Overview

LingQ is a language-learning app for independent learners who want to study through reading and listening to content they choose. Its strongest case is flexibility: supported imports can turn material from several major services into lessons. The free tier is a useful introduction, but its small saving and import caps make sustained use a paid-plan decision.

Key features

LingQ’s approach centers on reading and listening, with learners discovering unfamiliar words in context and returning to them through personalized review. A placement test is available, and the service supports 52 languages. Premium members can study any number of supported languages at once, which suits curious learners who do not want to commit to just one.

The LingQ Importer browser extension turns browser content into interactive lessons, and the service supports imports from Netflix, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, Apple TV, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. That makes it appealing to learners who already have material they want to follow; it is less compelling for someone seeking only a fixed course sequence. Offline access is also included as a membership feature.

On the free plan, learners can save 20 words and phrases, create five lessons from imported content, and use one audio playlist. Those limits are enough to try the workflow, but frequent importers or vocabulary collectors will reach them quickly. Points can be earned by tutoring, referring friends, and sharing Library lessons.

Pricing

LingQ uses a freemium model. Membership prices are in USD, charged upfront for the selected duration, and recur until canceled. There are no setup fees, long-term contracts, or cancellation fees; users can cancel trial or subscription auto-renewal at any time. Plans can be upgraded, downgraded, or canceled at any time, with plan changes taking effect immediately.

Free — 0.00 USD per free: Includes 20 saved words and phrases, five imported lessons, and one audio playlist. It is best for sampling the method, not for learners who expect to import regularly or build a large vocabulary collection.
Premium — 215.76 USD per year: The listed term is 24 months, with 40% off. It includes unlimited saved words and imported lessons, full sentence translations, and offline access. It is the practical fit for learners who want to use their own content without the free caps; the upfront commitment and recurring billing matter more than the monthly-equivalent shorthand.
Premium Plus — 269.99 USD per year: The listed term is 12 months, with 25% off. It adds 6x audio transcription, AI voices, Advanced Lynx Chat, and AI simplified lessons. It suits learners who want those added tools; Premium is the more focused choice for unlimited imports, vocabulary saving, translations, and offline use.

Platforms

LingQ is available on Android, iOS, and the web, with a browser extension for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. Its mix of mobile, browser, and cloud access fits learners who move between devices and web content.

Who it's for

LingQ is best for self-directed learners who want to build study around real-world content and revisit vocabulary they encounter along the way. It is a weaker fit for anyone who needs an unrestricted free plan or prefers a learning experience that does not depend on importing material.

Pros and cons

Pro: Imports from services including Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ let learners build lessons around material they already want to consume.
Pro: Premium removes the saved-word and imported-lesson caps and adds offline access, making regular content-led study more workable.
Pro: Access to all 52 supported languages and simultaneous study of as many as desired gives multilingual learners room to explore.
Con: The free ceiling of 20 saved items and five imported lessons restricts the two activities central to LingQ’s approach.
Con: Premium’s listed 24-month term is a substantial upfront commitment, even though it has no long-term contract or cancellation fee.

Alternatives

Language Immersion Apps and Language learning apps are useful starting points for comparing the wider category.

Readlang is another freemium option across Android, iOS, web, and browser extension; consider it if you want to compare a reading-oriented alternative.
E-clair is a free-plan option on iOS and Android, with collection and transcription limits; it may suit learners who want to compare a mobile alternative.
Beelinguapp offers unlocked stories and news with glossary and flashcard practice on iOS and Android; choose it if that story-based format is a closer fit.
SpeakAccent has a free iOS plan centered on a native-language podcast player, with one learning language and limited translations and study.
News in Slow Spanish offers a $6.90 USD per month audio-only Spain or Latino edition with audio and Rooms but no transcripts or lessons; it is a focused option for Spanish learners seeking that format.
Lingopie offers a 7-day free trial with full access to its content, languages, and features; consider it if you want a time-limited way to explore that service.
News in Slow Italian has audio-only at $5.90 USD per month, or Full Access at $19.90; consider it if you want an Italian-focused alternative.

Verdict

Choose LingQ if you want to turn your own real-world reading and listening into language study, especially across multiple languages. Its imports, contextual vocabulary review, and offline access make Premium the stronger fit for regular learners. Look elsewhere if the free tier must support sustained study or you prefer a more fixed, course-led approach.

	LingQ	Tobo
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	$17.98/mo	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, extension, iOS, Web	iOS, Android
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$8.99/mo	—
Offline lessons	Yes	—
Placement test	Yes	—
Personalized review	Yes	Yes
Mobile apps	Yes	Yes
Languages offered	52	35
Speech practice	—	No

LingQ vs Tobo

LingQ

Tobo