Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Babbel's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

close

Find a Location

Babbel has 2 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  Babbel

  475 Park Ave S Fl 2 New York, NY 10016-6952

• 

  Babbel

  1601 California Ave Palo Alto, CA 94304-1111

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/23/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a year of Babbel to Learn a new language. I used it a few times then I took a break. I eventually attempted to log in and continue learning. I wasnt able to log in. I called and was told my service was over (less than a year) and I had to buy a new service. I decided not to move forward. A couple of months later I was charged a renewal fee of $113.84. I did not authorize this. When I realized I couldnt access anymore, I had no concern of any future charges. I attempted to resolve this with them and they refuse to refund me. I feel Ive been a victim of fraud by Babbel.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/24/2025

  Hi *******, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback here. 
  
  Im sorry to hear you were taken unaware by this charge, we aim to be clear in our communications regarding automatic renewal. In this case, we've been happy to refund your renewal charge. The money should be with you in five working days. 
  
  I hope well see you back with Babbel in future. If so, please note that all our subscriptions automatically renew unless you choose to cancel beforehand. Youre always able to manage any subscription on the Account Information page at the Babbel website: ******************************************************************************************
  
  You can learn more about managing Babbel subscriptions here: ****************************************************************
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/13/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I subscribed to Babbel for language learning January 3, 2025. They offered two years for $100 so I signed up to study Spanish. After I finished the beginner courses I suddenly found out that Spanish does not go past these beginner courses! The company said that they could not give me a refund because they have a 20 day limit on refunds. (of course it took me more than 20 days to finish the beginner courses) They also said I signed up for all languages. What? I signed up for Spanish unless there was small print and I didn't know I was signing up for all languages.I basically spent $100 on three beginner Spanish courses!!! This is a scam and an unethical company.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/14/2025

  Hi *****, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback here. 
  
  You have purchased a Babbel subscription for all languages on the 3rd of January 2025. 
  
  You contacted us on the 6th of May 2025 to request a refund, but as my colleague has already informed you, we are unable to issue it as 

  you communicated with us after the 20 day money back guarantee timeframe. 
  
  What we can offer you instead is a voucher for a friend or family member that corresponds to the remaining time for your subscription. 
  
  Please let us know if you accept this, and we would be happy to set this up for you. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/14/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *******
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/05/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I did not sign up for a subscription. I SPECIFICALLY CHOSE 1 time payment on purpose because I was testing the service out and they put me on subscription anyway. Now they charged me again and are refusing to refund. I cannot afford another year right now I would not have done a subscription and I know I did not do a subscription.They never sent any receipts so I cannot even give an account, order or tracking number.The only info I have to give about the transaction is a screenshot of the charge on my account. I cannot find anything else.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/06/2025

  Dear *******, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback here. 
  
  Im sorry to hear you werent aware that your subscription would renew. Please note that all our subscriptions automatically renew unless you choose to cancel beforehand. Youre always able to manage any subscription on the Account Information page at the Babbel website.
  
  We have emailed you directly regarding this. 
  
  Best regards, 
  Babbel team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/15/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Renewal costs were not well described and program was not worth it. They do not refund money after renewal with no notification of charge

  Business Response

  Date: 04/16/2025

  Hi *********, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback here. 
  
  Unfortunately, we cannot issue a refund for your subscription "Babbel Spanish (*************) 1Y" as per our Terms and Conditions.
  All Babbel subscriptions renew automatically. You can cancel anytime up until the day before your subscription renews.
  
  As a goodwill gesture, we offered you a voucher for the remaining time of your subscription to use later or share with someone else.
  
  Best Regards, 
  Babbel Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/07/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  *************************************************************** *** advertised a 3-month program for $49.99, for which I signed up. They did not notify me that they had signed me up for a subscription that ***** every 3 months on an auto-renew cycle. They also did not notify me of the renewal via text or email before charging my credit card. After I was billed, I contacted them to let them know that the second billing was not approved nor wanted. They refused to credit my account. This is a deceptive practice that is used by many software subscription applications. I want my money back, and I want to warn potential customers of ****************** about their policies.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/11/2025

  Hi ***, 
  
  thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. 
  
  We are sorry to hear you were unaware that your Babbel subscription would automatically renew. Information regarding the automatic renewal of subscriptions is available throughout the payment process, on your Account Information page and in our Help Center.
  
  We can see that you had received an email reminder about the renewal on the 19th of January 2025. 
  
  We're unable to offer a refund but your subscription is cancelled, and youll have access until 18th May 2025.
   
  As a gesture of goodwill, however,  we can offer to end your subscription and provide a voucher for the remaining time, which you can redeem yourself in the future or offer to a friend or family member.
   
  Please let us know if you would be interested in this and we will set it up for you. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/19/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Jan 3, 2024 I purchased a Lifetime subscription to Babbel for $239.00. It offered me full service of their product for my lifetime to any language course it offered. I used it happily for approx 11 months. In early Dec. 2024, Babbel began requiring customer agreement to having their voice recorded and stored so that they could implement a new AI product. A pop up began appearing each time I tried to used the speaking application of their subscription. I do not want my voice recorded and saved to servers. I should be able to opt out. I did NOT agree. But every time I try to use the speaking portion of the product I get the same pop up. And I can no longer use the speaking portion of the application unless I capitulate and agree. The speaking application is one of four learning applications within the Babbel program. In essence, I have lost 25% functionality since I purchased Babbel. It is not the same product I purchased in Jan 2024. It is a lesser product unless I give into their blackmail and I allow them to record and store my voice. Its a breach of the original contract for service. I want my money back $269.I contacted the company and have had two polite email conversations with customer service and two conversations with the American CEO, ***** ****** in which I explained my position. . Babbel says I do not qualify for a refund. I disagree. I see that Babbel has an F rating and has not responded to other complaints. I dont have much hope, but would still like to lodge this complaint. Thank you for any help you can provide.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/21/2025

  Hi ******, 
  
  thank you for sharing your feedback here. 
  
  As we have mentioned previously, 
  
  in regards to the use of AI tools on Babbel, voice recordings are not used for any purpose except Babbel's speech recognition features. In addition to this, all recordings are anonymised to ensure that the privacy and identity of all learners is protected. Voice recordings are never used to identify you by creating a so-called voice print.
  
  When you use our AI Conversation Partner, those voice recordings are shared with service partners for transcription only, and then those transcriptions are used by Babbel solely for quality improvements. Our service partners are contractually not allowed to use them for their own purposes.
  
  We fully respect your decision to decline, however as voice recording is essential for our speech recognition to function, it does mean that all speech recognition features within the app will no longer be available.
  
  You can continue learning with the listening, reading and writing features and, even if you turn off the speech recognition features, you can still practice the words and sentences out loud, the difference in this case is that the app will not be able to provide feedback on your pronunciation.
   
  No refund is in order for your subscription, but I hope the above clarifies.
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/21/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because

  Finally, Babbel has admitted that their new agreement requirement does affect the functionality of their program. They have been telling me all along that I had full functionality, and I knew that I did not.  

   The crux of the matter is one of privacy. Babel is insisting on having permission to record and store my voice. That is a privacy I do not want to give up. No company can guarantee they will not be hacked. AI is a quick learner. I do not want my voice used by bad actors in any scenarios. I am somewhat stunned to know that Babbel can require me to give up my privacy rights. Its a huge overstep.  I am apalled that they have made no provision for people who want to maintain their privacy. It seems ludicrous that they need every customers assent in order to run their program  

  I suspect the Babbel has been recording voices and storing them all along without  making it clear to the customers that this is their process. Now, probably on the advice of legal counsel, they are being transparent. If it has been made clear, when I entered into a contract with Babbel, I never would have purchased the program. It may not exactly be a bait and switch, but it certainly is a bait, and change the terms.

  Maybe $269 is not a lot of money to Babbel. But its a lot of money to me. I bought a product that was supposed to last my lifetime. It hasnt because I cannot use it fully or functionally without giving up my right to privacy, which I will not do now that I am aware. Currently, Babbel is running a special on their program. It is $8.95 for a year of Babbel. Since I used the program for ************************************************** for my subscription minus the 11 months I used it.

  It seems like a fair compromise. Thank you  

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/20/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In Jan. 2024, I purchased a 6 month subscription to Babbel. I did not use the program after the 6 month program ended. On Jan. 2025, I was charged by Babbel again for $66.90. I contacted them for a refund and was informed that even though I had not used the program, they would not refund me, but would cancel the program in July of 2025. I would like a refund. When I signed up for the program, it was not obvious that this was a recurring charge which I must have already paid for last summer, but did not catch.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/24/2025

  Hi *******, 
  thank you for sharing your feedback.
  
  As we have mentioned you via email, we try to be as upfront as possible about our payment plans, and customers always have the option to manage their payments on the Account Information page.
  
  We can see that you had received an email reminder about the renewal of your subscription on the 4th of December 2024.
  
  We have offered you a 50% refund as a goodwill gesture and you still have access to your lessons until the 2nd of July 2025. We have also offered the option to convert the remaining time of your subscription into a voucher for future use or for a friend/family member. If you would like to take advantage of this, please get in touch with us directly via email.
  
  
  Best Regards,
  Babbel Team
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/24/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  Thank you for the Babbebel reply.
  I did not receive a reminder notice on Dec. 4 about the extension of my 6 month course.  As soon as I saw the charge, which was my first notification that this was a recurring charge, I notified that company without accessing the product.  While I did receive a a 1/2 program refund, as I did not use or access the program, I would like the whole refund.
  I will continue to post on all Babbel social media posts about my experience with Babbel.  While they are keeping $33, I wonder how much money they are losing by people being concerned about my comments, and the comments of others on social media.  I am sure it is more than $33.
  ******* ******
  
  

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/29/2025

  Dear *******, 
  
  Thank you for getting back to us. 
  
  We have attached proof of the reminder email you had received one month before the charge. 
  
  As mentioned before, we are unable to process any further refunds, but we would be happy to convert the remaining time of your subscription into a voucher for a friend or family member. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/04/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  [Your Answer Here]

   The notice that I was being billed was not received. You may steal money for services that I do not use, however, I am on social media everyday posting about your "service." I get many likes and responses and am sure I have lost you MUCH more that you would have had to refund,

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/16/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnresolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Canceled in less than ************************************* refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/24/2025

  Hi ***, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback.
  
  We were unable to locate your subscription with the information you had provided. 
  
  You are welcome to contact us again at *********************************** so we can look into this for you. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/24/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  I sent their support the email confirming deletion of the account.

  I then sent them the bank statement showing the charge.

  I have initiated a dispute with my bank, but babbel is obviously operating a scam.

   

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** ********
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/07/2025

  Hi ***, 
  
  Thank you once again for sharing your feedback.
  
  As we mentioned in our previous response, we were unable to locate your subscription with the information you had provided and have repeatedly asked you to provided the correct information, so that we can locate your account details. 
  
  You are welcome to contact us again at ************************************************************, so we can look into this for you. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/07/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

  This is absurd.  I provided the emails and the bank has the account and are processing the dispute.

  This is a SCAM - pure and simple. 

   

   

   

  In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *** ********
  
  
  
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/17/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I found a charge for Babbel for $44.70 on my credit card in Dec. 2024, but I don't recall having a Babbel account since signing up for a 6 month subscription in early 2020. I checked my emails to see if I had any emails either a) warning that a subscription renewal charge would be charged, or b) notifying me that a subscription renewal charge had been charged to my credit card, and found NO recent email or physical mail communications from Babbel. Since 2020, I have been charged $44.70 twice a year on May 10th and Nov. 10th with NO communications about those charges.I did find that in 2022, they emailed to ask that I update my credit card on file that expired in Feb. 2022. I did not update my credit card with them. I believe that every charge after my card on file expired in 2022 is an unauthorized charge, totaling $268.20 over the 3 years since my card expired. I have since cancelled my subscription.An email sent on Dec. 11th to their support email was responded to by ******* on Dec. 13th that they could no refund any of my charges, even the most recent Nov. 10th 2024 charge. They follow terrible customer communications practices that are non-standard for recurring subscription charges, and I believe they use the lack of communication to take advantage of customers.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2024

  Dear ******* 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback. 
  
  I'm sorry to hear that the renewal of your subscription was unexpected, I can confirm that your subscription has been cancelled and we have refunded the latest renewal charge. The refund will be with you in 5 working days. 
   
  In regards to your payment method, since you had an active Babbel subscription, we received updated details about your credit/debit card from your card provider. If you dont want your credit/debit card provider to automatically update merchants when your card information changes, you can contact your provider to opt out. Please contact them for further information regarding this.
   
  Unfortunately we are unable to provide any further refunds, however to help make up for the lost time, we can offer to end your subscription and then provide you with one of the following two options:
   
  A 3 year voucher to study a language on Babbel or 
  Three 1 year vouchers to study a language on Babbel 
  
  A Babbel voucher will give you access to the self-study courses for a language of your choice. You can redeem a voucher on your account to continue your studies, or you can give them to friends or family as a gift. Please let us know which option you prefer. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/19/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

  While I accept this as a reasonable resolution, I believe Babbel should communicate with subscribers in advance of renewal charges.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *****
  
  
  
   
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/17/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  October 4 2024 I purchased a 12 month subscription to Babbel. The app frequently reverts back to limited access, usually going into settings and clicking on restore purchases grants me access back into the paid features. However, now that does not work and I cannot access what I paid for. My October ********************************************************************************************* to subscribe. When I log in to my account in a browser/try to ask the ** help chat, it tells me there is no active subscription for my account. It is impossible to contact the company to resolve the problem. I paid for 12 months so I should have full access until October 2025.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/19/2024

  Hi *****, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your review here. 
  
  I can see that my colleague has responded to your latest email and has offered advice regarding your access to the app. 
  We did not see any recent log-in under the account linked to your Babbel subscription: **************************** 
  This means you may be currently logged in under an old account. My colleague has offered instructions on how to log-in using the correct account. 
  Please feel free to reach out to us if you need any further help. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team