DEV Community: Sienna

Best Underrated Language Learning Apps You Need to Try

Sienna — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:00:25 +0000

When people talk about language learning apps, Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone usually come up first. They’re popular for a reason, but they’re not the only options worth exploring.

Some smaller or less talked-about apps focus on things that traditional language courses don’t always emphasize. You might want to understand casual conversations, learn vocabulary through real sentences, or practice with content you actually enjoy.

The best app also depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Learning enough to travel comfortably is different from preparing for an exam or trying to speak naturally with friends.

Here are five underrated language learning apps worth checking out, each with a different approach to learning.

1. Mango Languages
Best for learning through conversations

Mango Languages is a good alternative for learners who prefer practical conversations over isolated vocabulary exercises.

Its lessons focus on useful phrases and conversational situations, helping learners see how words fit together. Cultural notes also add context, which can be helpful when you’re learning how people communicate in another country.

For example, learning how to order food or introduce yourself is more useful when you understand how the entire exchange might sound, rather than memorizing a single phrase without context.

Mango Languages is particularly appealing to beginners who want a more structured learning experience. Depending on where you live, access may also be available through a participating library or educational institution.

It’s not necessarily the flashiest app, but its conversation-focused approach makes it worth exploring.

Try it if: You want structured lessons that help you prepare for common real-life situations.

2. Do This Lingo
Best for everyday expressions, slang, and sounding more natural

Learning a language from a textbook can teach you a lot, but there’s another side of language that often gets overlooked: how people actually speak in everyday life.

DoThisLingo focuses on a side of language learning that traditional lessons can sometimes overlook: everyday speech. It introduces learners to slang, shortcuts, casual phrases, and local expressions that people use in daily conversations.

Think about the difference between understanding a grammatically correct sentence and recognizing the casual expression someone uses while chatting with a friend. Both matter, but they serve different purposes.

DoThisLingo is built around that more informal side of language. It’s a useful option for people who want to go beyond memorizing basic phrases and start getting comfortable with everyday communication.

It’s also not limited to one specific reason for learning. You might be preparing for a trip, connecting with someone who speaks another language, learning for work, or simply exploring a language because you’re interested in it.

For learners studying Tagalog, for example, understanding casual expressions can help make conversations feel less unfamiliar. The same general idea applies to anyone trying to understand the language people use outside formal lessons.

DoThisLingo is especially appealing if conventional language apps feel too much like studying from a textbook. It gives learners a different angle to explore, with a focus on the expressions that make a language feel more alive.

Try it if: You want to become more familiar with slang, informal expressions, and the way people speak in everyday situations.

3. Clozemaster
Best for learning vocabulary in context

Memorizing individual words is one thing. Knowing how to recognize and use them in a sentence is another.

Clozemaster helps bridge that gap through fill-in-the-blank exercises. You see a sentence with a missing word and choose or enter the word that fits.

This makes vocabulary practice feel different from simply reviewing flashcards. Instead of seeing a word by itself, you get clues from the surrounding sentence and begin to understand how the word works in context.

It’s particularly useful for learners who already know some basic vocabulary and want to expand their knowledge. Beginners can explore it too, although some exercises may feel challenging without a foundation in the language.

One thing to keep in mind is that sentence-based practice isn’t the same as having a real conversation. You’ll still want listening and speaking practice if your goal is to communicate comfortably.

Still, Clozemaster can be a useful addition to a language-learning routine, especially when you’re tired of reviewing the same basic words.

Try it if: You want to expand your vocabulary and practice recognizing words in complete sentences.

4. LingQ
Best for learning through reading and listening

Some learners enjoy traditional lessons, while others make more progress when they explore content that interests them.

LingQ is designed for the second group. It lets learners work with reading and listening materials, look up unfamiliar words, and save vocabulary as they go.

That means your learning can revolve around content that feels relevant to you, whether it’s an article, a story, a podcast, or another supported piece of material.

This approach can make language study feel less repetitive. Instead of completing exercise after exercise, you’re gradually working through content and noticing how the language is used.

LingQ can be especially useful once you’ve learned enough vocabulary to understand at least part of what you’re reading or hearing. Complete beginners may need simpler lessons first, since authentic content can feel overwhelming when nearly every sentence contains unfamiliar words.

It also works best when you choose materials that match your current level. Starting with something far too difficult can turn an interesting reading session into a constant search for translations.

Try it if: You enjoy reading, listening to content, and learning new words along the way.

5. Drops
Best for quick vocabulary practice

Drops takes a more visual approach to learning vocabulary. Its short sessions use illustrations and interactive exercises to help learners connect words with their meanings.

This can be appealing if you have only a few minutes to spare during the day. You could practice while waiting for an appointment, taking a break, or commuting.

The visual format also offers a change of pace for learners who find text-heavy lessons tiring. Seeing a picture alongside a new word can make vocabulary practice more engaging.

However, vocabulary is only one part of learning a language. Knowing the names of objects doesn’t automatically mean you’ll know how to form sentences or follow a conversation.

Drops works best as a supplement to other forms of practice, particularly if you’re pairing it with an app that covers everyday expressions, listening, or sentence structure.

Try it if: You want short, visual vocabulary sessions that fit into a busy schedule.

How to Choose the Right Language Learning App
You don’t necessarily need to pay for several apps or use every tool on this list. Start with the one that matches your biggest learning goal.

For structured conversations: Mango Languages offers guided lessons built around practical exchanges.

For everyday expressions and slang: DoThisLingo focuses on the informal side of language that learners also need to understand.
For vocabulary in sentences: Clozemaster helps you recognize words in context.

For reading and listening: LingQ lets you learn through content that interests you.

For quick vocabulary practice: Drops offers short, visual exercises.

You can also combine two apps if their strengths complement each other. For example, you might use Drops for vocabulary practice and DoThisLingo to explore slang and everyday expressions. Just make sure you leave room for listening to the language and using what you’ve learned.

Final Thoughts
The most popular language learning app isn’t automatically the best one for you. Sometimes, a less obvious option fits your learning style much better.

If you prefer structured conversations, Mango Languages is worth a look. If you want to build vocabulary through sentences, Clozemaster offers a different kind of practice. And if you enjoy learning through reading and listening, LingQ may suit you better.

For learners who want to understand more than formal vocabulary and basic greetings, DoThisLingo is another strong option to explore. Its focus on slang, casual phrases, and everyday expressions gives you a different way to approach language learning.

The important thing is to choose an app you’ll actually use. A short practice session you enjoy and repeat regularly can be more useful than a complicated routine you abandon after a week.

Try one that matches your goal, give yourself time to build a habit, and remember that learning a language is about more than completing lessons. It’s about gradually becoming comfortable enough to understand and communicate with other people.

5 Browser Automation Tools for People Who Don't Know How to Code in 2026

Sienna — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 02:32:59 +0000

Compare five browser automation tools, from beginner-friendly no-code platforms to popular automation frameworks, and find the right way to automate repetitive web tasks.

Browser automation tools help you automate repetitive actions on websites, such as filling out forms, collecting data, clicking buttons, and moving information between web pages.

You don't necessarily need programming skills to get started. Some browser automation tools let you describe tasks in plain English or build workflows visually. Others, like Selenium and Playwright, are popular options for developers who want more control over automated browser testing and interactions.

If you're looking for ways to automate browser tasks without coding, here are five tools worth knowing about in 2026.

1. WorkBeaver: Best for No-Code Browser and Computer Automation

WorkBeaver is an AI automation tool designed for people who want to automate repetitive computer tasks without writing code.

You describe the workflow in plain English, and WorkBeaver can carry out supported actions across websites, browser tabs, desktop applications, files, and spreadsheets.

For example, imagine you regularly visit a website, collect customer information, enter it into a spreadsheet, and download a report. Instead of repeating those steps manually, you can describe the process you want to automate.

Key Features

Plain-English instructions for describing workflows
Browser automation across websites and forms
Repetitive data entry and spreadsheet updates
File downloads and organization
Automation across supported desktop applications
Repeatable workflows for routine administrative work

WorkBeaver is worth considering if you're not a developer and want to automate actual computer tasks rather than build a script or connect apps through individual integrations.

Its broader computer automation focus also makes it useful for tasks that extend beyond the browser, such as handling files or working with desktop applications.

2. Axiom.ai: Best for Building No-Code Browser Bots

Axiom.ai is a browser automation platform that lets users build bots through a visual interface instead of writing traditional code.

Its Chrome extension helps automate repetitive website interactions, including clicking elements, filling out forms, and collecting information from web pages.

For example, you could create a browser bot to gather information from a directory and organize the results in a spreadsheet.

Key Features

Visual browser automation builder
Website data extraction
Form filling and repetitive clicking
Multi-step browser workflows
Automation for recurring web tasks

Axiom.ai is a good option if you prefer creating an automation by arranging steps in a visual builder. However, you may need some time to understand how to configure workflows for more complicated websites.

3. Bardeen: Best for Browser Automation and App Workflows

Bardeen helps automate browser-based work, especially research, data collection, and repetitive tasks involving business applications.

It offers prebuilt automations and workflow tools that can help users collect information from websites and move it into supported apps.

For example, someone working in sales might collect prospect information from online sources and transfer the relevant details into a spreadsheet or CRM.

Key Features

Browser-based research automation
Lead and prospect data collection
Spreadsheet workflows
Connections to supported applications
Prebuilt automation templates

Bardeen is worth exploring if your work involves gathering information online and transferring it to other tools. Its focus on browser workflows and app connections makes it different from tools designed primarily for direct computer interaction.

4. Selenium: Best for Custom Browser Automation

Selenium is one of the best-known browser automation frameworks. Developers use it to control browsers, test websites, and automate interactions such as clicking buttons, entering text, and navigating pages.

Unlike no-code tools, Selenium typically requires programming knowledge. It supports multiple programming languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript.

For example, a developer might create a script that opens a website, fills in a form, submits it, and checks whether the expected result appears.

Key Features

Automated browser interactions
Website and web application testing
Support for multiple programming languages
Cross-browser testing capabilities
Flexible, customizable automation scripts

Selenium is a powerful option for developers who want control over browser automation. However, if you don't know how to code and simply want to automate repetitive work, a no-code tool may be easier to start with.

5. Playwright: Best for Modern Browser Testing and Automation

Playwright is a browser automation framework developed by Microsoft. It is commonly used to test web applications and automate browser interactions across supported browser engines.

It can handle actions such as navigating pages, filling forms, clicking buttons, taking screenshots, and checking whether elements appear as expected.

Like Selenium, Playwright is primarily aimed at developers and usually requires writing code.

Key Features

Browser automation for web applications
Automated end-to-end testing
Support for Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit
Automatic waiting for many browser actions
Screenshots, assertions, and debugging tools

Playwright is particularly useful for developers who need reliable, repeatable browser tests. For someone who has never programmed, however, its scripting-based approach can create a learning curve.

WorkBeaver vs Axiom.ai vs Bardeen vs Selenium vs Playwright

These five tools all relate to browser automation, but they target different users.

WorkBeaver: Automate browser and computer tasks using plain-English instructions.
Axiom.ai: Build no-code browser bots through a visual workflow builder.
Bardeen: Automate web research, data collection, and supported app workflows.
Selenium: Write custom browser automation scripts and automated website tests.
Playwright: Build modern browser automation and end-to-end tests using code.

The biggest distinction is that WorkBeaver, Axiom.ai, and Bardeen offer approaches that can be accessible to non-developers, while Selenium and Playwright are primarily coding-based frameworks.

Which Browser Automation Tool Should You Choose?

The right tool depends on your experience and the tasks you want to automate.

Choose WorkBeaver if you want to describe repetitive computer work in plain English and automate supported tasks across websites, browser tabs, desktop applications, and files.

Choose Axiom.ai if you prefer building browser bots through a visual interface.

Choose Bardeen if you frequently collect information from websites and move it into supported business applications.

Choose Selenium if you're a developer who wants a flexible framework for browser automation and website testing.

Choose Playwright if you need code-based browser automation, especially for testing modern web applications.

Final Thoughts

Browser automation isn't only for developers, but the tool you choose makes a difference.

WorkBeaver, Axiom.ai, and Bardeen offer options for people who want to automate repetitive tasks without building traditional scripts. Selenium and Playwright are established frameworks for users who need more technical control over browser automation.

If you don't know how to code, start with a tool that matches the way you already work. For plain-English computer automation, explore WorkBeaver. If you want to build visual browser bots, look at Axiom.ai. And if you're learning web development, Selenium and Playwright are useful frameworks to explore as your skills grow.