Rosetta Stone vs. Rocket Languages: For Learning Multiple Language Basics or Focusing Deeply on One?

Mashable has previously recognized Rosetta Stone as a top-tier language learning solution. In a similar vein, European Business Magazine honored Rocket Languages as a leading language-learning software in 2017.

Both programs are excellent, though my experience suggests Rocket Languages may lead to greater progress. However, Rosetta Stone also has its strengths, such as providing a wider selection of languages, including some less commonly taught ones.

What Is Rosetta Stone?

As a leader in technology-driven language learning, Rosetta Stone has been consistently ranked among the best for many years.

Instead of using English or your native language for instruction, Rosetta Stone immerses you in the language you're learning through visuals, audio, and associations between words and pictures. This approach removes translation and mimics the natural way you acquired your first language as a child.

The idea is that we learned our native language easily because of constant, meaningful exposure that enabled us to use the language functionally. Rosetta Stone seeks to replicate this process.

What Is Rocket Languages?

Rocket Languages is a well-regarded alternative and fits the general expectation for an online language learning program.

It is an interactive course primarily composed of audio lessons, supplemented with traditional grammar lessons. Instruction is given in English, presenting a different and potentially more conventional learning method compared to Rosetta Stone's immersive technique.

The differences between these two programs are quite apparent. They share a few similarities, such as being paid services and using audio from native speakers. Beyond that, they are quite distinct.

Rosetta Stone vs. Rocket Languages: What Languages Are Offered?

Let's begin with the fundamentals. Since the language itself is the primary focus, it's logical to start with the languages and skill levels each platform provides.

Rosetta Stone provides 25 Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Dutch, English (American), English (British), Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin (web only), Persian (Farsi), Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese.

Each course is divided into different levels, which are further separated into units. Rosetta Stone creates a personalized six-week plan for you based on your objectives, current skill level, and reasons for learning the language.

Rocket Languages provides 14 Languages: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese, ASL, English (American), Inglés (Spanish learning English)

The levels in Rocket Languages are very straightforward (Level 1 Beginner, Level 2 Intermediate, Level 3 Advanced). Similar to Rosetta Stone, the availability of these levels varies by language, with only about half offering all three levels.

For achieving language fluency, a deep focus is more beneficial than a broad one. Therefore, I believe Rocket Languages has an advantage in this area.

Features and Format of Rosetta Stone Courses

Rosetta Stone can be used on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, though the website generally offers a superior user experience.

There are three account types (Individual, Enterprise, and Schools), each structured slightly differently to accommodate various users.

Your learning plan is organized into Core Lessons, which are then divided into mini-lessons. For instance, in the Latin American Spanish course, Core Lesson 1 is split into Core Lesson 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3.

The core lessons are short, typically around 10 minutes each. However, you'll likely spend about thirty minutes on a full lesson and its accompanying exercises.

The main part of the lesson involves associating words with pictures, followed by exercises in pronunciation, grammar, reading, and writing. A significant advantage is that all speaking exercises use the TruAccent speech engine, enabling you to compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker.

Because Rosetta Stone focuses on developing conversational skills, grammar is not the main emphasis. It appears primarily in the grammar exercises to demonstrate relevant sentence structures.

Rosetta Stone includes a section with extended learning tools for further language practice.

The "Phrasebook" allows you to practice common phrases in various contexts, though this feature is only available for select languages.

The "Audio Companion" lets you download audio content from any course, so you can practice pronunciation and phrases at any time and place.

"Stories" is a collection of short literature and other texts for extra reading practice. These can also be downloaded to your phone.

Finally, they provide live tutoring sessions with a professional native-speaking tutor.

Features and Format of Rocket Languages Courses

Similar to Rosetta Stone, Rocket Languages is accessible on computers and mobile devices. However, the website offers more features than the app.

The content is organized into three main sections:

• Audio Lessons (up to 98 lessons with 370 hours of audio)
• Language and Culture (up to 87 lessons)
• Survival Kit (three kits worth $149.95)

For languages with non-Latin writing systems, such as Mandarin Chinese or Russian, there is an additional writing section with video lessons on reading and writing the alphabet.

The Audio Lessons form the core of the content, while Language and Culture offers lessons on grammar and cultural topics. The Survival Kit is designed for everyday situations, making it useful for travelers. Both the Audio Lessons and Survival Kit use audio and text, whereas Language and Culture lessons are text-based.

Each lesson is followed by several exercises. Depending on the language, this section includes six to seven activities that test all language skills. These exercises consist of:

• Role Playing
• Flashcards
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking
• Quiz

For these activities, voice recording software is available, allowing you to record and compare your pronunciation to that of a native speaker.

Most of Rocket Languages' features are integrated directly into the lessons, but there are a few additional tools.

For example, you can create custom flashcards or use public sets. You can also compile your own word lists.

There is also a public forum where users can interact with one another.

How Far Can You Progress with Rosetta Stone?

Although it doesn't feature the standard audio lessons found in Rocket Languages, Rosetta Stone provides extensive practice in listening and speaking, along with other language skills.

Native speaker audio is integrated throughout the lessons and additional learning tools, ensuring you get ample listening practice. Whenever native audio is present, you can practice your speaking. Even the stories feature allows you to record yourself reading aloud.

For more speaking practice, live tutoring sessions are available, where you'll communicate entirely in your target language.

Beyond the extended learning tools, reading is also part of the lessons. The reading exercises also provide an opportunity for language shadowing, which adds more speaking practice.

Writing exercises are included as well, though this skill receives less emphasis compared to the others.

As a dynamic immersion program, Rosetta Stone prioritizes vocabulary and avoids traditional translation and grammar explanations. While there isn't a structured grammar progression, you learn grammatical structures and rules through common conversational phrases.

How Far Can You Progress with Rocket Languages?

As an audio-focused course, listening is a major component of Rocket Languages, but it's not the only skill the platform addresses.

In fact, most lesson exercises involve at least two language skills, and all activities incorporate translation, vocabulary, and grammar in some form.

Reading is covered in the Language and Culture lessons and throughout the lesson exercises. There is also some reading involved in the flashcards.

The writing exercise requires you to listen to audio and write down the word or phrase. For character-based languages like Korean, there are additional exercises for practicing writing and forming words in their script.

The speaking exercise involves listening to a word or phrase, recording your response, and receiving a score based on how closely your pronunciation matches a native speaker's.

The quiz consists of multiple-choice questions, which may include translation or grammar items. Flashcards can be marked with a difficulty level, allowing Rocket Languages to focus on areas where you need more practice.

Despite the extensive pronunciation practice, the platform doesn't appear to offer a way to practice spontaneous conversation.

Regarding skill development, the program effectively builds vocabulary and improves grammar. It also introduces more complex topics as you advance. There seems to be a good balance between conversational fluency and reading comprehension, though there is potential for more practice with authentic language use.

Many audio-based language courses tend to use excessive English in their lessons, even at advanced levels. Rocket Languages also does this, but it's positive that English is reduced in Levels 2 and 3. Level 1 features two hosts (one English speaker and one native speaker), while Levels 2 and 3 lessons include three hosts (two native speakers and one English speaker).

Rosetta Stone Prices and Plans

Rosetta Stone subscription plans are available for three months or one year. The cost is $47.97 for three months ($15.99 per month) and $167.88 for a year ($13.99 per month).

A free trial is available, which you can access here. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live tutoring is included free with any subscription (except for School subscribers), and you can attend unlimited classes while your subscription is active.

Rocket Languages Prices and Plans

Rocket Languages offers one-time payment options or a six-month plan. You can purchase Level 1, Levels 1 and 2, or all three levels. The six-month plan involves a six-month payment commitment and provides access to all levels.

Level 1 is priced at $149.95, Levels 1 and 2 cost $299.90, and all three levels are $449.85. However, Rocket Languages frequently has sales, so the price is often lower.

The six-month plan consists of six monthly payments of $75.

A free trial is also available, granting lifetime access to a few lessons from each level and full access to the exercises within those lessons. Additionally, there is a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Rosetta Stone vs. Rocket Languages: Which Is the Best?

Ultimately, I would recommend Rocket Languages over Rosetta Stone for learners who are serious about making significant progress in a language.

However, if you are looking for a more affordable option or are just beginning your language learning journey, keep in mind that Rosetta Stone has been a dominant force in the field for good reasons.

Rocket Languages won't lead you to full fluency, but it will take you well beyond the basics. It also offers a more balanced approach than Rosetta Stone in terms of exercises and the range of skills it targets.

Of course, if neither program suits your needs, there are many other alternatives to Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages. For example, Babbel places a stronger emphasis on grammar, while Mango Languages offers some less commonly taught languages. There are also free resources like Duolingo.

To address the limited grammar focus in Rosetta Stone, you could use Lingflix's interactive dictionary, which provides definitions, example sentences, and related videos showing how words and structures are used in different contexts. Lingflix uses authentic videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and transforms them into personalized language lessons. You can try Lingflix free for two weeks. Visit the website or download the iOS app or Android app. P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

In conclusion, both language programs are award-winning choices that can effectively start your learning journey. If you want more detailed information, you can read our comprehensive individual reviews here:

I hope this has provided you with enough information about both programs to make a well-informed choice. If these two platforms are beyond your budget, there are always more affordable alternatives to explore!