Learning English had always been a dream for me, but for a long time it felt out of reach. In-person courses? Too expensive. Private lessons? Out of the question.
And those random internet videos? They help, but without a clear path, it’s hard to stay focused.
That’s when I decided to try out some free apps and to my surprise, I found two that actually worked.
And when I say they worked, I mean I went from just saying “hi, how are you” to understanding shows, replying, and even having conversations without freezing.
If you also want to learn English without paying and with the freedom to study at your own pace, let me introduce you to the 2 apps that helped me on this journey:
Duolingo – the game that taught me English without me realizing it
Duolingo was the first app I installed and honestly, I still use it today. Why? Because it turns learning into a game.
Each lesson is like a level, and you collect points, win prizes, and even compete with others.
But don’t be fooled: even with this light and fun style, the content is complete.
I learned vocabulary, phrases, grammar, and even pronunciation, all with lessons that take just 5 to 10 minutes a day. Perfect to fit into a busy schedule.
Another plus is that it adapts to your level. If you already have some knowledge, you can skip the basics and jump right to what you need.
And if you’re starting from zero, it guides you patiently, with smart repetition and reinforcement.
The best part? It’s 100% free. There’s a paid version (to remove ads), but I never needed it. With the free version alone, I learned way more than I did in years trying on my own.
Cake – real English with real videos
If Duolingo gave me the foundation, Cake taught me how to understand real-life English.
The app uses short videos from movies, series, YouTube, and even TikTok to teach expressions and phrases the way they’re actually spoken.
The format is simple: you watch a short video (with English and Portuguese subtitles), learn the expression used, and then practice speaking.
That’s right the app recognizes your pronunciation and helps you improve.
What I liked most about Cake was learning expressions you don’t find in textbooks. Like slang and natural ways of speaking that native speakers use every day.
Besides that, the app is super light, visually appealing, and even sends reminders so you don’t forget to practice.
Oh, and of course: it’s also free, with full access to daily lessons and weekly challenges.
Less is more: with just two apps, I learned more than I ever imagined
A lot of people think they need dozens of tools, but for me it was different. Just with Duolingo and Cake, I built a light, practical, and fun study routine.
One gave me structure. The other gave me fluency and confidence.
And most importantly: I didn’t spend a cent. Just daily dedication and the will to learn.
Now go to your Android or iOS app store and start learning English today! Then come back here and tell me what you thought.
