Is Memrise Free? Free vs Pro in Practice (2026)
Author: Henri Falque-Pierrotin · Published: 2026-08-05 · Updated: 2026-08-05 · Category: App Reviews
Memrise's free version covers core vocabulary lessons but locks speaking practice and most tools behind Pro. Here is what is free, what Pro costs in 2026, and the free alternatives.
Short answer: yes, Memrise has a free version, and unlike some rivals it is genuinely usable - for one specific job. The free tier is a solid vocabulary companion: spaced repetition, native-speaker video clips, core lessons across all its languages. What it is not, especially in 2026, is a complete free course: speaking practice, offline mode, and most of the advanced tools sit behind Pro.
Here is the honest split, current Pro pricing, and what to pair or replace it with.
What the Free Version Includes
On the free plan you get:
- Access to all supported languages and their core lessons
- Basic vocabulary review powered by Memrise's spaced repetition
- Native-speaker video clips - short real-world recordings that train your ear better than synthetic audio
- Limited AI conversations - a taste of the conversation practice, with tight caps
What you do not get without Pro:
- Unlimited speaking and pronunciation practice
- Offline downloads
- Advanced review modes (difficult words, listening-focused drills)
- Full learning statistics
The pattern is clear: the free tier builds your word bank; the paid tier is where Memrise wants you to use those words.
Memrise Pro Pricing in 2026
As of mid-2026, US App Store pricing:
| Plan | Price |
|---|---|
| Free | $0 - core lessons, basic review, limited AI conversations |
| Pro monthly | $24.99/month |
| Pro annual | $61.99/year (~$5.17/month) |
| Lifetime | $329.99 list, frequently promoted at ~$99-132 |
The monthly price is striking - at $24.99 it costs more than Super Duolingo and most Busuu tiers - but the annual plan works out cheaper than almost every rival. If you ever pay for Memrise, pay yearly or catch a lifetime promotion; the monthly plan exists to make those look good.
Where Memrise Fits in 2026
Memrise's spaced repetition and authentic video clips remain excellent for what they are. The honest limits, which we also note in our best free language learning apps ranking:
- Grammar is not taught systematically - you learn phrases, not the machinery behind them
- Recognising is not producing - moving from "I know that word" to building your own sentences is where learners stall
- The best speaking tools are paid
That makes the free version a great second app: run it alongside something that teaches full lessons and makes you speak.
Free Alternatives and Companions
- Hello Nabu - free for individual learners with complete story-based lessons: vocabulary and grammar taught inside realistic scenarios, plus AI speaking and pronunciation feedback at no cost. The natural pick if you want the production skills Memrise Pro charges for.
- Duolingo - free with an Energy cap of roughly 2-3 lessons a day; see Is Duolingo free?
- Busuu - free plan is a short trial; see Is Busuu free?
- Babbel - no free tier, only free first lessons; see Is Babbel free?
For every price in one table, see how much language learning apps cost in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memrise still free in 2026?
Yes - core lessons, basic vocabulary review, native-speaker videos, and limited AI conversations are free. Speaking practice, offline mode, and advanced tools require Pro.
How much does Memrise Pro cost?
$24.99/month or $61.99/year at US list prices, with a lifetime plan at $329.99 that regularly drops to around $99-132 on promotion.
Is free Memrise enough to learn a language?
As a vocabulary builder, yes. As a complete course, no - pair it with an app that teaches grammar in context and makes you speak.
What is the best free alternative to Memrise Pro?
Hello Nabu covers the paid gap - complete lessons and unlimited AI speaking feedback - free for individual learners.
Sources
Pricing verified August 2026. US App Store prices; regional pricing and promotions vary.
- Memrise - official site
- How much does Memrise cost in 2026? - independent price tracking
- Memrise pricing 2026 - free vs Pro breakdown
Start learning free with Hello Nabu - the speaking practice Pro charges for, free for individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memrise still free in 2026?
There is a free version with access to all languages, core lessons, basic vocabulary review, native-speaker video clips, and limited AI conversations. Unlimited speaking practice, offline downloads, advanced review tools, and full statistics require Memrise Pro.
How much does Memrise Pro cost in 2026?
As of mid-2026, US App Store pricing lists Pro at $24.99/month or $61.99/year, with a lifetime plan at $329.99 that is frequently discounted to roughly $99-132. The annual plan is the only sensibly-priced option.
Is the free version of Memrise enough to learn a language?
As a vocabulary builder, yes - spaced repetition and native-speaker videos work well on the free tier. As a complete course, no: grammar is not taught systematically and the speaking tools are limited, so most learners pair it with a more complete app.
What is the best free alternative to Memrise Pro?
For the features Pro charges for - unlimited speaking practice with feedback and complete lessons - Hello Nabu offers them free for individual learners, teaching vocabulary and grammar inside story-based scenarios rather than isolated word lists.