Best Ways to Learn Spanish: Apps, Classes, or Tutors?

By Marta Prieto

Reading time: 0 minute

May 18, 2025

Contents

Introduction

1. Learning Spanish with Apps

2. Taking Group Spanish Classes

3. Hiring a Private Spanish Tutor

4. Using Immersion Techniques

5. The Comligo Hybrid Method: The Best of All Worlds

Choosing the Best Method for You

Final Thoughts: Just Get Started!

Introduction

Learning Spanish is a rewarding skill. It opens doors to new cultures, enhances travel, and creates business opportunities. With so many ways to learn Spanish, you might feel overwhelmed.

This guide compares the best ways to learn Spanish. We will look at apps, classes, and tutors. This will help you find the method that suits your style and goals.

1. Learning Spanish with Apps

Apps have revolutionized language learning techniques, making it possible to learn Spanish with apps fast at home with just your smartphone.

Popular Apps:

Duolingo: Gamified lessons, great for vocabulary and beginner grammar.
Babbel: Focuses on conversation and real-life topics.
Rosetta Stone: Immersive approach with strong pronunciation support.
Memrise: Uses spaced repetition and video clips from native speakers.

Pros:

Flexibility: Learn Spanish on your own time, whether it's during your commute or lunch break.
Affordable: Many apps are free or offer low-cost subscriptions.
Motivational Features: Streaks, achievements, and progress tracking to keep you engaged.

Cons:

Limited speaking and writing practice.
Less personal feedback or correction.
Might not prepare you for real-world conversations on your own.

Best For:

People starting out, casual learners, or those looking to learn Spanish fast at home and build vocabulary quickly.

2. Taking Group Spanish Classes

Group classes offer a more traditional, structured learning format, with a teacher guiding students through lessons. They are perfect for those who want to compare Spanish classes or tutors in a classroom setting.

Options:

In-person classes at community centers, language schools, or universities.
Online Spanish classes with platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

Pros:

Structured Curriculum: Lessons build progressively from basics to complex grammar.
Social Learning: Practice conversations with peers.
Guidance: Teachers clarify confusing topics and correct your errors in real-time.

Cons:

Less flexible schedules: You'll need to attend at set times.
Varied learning speeds: Some students might move too fast or too slow for your pace.

Best For:

Learners who enjoy structure, interaction, and classroom-style accountability in Spanish learning techniques.

3. Hiring a Private Spanish Tutor

A tutor is one of the best ways to learn Spanish. If you want a learning path made just for you, consider hiring one. It offers the best method to learn Spanish if you want personalized attention and fast results.

Where to Find Tutors:

Online tutoring platforms like italki, Preply, or Wyzant.
Local language centers.
Spanish-speaking professionals in your network.

Pros:

Fully Personalized: Lessons are tailored to your goals, interests, and level.
Real Conversation Practice: Perfect for improving fluency and pronunciation.
Faster Progress: You get immediate feedback and constant support.

Cons:

Cost: Tutors are more expensive than apps or group classes.
Scheduling: Finding consistent time slots can be tricky.

Best For:

Professionals, travelers, or anyone who wants to learn Spanish with fast, personalized guidance.

4. Using Immersion Techniques

Immersion is a top method for learning Spanish. It helps you learn naturally by surrounding yourself with the language every day.

How to Immerse Yourself:

Watch Spanish TV shows or YouTube videos (start with English subtitles, then switch to Spanish).
Listen to Spanish podcasts or audiobooks.
Follow Spanish creators on Instagram or TikTok.
Change your phone or laptop settings to Spanish.
Speak with native speakers through language exchanges (e.g., HelloTalk, Tandem).

Pros:

Improves Listening and Comprehension Skills: Learn to understand real-world conversations and slang.
Fun and Engaging: Keeps you motivated and immersed in the culture.
Cultural Exposure: Get insights into Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures.

Cons:

Difficult for Absolute Beginners: Requires a baseline understanding of the language.
May Lack Structured Grammar Learning: Can make it challenging to study Spanish effectively without formal instruction.

Best For:

Intermediate learners and anyone looking to boost comprehension and cultural understanding.

5. The Comligo Hybrid Method: The Best of All Worlds

Comligo combines the strengths of all these approaches into one well-rounded, flexible learning system. Whether you're just beginning or aiming to achieve fluency, Comligo adapts to your lifestyle, goals, and learning preferences.

Comligo’s Approach Includes:

Live Classes with Native-Speaking Instructors for real-time conversation.
Self-Paced Lessons and Digital Resources to review and reinforce what you learn.
Cultural Immersion through interactive lessons on music, food, travel, and history.
Progress Tracking and Personalized Feedback to ensure you stay on track.

Why It Works:

This hybrid model combines classroom structure, self-study freedom, and real-world immersion all in one place.

Best For:

Busy professionals, students, parents, or anyone who wants to speak Spanish confidently and naturally with personalized feedback.

Choosing the Best Method for You

To figure out what works best, ask yourself:

Why are you learning Spanish?
Travel? Career? Connecting with family?
How much time can you commit per week?
Be realistic with your schedule.
Do you prefer studying alone or with others?
What’s your budget?
Do you want to learn fast or take your time?

Pro Tip: Mixing methods can be extremely effective! For example:

Use an app daily for vocabulary.
Join a weekly group class.
Watch one Spanish show per week.
Have one tutor session every two weeks.

Real-Life Story: Mark’s Journey with Comligo

Mark, a 38-year-old project manager from Texas, started using Duolingo to learn Spanish. After a few months, he realized he was still unsure about speaking in business meetings with Spanish-speaking clients.

He decided to try the Comligo method. The live online classes and cultural lessons helped him speak confidently. Within 6 months, he was leading bilingual presentations and managing client calls in Spanish.

Final Thoughts: Just Get Started!

The most important thing is to start. No matter if you use a free app, hire a tutor, or join Comligo, the key to studying Spanish is consistency. The rest will come with time and practice.

Want to Learn Spanish the Smart Way?

Experience a free demo class with Comligo. Our flexible hybrid system makes learning Spanish easy, fun, and adaptable to your schedule. Get started today and unlock the benefits of language learning techniques that fit your lifestyle.

Marta Prieto

Management Team

Marta Prieto, Director of Academics at Comligo, combines a strong academic background with entrepreneurial experience. She previously founded and led De La Mano Spanish, a successful Spanish school in Asia. Passionate about language education, Marta prioritizes motivation, communication, and interaction to ensure Comligo’s programs provide engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences.