Rosetta Stone was one of the first language-learning programs I used. I stuck with the program for about 3 months before moving on. Needless to say, this is not going to be a glaringly positive review that ends with me declaring Rosetta Stone to be the best program around.
But don’t lose hope just yet. There are still a lot of positives to using this program and it might be more suitable for you than it was for me.
Keep reading this Rosetta Stone review to learn more.
The Rosetta Stone Software and App = Good
Rosetta Stone uses a research-based approach. But let’s be honest, they all say that, so it doesn’t really tell us anything.
It combines a variety of different methods and works by trying to burn images and words into your mind.
For instance, you will be shown a series of images, and told the words relating to those images.
Further down the line, you’ll be asked to match the words to the images and then even recite them.
It’s a good blend of options and it’s one that you can use on desktop and mobile. There are also lots of language options here, including Greek, which was the language I used when testing Rosetta Stone.
Does Rosetta Stone work?
Yes…and no.
If you pay attention, spend a lot of time on the app, and revisit it every day, it should work.
But there are a couple of issues.
I consider myself to be a visual learner and I use “memory palace” tricks to remember difficult words. Technically, Rosetta Stone should be perfect for me, but it wasn’t.
The issue I had with the software is that it was very boring and required 100% of my time. I work 12 to 15 hours a day, 7 days a week. If I put aside an hour to learn a language, that’s probably the only hour I won’t be working that day.
It was difficult for me to stay focused and motivated when using Rosetta Stone, so I would often click quickly and treat it more like a game. I found the patterns, recognized the sounds, and before long I was speeding through the lessons without actually taking anything in.
It’s like reading a book when you’re really tired—you’re making it through the pages, but you’re not actually digesting anything.
I eventually switched to Pimsleur as it was something I could do while working out, playing games, or even while working. It was passive, yet effective.
If you are willing to give Rosetta Stone 100% of your attention and have the time and focus to do so, it will be more effective, but it’s still not perfect.
It doesn’t really tell you much about the grammar rules and a lot of the scenarios and images are generic and don’t relate to the language you’re learning.
You’re here to learn a language, not a culture, but relevance is still important.
Also, frustratingly, there are parts where you are required to type and while it’s generally responsive and effective, it doesn’t tell you where all the characters are.
There is a unique accent mark in Greek that I was required to use, but it didn’t tell me what commands were needed to enter it.
It wasn’t listed on the on-screen keyboard and wasn’t showing on my Greek keyboard. I couldn’t even Google it—very few English speakers are posting how-tos and blogs about Greek keyboards!
I couldn’t even skip the section, as it was causing me to fail and asking me to repeat the lesson.
In the end, I had to email Rosetta Stone, and it took over a week to get a response. The solution, as it transpired, was to use a three-key combination that I couldn’t have possibly known on my own and wasn’t told anything about.
These are minor things, but they distract from the process. To stay motivated, the language learning process needs to be smooth, quick, fun, and easy, and for me, Rosetta Stone didn’t fit that mold.
Does Rosetta Stone recognize speech well?
I am not the loudest or clearest person. I tend to mumble. I also don’t have a clear accent. Yet, I had no issue being understood by the app, so while I am sure there are exceptions, it should understand you loudly and clearly.
The Cost = Good
On the surface, Rosetta Stone might not seem like a very cost-effective option. Compared to free programs like Duolingo, it’s way overpriced, especially when you consider what I said above.
So, what’s with the “good” rating?
Well, you get a lot for your money, there are several options to choose from (monthly, quarterly, yearly, lifetime), it has a free trial, and there is also a money-back guarantee.
It’s cheaper than Pimsleur for its “all languages” option, and while I personally don’t think it’s anywhere near as effective, it will benefit others more than it benefited me.
Also, if you compare it to professional classes or even face-to-face lessons through Preply, it begins to look very cheap.
How much does Rosetta Stone cost?
The price fluctuates and is heavily dependent on the option you choose and whether you want to study one or multiple languages.
For example:
- 3 Months for one language = $35.97 (equivalent of $11.99 per month)
- 12 Months for one language = $95.88 (equivalent of $7.99 per month)
- Lifetime access for all languages = $179
For the “lifetime access” option, the “regular” price is listed as $299. But Rosetta Stone is like a furniture store—there is always a sale, and if you’re paying full price, you’re doing it wrong.
Prices also vary greatly by currency and location. In the UK, for instance, lifetime access is currently listed at £349.00, which is the equivalent of about $420 at the time of writing.
What is the best Rosetta Stone subscription option?
If you have a big budget and plan on learning multiple languages, you might be tempted to opt for the lifetime option.
I wouldn’t recommend it.
I personally chose the 3-month option and think it was the best one. I was still happy with the program after about 2 months and started to lose interest just as my subscription was coming to an end.
You can also get 3 days for free, but this may actually work against you.
In those first 3 days, everything is new. The software feels novel and interesting. You pick up a lot of new words. By the end of your trial, you’ll be delighted and tempted to buy one of the long-term options.
But after a few weeks, you hit a plateau and lose interest.
So, stick with the 1-month or 3-month option and choose just 1 language to begin with.
Is Rosetta Stone worth paying for?
It depends. If you’re eager to try it and think it will suit your learning style, go for it. If you’re looking for more of a complete solution, and aren’t interested in trialing multiple services, give it a miss.
I personally think that Pimsleur and Preply are far better options for premium language learning.
Rosetta Stone Review Verdict = 2.5/5
Rosetta Stone is a very good program, but it’s not perfect, it won’t work for everyone, and there are far better options out there.
It might work better for you than it did for me, but even if that’s the case, I still think that Pimsleur would be a more suitable use of your time and money.
Overall, it gets a 2.5 out of 5 from me.
Pros
- Innovative approach to learning
- Combines images, listening, and speaking
- Research-based learning
- App and desktop options
Cons
- Premium (paid) option
- Not a complete solution
- Boring and uninteresting at times
- Requires full attention
Rosetta Stone Review FAQs
Which is better, Babbel or Rosetta Stone?
These two programs are very similar and it really all comes down to personal preference.
Rosetta Stone has better language options, including Greek, which isn’t available on Babbel at the time of writing. It also works great on desktop, which is my preferred method. However, I prefer the Babbel app and it’s cheaper.
For me, Babbel is better, but that only applies if it has your chosen language.
Is Rosetta Stone better than Duolingo?
Putting cost to one side, I think Rosetta Stone is a better option. Duolingo is a fun little tool for expanding your vocabulary, but that’s it. Rosetta Stone will get you closer to conversational fluency in a shorter time.
But of course, Duolingo is free and Rosetta Stone isn’t, and that puts Duolingo ahead overall.
Is Rosetta Stone a good way to learn a language?
Yes, it’s good, but it’s not perfect. I think there are better options out there.
Can you become fluent with Rosetta Stone?
You can’t become fluent with any language app on its own. That’s even true for Pimsleur, which I have praised many times in the past. But if you supplement your learning with face-to-face lessons and immersion, fluency is possible and apps like Rosetta Stone can serve as a good foundation.