How much does it cost to build a language learning app like Babbel?

Updated 06 Feb 2025
Published 06 Feb 2025
Rahul Mathur 1051 Views
Cost to Build a Language Learning App like Babbel

Introduction

In today’s interconnected world, speaking multiple languages is no longer just a useful skill; it’s becoming a necessity. Whether for career advancement, travel, or personal growth, knowing a second (or third) language opens doors to countless opportunities.

One such standout in the language learning space and one of the prominent elearning portal is Babbel. Designed with busy lifestyles in mind, Babbel offers an innovative, accessible, and engaging way to learn a new language, whether you’re starting from scratch or brushing up on existing skills.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what makes Babbel unique, how it works, and why it might be the perfect language learning app for you.

Exploring the Boom: The Future of the Language Learning App Market

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Language Learning App market size is USD 3258.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.00% from 2024 to 2031.

  • North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1303.3 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% from 2024 to 2031.
  • Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 977.5 million.
  • Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 749.4 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.0% from 2024 to 2031.
  • Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 162.9 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4% from 2024 to 2031.
  • Middle East and Africa held the market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 65.2 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.7% from 2024 to 2031.
  • The Offline Type held the highest Language Learning App market revenue share in 2024.

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Must-Have Features for Creating a Language Learning App

As mentioned below are some babbel app features you can include in your app creation process:

  • Personalized Learning Paths

Babbel uses algorithms to tailor lessons to each user’s progress and goals. It also allows learners to revisit previous lessons and reinforce what they’ve learned, creating more personalized learning solutions and engaging experience. 

  • Interactive Lessons and Quizzes

Gamification plays a significant role in user engagement. Adding interactive lessons, quizzes, and challenges can make the learning process more enjoyable.

With this feature, users will feel more motivated to keep learning. Babbel app development costs include investing in interactive elements like quizzes and challenges to keep users engaged.

  • Speech Recognition and Feedback

Language learners need to practice speaking as much as reading and writing. If you’re considering building an app like Babbel, this feature can significantly enhance user experience, but it also increases the app like Babbel development cost due to the need for sophisticated speech recognition algorithms.

  • Cultural Context and Real-Life Scenarios

Language learning apps that incorporate cultural context into lessons make the learning experience more relevant and immersive. This helps users apply their learning in meaningful ways. Building an app like Babbel with this feature will increase development costs, but it offers great value by making the learning experience more authentic.

  • Offline Functionality

Allowing users to download lessons and study without an internet connection is an essential feature for learners on the go. Whether they’re commuting or traveling, users will appreciate the ability to learn without relying on Wi-Fi.

Developing offline functionality increases the babbel app development cost because it requires additional storage and data syncing features, but it significantly enhances user accessibility and satisfaction.

Must-Have Features for Creating a Language Learning App

  • Progress Tracking and Reports

Learners are motivated by visible progress. Providing a clear, visual representation of their achievements (like progress bars, weekly reports, or performance metrics) will encourage them to continue learning.

Including this feature is essential for user retention, and it impacts the app like Babbel development cost, especially when you integrate detailed analytics and reporting tools.

However, it’s important to keep in mind the cost to develop an app like Babbel, as building such an app involves considerable investment in technology, design, and content. Depending on the complexity, the Babbel app development cost can range widely, so be sure to plan accordingly to achieve a balance between functionality and budget.

How to Build a Language Learning App Like Babbel?

Creating a language learning app like Babbel requires careful planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the user’s needs. Here’s a babbel app development process on how to build one:

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience

Before diving into app development, understand who you are building the app for. Are you targeting students, business professionals, travelers, or casual learners? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your content, features, and marketing strategies.

Step 2: Choose the Right Language Learning Approach

Determine which method resonates with your target audience, or combine elements of all methods to create a well-rounded app. There are several approaches to language learning, including:

  • Grammar Translation Method (focus on grammar and vocabulary)
  • Communicative Approach (focus on speaking and listening)
  • Task-based Learning (learn through practical tasks and real-world scenarios)

Step 3: Develop Core Features

To develop app like babbel you can build the core features of your app. Collaborate with language experts to ensure your lessons are accurate and culturally appropriate.

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Step 4: Design a User-Friendly Interface

User experience (UX) is critical in keeping users engaged. Your app should have a clean, easy-to-navigate interface with minimal distractions. Simplicity and clarity will ensure users can focus on learning rather than struggling with the app’s design.

Step 5: Build the App Using Agile Development

Agile development allows you to continuously iterate and improve your app. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) that includes the core features, then gather feedback from real users to refine and expand your app.

Step 6: Testing and Quality Assurance

Conduct thorough testing to ensure your app works smoothly across different devices and operating systems. Perform usability tests, check for bugs, and make sure the speech recognition feature functions accurately.

Step 7: Launch and Marketing

After launching, use various marketing channels to attract users—social media, content marketing, partnerships, and influencer collaborations. Offering free trials or freemium models can help generate buzz and bring users onboard.

How to Build a Language Learning App Like Babbel?

The Secret Behind the Babbel App Success

Babbel has successfully positioned itself as one of the leading language learning education apps. However, it’s important to keep in mind the cost to develop an app like Babbel, as building such an app involves considerable investment in technology, design, and content.

Depending on the complexity, the Babbel app development cost can range widely, so be sure to plan accordingly to achieve a balance between functionality and budget. Here’s why

  • Focuses on Practical, Real-World Conversations

Babbel emphasizes practical, conversational language skills rather than theoretical knowledge. Lessons are designed to help users start speaking right away, which appeals to those learning a language for travel or business purposes.

  • Personalized Learning Experience

Babbel uses algorithms to tailor lessons to each user’s progress and goals. It also allows learners to revisit previous lessons and reinforce what they’ve learned, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.

  • Native Speakers as Instructors

To create app like babbel employ native speakers to record lessons, ensuring that learners are exposed to authentic pronunciations and accents. This enhances the quality and authenticity of the learning process.

The Secret Behind Babbel App Success

  • A Wide Range of Languages

Unlike some apps that only focus on major languages like Spanish and French, Babbel offers a diverse selection of languages, including less common ones like Turkish, Polish, and Indonesian.

Read More: Top 20 education apps for online learning

Top Language Learning Apps You Should Know About

While Babbel is one of the leaders, there are other language learning app similar to babbel that are worth exploring:

Duolingo

Known for its gamified approach, Duolingo is ideal for beginners. It’s free to use with an optional paid version that offers additional features like offline access and an ad-free experience.

Memrise

Memrise blends language learning with entertainment by using real-life videos of native speakers. It’s known for its mnemonic techniques, which help users remember new words more effectively.

Rosetta Stone

One of the oldest names in the language learning space, Rosetta Stone uses an immersive approach, teaching users through images, words, and sounds, rather than relying heavily on translations.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk allows users to chat with native speakers of the language they’re learning. It’s a social app where users can practice speaking and writing in real-time.

Top Language Learning Apps You Should Know About

Monetizing Success: How Language Learning Apps Make Money?

There are several ways to monetize a language learning app with eLearning app development. Here are the most common strategies:

  • Subscription Model

This is the most popular revenue model for language learning apps. Users can subscribe to a premium version for additional features like offline access, more content, or personalized lessons.

  • Freemium Model

Offer basic lessons for free, with the option to upgrade to advanced content. The freemium model works well for attracting users and converting them into paying customers over time.

  • In-App Purchases

Offer users the ability to purchase additional courses, lessons, or features within the app. For example, learners could buy a specialized business language course or advanced pronunciation tools.

  • Ads

Show ads to users who use the free version of the app. While this can be a good way to generate revenue, it’s important not to overwhelm users with ads, as it could lead to poor user experience.

busines model babbel

The Cost of Build a Language Learning App Like Babbel

If you want to know the actual cost to build an language learning app like Babbel, but for one platform such as Android or iOS the cost can be anywhere between $10,000- $15,000.

If you wish to build an app like Babbel that is compatible with both Android and iOS, the cost could range from $10,000- $15,000.

Key Factors That Impact the Cost of Developing a Language Learning App

To make app like babbel several factors can influence the overall cost. Understanding these key elements will help you plan your budget effectively and make informed decisions during the development process and not only this will be a bigger move in AI in education. 

1. Platform Choice: iOS vs. Android vs. Cross-Platform

One of the most significant cost determinants is the platform(s) you choose for your app. Developing for iOS typically requires a different development team than for Android. If you choose to develop for both platforms, your costs will double, as the codebase needs to be built for each system independently.

Alternatively, using a cross-platform development tool like Flutter or React Native can reduce costs by allowing you to write a single codebase that works on both platforms. However, cross-platform development can sometimes lead to compromises in app performance or features.

2. App Complexity and Features

The more features your app has, the higher the cost will be. For a basic language learning app, you might start with a simple interface, some quizzes, and basic progress tracking. But as you add more complex features, such as speech recognition, live tutoring, AI-driven recommendations, real-time translations, and gamification elements, the development costs increase.

3. Design and User Experience (UX/UI)

The quality of your app’s design will also significantly impact costs. A clean, modern, and intuitive design is crucial for user engagement and retention. Hiring a skilled UX/UI designer to ensure your app is easy to navigate and visually appealing will be a key part of your budget.

4. Development Team Location and Expertise

The geographic location of your development team plays a major role in determining costs. For example, hiring developers in the US or Western Europe will typically cost more than hiring teams from Eastern Europe or India. However, the trade-off may be the level of expertise or ease of communication.

Key Factors That Impact the Cost of Developing a Language Learning App

5. App Maintenance and Updates

App development doesn’t end once the app is launched. Ongoing maintenance, bug fixes, and updates are essential for keeping your users engaged. This could include adding new language content, adding new features, or ensuring compatibility with the latest iOS/Android updates. Keeping your app updated and bug-free is an ongoing expense that must be factored into your budget.

Wrapping Up

Building an app like Babbel requires significant investment in development, design, content creation, and ongoing maintenance. It’s essential to plan for both initial costs and long-term investments, including regular updates and user engagement efforts.

With the right strategy, a well-built language learning app can offer strong returns, and you can get help from eLearning app development company. While the upfront costs may be substantial, the potential for growth in the language-learning market makes it a worthwhile investment.

FAQ

  • How to build a language learning app like Babbel?

    To build an app like Babbel, focus on content creation (language lessons, quizzes, speech recognition), an engaging user interface, and personalization. Implement spaced repetition, interactive features, and integration with speech-to-text tools. Ensure scalability, secure payment systems, and analytics for user progress tracking.

  • How much does the Babbel app cost?

    Babbel typically offers subscription-based pricing. The cost ranges from $6.95 to $13.95 per month, depending on the plan and length of commitment (e.g., monthly, 3-month, or yearly). Discounts are often available for longer subscriptions, and free trials are sometimes provided to attract new users.

  • How long does it take to develop an app like Babbel?

    Developing an app like Babbel can take 6-12 months, depending on the complexity, design, and features. Initial stages include planning, wireframing, and content development, followed by coding, testing, and user feedback incorporation. Post-launch, ongoing updates and improvements are necessary for user retention and app quality.

Rahul Mathur

Rahul Mathur is the founder and managing director of ARKA Softwares, a company renowned for its outstanding mobile app development and web development solutions. Delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Rahul takes pleasure in sharing his experiences and views on the latest technological trends.

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