Learning new languages online has never been easier, and Spanish is no different. Spanish, as a language, is becoming more prevalent in our society. Those who learn how to speak it have a definite advantage over those who don’t. Whether you live in a multicultural area and communicating in Spanish would make life easier, it’s a preferred skill for the type of job you want, or you engage in international business in Spanish-speaking locations, the easiest way to learn the language is through convenient online courses.
We’ve featured the top 11 online Spanish courses available and each offers different features that will appeal to different types of learners. Choose the best course for you and immerse yourself in a rapidly growing language and culture.
1. Rocket Languages Spanish
Our top pick for online Spanish courses comes from Rocket Languages. This course is designed for beginners looking to become completely proficient in the Spanish language. The course begins by teaching the most useful words and language components first and continues on with more comprehensive and in-depth lessons. There are three available levels for this course, available in three different packages. The first package is level 1 which takes you from beginner to intermediate. The second package includes level 1 and level 2 and takes you from beginner to advanced. The third and final package includes levels 1, 2, and 3; this package takes you from beginner to advanced as well but also offers more, such as more lesson hours and more phrases.
Rocket Languages’ Spanish course teaches all the components for truly understanding the language, from accent to listening skills to retention. This course includes 20-minute interactive audio lessons, language and culture lessons, pronunciation lessons, activities, and even flashcards to help with practice and testing, along with other additional features. Rocket Languages also offers a mobile app so you can practice your Spanish skills whether you are out and about or at home.
2. 3 Minute Spanish – Course 1 (Udemy)
Designed for the complete beginner and structured with lessons only three minutes long each, the 3 Minute Spanish – Course 1 on Udemy is ideal for those who are too busy to sit down to long lectures or many pages of reading. It’s also perfect for people who feel overwhelmed at the thought of learning a new language. The three-minute chunks give you everything you need to know in a quick lesson that you can then practice immediately, building on all the previous three-minute lectures you’ve studied. Not only will you learn to speak the language, but you’ll also have a strong understanding of the written language and grammar. You’ll also practice listening to phrases and conversations in Spanish so you can keep up with dialog.
Over 2,600 students have already enrolled in this course and nearly all would recommend it to others looking to learn how to speak Spanish. Approximately 5.5 hours of video are available online and with lifetime access to the course and resources, you’ll always be able to come back for a refresher course if needed. After completing the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion and be able to speak confidently with conversational Spanish.
3. Babbel
When you first visit the Babbel website you will immediately take a short quiz that will help them, and you, determine your existing knowledge of the Spanish language. In case you know how to listen but not read, or read but not listen, the questions are asked in several ways. The course is designed to give you real-life experience that you can immediately put to use in speaking with native Spanish speakers in your community. This not only continues to build upon the skills learned through the course but gives you the confidence to begin speaking in Spanish.
Babbel focuses on self-paced learning. When things are busy one week, you won’t have to stress even more worrying about completing a lesson. When you do have time to sit down and study and may be able to complete more than one lesson, you can do that as well. This flexibility makes Babbel perfect for busy workers, moms, students and more. Available via a mobile app as well, you can learn on the go. There are discounts for business bundled courses and you can even gift a subscription to someone else so they can learn how to speak Spanish on Babbel.
4. BaseLang
BaseLang has developed a unique and exciting way to learn how to speak Spanish. Through their Grammarless¢¢ course, you are immersed in the language in much the same way as you were when you learned your native language. You learn in the same order as well instead of focusing on the memorization of word and phrase meanings or grammar. You’ll jump right into the language and learn as you go with this untraditional approach. With this new style of learning, you could be four weeks away from enjoying a full half-hour conversation in Spanish.
BaseLang also offers another Spanish speaking course called Real World. These two courses offer different curriculums and require different time commitments. For the Grammarless¢¢ course, you are only given a certain amount of time to study but that should be all you need. Other courses allow you to study at your own pace. However, each course is designed for the beginner who may not have any experience with the Spanish language.
5. Learn Spanish: Basic Spanish Vocabulary Specialization (Coursera)
In the traditional learning environment, the focus is placed on learning the vocabulary of a new language before diving into using that vocabulary to hold conversations. This emphasis on vocabulary can seem daunting as there are a nearly indeterminable number of words and phrases in any language that should be learned. The Basic Spanish Vocabulary Specialization available on Coursera offers immersive learning so you can easily remember and then learn how to use this Spanish vocabulary when applying it to the rules of grammar.
Over 15,000 students have enrolled in this course and with a relatively low minimum time commitment of just 5 hours each week over 7 months, it’s easy to develop your Spanish speaking skills over time. To complete the specialization, you’ll be asked to work on a hands-on and immersive project to both prove what you’ve learned and further challenge your skills. The University of California at Davis offers this specialization, typically part of its degree program. Earn your certificate of completion and easily share the achievement on your LinkedIn profile.
6. Duolingo
Probably one of the most recognizable names in mobile apps for language learning Duolingo gamifies the process of learning how to speak Spanish (and other languages are also available to learn). With a daily reminder notification, you access the app to learn as many XP, or experience points, as you set up as your goal. Starting with a quick quiz to understand your current level of understanding and to familiarize yourself with the fun graphics of the app, you can get started learning the first important words and phrases in just minutes.
The Duolingo platform is also available online and offers an easy-to-use dashboard. This dashboard shows you where you are in your learning progression and how you’ve been scoring along the way. You’ll listen to native speakers say each word or phrase and, once you get farther into the learning process, even complete sentences. If ads get in your way, you can remove them with a subscription, but you can also take advantage of the game-like platform for free.
7. Basic Spanish 1: Getting Started (edX)
Taught by instructors at the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, the Basic Spanish 1 course is designed for the complete beginner with no existing knowledge of the Spanish language. Through videos that teach you the language with both subtitles and with contextual clues, you’ll easily be able to hold a conversation in Spanish at the end of the 7-week course. Performance tests help show you where you should continue to study and what concepts you’ve already mastered. Not only will you learn the Spanish language, but you will also learn more about Spanish culture which drives much of the language.
After completing the final achievement test, you can upgrade your course to receive a verified certificate that can then be used on your resume, LinkedIn profile, etc. If you’d like to take the skills you’ve learned during this course and expand them, the same university offers Basic Spanish 2: One Step Further, also on edX. With a commitment of just 4-5 hours each week, you could learn conversational Spanish in less than 8 weeks. If needed, you can take more time to complete the course and finish your learning of the Spanish language basics.
8. Lengalia
If you’ve ever taken an online course that’s part of a larger program, such as a specialization or a degree, you’ve likely noticed that the structure of the course is different than some other types of online learning courses. Lengalia brings the virtual classroom to your computer with a focus on Spanish language learning for the absolute beginner. You’ll be provided with videos, podcasts, and reading assignments to help you learn the skills necessary to complete the provided exercises. To further prove your new understanding, you’ll take a test.
Just as in other classroom settings, you’ll have access to many resources outside your classroom learning materials including a tutor if you feel it would help. With Lengalia, you can go from a complete beginner to being able to converse in Spanish in many settings whether for professional reasons, while traveling, or even with friends who speak Spanish. You have the option of signing up for just one of the courses offered or you can sign up for the whole learning program that includes many. Your certificate earned upon completion is highly regarded and a fantastic boost to your resume.
9. FluentU
This online learning platform is designed only for Spanish speakers and those who wish to learn the language. Not only is there a strong emphasis on learning the language and correct pronunciation but also on the Spanish culture around the world, such as Latin America and Mexico. You’ll have access to dozens of videos that are curated from around the web that will help you learn and understand the language while also learning more about the culture and how it applies to professional settings, familial conversations, and more.
FluentU offers students a unique way to immerse yourself in the language, making it easier to learn and comprehend. One suggestion is that you change the default language on your social media accounts so you are reading the same things you usually do but in Spanish. A mobile app is available through the App Store and Google Play so you can easily study the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills taught throughout the program.
10. Lingoda
Unlike many of the other online Spanish learning courses we’ve featured here, those offered through Lingoda are suitable for all speaker levels. If you have already picked up on some language skills or consider yourself an intermediate, there’s no reason to start off at the beginning. With Lingoda, you can start where you feel comfortable with the language and build your skills from there. All teachers are native speakers and there are teachers available 24/7 so you can study when it’s most convenient for you.
Most learners choose group classes that are offered live. Not only can you learn from your instructor this way but also from other learners. If you learn best in a one-on-one setting, there are private classes available. Corporate training for many employees is offered at a discounted bulk rate and can be arranged through their customer service. Learn when, where, and how you want to with Lingoda online Spanish lessons.
11. Busuu
This is another online Spanish learning platform that starts you off with a quiz of basic words and phrases. However, the quiz goes a few steps further by asking why you are learning Spanish and how much time you want to devote to it. From there, Busuu creates a study plan of lessons and how many you should be completing each week to keep you on track with your learning goals. You’ll learn from and practice with native Spanish speakers while also learning the all-important grammar of written Spanish. A vocabulary builder helps you learn words and phrases quickly and easily.
With two levels of subscription available, Premium and Premium Plus, you can choose what features are best for you and your learning style. Both offer an “offline mode” so you can study even when you don’t have access to data or Wi-Fi. Premium Plus offers the added features of a personalized study plan and access to courses in other languages should you intend on learning more than just Spanish. Whether a casual or serious learner, Busuu has the option that’s perfect for you.
Final Thoughts: Best Online Spanish Courses
Which of these courses seemed best for you? Have you picked out one, in particular, you think suits you best? When choosing to learn Spanish online, you have many options. We hope you’ve found this list, and one of the featured courses, helpful on your journey to speaking Spanish fluently.
Want to learn another language to add to your tool belt? Take a look at our list of online Italian courses as well!