Free Online ESL Classes & Resources for Adults
A verified list of free websites and apps for learning English online — structured courses, practice tools, and video lessons, with honest notes on what is actually free.
Every resource below has been visited and verified. Where a service has a paid tier, we note exactly what's free and what isn't. No affiliate links.
Structured courses
USALearns
WebsiteFree online courses from the US government, covering beginning to intermediate English with video lessons and interactive activities.
Free: Completely free. No paid tier.
Levels: A1–B1
Checked 2026-08-02
Coursera — English for Career Development
WebsiteUniversity of Pennsylvania course on Coursera covering job applications, networking, and workplace English.
Free: Audit mode is free (full content, no certificate). Certificate costs ~$49.
Levels: B1–B2
Checked 2026-08-02
edX — English Language Courses
WebsiteUniversity-backed courses from institutions like ASU and Berkeley covering academic and professional English.
Free: Audit track is free. Verified certificate is paid ($50–$200).
Levels: B1–C1
Checked 2026-08-02
FutureLearn — English Courses
WebsiteShort courses from British Council, Cambridge, and other UK institutions on topics like IELTS prep and everyday English.
Free: Free access for a limited period per course (usually 4–6 weeks). Unlimited access requires a subscription ($12.49/mo).
Levels: A2–C1
Checked 2026-08-02
Practice tools
Duolingo
App + WebsiteGamified language-learning app with short daily lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, listening, and reading.
Free: Core lessons are free with ads. Super Duolingo ($7/mo) removes ads and adds practice features.
Levels: A1–B1
Checked 2026-08-02
BBC Learning English
WebsiteLessons, quizzes, and video series from the BBC covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and current news.
Free: Completely free. No paid tier.
Levels: A2–C1
Checked 2026-08-02
VOA Learning English
Website + AppNews articles and videos written in simplified English at three speed levels, from Voice of America.
Free: Completely free. No paid tier.
Levels: A2–B2
Checked 2026-08-02
British Council LearnEnglish
Website + AppGrammar, vocabulary, and skills practice from the British Council, with level-tagged exercises.
Free: All online exercises and articles are free. Paid courses available separately.
Levels: A1–C1
Checked 2026-08-02
Elllo
WebsiteOver 3,000 free listening lessons with audio, transcripts, and quizzes, organized by topic and level.
Free: Completely free. No paid tier.
Levels: A2–C1
Checked 2026-08-02
Video & podcast
EngVid
Website (YouTube)Free video lessons from multiple teachers covering grammar, vocabulary, IELTS/TOEFL prep, slang, and business English.
Free: All videos and quizzes are free (YouTube-hosted). No paid tier on the site.
Levels: A2–C1
Checked 2026-08-02
TED Talks (with transcripts)
Website + AppShort expert talks on every topic, with interactive transcripts and subtitles in many languages — excellent for advanced listening practice.
Free: Completely free.
Levels: B2–C2
Checked 2026-08-02
ESL Pod (English as a Second Language Podcast)
Podcast + WebsiteAudio podcast episodes covering daily situations with slow, clear speech and vocabulary explanations.
Free: Podcast episodes are free. Premium ($15/mo) adds transcripts and learning guides.
Levels: A2–B2
Checked 2026-08-02
News in Levels
WebsiteCurrent news articles rewritten at three difficulty levels (1, 2, 3), with audio and vocabulary help.
Free: Completely free. No paid tier.
Levels: A1–B2
Checked 2026-08-02
Teachers: Browse free ESL lesson plans →
New to ESL? What is an ESL class? →
Want a live class? Join our waitlist →