8 Most Effective Apps to Learn Spanish While Driving
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to learn Spanish while driving? That would make your long commutes in the car more interesting and meaningful, right?
The answer may lie in passive language learning. This type of learning suggests that learning Spanish while driving isn’t that hard. Yes, your brain can actually handle driving and learning a new language at the same time!
Let me introduce you to the concept of passive language learning, your options for learning Spanish while driving, and the best apps available on the market to do so.
What is Passive Language Learning?
Passive language learning is where students are receivers of content as their brain absorbs the information. Passive learning has become popular among language students who use it as a reinforcement of their active learning efforts.
Studies have suggested that simply “listening to the language you’re studying outside of your normal study time can speed up the learning process.” Apparently, your brain is capable of looking for vocabulary that you’ve learned before—even if what you’re hearing is just in the background.
How to Learn Spanish While Driving
So, can you learn Spanish while driving? Yes and no.
Yes, because it’s a smart thing to use your time in your car (and other idle times like at gym or in a waiting room) to listen to Spanish audio and reinforce your previous knowledge.
No, relying exclusively on passive language learning isn’t the best way to learn Spanish.
I recommend a balanced approach that blends active and passive language learning. In other words, finding ways to learn Spanish while driving is an excellent complement to other more “traditional” learning methods.
8 Best Apps to Learn Spanish While Driving
So, how do you choose the best podcast or free app to learn to speak Spanish while driving?
This list features the best free iPhone apps and Android apps that are useful and effective for language learning.
See also: Spanish Podcasts! Learn Intermediate Español on Your Way to Work.
1. AnkiApp
The AnkiApp is the perfect example of a niche app that works as a complement to other language learning methods and activities.
Anki takes the whole concept of flashcards to a whole different level. It allows users to make their own text, sound, and image flashcards or download pre-existing cards.
Imagine yourself listening to a pre-selected list of flashcards while driving to work. You’d select these flashcards according to the topics you’re learning through your other language learning activities and you can focus on pronunciation and be able to learn Spanish while driving.
Pros
- Cross-platform mobile and desktop
- Test your knowledge
- Measure your progress
- Cloud access
Cons
- Limited to flashcards
- Some features aren’t free
2. Mondly
Mondly has been named “Best New App” by Apple and “Editors’ Choice” in Google Play. It’s such a creative and well-rounded app that if I had to choose the best app to learn Spanish while driving, I’d probably pick Mondly.
This smart app provides a series of different ways to learn, including common situational topics, vocabulary builders, language combinations, real conversations, grammar features, and daily lessons. Some are perfect to learn Spanish while driving, while others require your full attention and a more “active” approach.
Pros
- Kids version
- Augmented reality
- Virtual reality
Cons
- Not all activities involve passive learning
- Not Spanish focused
3. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a platform that focuses on conversational language learning and provides 30-minute lessons that you can take anywhere you go. Those core lessons are the best tool that this app offers to learn Spanish while driving.
However, Pimsleur rounds up its array of services with flashcards, games, reading lessons, role-playing activities, and a system of skill badges based on common phrases. If you prefer to focus on conversational Spanish as opposed to grammar, this is the app for you.
Pros
- 30-minute lessons
- No grammar
- Available live and offline
Cons
- Each premium level costs $150
- No grammar
4. FastLingo
This app is for those looking to reinforce their grammar skills while also working on their pronunciation and listening skills. First, Fastlingo explains to users the different grammar concepts in detail. Then, it allows you to record your sentences with your own voice, and gives you the chance to check and correct if needed.
If you want to learn Spanish while driving, listening to your own voice applying previously studied grammar concepts is a good way to go.
Pros
- Record your own sentences
- No internet usage
- Grammar focused
Cons
- Basic design
- Limited free version
- No iPhone version
5. FluentU
This app provides users with audio dialogues that you can listen to while driving. The FluentU approach centers around pop-culture products such as music videos, movie trailers, inspiring talks, and news, which tend to capture your attention and make the learning process more entertaining.
Choose the audios that you plan to listen to the next time you hop in your car, and download them to listen to later offline. Just sync your phone via bluetooth with your car to start listening to Spanish while you drive.
Pros
- Pop culture audios
- Offline usage
Cons
- No grammar
- No complementary activities
6. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone has managed to reinvent itself several times over the years and keep up with the times. The Rosetta Stone app is available in iOS and Android and provides quality online and offline lessons.
Its audio companion lessons are a super way to learn Spanish while driving. It allows you to take a break from screen time and focus on listening to native Spanish speakers.
Pros
- Pronunciation feedback
- Native accent
- 5-10 minute lessons
Cons
- Limited free trial
7. Rocket Languages
This app offers a range of language learning techniques, including writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The latter two are ideal to learn Spanish while driving. Rocket Languages also features flashcards, personalized lists, and voice recognition.
This app uses a balanced approach. Its interactive audio course is a podcast-style version that you can listen to anywhere you go.
Pros
- Downloadable lessons
- Lifetime access
- Culture lessons
Cons
- Limited free trial version
8. Mosalingua
Mosalingua is one of the most complete language learning apps on the market right now. It offers a diversity of tools and activities that help you to learn up to 6,000 key words and expressions and presents them in phases according to your level and schedule.
With Mosalingua, you can create personalized flashcards, learn new words in current news contexts, and learn Spanish while driving or from the comfort of your home.
Pros
- Downloadable audiobooks
- 50+ dialogues
- Slang and idioms
Cons
- 8 languages in 1
- Expensive package to enjoy all features
Download Your Favorite App and Learn Spanish While Driving!
These days, there’s an app for everything, and language learning apps are a hot commodity. However, not every app fits every student. Once you define your goals and how you plan to achieve them, you’ll be able to choose the right app for you.
One of the benefits of downloading the best apps to learn Spanish while driving is that you can make this a family activity and learn Spanish together. Making your family bilingual and becoming fluent together is a great goal that gives new meaning to your car trips together.
Sign up for a free class with one of our certified, native Spanish teachers from Guatemala. Homeschool Spanish Academy delivers individualized Spanish lessons to over 24,000 actively enrolled students every month. Make the most of our flexible schedules and tailored Spanish packages—and enrich this balanced approach with a language learning app.
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