Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Learning with Texts VS Babbel

Compare Learning with Texts VS Babbel and see what are their differences

Learning with Texts logo Learning with Texts

Learning with Texts (LWT) is a tool for Language Learning, inspired by Stephen Krashen's principles in Second Language Acquisition, Steve Kaufmann's LingQ System and ideas (e.

Babbel logo Babbel

Babbel is a paid language learning service that aims to strike a balance between thoroughness and cost efficiency.
  • Learning with Texts Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-24
  • Babbel Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-23

Babbel

Website
babbel.com
Release Date
2007 January
Startup details
Country
Germany
State
Berlin
City
Berlin
Founder(s)
Lorenz Heine
Employees
500 - 999

Learning with Texts features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    Learning with Texts (LWT) is free to use and open source, which means you don't have to worry about subscription fees and you can modify the software if needed.
  • Customizable
    The platform allows users to customize their learning experience, including importing texts, setting vocabulary levels, and personalizing reading and study settings.
  • Supports Multiple Languages
    LWT supports learning in various languages, which makes it a versatile tool for multilingual users or those studying multiple languages simultaneously.
  • Integrated Dictionary and Translation Tools
    LWT integrates dictionary and translation tools directly into the reading interface, making it easy to look up words and phrases while reading without leaving the platform.
  • Comprehensive Vocabulary Management
    The platform offers extensive vocabulary management features, allowing users to create word lists, track their learning progress, and review vocabulary in a systematic way.

Possible disadvantages of Learning with Texts

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The software can be complex to set up and use, especially for users who are not tech-savvy or are new to language learning tools.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface of LWT appears outdated compared to modern language learning apps, which may affect the user experience.
  • Limited Support and Updates
    As an open-source project, LWT may not receive regular updates or customer support, which can lead to issues with compatibility and unresolved bugs.
  • No Mobile App
    LWT does not have a dedicated mobile app, limiting its convenience for users who prefer learning on the go via smartphones or tablets.
  • Self-Directed Learning
    The platform requires a high degree of self-motivation and discipline, as it does not provide structured lessons or curricula like other language learning apps do.

Babbel features and specs

  • Structured Learning Path
    Babbel offers a well-structured curriculum designed by language experts, helping users progress systematically through various levels.
  • Interactive Lessons
    The platform features interactive exercises that include speaking, writing, listening, and reading to engage multiple aspects of language learning.
  • Real-world Conversations
    Babbel focuses on teaching practical, real-world conversation skills that are immediately applicable in daily situations.
  • Speech Recognition
    The app includes speech recognition technology to help users improve their pronunciation.
  • Multiple Languages
    Babbel offers courses in 14 different languages, providing a variety of choices for users.
  • Offline Access
    Lessons can be downloaded for offline use, allowing for flexible learning without constant internet access.

Possible disadvantages of Babbel

  • Subscription Cost
    Babbel requires a subscription to access the full range of features, which may not be affordable for everyone.
  • Limited Advanced Content
    While effective for beginners and intermediates, Babbel's content may be too basic for more advanced learners.
  • No Free Tier
    Unlike some other language learning platforms, Babbel does not offer a free version, limiting access for users who cannot afford a subscription.
  • Repetitive Exercises
    Some users find the repetitive nature of Babbel's exercises monotonous over time.
  • Cultural Context
    Although Babbel offers real-world conversation practice, it may not provide enough cultural context for deep cultural immersion.

Analysis of Learning with Texts

Overall verdict

  • Learning with Texts is a valuable resource for language learners who prefer a text-based approach to language acquisition. It is particularly useful for those who enjoy reading and want to actively engage with foreign language texts to enhance their comprehension and vocabulary skills. The ability to tailor the experience to one's own learning preferences and goals makes it a good choice for self-directed learners.

Why this product is good

  • Learning with Texts (LWT) is a tool designed to help language learners improve their vocabulary and reading skills by working with texts in their target language. It allows users to import texts, look up words, and save them for further study. The software supports the integration of dictionary and audio resources, facilitating a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, its flexibility in accommodating various languages and providing users with the ability to add their own resources makes it a versatile tool for personalized language learning.

Recommended for

    Language learners at intermediate and advanced levels who are looking to improve their reading skills and vocabulary in the target language. It's especially beneficial for learners who enjoy reading and want a tool that integrates text analysis, dictionary lookup, and vocabulary management in one platform.

Analysis of Babbel

Overall verdict

  • Babbel is a well-regarded language learning platform, particularly effective for beginners and intermediate learners. It provides a solid foundation in multiple languages, although it may not be as beneficial for advanced learners seeking in-depth proficiency.

Why this product is good

  • Babbel is considered good due to its structured courses designed by linguistic experts, focusing on conversation skills and practical vocabulary. It offers a user-friendly interface and short, interactive lessons that fit easily into a busy schedule. Babbel also personalizes lessons based on your progress, reinforcing learning through repetition and varied exercises.

Recommended for

  • Individuals looking to learn a new language from scratch
  • Busy professionals needing flexible learning options
  • Travelers wanting to gain basic conversational skills quickly
  • Students who prefer a structured, curriculum-based approach

Learning with Texts videos

Learning With Texts Introduction

More videos:

  • Review - Learning With Texts

Babbel videos

Babbel | The ULTIMATE Review

More videos:

  • Review - Babbel Review: Not Groundbreaking But Good, Trusted Courses | ALR
  • Review - MY HONEST REVIEW OF BABBEL (FOR GERMAN)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Learning with Texts and Babbel)
Studying
30 30%
70% 70
Language Learning
15 15%
85% 85
Education
18 18%
82% 82
Online Learning
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Learning with Texts and Babbel

Learning with Texts Reviews

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Babbel Reviews

Best Memrise Alternatives (February 2025) – UPDATED
You can determine your starting point as Babbel offers courses at all levels for users looking to learn a foreign language.
Source: lingoly.io
15 Language Learning Apps Compared - Personally Tested
Part of learning in the programme is pronouncing the words you learn. Rosetta Stone was an early developer of speech recognition software, which gives learners feedback on their pronunciation. For more details about the app, see my reviews “Babbel vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Stands Out?” and “Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Stands Out?“.
Source: www.krioda.com
Apps Similar To Duolingo: Best Language Learning Alternatives
Duolingo, Memrise, LingoDeer, Busuu, and Babbel are popular choices. Duolingo makes learning fun with games. Babbel designs its interface for each language.
10 Best Babbel Alternatives in 2024
However, Babbel is not an ideal fit if you are an intermediate or advanced learner, as it can only help you with the language basics. Another thing that encourages many users to explore the best Babbel alternatives is its glitchy mobile app that won’t improve your speaking skills and is quite expensive.
14 Best Duolingo Alternatives to Learn New Languages
Babbel boasts a wide range of learning materials from app lessons to live classes, games, videos, and podcasts, making it a great Duolingo alternative. Progressing to the intermediate level won’t feel like a chore, thanks to the app’s immersive interface. Find out more with this Babbel review.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Babbel seems to be a lot more popular than Learning with Texts. While we know about 11 links to Babbel, we've tracked only 1 mention of Learning with Texts. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Learning with Texts mentions (1)

  • My LingQ experience for Chinese Mandarin
    Have you taken a look at "Learning With Texts"? It's on open source alternative, where all your data is stored on your own server. The site is also way less bloated. The only bad thing is that the mobile support is quite bad, but other than that I'd recommend it. https://sourceforge.net/projects/lwt/. Source: about 3 years ago

Babbel mentions (11)

  • LibreLingo – FOSS Alternative to Duolingo
    Anyone as experience with feedback on https://www.rocketlanguages.com/ and https://babbel.com/ ? I’m mostly interested in speaking out loud skills, and those two have voice recognition it seems. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Anyone else want to learn a language but suffer from crippling social anxiety?
    It’s by know means comprehensive, as I try stuff all the time but these 5 are the consistent ones. 1. Duolingo– This free language-learning platform has become incredibly popular in recent years. It offers interactive lessons, quizzes, and other activities to help you reinforce the material. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to keep track of your progress and you can even compete with friends to see who... Source: over 2 years ago
  • does it go with the territory of language learning to feel you're just not picking it up fast enough?
    I study with babbel.com and listen to Olly Richards on audible for 30 minutes every night. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Black Box Down: Pilots Crash Doing a Go Around / USAir Flight 1016 Crashes in a Neighborhood
    Title Black Box Down: Pilots Crash Doing a Go Around / USAir Flight 1016 Crashes in a Neighborhood Show Black Box Down Site Squad-team-force Thumbnail Link Length 46:06 Description A McDonnell Douglas DC-9 crashes seconds after starting a go around procedure. The crew of USAir Flight 1016 are cautious of heavy storms over their destination airport. As they are on final approach the crew decided to go... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Off Topic: The TRUTH About Elden Ring - #324
    Title Off Topic: The TRUTH About Elden Ring - #324 Show Off Topic Site Achievement-hunter Thumbnail Link Length 1:34:54 Description The AH Crew sit to talk about the Elden Ring addiction and the Dark Souls collective, the worst Batman voice, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet and more on this week’s Off Topic! This episode originally aired February 25, 2022 and is sponsored by Babbel (Go to http://babbel.com... Source: about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Learning with Texts and Babbel, you can also consider the following products

Memrise - Learn a new language with games, humorous chatbots and over 30,000 native speaker videos.

Duolingo - Duolingo is a free language learning app for iOS, Windows and Android devices. The app makes learning a new language fun by breaking learning into small lessons where you can earn points and move up through the levels. Read more about Duolingo.

Busuu - Join the global language learning community, take language courses to practice reading, writing, listening and speaking and learn a new language. Learn English with busuu's .

Bialect - Learn languages faster with stories.

Rosetta Stone - Rosetta Stone is the world's most popular software for learning languages. It is offered at a cost of just $169 when purchased outright, but it is also possible to purchase language programs in a subscription format that offers ongoing support.

Clozemaster - Learn a language through mass exposure to useful vocabulary in context.