Babbel vs. Japademy: What's the Better Way to Learn?

Overview

Let's face it, the appeal of learning Japanese is stronger than ever. Maybe you've fallen in love with a certain anime and want to understand it without subtitles. Or perhaps you're planning a trip to Tokyo and dream of chatting with locals. The 2021 survey from the Japan Foundation revealed there are over 3 million Japanese language learners worldwide. It's no wonder, given the language's intricate writing systems and rich cultural heritage.

But here's the thing: learning a language, especially one as nuanced as Japanese, takes more than just a passing interest. It requires dedication, time, and, most importantly, expert guidance from professional Japanese language tutors. With so many platforms out there—from apps to full-blown online schools offering Japanese Online Courses—how do you choose? Which one is actually going to get you where you want to go? In this article, we're going to compare two of the big names in language learning: Babbel and us, Japademy. So, can you learn Japanese with Babbel or Japademy? Which website has better online Japanese lessons? Let’s find out!

‍

Babbel: A great platform... Just not for Japanese

‍

‍

Babbel is a huge name in the language learning world, and for good reason. They've built a user-friendly platform with structured courses for a bunch of languages, like Spanish, French, and German. It’s a fantastic tool for casual learners and polyglots alike.

But here's the disappointing truth if you're looking to learn Japanese with Babbel: it doesn't actually offer a Japanese course. I know, it's a letdown. While they're excellent at what they do for other languages, their lack of a Japanese program leaves a massive gap for anyone who wants to use them for their Japanese journey.

‍

Japademy: Your go-to for mastering Japanese

‍

‍

This is where we come in. We didn't create Japademy just to fill the void left by Babbel; we created it to set a new standard for learning Japanese online. Our entire website is exclusively dedicated to the Japanese language. 

We offer a couple of different paths, because we know everyone's learning style is different. You can join our structured Japanese 10-week Online Courses, which are perfect for taking you from a total beginner to a confident intermediate speaker. We also have Japanese Online Private Lessons for those who want a more personalized approach, whether you're an advanced learner or just prefer to set your own pace.

What makes us special, though, is our Japanese teachers. Every single one of our teachers is a native Japanese speaker and is a certified professional. This isn't just about knowing the language; it's about knowing how to teach it effectively. It means that with every lesson, you're not just learning vocabulary and grammar. You're also getting a glimpse into the culture—the etiquette, traditions, and all those subtle nuances that make the language come alive.

‍

Japademy: A better choice for Japanese learning

Let's break down exactly what makes us the superior option if you're serious about learning Japanese.

‍

1. Expert Japanese Native Tutors

‍

‍

As I mentioned before, this is a big one. Our tutors are fluent, certified, and ready to guide you. It's a completely immersive and authentic experience that goes far beyond what you'd get from an app. You'll learn proper pronunciation, intonation and gain the cultural context you need to truly connect with the language. Honestly, being able to ask a real person a question in real-time makes all the difference in the world.‍

‍

2. Tailored Japanese Learning Paths

‍

‍

We believe in a structured, systematic approach to language learning. Our courses are designed to maximize your progress. With our 10-week Japanese Online Courses, you can pick a level that’s right for you, from Beginner 1 (even if you've never said a single word in Japanese!) all the way up to Intermediate. If you've studied before, you can just take our placement questionnaire to find your perfect fit.

During each lesson, our native teachers introduce a new topic or grammar point, and you get to practice it right there and then. This kind of hands-on practice is crucial for making the language stick.

‍

3. Additional Learning Resources

‍

‍

Learning doesn't stop when class ends, right? We completely believe that. That's why we give our students free access to a whole suite of extra resources:

• Japanese video lessons: These are great for reviewing a lesson or getting a head start on the basics.
• A free practice app: Our app has practice sets for Hiragana and Katakana, vocabulary builders, and—get this—even a conversation feature with an AI tutor!
• Completion certificates: For every level you complete, you get a certificate to show off your new skills. It's a nice little pat on the back for all your hard work.

‍

Babbel vs Japademy: Which is better for Japanese?

‍

Look, both Babbel and Japademy are excellent language-learning platforms in their own right. If you're looking to learn Spanish or French, Babbel is a solid choice because learning Japanese with Babbel is not possible yet.

But if your heart is set on learning Japanese—to truly understand its beauty and intricacies—then Japademy is the clear winner. We've built our entire Japanese learning website around the sole purpose of helping you master this amazing language, with structured Japanese Online Courses led by certified, native teachers. It's a focused, effective, and efficient way to learn. So, if you're ready to dive in, we're ready for you. Happy learning!

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about diving into online Japanese lessons with us? Here are some common questions we get!

‍

Does Babbel actually offer a Japanese course?

No, as of 2026, Babbel does not offer a Japanese language program. They focus primarily on European languages, leaving a gap for students looking for an app-based Japanese experience.

‍

What is the best alternative to Babbel for Japanese?

For those seeking the structure Babbel provides in other languages, Japademy is the ideal choice for Japanese. We offer a structured 10-week roadmap led by certified native teachers, which an app cannot replicate.

‍

Can I learn Japanese for free instead of using Japademy?

While apps like Duolingo offer free versions, they lack the real-time feedback and cultural nuance provided by Japademy’s certified teachers. If your goal is conversational fluency, live instruction is a necessary investment.

‍

How does Japademy compare to language apps for beginners?

Apps focus on "recognition" (clicking buttons). Japademy focuses on "production" (actually speaking). Our Beginner 1 course is designed to take you from zero to building your own sentences in just 10 weeks.

‍

Does Japademy provide a mobile experience like Babbel?

Yes! In addition to live Zoom lessons, Japademy students get free access to a practice app with 1,000+ flashcards and AI conversation drills to study on t