Memrise review

Memrise has moved from flashcards to listening and speaking with real people on screen. Its App Store listing says it is built around native-speaker videos rather than robotic voices, so you hear how people actually talk, then practice in role-play with AI Buddies, its personalized language bots. You choose from hundreds of real-life scenarios and specialized courses for goals such as an exam, work or a partner's family. The listing names courses in French, Spanish for Spain or Mexico, German, Korean, Japanese, Turkish, Italian, Chinese and more, and says Memrise is trusted by 80 million learners. The free plan keeps limited vocab lessons, videos and conversations with ads. Memrise Pro unlocks all vocab lessons and native-speaker videos, unlimited speaking practice and no ads. On the US App Store the Annual Language Learning Plan is $61.99, the monthly plan $24.99 and a Lifetime Plan $329.99. Grammar is not its focus, so treat it as a strong second app next to a course.

Who it is for

learners who want vocabulary and listening from real native speakers

Price

Free plan; Annual Language Learning Plan $61.99 ($5.17 a month) or Lifetime $329.99 on the US App Store.

Annual Language Learning Plan $61.99 Lifetime Plan $329.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Native-speaker videos for listening practice
• AI Buddies for speaking role-play
• Hundreds of real-life scenarios
• Courses in Spanish, Korean, Japanese and many other languages
• Memrise Pro unlocks all vocab lessons, videos and unlimited speaking practice

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free plan stays available with limited lessons and videos
• Strength: Annual plan at $61.99 is the cheapest yearly plan on this list
• Strength: Lifetime plan available for $329.99
• Weakness: Free plan shows ads and limits videos and conversations
• Weakness: Lighter on grammar than course apps
• Weakness: Monthly plan at $24.99 costs far more than the annual rate

Key facts

• Annual plan: $61.99
• Lifetime plan: $329.99
• Free plan: Yes, with limits and ads
• Learners: 80 million, per Memrise

Where it ranks

Memrise is No. 5 in our Best Language Learning Apps verdict.