Best Vocabulary Apps 2025 – Top 12

What are the best vocabulary apps for iOS & Android?

The English language is incredibly rich but often we employ no more than a few hundred words when communicating. Thus, everyone can benefit from an improved vocabulary be it for verbal or written communication. Below we list 12 of the best vocabulary apps 2025 to help build a more versatile treasury of words.

Best Vocabulary Apps 2025 – Top 5

Wordela	Promova	Magoosh	Memrise
Desktop, Mobile	iOS, Android	iOS, Android	Desktop, Mobile
$9/month	from $7/month	$39.99	$29.99/year
★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
View Store	View Store	View Store	View Store

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure below.

1. Wordela

Wordela (visit website) was created with the goal in mind to help everyone master the art of language and vocabulary. It is one of the few vocabulary apps that use AI technology and advanced learning algorithms to reach this goal.

Having tried it, Wordela is ideal for users seeking efficient, habitual vocabulary learning with a highly customizable app that supports simultaneous use on multiple devices.

Tip: Wordela Homeschool (visit website) offers multiple accounts and lifetime access and is the better deal if you want something long-term.

The Wordela interface now comes with industry-leading AI technology to support the learning and retention of thousands of word groups. Those are tailored to each user’s learning style, specific subjects, and proficiency levels.

App users will be able to expand their knowledge using the AutoLearn feature and curated word lists that span industries and key areas of knowledge, ranging from K-12 and test preparation to communication vocabulary and business English. Such an approach ensures a quick path to mastering your most important areas of language.

Courses. Wordela also offers step-by-step vocabulary courses, custom wordlists and curated expert word lists, accessing a pool of almost 150,000 words and a 520-million-word corpus. Each word provides access to a dictionary with definitions plus audio pronunciations, additional explanations, and 50-60 usage examples.

Bonus. It doesn’t stop here. The online courses created by eReflect’s extensive team of educators are a great bonus. These include corporate learning courses, brain training, and general productivity education and support.

Overall, Wordela is a comprehensive vocabulary app that delivers a fun way to build your vocabulary and comes with detailed stats to track your progress. Native apps are available for all platforms and browsers with auto synchronization between devices.

Individual: $9 Month. View website.
Homeschool: from $67 lifetime! Visit website.
Apps for: iOS, Android, Browser, MAC, WIN. Rating: ★★★★★
Homeschool: Family $67 – 4 students/2 admins. Big Family $97- 10 students.

2. Promova

Promova (visit website) is a popular vocabulary to help improve your English language skills by learning new words and phrases in a fun and engaging way. Available on all major app platforms, the app offers tailor-made study plans from beginner to more advanced levels. Users can also improve their vocabulary in 9 other languages.

Features – Learning vocabulary is certainly a key part of mastering any language, and English is no exception. The app covers 3000+ words across 40 themed topics and includes idioms, slang words as well as everyday expressions using visual and audio content. Users can focus their vocabulary learning either on general English, business English, or travel English.

Methods – An encouraging feature is Promova’s personal training programs that are based on your level, goals, and desired learning time. This allows you to learn at your own pace and see consistent progress. Using a spaced repetition system, Promova helps users remember new vocabulary and grammar over the long term.

Learning Styles – If you want to take your learning a bit deeper, the vocabulary app also offers courses, 1×1 tutoring, group lessons, speaking classes, and an AI teaching assistant. There is also a community to share experiences and practice your newly learned skills.

To get started, the app offers an online placement test to help you understand your current English vocabulary level providing immediate results and actionable advice to improve further.

Apps for: iOS, Android, Web, Mac | Rating: ★★★★★.
Price: $33.99/3 months. $83.99/year. $299 lifetime.See pricing.
Info: View website. Get up to 50% discount.

3. Memrise

Memrise has been awarded the “Best App” accolade by both Google Play Awards. As a language learning tool, it nevertheless leans heavily on vocabulary building and can be used for that specific purpose. An astonishing 21 languages are on offer! It can be downloaded as an app or it can be accessed through their website, all free of charge. Some of the main features include:

Thousands of courses. Every language on offer is covered by numerous courses. Many of them were designed by Memrise but most of them were created by users. They cover any conceivable topic ranging from vocabulary improvement to terminology used in expert fields. (Drawback: User content may vary in quality.)

Efficient use of mnemonics. The principles of mnemonics have been proven to improve retention and this science is used in a very efficient manner.

Quizzes and self-tests. Every lesson is followed by a quiz and you can test your progress with a self-test anytime you wish. Memrise is one of the best vocabulary apps for languages and most popular by the number of users.

System: Web, iOS, Android
Rating: ★★★★☆

4. Vocab1 (Wordela)

Vocab1 (view store), now Wordela, is one of the most powerful and feature-rich vocabulary apps and works faultlessly on all platforms. A single purchase automatically comes with five user licenses at no additional cost. Entire families can, therefore, use the app. Even better, each user can install it on up to five computers. All the records are stored in the cloud, which makes it possible to use it anywhere.

Scientific approach. Research has shown that you learn vocabulary through the context within which they are used. Vocab1 uses this science to teach you vocab in just two minutes when previously it would have required months of studying. To this end, it employs a massive database of more than 520 million words in context.

Expert word lists. Expert lists (649 of them) allow you to quickly learn words typically used a very specific field. Text, video, images, audio and even scientific markups are all supported. Creating new word lists is easy.

Progress tracking. Nine innovative games will help you learn phrases even more quickly. Everything you do is also tracked and your progress is charted in graph format. This is certainly one of the best vocabulary apps for studying and exam prep.

Additional Resources. Thousands of flashcards, worksheets and word lists can be printed to practice using newly learned words. They can even be used for teaching.

System: iOS, Android, Web Browser
Rating: ★★★★★. Vocab1 is now Wordela. Try for free.
Price: $9/month. View website.

5. WordUp

WordUp uses a unique four-step approach to learning new English words. The premise upon which the app is based is that it is not necessary or useful to learn obscure vocab but rather to learn the most commonly used English words. It is one of those unpretentious vocabulary apps that enjoy excellent feedback from its users.

Test yourself. A comprehensive self-assessment will determine exactly which commonly used words you do not know. No time is therefore wasted on words that you have already mastered.

A personalized learning plan. Using the results of the self-assessment, a map is created, showing your existing knowledge and the gaps in between. The individualized learning plan will focus on filling those gaps.

Customize your learning plan. Everyone learns at his own pace. You may have only a few minutes available every week or you may invest 30 minutes a day. You can also determine the order in which you will be building your new vocabulary.

Learn words. Each new word is now introduced, within the many contexts within which they are used, including slang. In each case, a full definition of the word in that specific context is given.

System: iOS, Android
Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: Free. iOS. | Playstore.

6. Magoosh Vocabulary App

Magoosh is primarily a test prep company, preparing students for SAT, GMAT, GRE, ACT and many other important tests. Their vocabulary apps are part of a pool of other preparation tools they have on offer. Although highly regarded, it focuses on students preparing for specific tests and it is not really suitable for those wishing to improve their general vocabulary.

Test specific vocab. Only 1200 entries are covered in this app, but they are all vocabulary gleaned from numerous previous tests making it one of the most effective and best vocabulary apps for exam preps.

Extensive definitions. Great trouble is taken to clearly define each word, often in various contexts. There are also many examples of how the word is used.

Different competency levels. Basic, Intermediary and Advanced levels allow you to either gradually progress or to save time by skipping a level if you have already mastered many of the words.

Quizzes and social interaction. There are numerous tests to help you make sure you have mastered words and you can even compete with friends online.

System: iOS, Android, Web
Rating: ★★★★☆
Price: Website.

7. Vocabulary.com

At first, Vocabulary.com seems to be a deceptively simple yet effective game designed to help you learn vocabulary. Yes, it is presented in a game format but this highly efficient site packs some serious technological muscle. It is used extensively by students, teachers and anyone else who wants to speak better English.

You decide upon the words. In a major departure from the way other vocabulary apps do it, Vocabulary.com does not offer ready-made word lists. Instead, you type the words you want to learn into a custom list. This is useful for students preparing for SAT, GRE and other tests. (Drawback: It can be difficult knowing which phrases you do not know!)

Create teaching aids. Instead of creating a word list, you can also paste up to 100 pages of text. Vocabulary.com will then create a learning activity based on the text.

Extensive dictionary. Words are defined in easy-to-understand English. The dictionary also provides examples of how the word is used in various contexts.

Many activities and quizzes. Continuous reinforcement through various activities and quizzes make sure that you master your vocabulary.

System: Android, iOS
Rating: ★★★★☆
Pricing: iOS. | Playstore.

8. Anki

Anki is one of the most sophisticated vocabulary apps to help you remember anything, from names to scientific facts to phrases in various languages. Anki uses sets of flashcards that apply the highly efficient principles of spaced repetition. It will run on any device that supports a browser and is not only one of the best vocabulary apps but also suitable for improving your skills on any topic.

Create flashcards. Creating a new set of flashcards is a straightforward process but there are numerous extensive sets of cards that were created by previous users. A set can consist of up to 100,000 cards!

Resources. AnkiWeb allows you to synchronize your cards across as many devices as you wish. It also offers a wealth of ways in which you can personalize your interface.

Media-rich. Text, video, images, audio and even scientific markups are all supported. Learning is further enhanced by the ability to associate an image with a new word.

System: Android, iOS, Browser
Rating: ★★★★★
Pricing: Free. iOS. | Playstore.

9. Vocabulary Builder App

The Vocabulary Builder app is a straightforward and free app to help you learn new English words. It is an offline app, so you do not need internet access to use it although you have to download it from Google Play. Do not expect any bells and whistles or many customization options.

Word list. The main word list consists of 4,000 entries that can be sorted into Important Words and Favourite Words. Each word is defined and an example of its use is given. In addition, synonyms and antonyms are also listed. The use of words in idioms is also covered and can be very helpful. It is possible to add terms to the existing list.

Pronunciation. The proper pronunciation of each word is even available offline.

Tests. Numerous tests and flashcards allow you to assess yourself. Many tests even cover issues related to grammar. Once you have mastered a word, it is moved to a special list called Mastered Words and removed from exercises and tests.

System: Android
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Download: Playstore.

10. Vocab Genius

Vocab Genius also uses the principles of spaced repetition in conjunction with flashcards to teach you vocabulary. It is available through a browser app or via iTunes. While suitable for just about anyone, it is also one of the best vocabulary apps targeting educators and companies.

Numerous flashcard categories. Vocab Genius supplies an initial set of 800 flashcards containing the most difficult yet most useful terms. Each word is defined, used in an example and accompanied by synonyms. There are also thousands of flashcards sets that can be downloaded with some focusing on test preparation (SAT) and other ones covering specific fields such as medicine or another language.

Ideal for educators. A special teacher’s dashboard allows the creation of classes and user accounts. All accounts are synchronized over multiple devices and the progress of each user can be tracked by the teacher.

Media. Similar to other vocabulary apps, images, animations and audio can easily be added to any flashcard. Any text can be formatted too.

System: iOS
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Download: iOS.

11. Ultimate Vocabulary Prep for English, GRE & Exams

As the name says, this vocabulary app is for those preparing for the GRE and other important tests. By using a gaming approach, it tries to make learning a fun activity. It is available for download at both Google Play and iOS app store. Like many other similar vocabulary apps, it uses flashcards extensively.

Comprehensive word list. An intensive study of previous test papers has resulted in a list of 1800 must-know words. Each one is clearly defined and accompanied by many context-relevant examples. Advanced synonyms, antonyms and the pronunciation of each word are also covered.

Visual associations. Most flashcards are associated with images for simplified learning. Quizzes and game activities will help you to assess your progress continually.

Waste no time. A comprehensive self-assessment quickly eliminates those phrases you already know, thus saving you time.

Gradual increase in difficulty. Easier words are dealt with first, building your confidence, As you master phrases, the difficulty level gradually increases.

System: iOS, Android
Rating: ★★★★☆
Download: iOS. | Playstore.

12. VocabMagic

Learn vocabulary through amusing and quirky cartoon characters. Although designed for students preparing for tests such as SAT, GRE, CAT, GMAT, VocabMagic is one of those vocabulary apps to also generally improve your English vocabulary. The focus is on creating a fun learning experience but the underlying method is solidly based on mnemonic principles and flashcards.

All the important stuff. Specialists in SAT, CAT, GRE and other tests have compiled a list of 1,200 words deemed important, both for test purposes and for everyday use.

Detailed word description. The meanings, form, root and pronunciation of each word is given, as well as a list of antonyms and synonyms.

Unlimited tests. Access a database with more than 3,500 questions to test your vocabulary. Instant progress reports help you focus on those phrases giving you trouble.

Huge mnemonic dictionary. Learn much more about any word by using this vast dictionary feature. More research into a word certainly helps to improve retention.

System: Android
Rating: ★★★★☆
Download: Playstore.

13. VocabularySpellingCity

VocabularySpellingCity was originally developed to help students from the large ESOL population in the U.S. to build their vocabulary and text comprehension. It is suitable for students at all language proficiency levels and among the best vocabulary apps for teachers and parents doing homeschooling. However, you will need to register as a premium member to use all of the features.

Fun learning activities. More than 35 interactive games are used to teach students not just new words, but also their meanings. Students also hear, speak and write each word and emphasis is also placed on the correct spelling of each word.

Extensive word lists. Thousands of pre-made word lists at various difficulty levels ensure that no student is ever out of his depth. The key is gradual progress.

Media. Voice recordings, sound boxes, animations and pictures all help enhance the quality of studying and to improve retention.

Tracking/Progress reports. Parents and teachers can track the progress of each student at any time and students can access numerous self-tests whenever they wish.

System: iOS, Android
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Pricing: ios. | Playstore.

Vocabulary Apps 2025 – Verdict

Summarizing our review of vocabulary apps. It does not matter what your particular vocabulary improvement needs are: there is an app that will help you to achieve your goals.

All the ‘best vocabulary apps’ described above have received great feedback from users. It may be a good idea to try a few vocabulary builder apps first as many of them are free to test.

The bottom line is that improving your vocabulary may be one of the best things you have ever done for yourself. This applies to your native language or a second or even third one you learn. Grow your expertise in any field by developing your ability to say things in a different way and from a different angle or perspective.

Recommendation – We do not want to recommend any of the mentioned vocabulary apps in particular as they all have their strengths and weaknesses. However, we liked those vocabulary apps that emphasized context and customization e.g. Vocab1, WordUp or Magoosh. Below is a quick summary of all the resources mentioned in this post.

What are the best vocabulary apps in your opinion?

Additional Vocabulary Apps

• Power Vocab Word Game
• SAT Vocab Genius
• Wordio (many languages)
• Learn English Vocabulary
• Vocabador
• QuizLet

Word-of-the-Day Apps

• Word of the Day: Learn English
• RishAbh Vocabulary Builder app
• Word of the Day – Vocabulary Builder
• DictionaryCom – Word of the Day

Vocabulary Apps for Kids

• KnowWord
• Words with Friends

Tip 1 – Ingrain what you learn. There is no reason to repeat each word 100 times without actually using it. Sharpen your senses to spot new words in the wild and the context they are being used. Vocabulary apps will certainly suggest interesting words but it is up to us to actually use them and understand their meaning by heart.

Tip 2 – Try to visualize phrases even though they might sound very abstract when you hear them first. This way you will ingrain new knowledge effectively as you use the brain’s ability to identify and process shapes, smells, colors, or movements.

Tip 3 – The best vocabulary apps provide great resources to learn new phrases within a context or even an entire language. However, other factors can influence how much and fast you can learn. Probably the most common tip you will come across is to lead a healthy lifestyle that allows your brain to work properly. There are many articles about teaching you how to sleep or eat better or to balance work, education, and recreation.

Resources: Speed Reading Apps | Udemy Courses – Top Skills

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to some providers of vocabulary apps. Speed Reading Lounge may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. It does not add any extra costs. All reviews, opinions, descriptions, and comparisons expressed here are our own.