Learning a new language can be a fun and exciting journey.
Although, with so many learning options available, it can sometimes be hard to narrow down the choices.
In your research, you’ve likely come across Rocket Language vs Rosetta Stone; two well-known companies that provide worldwide language-learning materials.
While Rosetta Stone may have been around much longer, Rocket Languages is quickly working its way up the ranks in becoming one of the favorites.
However, which one is better? Well, Rocket Languages provide an overall better-structured learning experience with a well-rounded curriculum.
The content itself is more engaging and places a higher emphasis on conversational skills.
On the other hand, Rosetta Stone focuses on intuitive learning, which can be hard to grasp at first.
With all this in mind, for more information concerning the two language-learning platforms, we have created a comprehensive guide looking at all the positives and negatives of each platform.
Without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Rocket Languages Vs Rosetta Stone Review
When choosing the best language learning course for you, you’ll first want to ask yourself a few questions.
For instance, what are your goals and requirements? What type of learner are you?
These kinds of questions will help you find a course that works for you since there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Some prefer gamified apps, while others prefer the linear audio lessons approach.
Although there are some general characteristics that can make one platform stand out from another. This could include better functionality or efficiency.
Therefore, below you will find the different features and benefits of each platform to determine which one comes out on top.
Pricing and Plans
Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone provide lessons on a subscription basis. However, both offer a money-back guarantee and free trials.
So you don’t have to worry about changing your mind later.
Each platform provides its users with different packages.
Rosetta Stone
- 3-month subscription plan on a specific language ($13/month)
- 12-month plan with unlimited languages ($11/month)
- Lifetime access to all languages ($194)
Rocket Languages
Alternatively, Rocket Languages only provides lifetime plans. Depending on what level you purchase determines the price. For instance, when looking at Spanish, you can currently get:
- Levels 1,2 &3 Rocket Spanish ($449.85)
- Levels 1 & 2 Rocket Spanish ($299.90)
- Level 1 Rocket Spanish ($99.95)
In terms of pricing, it seems that Rosetta Stone comes out on top. However, it is also important to consider the contents and resources in each package.
Structure and Features
When purchasing a Rosetta Stone subscription plan, it doesn’t outline everything you’ll receive in the package. Even when looking through the frequently asked questions, the answers are vague and unhelpful.
Therefore, to know what is included in your Rosetta Stone subscription, you may need to dip slightly deeper.
On the other hand, a Rocket Languages plan provides you with all the information you could need regarding the plan.
With Rocket Spanish (Levels 1,2,3) you receive 87 Language & Culture lessons, 98 interactive audio, 370 hours of learning time, and much more.
As mentioned above, Rosetta Stone is one of the longest-running language-learning platforms. However, it remains one of the most unique courses available.
It is an immersive program that combines intuitive learning and visual cues.
Instead of providing you with the answers straight away, you’ll have to figure out the translations and explanations yourself.
When you’re first starting, you’ll be provided with words that you’ll have to match with corresponding pictures.
While this is an interesting and unique approach to learning a language, it is also the main complaint people have with Rosetta Stone – it is simply too confusing.
However, if you can get past this factor, learning through immersion and content is an effective way to learn a language.
So, it is clear to say that Rosetta Stone will aid you in increasing your comprehension and building your vocabulary.
It is also helpful in mastering your pronunciation; using speech recognition software to provide you with instantaneous feedback.
Alternatively, Rocket Languages has a different method of teaching.
As opposed to Rosetta Stone, Rocket Languages focuses more on speaking. The program is a combination of interactive exercises, useful study tools, and audio tracks.
All the lessons in the plan are comprehensible, focused on developing your language skills (listening, speaking, writing, and ready), and are linear – based on natural conversations between native speakers.
The layout itself is extremely clear, providing you with instant feedback and explanations. Plus, you’ll receive important cultural insights, too.
On some courses, you’ll find a Travelog section that takes you on a tour through a foreign country.
On top of this, if the language you’re learning follows a different writing style, then you’ll learn how to write it as well.
Taking all this into account, Rocket Languages provides a versatile, well-rounded course that will help you achieve all your language goals with a primary focus on grammar, cultural facts, and vocabulary.
What About Levels?
You may be wondering, how much will I learn when I complete a particular program? Will I become a fluent speaker?
When looking at the Rosetta Stone programs, each plan is broken down into lessons, levels, and units – with five levels and four units in each.
However, some language courses will only consist of three levels. Therefore, if you’re looking to become a fluent speaker, then three beginner-friendly levels won’t be sufficient.
However, that being said, even if you were to complete all five levels, you won’t achieve fluency.
This is a similar case with Rocket Languages, whereby the levels vary per language. However, most of them will cover intermediate levels. In each course, you’ll generally find three levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Rocket Languages provides you with everything you need to have a successful conversation in your chosen language. However, having said that, even the most advanced course won’t provide you with complex and specific topics.
For example, the Rocket Italian Level 3 course outlines the following topics:
- Food
- Socializing
- Italian culture
- Relationships
- When things go wrong
- Travel destinations
Clearly, these are very practical topics, however, they won’t introduce you to more advanced and complex vocabulary.
Although, you will learn some complex grammar concepts through the course, as well as how to express yourself clearly.
Bluntly speaking, if you’re looking to teach fluency, you’ll need to seek out additional learning resources or even an online tutor.
This isn’t a disadvantage to Rosetta Stone or Rocket Languages, it is simply the disadvantage to learning a language on online platforms – languages take time, and you won’t become fluent in Spanish in a month!
However, both Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone will provide you with the resources to help you reach your goals, in a fresh, convenient, and enjoyable way.
Looking At Design
Both platforms are incredibly each to navigate and extremely practical. This is an important factor.
Although, if you’re looking for something that is more aesthetically pleasing, then Rosetta Stone would be the winner, as it is slightly more eye-catching.
Rocket Languages, on the other hand, is much simpler and plain when compared to its counterpart. For some, it could be considered too simple.
However, the overall deciding factor comes down to the content, rather than how it is delivered, after all.
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way of learning a language, then Rocket Languages would be the choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in an intuitive and immersive learning experience, then you may prefer Rosetta Stone.
Irrespectively, both platforms are rich in helpful material to aid you in your learning experience.
Although, if you’re looking for something more straightforward and complete, then Rocket Languages could be considered better.
Benefits
Both Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages.
For visual learners, Rosetta Stone provides innovative teaching methods.
It is an immersive experience that allows you to focus on the type of vocabulary you want to learn.
Plus, it offers something you wouldn’t be able to receive with Rocket Languages – live coaching. Depending on the language you are learning, you can get personal guidance from native speakers.
This greatly improves your grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Through the Rosetta Stone coaching sessions, you’ll be offered three different options, these include:
- Live Lessons
- Live Coaching Sessions
- On-Demand Videos
Here, you can practice a new language in a real-time lesson with a small group of people, alternatively, you can also choose virtual one-to-one classes.
Whichever one you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be benefited greatly. Plus, it is available for all language options.
On top of this, Rosetta Stone covers more languages than Rocket Languages with approximately 25 languages, whereas Rocket Languages currently only cover 14 languages (this includes English and sign language).
Therefore, here, Rosetta Stone would be the better option if you’re looking to learn a less popular language.
Nevertheless, Rocket Languages isn’t one of the most popular languages without good reason.
Contrary to Rosetta Stone, Rocket Languages provide lessons that are based on active participation and contextual learning. In a particular lesson, you’re required to respond in adequate time within real conversations – giving you an idea of how the language is constructed.
Plus, there won’t be any guessing – you’re provided with clear translations and grammatical explanations to help you learn.
Through the Rocket Reinforcement activities, you can retain new information and test your knowledge at the same time.
One of the best features of the Rocket Languages platform is its integration of culture and grammar.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about feeling overwhelmed, each lesson is in bite-sized chunks – providing you with enough information but not too much.
Another practicality concerning the Rocket Language platform is its flexible formatting. You can take part in a lesson anywhere and at any time. This is ideal for learners on the go who want to learn in between a tight schedule.
Their portable language platforms are ideal in that they allow you to fit your teachings into your daily routine – convenient for those with busy schedules.
Plus, you can download Rocket Language lessons and learn without requiring an internet connection.
However, Rosetta Stone is also portable. Its Audio Companion option, available through the app, allows you to learn hands-free.
This is a great option if you’re looking to get away from the screen and improve your listening skills. Although, it could be argued that this should already be a component readily available, anyway.
While matching pictures, practicing pronunciation, and expanding your vocabulary is a good starting point for learning a language, they won’t get you very far.
The key is to communicate, and you won’t achieve this without speaking and using the language.
Rosetta stone provides some pronunciation and conversion practice, however, this isn’t the same.
While Rocket Languages won’t provide you with the opportunity to converse with a native speaker, it at least exposes you to an environment that mimics real-world conversations and situations.
However, if you’re looking to build even stronger conversational skills, you’ll need to find more ways to practice.
Rocket Languages and Rosetta Stone provide a good foundation for learning the basics and getting you on the right track, but to become fluent, you’ll need to put in the extra work.
Final Thoughts
Digital language learning platforms are an easy, immersive, and practical way to learn a language.
They provide you with the necessary tools to become accustomed to a particular language and pick up some information and skills depending on your chosen level.
Two of the most popular language-learning platforms are Rosetta Stone and Rocket Languages. Each contains its advantages and disadvantages, and the best application would come down to personal preference.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about Rocket Language and Rosetta Stone so you can accomplish all your learning goals.
