LingQ alternative

Story Languages vs LingQ

Story Languages is a reading app built around a library of thousands of stories, each already graded by level. Open one, tap any word for a translation and save it as a flashcard, with no cap on saved words, even on the free plan. There is nothing to import and nothing to level yourself.

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Why choose Story Languages over LingQ

Stories already at your level

Every story is graded, across 4 levels from beginner to fluent, so you open one and start reading. On LingQ, the lessons you import are yours to level.

Save every word you want

There is no cap on saved words, even on the free plan, and each one becomes a flashcard. LingQ's free plan stops at 20 saved words or phrases.

A tutor for the sentence in front of you

Ask the AI tutor why a sentence is built the way it is, or what a phrase means right there. With Premium, it also quizzes you on the words you saved.

Verbs, not just vocabulary

Conjugation tables and drill decks show every pronoun form, so verbs stick as well as words.

Side by side

Story Languages

LingQ

Reading material

Story Languages: Thousands of stories written for learners, plus short video Moments with tappable subtitles.

LingQ: Content you import (YouTube, Netflix, podcasts, books, articles), alongside its own library. [1]

Levels

Story Languages: Every story graded, across 4 levels from beginner to fluent.

LingQ: Its own scale; lessons you import are leveled by you. [2]

Saved words, free plan

Story Languages: No limit.

LingQ: Up to 20 words or phrases, and 5 imported lessons. [3]

Word help

Story Languages: Tap any word or phrase for a translation and pronunciation; double-tap to save it.

LingQ: Tap words for definitions. [1]

Vocabulary review

Story Languages: Flashcards scheduled with FSRS, a modern spaced-repetition algorithm.

LingQ: Spaced-repetition review of saved words (“LingQs”). [1]

AI help

Story Languages: An AI tutor explains grammar and translates in context; with Premium, it quizzes you on saved words.

LingQ: An AI chatbot and AI voices on paid plans. [1]

Facts about LingQ come from its own pages, checked in October 2026. Features change over time.

1. LingQ on the App Store (US)
2. A LingQ lesson page (level labels)
3. LingQ plans and pricing page

FAQ

Is Story Languages a good LingQ alternative?

Yes, if you want reading at your level without building lessons yourself. Every story is already graded, any word is one tap from a translation, and the words you save become flashcards, with no cap on saved words, even on the free plan.

Is Story Languages good for beginners?

Yes. Its stories start at beginner level and are written for learners, so you can read from the first day instead of hunting for material easy enough to follow.

Is Story Languages free?

It is free to download, with no ads. A free account reads a few stories at most levels and saves as many words as you like; Premium opens every story, AI quizzes and more AI help.

Which languages does Story Languages teach?

Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish, all in one app.

Start reading today

Story Languages is free to download on iPhone and iPad, with no ads.

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