If you want to learn a language in 2026, there is no shortage of options for you to do so. No matter what your learning style, timeline, needs and goals, there is a language option out there for you.

The important thing to understand is your goals and needs. Once you know what you want to get out of your language journey, it will be much easier to choose between the options available to you. If you aren’t sure of your goals and needs, it will be much more difficult to make a choice.

While you obviously want to speak a new language, there are many different levels to speaking. You may just be looking to understand a few phrases to go on a short vacation or you might need to become conversational in Spanish for work or maybe you need to become fluent to move abroad. In each instance, you will need to have a different level of language course to achieve your goals.

Berlitz and Babbel are two of the most trusted and popular language learning options out there. And while they both provide great options for learning a new language, they also have significant differences that make them great for specific purposes. Here is a breakdown of the two options to figure out what course might be better for your specific language learning needs.

Course Delivery

Berlitz

With Berlitz, you have a few different options when it comes to how you learn. You can learn privately or on your own, in a group, as well as in accelerated sessions for learners in a time crunch. We also have options for online and in-person, giving you even more flexibility to learn in the best way that suits you.

The one constant that is included in every Berlitz language course is live, real-time lessons with an instructor. Even in our self-paced language courses, there are still regular lessons with an instructor.

Babbel

Babbel is a language app that is delivered online. It is a self-paced option that allows you to learn on your own time. It uses a subscription model that allows you to access the app for a specific timeframe. They also offer live classes and group options that can be bought as add-ons to the app.

These add-ons focus on specific skills and are taught by native instructors. They are available at all times of day and night and can be booked in real-time, making them a very flexible option for language learners needing a little extra help with specific skills.

Languages Offered

Berlitz

You can learn nearly 100 different languages with Berlitz. All languages are not available for each course option, but all languages are available for private courses. That means you can learn some of the rarest languages on earth with a live instructor in a 1:1 setting.

For more popular languages, you can choose from the different course options. So, for example, if you wanted to learn Spanish online, you would have the option to choose a private, group, self-paced or even a total immersion course.

Babbel

There are 15 different languages you can learn with Babbel. They range from more popular languages, such as the option to learn German online, to some rarer languages, such as Swedish. The subscriptions offered by Babbel are for a single language; although, they do also have a lifetime option that gives you access to all languages.

Course Progression

Berlitz

The way you progress and track your language learning is nearly as important as actually learning. Berlitz makes it easy with a set of language levels. Not only do you start at the correct level after taking a language level test, but you are able to go through each level, as our courses are based on this progression. That means you not only know where you’re currently at, but also the track towards fluency.

Even our self-paced option Berlitz Flex aligns to the Berlitz levels, so you can always check your progress to stay on track to achieve your language goals.

Babbel

Like most other language apps, with Babbel, you buy access to the entire course for a set time. This allows you to move through the course material as you wish, making it a great option for self-starters who are extremely motivated.

Babbel also uses a language level test to ensure you start in the right place. It also gives you a better learning plan to move through the course material.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Every situation is different. Answer a few quick questions and we will recommend a next step that fits your goals, with no commitment.

Learning Support

Berlitz

One of the reasons many language learners never achieve their goals is because of a lack of support and motivation. Learning a language is hard and trying to do it all on your own makes it even harder. That is why with Berlitz, we assign a Success Coach to our learners. This coach checks in regularly to make sure our learners are progressing and staying motivated. It is one of the reasons why so many of our learners stick to their language goals.

We also have a support portal where our learners can get technical support, discuss payments, schedule lessons and much more.

Babbel

Babbel offers a 24/7 customer support chat system, as well as a support portal with FAQs, articles and technical support documentation. There is also a dedicated email that you can reach with any questions.

For support with your learning journey, you can also use the add-on features you can buy while you progress through the coursework. The live lessons and group classes will give you direct access to an instructor for feedback and further lessons.

Overview

Berlitz

The diverse range of course offerings and languages make Berlitz a great option for any learner. Whether you are looking for a Spanish for kids course to get your child started on their language journey or want to learn German online for work, we have a course for you.

Berlitz also offers a learning path and support to keep you progressing through your language journey to fluency. So, if you are serious about learning a new language, Berlitz is a great option.

Babbel

As a language app, Babbel is one of the best options. With its intuitive design and standardized learning plans, Babbel is a great option if you are a self-starter looking to learn a new language on your own. The add-on offerings also make it easy to get extra help if you need it as you learn.

The different subscription options allow you to choose how serious you want to be. So, no matter if you want to just casually start learning or whether you want to go all in, Babbel will give you the option to do what you want.

When it comes to learning a new language, the important thing is to take that first step. If you want to learn Spanish online, the only way to make it happen is to start learning. With the language options available from Berlitz, you can get started right away. So, don’t keep putting it off. Take a language placement test and find out where you need to start. You might be surprised how achievable your language goals are once you actually take the first step.