What Are The Best Vocabulary Apps 2023?

14 Best vocabulary apps to improve your communication skills

Time and time again, studies and opinion formers have found that your grasp of vocabulary in communication is vital to the impression you create. A rich vocabulary allows you to express yourself unambiguously and with authority. Vocabulary apps can help you expand your mastery of any language, thus building your own confidence and increasing your standing among your peers. I will review the best vocabulary apps 2023 below.

Best Vocabulary Apps – Top Picks

Wordela	Magoosh	Quizlet	WordUp
Web / Mobile	iOS / Android	Web / Mobile	iOS / Android
★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
View Website	Read Review	View Website	Read Review

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure at the end of this post.

1. Wordela

Wordela (visit website) is an effective AI-powered vocabulary app and the all-new successor of the popular Vocab1 app. It uses scientifically proven learning algorithms to create a customized learning experience for each user based on their learning style, interests, and proficiency level.

The app is suitable for all levels and ages. Wordela aims to improve your writing vocabulary, and spelling, help you communicate better with managers, share your ideas effectively and build your credibility among people.

Using AI technology (AutoLearn), Wordela understands how well you know every word and will teach it to you automatically and put the focus on the words you need to learn the most. A great feature of Wordela is its smart flashcards that will match your learning style and progress and allow you to create your own custom wordlists.

Once started, learners can effectively expand their knowledge with step-by-step vocabulary courses and built-in expert-curated lists for various subjects and key areas of knowledge such as K-12, SAT, GRE, TOEFL, and Business English. This is a much quicker way to master your most important areas of language with just 10 minutes a day.

For the playful and competitive minds among you, Wordela incorporates elements of gamification, such as points, badges, and leaderboards. Of course, users can easily track their progress within the app and see how much they have learned over time.

As an interesting bonus, this AI vocabulary builder also has free corporate learning courses, brain training, and general productivity education to improve communication and interpersonal skills beyond just vocabulary. A homeschool version is available (view).

Overall, Wordela is certainly one of the best vocabulary apps for language mastery and professional proficiency. It provides a modern and intuitive interface and a native mobile and browser app for all devices. The app will automatically sync all your activities.

Info: View website. $9/month. 5 users. 520,000+ words.
Rating: ★★★★★. AI-powered learning for Web, Browser, iOS, Android.
Homeschool: Family $67 – 4 students/2 admins. Visit website.
Big Family $97- 10 students. Co-op $197 – 20 Students.

2. Memrise

With more than 60 million users, Memrise (visit website) is one of the most popular but also best vocabulary apps for language learning, offering thousands of language courses to learn most European, Middle East and Eastern languages.

Nevertheless, most critics agree that Memrise is best suited to beginners or individuals that wish to expand their vocabulary in a language they have already mastered.

Memrise leans heavily on the principles of mnemonics, at least in those courses designed by Memrise itself. Users, however, have contributed most of the courses, and many of them do not employ the principles of mnemonics.

While learning, students can choose between flashcards, games and self-tests. Each course starts by showing you the English word, its translation and its most popular mnemonic. Words you have learned crop up again at intervals to ingrain them deeply.

Memrise offers free and premium plans and can be downloaded from the app store. Alternatively, you can access Memrise through their website. Don’t expect to become fluent by using Memrise alone. As a stepping-stone for beginners, it is ideal, however.

Rating: ★★★★☆ | Availability: Web, iOS, Android.
Price: Free account. $5/month. Lifetime $119.99.
Info: Browse catalog and all languages. | View Premium plans.

3. Quizlet

Quizlet (visit website), one of the top 50 websites in the USA and with more than 50 million users, is much more than just a vocabulary app. Quizlet is an extraordinarily large collection of study guides and flashcard sets aimed at helping students prepare for a vast array of subject-related tests, including SAT and GRE.

Flashcards, games and quizzes are the pillars on which the app is built. However, students can choose between an astonishingly creative seven different modes of learning. Space limitations prohibit a full description of all these learning modes but students can form teams that compete against each other, opt for a flashcard lesson, test themselves with interactive games and even opt for a spelling test!

Some other interesting features include the option to chat with your own AI learning coach or scheduling frequent reviews with your achieved memory scores. There is are Learn and Test modes to familarize with new English words and explore new word definitions. The app’s premium version also comes with Q-Chat, advanced creation tools, textbook solutions and Ad-free studying.

Quizlet is one of the most used vocabulary apps and is available for iOS and Android. Its price depends on the number of units you wish to get. Prices are different for schools. Users can contribute flashcards of their own and teachers can design their own tests.

Rating: ★★★★★ | Availability: Web, iOS, Android.
Price: Free trial. Quizlet Plus from $2.99/month or $35.99 annually.
Info: Visit website for all features. View Pricing plans for Quizlet Plus.

4. WordUp

Expanding your English vocabulary is what WordUp is all about. Geeks Ltd, an award-winning software company and owners of WordUp came up with a unique product in many ways. Learners will remember new words if they experience the use of that word in real-life situations. Thousands of short video clips from TV shows and movies are used to demonstrate the use of a specific word in many different contexts.

Another unique approach used in WordUp is the app’s focus on 20,000 most commonly used words, sorted in order of how useful each new word is. Learning the most useful English words first encourages learners to use those words in conversations and situations.

WordUp also employs the principles of “spaced repetition” to aid retention. Every new word you learn is repeated a day, a week, a month and six months later. If you forgot, WordUp would show you its meaning and context again and again.

WordUp is free and available for either Android or iOS devices. English speakers at all levels of fluency will benefit from this very best vocabulary app.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Availability: App Store | Playstore.

5. Magoosh Vocabulary App

Magoosh is primarily concerned with test prep apps. Magoosh Vocabulary builder (available for Android and iOS) is just one of their vocabulary apps aimed at students preparing for their GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and SAT tests.

Magoosh’s vocabulary app is ideal for students on the go that may have just a few minutes at a time to learn new words. Test prep experts carefully chose 1200 English words most likely to feature in the test. For each new word, the audio pronunciation, definition and examples of how the vocabulary word is used are given. Learners start as beginners and progress through the intermediate to the advanced level.

Having fun when learning certainly encourages students to spend more time learning; that is why Magoosh Vocabulary Builder uses a gaming approach. Users can either compete on their own to unlock new words (and worlds) or they can battle against each other to see who knows the word definitions of new expressions best. Progress tracking is available too.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Availability: App Store | Playstore.

6. Vocabulary.com

Playing The Challenge is Vocabulary.com’s vehicle to test your existing mastery of the English language and to teach you new words. Setting up your account, you will be faced with a set of multiple-choice type questions to determine your level of mastery. Based on the results, new words are introduced in a gaming format that will align with your learning level.

But it is Vocabulary.com’s propriety technology called AVI (Adaptive Vocabulary Instruction) that is at the core of this extremely popular app. Everything that the user does is added to AVI, resulting in a personalized learning experience for each user.

Then there is the vast and comprehensive dictionary, which Vocabulary.com claims to be the fastest in the world. It is an amazing interactive tool. Every word that you look up will be added to your learning queue. Users can submit a list of words that they want to learn.

Students can use Vocabulary.com for free and there are various payment plans for educators and companies. This is one of the best vocabulary apps and bundles for schools. Alternatively, see our list of language learning apps.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Platforms: App Store | Playstore.

7. Anki

Anki is not a vocabulary app, per se. Instead, it is an award-winning app to teach you how to remember anything. The majority of subscribers use Anki to learn new words (in many languages) or memorize trivia. Anki is available for free.

Spaced repetition and the use of flashcards is a proven method for helping people to remember facts, figures, the meaning of words, poems and quotations, to name just a few.

This method entails using flashcards to teach you new words or facts and then test your retention the next day. If you forgot the meaning of a vocabulary word, the solution is presented again and you will be tested repeatedly until you have clearly mastered the learning material.

Anki is media-rich, using video, audio and images to help you remember. Download it free of charge for use on every platform. It is suitable for users of every age.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Platforms: App Store | Playstore.

Reading tip: If you are preparing for college admission tests, browse our reviews of the best LSAT courses, SAT courses, ACT courses, and GMAT courses.

8. Elevate

Elevate by Elevate Labs, is a multifaceted vocabulary building app that goes beyond traditional learning of new words and phrases. Designed to enhance cognitive skills, Elevate offers a “Brevity” module that focuses on refining your communication by helping you express complex ideas concisely.

The popular vocabulary app personalizes your training based on your performance and goals, targeting skills such as reading comprehension, grammar, and eloquent expression. Its adaptive nature ensures that you’re consistently challenged and engaged. Elevate provides detailed performance analytics, allowing you to track your progress over time.

With its comprehensive approach to language development and cognitive improvement, Elevate is among the best vocabulary building apps for learners of all levels who are looking to refine their communication skills, enhance cognitive abilities, and boost their overall language proficiency.

Rating: ★★★★☆ | Games: 40+
Platforms: Web, Mobile. Info: Try free. View homepage.

9. Drops

Drops offers a dynamic and visually captivating approach to vocabulary learning and acquisition. It is not limited to learning English vocabulary alone as it covers 35+ languages and a diverse array of study topics. With a focus on word illustrations and context-rich examples, Drops aims to create a memorable learning experience for any type of learner.

To actually achieve that, Drops utilizes a game-like interface with bite-sized sessions that prevent cognitive overload while ensuring focused learning. In other words, it employs spaced repetition, ensuring that you review words at optimal intervals for better retention.

If you’re a visual learner or simply seeking an engaging way to build your vocabulary, Drops may equip you with an effective vocabulary app that combines aesthetics, interactivity, and efficiency to help you master new words and expand your language skills.

Rating: ★★★★★ | Top: Learn vocabulary in 35+ languages.
Platforms: Web, Mobile. Info: Try free. View homepage.

10. The Vocabulary Builder App

Like other vocabulary apps, Vocabulary Builder aims to expand your grasp of English words and improve your grammar. More than 4,000 words are on offer, each with a definition, an audio pronunciation, examples of how the vocabulary word is used, synonyms and antonyms. Use flashcards to memorize new words and test your understanding of those words.

A surprisingly large array of features is on offer. Apart from ready-to-use tools, users can also create their own “favorite words” list. Idioms and phrases showing how words are used in context and one-word substitutions are all covered comprehensively.

Numerous and frequent tests help you to see which vocabulary words and phrases you have mastered. You can move words to your “mastered list” which you can review later. Vocabulary Builder is available free of charge on all platforms. What I really like is that the app is fully functional offline making it one of the best vocabulary apps for commuting.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Platforms: Playstore.

11. Vocab Genius

Vocab Genius, the brainchild of Brainscape, is another English vocabulary app that leans heavily on flashcards and the principles of spaced repetition. Presently, it is available from the app store for use on the iPhone or iPad only. After a free trial, you can unlock all app features at a rather modest price.

On offer is 800 flashcards that will teach you the most difficult yet most useful English words. A further 300 “word element” flashcards show common prefixes, suffixes and the roots of the most difficult words. To improve your retention, new words already learned is presented again at regular intervals

Brainscape boldly states that their point of view is that games in learning apps are frivolous and that quizzes are distracting. They believe that learning takes place fastest when repetition plays a dominating role in the instructional process.

So, don’t expect quizzes or things such as as an adaptive learning game but constant feedback. It’s one of the best vocabulary apps based in terms of concept, compactness and keeping track of your progress.

Rating: ★★★★★
Platforms: App Store

12. 7 Little Words

7 Little Words is a captivating and intellectually stimulating word puzzle game. This popular vocabulary app presents you with engaging challenges that not only enhance your vocabulary but also foster critical thinking and word-solving skills.

Each puzzle comprises a set of clues and a grid of letter combos. Your task is to decipher the clues and use the given letters to form seven words that match the clues. This crossword-style format aims to encourage users to delve into language intricacies, explore unfamiliar words and synonyms, and unravel the hidden connections between words and meanings.

There is a wide range of puzzles available with varying difficulty levels, ensuring a consistently engaging and mentally stimulating experience.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Platforms: Web, Mobile. View.

13. Ultimate Vocabulary Prep for English; GRE

Galvanize, publishers of Ultimate Vocabulary Prep for English, claim that their app is the top-rated and best vocabulary app in the world. Even a very rudimentary scan of consumer reviews shows that they might just be right!

Originally, the app was designed to help students pass tests such as SAT, GRE, TOEFL, and others but many thousands of non-students also use it to improve their vocabulary.

Galvanize believes that learning should be fun and to this end, they combine flashcards with crystal clear pictures to create a “gamified” learning environment where you have to compete with yourself to progress to the next level.

For every vocabulary word, the definition is given and also the context within which the word is used. Understanding the nuances of each word is very important for the GRE, and this angle is covered comprehensively.

Even though the app is free, it offers numerous features and functions. It can be also used offline. These features certainly make it one of the best free vocabulary apps available.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Platforms: App Store | Playstore.

14. Vocabador

Vocabador is primarily aimed at students studying for their SAT or GRE tests. Using flashcards, more than 400 vocabulary words are presented in a very well-designed manner: on one side of the flashcard, the word is displayed and an option to hear its pronunciation and an option to flag or unflag the word. The other side of the flashcard shows the definition, synonyms, antonyms, and an example of how the new word is used in context.

Vocabador uses a gaming approach, with wrestling as its theme. Words are divided into three categories: lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight. Once you are ready to test your own prowess, you can enter into a wrestling tournament with twelve other wrestles to beat. Every match will test you on 36 vocabulary words. Once you have defeated all the wrestlers, you can take on the Vocabador for the title of Grand Champion!

Vocabador is very modestly priced but critics generally agree that its limited word list is inadequate to prepare students for their SAT and GRE tests. It could be one of the best vocabulary apps for SAT and GRE if you like it compact and sporty.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Platforms: App Store

Best Vocabulary Apps – Summary

Wrapping up our tour of the best vocabulary apps 2023. Broadening your vocabulary base holds many benefits. Choosing a specific app should depend on your unique goals.

Are you preparing for a test or do you wish to master new words on a larger scale? Do you prefer structured learning or do you want more control over the vocabulary words you learn? How much time do you have to spend on learning?

All these factors need to be taken into account when you choose an app. It’s worth it, though! Thanks for reading and happy learning.

Other Vocabulary Builder Apps + Games

• Words with Friends
• Words of the Day – Vocabulary app fro iSO and Android
• Wordle
• Quordle
• Heardle
• Globle
• Dordle
• Semantle
• Worldle
• Crosswordle.
• Absurdle
• Squirdle
• Hello World vocabulary app
• Reductle
• Fortitude Vocabulary Builder
• TOEFL English Vocabulary Cards
• IntelliVocab app
• Little Words
• Penny Dell Crosswords
• Merriam-Webster vocabulary app
• PowerVocab app
• WordBit
• Knudge Me
• Vocab Victor
• LingQ
• Babadum

Further reading: How to improve memory | Visualization Techniques

What are the best vocabulary apps in 2023? Which vocabulary building apps have you used to learn new words or improve English words and expressions? Do you use tools such as Word of the Day to develop your language skills? Let us know in the comments.

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