Drops vs Lingvist

Drops teaches vocabulary in over 40 languages through short, icon-driven games rather than grammar drills, pairing each word with an illustration to build recall through visual association and spaced repetition. The free tier caps sessions at 5 minutes a day, a deliberate constraint meant to build a daily micro-habit instead of encouraging long study blocks.

Lingvist is a language-learning app focused on vocabulary acquisition, using an AI-driven spaced repetition algorithm to identify which words a learner is about to forget and resurface them at the right time. Rather than fixed lesson units, it places new learners at an appropriate difficulty level automatically and prioritizes practical, high-frequency vocabulary drawn from real sentences. The app covers over 60 languages under one subscription and includes a Custom Decks feature for building vocabulary lists around a specific interest, job, or industry. Lingvist also offers a classroom product for teachers, and the core app is ad-free across its mobile and web versions.

• Fast, visually engaging way to build vocabulary
• Effective spaced repetition for retention
• Works offline
• Large language selection (40+)

• Spaced repetition adapts specifically to what an individual learner forgets
• One subscription unlocks 60+ languages instead of paying per language
• Custom Decks let learners focus vocabulary on their own interests or job
• No ads interrupting lessons

• Not designed to teach grammar or conversation skills
• Free tier's 5-minute cap is restrictive
• Best used alongside another learning method, not standalone

• Exact subscription price is not shown on the main marketing page
• Focuses on vocabulary rather than full conversational or grammar instruction
• Fewer gamification elements than some competing language apps