Memrise is a partly free French app for beginner and intermediate learners (A1–B1). Native-speaker clips for beginners; a supplement, not a course.
Checked October 2026 on the official site ·
About Memrise
Memrise teaches useful French vocabulary and phrases with short videos of native speakers and speaking practice. The free plan has limited lessons and videos with ads; the paid plan unlocks everything without ads. It suits a beginner who wants to hear real people say everyday phrases. It is phrase-learning, not a full course, and it will not take you past the basics on its own.
How it compares
| App | Price | Levels | Real-speed French | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memrise | Free plan; paid plan: see site | A1–B1 | Yes | Native-speaker clips for beginners; a supplement, not a course. |
| Duolingo | Free; paid plans: see site | A1–B1 | No | The easiest free habit for week one; plan what comes after it. |
| Drops | Free version; Premium: see site | A1–A2 | No | Fast, pretty vocabulary games for beginners; no grammar, no sentences. |
| Busuu | Free tier; Premium: see site | A1–B2 | No | A solid A1 to B2 path with a usable free tier. |
| French with AmélieRuns this site | Free weekly lesson; Premium $24/mo or $240/yr | B1–C1 | Yes, with a slow version and a transcript | Real-speed dialogues by email and a private podcast. Not an app. Visit |
