Sometimes, we follow different subtracks in life, learning from each along the way. Microlearning works the same way — you pick up these small, focused lessons from different topics, little by little. And with the best apps for microlearning, you can get short book summaries or lesson takeaways that take just 5 or 10 minutes, supporting ongoing self-improvement. Many learners also explore a further list of tools and resources, helping make learning a consistent part of their day.
Different studies have also confirmed that refreshing lessons in smaller increments improves long-term retention. So whether you’re on the train to work, waiting for your latte, or grabbing a quick bite at the office, you can count on this method. We’ve put together a list of the best microlearning apps that make steady progress possible. They give busy users a proven way to learn without heavy time commitments.
What Microlearning Is and Why It Matters
Most of the apps and tech solutions that offer services in the EdTech niche state that microlearning is exactly what it sounds like: complex topics that have been broken down into micro, digestible blocks for easier learning. Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus showed in his famous ‘forgetting curve’ that people forget more than 50% of new material within 20 minutes and up to 76% within a month if they don’t revisit it, which makes microlearning’s approach especially effective.
So instead of spending hours in a classroom or watching a 10-hour online course, you get five- to fifteen-minute bursts that actually stick as you also repeat them frequently. Many companies and their employees prefer microlearning over long-format or traditional types of training. Now let’s take a side-by-side look at the top microlearning apps.
The 7 Best Apps for Microlearning in 2025
As we mentioned above, app-based microlearning makes it even easier because it meets you where you already are. And we are talking about your phone. This means you can start listening to material while on the go or whenever you feel like it:
1. Headway
The app turns nonfiction bestsellers into quick reads or audio lessons. The Headway app offers book summaries focused on self-improvement, microlearning, personal growth, and much more. It just makes it easy to gain insights in just a few minutes a day. The summaries are super handy for people who are busy and admire multitasking. You don’t have to find extra time to learn new things because you can just listen to the best-selling experts while on the go.
Why it’s great:
The service provides summaries of top nonfiction books that you can listen to and read
You can get daily recommendations, notifications, and other amazing features to improve your learning
You can get streaks and progress tracking to keep the process steady
Pros:
Engaging design
Car audio feature
Text reading options
Cons: More geared toward nonfiction books, learning about personal growth, than technical instructions
Best For: Busy professionals who want personal growth in small doses
Price: You can get a free trial with optional subscriptions
2. Duolingo
You probably heard about this app. It is actually the world’s most popular language-microlearning service that you will find in the top 10 lists. It is also about microlearning. In application, you will find a gamified experience and a user-friendly design that supports you at every step, from vocabulary drills to grammar practice.
Why it’s great:
The app offers streak tracking and leaderboards, helping users stay motivated
You can also find gamified challenges to compete while learning different topics
It has over 40 language options to choose from
Pros:
Addictive and fun
Lots of languages
Cons: Limited depth beyond intermediate level
Best For: People who want to add a new language in 10 minutes per day time
Price: Free, and you can also get the Duolingo Plus subscription
3. Khan Academy
The service is a nonprofit that aims to make education accessible to everyone. You can learn subjects like math, science, economics, and art history right from your phone.
Why it’s great:
Free video-based lessons you can watch anytime
Practice exercises with instant feedback to test yourself
Personalized learning dashboard so you can track your progress
Pros:
100% free
Covers a wide range of subjects
Cons:
Less gamified compared to other apps
It may feel less playful
Best For: Students or lifelong learners on a budget who want structured lessons
Price: Free
4. Kinnu
It feels like you are walking along a trail where each step naturally connects to the next. It doesn’t throw random facts at you, so you can get useful information and build it into your path that you can actually follow. If you’re curious about philosophy or science, you can choose a track and watch how the ideas unfold. With this app, you don’t have to find a special time for it. Just get your headphones while you’re cooking, and you’re learning while doing your usual stuff.
Why it’s great:
You can grab quick lessons each day without it eating up your time
You’ll notice the topics connect, so it doesn’t feel scattered
You’ll like how clean and easy the app looks
Pros: Works well if you enjoy seeing the bigger picture
Cons: Doesn’t have as many topics as older apps in the niche
Best For: Folks who want story-like learning instead of hopping around topics
Price: Free, with a paid version if you want more content
5. Coursera
This app would be useful for you as it is best known for its big college-style courses. The shorter lessons are handy if you’re picking up new skills without getting into a full degree. You don’t need a full hour. So even 10 minutes is enough to get something useful here. You can use it as it helps you get the main ideas fast, so you don’t waste time.
Why it’s great:
You can take short lessons taught by real universities and companies
You’ll be able to get certificates that actually count on a resume or LinkedIn
You can watch the videos right on your phone, so it fits into your day
Pros: The certificates carry real weight if you’re job-hunting
Cons: Some of the stronger courses are locked behind paid subscriptions
Best For: People who want practical training tied to work or career moves
Price: Free audit option, paid subscriptions for full access
6. Brilliant
What will quickly be mentioned is that his app is built around puzzles instead of lectures. You can actually work through math and data science problems yourself. And your lessons will totally stick better. You can learn hands-free, for example, it suits the idea that your brain is learning while you’re listening to audio formats.
Why it’s great:
You can work on interactive problems that make you think instead of just watching
You’ll feel progress as you move step by step, almost like playing a game
You can try daily challenges that keep you in the habit
Pros: Great if you prefer learning by solving problems instead of being told the answer
Cons: Mostly focused on STEM, so not much outside that field
Best For: People who like to figure things out hands-on
Price: Free basics, with a subscription for the full catalog
7. Skillshare
This service is like a big creative workshop. You can hear real tips from professionals, and find things you can actually try right away. It shares short, simple lessons on things like photography, drawing, or productivity.
Why it’s great:
You can pick from a huge list of creative classes, most of which are quick
You’ll actually get small projects to try, so you can practice instead of just watching
You can download videos if you want to learn offline
Pros: Wide range of creative topics
Cons: Subscription needed after the free trial
Best For:
People who enjoy creative hobbies
Users who want to pick up new skills in short sessions
Price: Free trial, then subscription
Some Quick Ideas: Learning Without Trying Too Hard
Each of these applications could be found useful. They will give you a different way to add microlearning into your day. Some feel like little snacks you can grab while you’re waiting for coffee, others pull you into full projects or puzzles where you actually need a bit more time.
The fun part is, you don’t have to stick to just one. You can mix apps depending on your mood. Maybe you complete a five-minute history path on Kinnu in the morning, then later use Headway if you do not want to commit to reading a full book. Perfect for people who have got a curious mind but not always the time.