Mosalingua vs. Babbel: Two Different Styles, One Clear Winner!

Photo Credit: © Katrin Adam

Mosalingua or Babbel – Which language course is better? We tested both language-learning solutions and compare them in this article. Which one will score higher by the end of this head-to-head?

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Table of Contents

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Mosalingua vs. Babbel – The Competitors at a Glance

Similarities: Where Mosalingua and Babbel Overlap

At first glance, based on marketing alone, Mosalingua and Babbel might appear similar. Both offer digital learning via app and web, alongside extra content and bite-sized lessons. However, their core approaches already differ, and so does how they’re implemented:

Differences: How Mosalingua and Babbel Diverge

Now let’s dig into the specifics. Although the courses are marketed in similar ways, their underlying concepts are entirely different. Babbel is a classic language course, delivering a school-like mix of vocabulary and grammar in small steps. Mosalingua’s heart, on the other hand, is a customizable vocabulary trainer enriched by a range of high-quality features. It uses AI-assisted learning and provides a variety of formats: grammar explanations, native-speaker videos, and even full learning stories.

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Babbel also stands out as the only one of the two to offer live classes through “Babbel Live.” The two platforms also differ significantly in scope and design—read on:

Mosalingua or Babbel – Scope and Features

Babbel offers 14 foreign languages for English speakers, focusing mainly on popular European options. Mosalingua currently provides 9 languages, with more in development. Both cover common choices, but Mosalingua also includes languages like Korean or Japanese.

Babbel’s well-designed interface includes additional features such as audio lessons and quick learning games. The live online classes offered by Babbel are definitely a highlight. Mosalingua also excels with its range of functions: AI-based learning is seamlessly integrated into the vocabulary trainer, and there’s no shortage of authentic materials for self-guided practice. We’ll call this one:

– A Point for Both –

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While this next category may not be a core aspect of the course, an intuitive and visually appealing interface is definitely a plus. No one wants to click through three tabs to find what they need. So, how do our contenders perform here?

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Mosalingua vs. Babbel – User-Friendliness

Both providers feature a well-organized interface. Babbel might feel slightly more intuitive, but Mosalingua compensates with extra functions—naturally requiring more menu tabs. Mosalingua does offer an excellent onboarding experience: every feature you click for the first time opens a pop-up with an explanation, ensuring you quickly learn what Mosalingua can do. Babbel, meanwhile, keeps things more streamlined, labeling its menus in a clearer way. Overall, we’ll say:

– A Point for Both –

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That covers design and features, but let’s move on to the heart of any language course: the learning method and how it’s applied. Which one does better—Mosalingua or Babbel?

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Mosalingua or Babbel – Learning Approach

Babbel (right) follows a traditional, school-like structure. You move through themed lessons that start by introducing new vocabulary and grammar, followed by practice exercises.

Mosalingua (left), meanwhile, focuses on vocabulary training and self-guided grammar study. Its foundation is the Spaced Repetition System (SRS), which helps you place new vocabulary into your long-term memory more effectively. The course also features freeform AI-assisted conversation practice, which currently outperforms most other language apps we’ve seen. It’s a close call, but:

– Point goes to Mosalingua –

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A top-notch language course doesn’t help much if you don’t use it. Alongside an effective learning method, motivational tools can be key. So how do Babbel and Mosalingua measure up here?

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Mosalingua or Babbel – Motivation

Neither provider has a particularly advanced motivation system. In that regard, many language apps could take a page from Duolingo. Babbel has a few small learning games (with somewhat questionable target audiences), and Mosalingua features a leaderboard that’s rather impersonal and doesn’t allow for direct comparisons with other users.

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There’s room for improvement in both cases. In the meantime, techniques like Self-Nudging or our motivation tips can help you stay on track!

– A Point for Both –

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A good language course is great, but the price must match the value you get. More features, languages, and better methodology can justify a higher cost. So where do Babbel and Mosalingua stand on that front?

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Mosalingua vs. Babbel: Value for Money

Mosalingua lets you try a limited free version that mainly offers the vocabulary trainer. Beyond that, the full courses cost $5.99 per month (annual plan) or $9.99 on a monthly basis. A lifetime subscription is occasionally available, for example on Black Friday.

Babbel doesn’t provide free content, but for as low as €6.99 per month (depending on the subscription), you can learn one language ad-free. See the full Babbel cost overview here. A lifetime deal is also often available, letting you learn all available languages for around €299—great value! Both courses are fairly priced and bring solid returns, but Mosalingua’s lower cost and free content tip the scales slightly in its favor. Hence:

– Point goes to Mosalingua –

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That wraps up our five categories in detail. Let’s check out the final results:

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The Point Tally

Conclusion – Mosalingua or Babbel: Which One Wins?

When we compare Mosalingua to Babbel directly, the former comes out on top with a 5:3 win. Its well-executed vocabulary-focused approach and wealth of extra features make a strong impression. Both could benefit from stronger motivation tools, but you can always use tips and tricks such as Self-Nudging or the 1-Meter Hack to keep yourself going.

Can Mosalingua also hold its own against other language courses? We put it to the test in other matchups, like Mosalingua vs. Mondly.

No matter which language course you ultimately choose, be sure to use it consistently. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below! We would love to hear your take on this.