Top 5 Best Apps to Learn Through Play in 2026
4 min read
Discover Duolingo, Brilliant, Vervain, Mimo, and Sololearn: five apps that use gamification to help you learn for a few minutes each day.
Learning a language, discovering medicinal plants, understanding mathematics, or getting started with programming: today, several mobile apps turn learning into an interactive experience.
Through gamification, these apps use mechanics inspired by video games: experience points, levels, challenges, rewards, and daily streaks.
Here are five apps to explore for a few minutes of learning each day.
1. Duolingo — Learn Languages
Duolingo is one of the best-known names in gamified learning. The app turns language exercises into small challenges to complete each day.
Key features:
- Quick, interactive lessons.
- XP points and progression through levels.
- Daily streaks and leaderboards.
- Reading, writing, and comprehension exercises.
Best for: starting a new language and building a learning habit.
Official website: Duolingo
2. Brilliant — Understand Mathematics and Science
Brilliant takes an interactive approach to mathematics, logic, and science. Instead of simply watching videos, users solve problems step by step.
Key features:
- Interactive, visual exercises.
- Structured learning paths.
- Immediate explanations and corrections.
- Mathematics, programming, science, and logic.
Best for: developing your reasoning skills and understanding complex concepts through practice.
Official website: Brilliant
3. Vervain: Herbalism & Plants — Discover Herbalism
Vervain is an educational mobile app that uses gamification to teach herbalism.
Inspired by learning methods built around short lessons, it helps you discover medicinal plants, their traditional properties, preparations, and the history of herbal remedies.
Key features:
- Interactive quizzes and short lessons.
- Progression through levels and rewards.
- Exploration of medicinal plants and their traditional uses.
- Learning about infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and salves.
- A virtual apothecary and a collection of plants to unlock.
- Historical anecdotes and botanical folklore.
Best for: people curious about herbalism who want to learn gradually without having to start with lengthy textbooks.
Available on iOS and Android.
Official website: Vervain
Download Vervain:
4. Mimo — Learn to Code
Mimo makes programming more accessible through short, interactive exercises.
The app teaches languages such as Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS through activities designed for beginners.
Key features:
- Short programming lessons.
- Exercises with immediate results.
- Daily streaks and rewards.
- Practical projects to apply what you have learned.
Best for: getting started with programming on your phone.
Official website: Mimo
5. Sololearn — Practice Coding Every Day
Sololearn offers educational paths focused on software development.
The app combines theory, practical exercises, and gamification mechanics to encourage steady progress.
Key features:
- Interactive coding exercises.
- Progressive learning paths.
- XP points, daily streaks, and leagues.
- A community of learners.
- A built-in code editor.
Best for: learning the basics of software development and practicing regularly.
Official website: Sololearn
Why Learn with Gamified Apps?
The main advantage of these apps is their ability to make learning more accessible in everyday life.
Short lessons make it easier to stay consistent, while quizzes let you check your knowledge immediately. Rewards and levels also provide a clear picture of your progress.
Whether you want to learn a language with Duolingo, understand science with Brilliant, discover herbalism with Vervain, or code with Mimo and Sololearn, these five apps offer different ways to learn actively.