Can Busuu really help you learn a language? This study says yes!
When it comes to learning a new language, it’s hard to know what method truly works. That’s why we commissioned an independent efficacy study to put Busuu’s approach to the test.
The results are in: Busuu helps you speak a new language faster. With insights from 97 countries, this study confirms what Busuu learners have been experiencing for years – real progress at every level, backed by science.
Some of the study’s highlights:
- Just 15.6 hours with Premium can get a beginner to a first-semester university language level
- Almost three-quarters of Premium learners improved their speaking skills
- Over 70% of learners improved their vocabulary and grammar
Whether you’re a complete beginner or honing your skills, Busuu helps you achieve your language goals faster and more effectively. This study saw all learners gain confidence in speaking, grammar and vocabulary, with every lesson bringing them closer to fluency.
Here’s a closer look at the findings and why they make Busuu the best choice for language learning.
The study
The independent study included 1,205 learners who used Busuu to practice English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Japanese over a two-month period. Participants ranged from complete beginners to advanced learners, all sharing the same goal—to improve their language skills.
To better understand the impact of Busuu, participants were divided into two groups: one using Busuu’s free version and the other using Busuu Premium, which offers extra content and features. Progress was carefully tracked in all groups.
The best bits
- Real progress for all learners
Remarkably, every learner in the study showed progress. From early-stage beginners to advanced users, everyone using Busuu saw measurable gains in speaking skills, as well as vocabulary and grammar. The study confirmed our mission to help learners at all levels move from silent studying to confident speaking.
- The Premium advantage
Speaking is often the hardest part of learning a new language, but it’s also often the most important. This is where Busuu Premium shines, helping learners improve their speaking skills faster with smart, personalised tools.
Here’s what the study found:
- Faster progress for beginners: Beginners using Premium were 20% more likely to improve their speaking proficiency than free learners – so if you’re new to a language, Busuu Premium makes it easier to get started and make progress.
- Improvement for everyone: Premium isn’t just for beginners. Premium learners at all levels saw nearly 10% more progress in speaking skills compared to free learners. That means it’s a faster, more effective way to boost your language skills.
- Better than school: With 15 hours of study (that’s just 2 hours a week for 2 months) learners reached the same level as a first-semester university language course. That’s learning made easy for even the busiest schedules.
- Get better at grammar and vocabulary, too
Busuu doesn’t just help with speaking – it improves other essential skills too. The study showed that over 77% of Premium learners strengthened their vocabulary and grammar (although free learners weren’t far behind, at 72%).
This means that Busuu helps you learn a language by focusing on the basics that matter most. These skills are the building blocks for long-term success, making it easier to keep learning and improving.
What thousands of learners thought about Busuu
Whether you’re practising basic greetings or tackling advanced topics, we want Busuu to be the bridge between where you are and where you want to go.
So we were pleased to hear that Busuu helps you love learning, with 94% of learners reporting they enjoy using Busuu and 96% highlighting how easy it is to use.
Ready to speak a new language faster?
The science is in, the results are real, and the message is simple. Busuu works. It helps you make real progress, fast. No matter your starting point, it’s the tool that turns your language-learning goals into achievements.
If you’ve been doubting whether language-learning apps can truly deliver, this reinforces that Busuu can. So what are you waiting for? Take your first step on a language-learning adventure with Busuu today—for free! With Busuu, progress is proven. And if you’re one of those data-loving types who enjoys geeking out over stats, you can check out the full study here.
