Here is the Babbel vs Rosetta Stone review. Our detailed comparison guide breaks down how the language learning programs differ and which is better.
Babbel vs Rosetta Stone
When you’ve decided to learn a new language, the most difficult step is often deciding which language learning program to use.
This choice is especially difficult when the options are Babbel and Rosetta Stone, two of the world’s largest and most popular language learning software programs. In this guide, we highlight the subtle differences between these two programs, offer our opinions on each, and finally declare a winner.
Variety of exercises & drills
The variety of Babbel’s lessons, drills, and exercises has to be the first major advantage. I like how they present the same content in a variety of different ways, all in a short amount of time. The lessons require you to interact with the material in a variety of ways, including listening, speaking, reading, writing, and using visual elements.
As a result, you not only gain experience with all of these mediums, but you also avoid becoming bored with the lessons.
Use of English directions and translations
The Babbel program’s second highlight is that its lessons make use of English directions and translations. If you’re having trouble with a drill or exercise, Babbel will even give you hints in English. Now I know Rosetta Stone believes in 100% immersion, which means no use of English in the lessons.
However, I would like to point out that they have recently begun to include English translations in their mobile app for select languages and lessons. In any case, I’ve discovered that using English for directions and translations can be extremely beneficial.
To be honest, in this day and age, we’re all used to having the answers to everything in the palm of our hands. At this point, it’s almost second nature. As a result, the lack of translations in Rosetta Stone’s program can be annoying and frustrating.
At the end of the day, I can see the merit in Rosetta’s Stone argument – of course, you’ll learn faster if your feet are held to the fire – but I also believe it may lead to some frustration for people. Finally, I appreciated Babbel’s limited use of English to keep the lessons moving and prevent users from pulling out their hair if they got stuck on a specific phrase or sentence.
Integration of grammar into lessons
The final advantage of Babbel is that they incorporate grammar content into their lessons, which is something that Rosetta Stone does not emphasize as much. Babbel does not bog you down with dense, boring grammatical principles, which I appreciate.
Some linguists believe that teaching heavy grammar from an early age is beneficial, but I believe that it can sometimes be detrimental when learning a new language.
What’s the best way to learn a Language?
Without a doubt, the most effective way to learn a language is to surround yourself with native speakers. If you live in a city where no one speaks English, you’ll have to learn to communicate much faster because you won’t be able to switch to your native language when things get difficult.
However, for some, this method of learning can be overwhelming, and it is not the best way for many, especially if you don’t want to end up missing your train station stop or blindly choosing something to eat from a foreign restaurant menu.
One-on-one conversations with a native speaker are another way to achieve this effect in a friendlier and more enjoyable manner. We compared Babbel and Rosetta Stone because they both offer many different languages to learn, but if you want to learn Spanish, you should also consider Homeschool Spanish Academy.