which one should you choose?

Babbel

The following points are specific characteristics and preferences that align well with Babbel's features and learning approach.

Choose Babbel if you:

Want structured lessons that include grammar, speaking, and listening: Babbel uses a clear method. Lessons progress logically, building on what learners already know. The system sorts the content into courses and topics. That includes grammar, speaking and listening.
Prefer short, practical lessons that fit into a busy schedule: Short lessons make it easier for learners with limited time to study. Babbel offers practical lessons that cover real-world situations and useful vocabulary. This helps learners find relevance in everyday life, even with a shorter time commitment.
Need a balance between vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation practice: Babbel offers a balanced learning experience. It doesn't favor one skill too much. The platform includes speech recognition to help learners enhance their spoken Spanish. Lessons introduce and practice new Spanish words and phrases.

Memrise

If you want to learn many Spanish words and phrases, Memrise is a good choice. It uses digital flashcards, which fit your learning style. The platform focuses on showing and practicing vocabulary in this format.

Choose Memrise if you:

Want to expand your vocabulary using a flashcard-based system: If you want to learn many Spanish words and phrases, Memrise is a good choice. It uses digital flashcards, which fit your learning style. The platform focuses on presenting and practicing vocabulary in this format.
Prefer memorization through spaced repetition and gamification: If you learn best by reviewing material, Memrise is a good option for you. It has fun, game-like features. This makes it a great choice for learning Spanish vocabulary.
Learn best by watching native speaker videos: Memrise includes short video clips of native Spanish speakers. If watching and listening to them helps you with pronunciation, these videos are a great tool. They make vocabulary feel real and connected to actual communication.

Final verdict: Babbel vs. Memrise for Spanish

For practical Spanish learning, Babbel is the better choice. It provides clear lessons, grammar tips, and real conversations. This makes it great for learners who want to speak Spanish well.

This is a key takeaway when considering the babbel vs memrise comparison. If you want to improve your vocabulary practice retention, Memrise is a better choice. It helps you memorize words and phrases quickly. It uses spaced repetition and makes learning fun with games.

This makes memrise vs babbel a strong contender for those prioritizing vocabulary. The choice between Babbel vs Memrise Spanish depends on your learning goals.

Still unsure? Try a free trial!

Looking for live Spanish instruction? Check out Comligo’s online Spanish classes to learn directly from native-speaking tutors!

Bellah Mukisa

By Marketing Team

Bellah Mukisa is a Digital Marketing Professional at Comligo with five years of experience in SEO, content strategy, and brand management. With a creative eye and strong technical skills, she crafts engaging digital experiences that boost traffic and awareness. Bellah is passionate about design, analytics, and delivering results-driven campaigns.