Complaints

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

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  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:08/25/2025

  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.

  In July 2024, I purchased a year Babbel subscription. I thought I was purchasing for a year, and would receive an invoice or message to renew in 2025. Instead, on 07/11/2025 my credit card was automatically charged $107.40 for another year and I did not know this until I received my credit card bill in August. By then it was too late to cancel the subscription.Circumstances have changed and I really cant use this subscription. I am 75 years old and my husband is 81 years old with ***** ** ******. Much of our time is spent dealing with health issues.I know the current Babbel policy is to not issue refunds, but I feel this is taking advantage of seniors. I have not logged onto Babbel in maybe 4 months, so would not have any way to know the renewal was coming up. Here is what the Babbels current policy is:Most Babbel subscriptions are automatically renewed, but if you don't want to continue learning with us, you can easily cancel your subscription at any time up to the day before the renewal date.I feel this should be changed for the customer to sign up to renew the subscription. Circumstances change from year to year and when you are dealing with health issues, logging on to services you no longer use, is not something you think about.I have contacted Babbel and they will not issue a refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/29/2025

  Dear ******,
  
  We appreciate your feedback shared here.
  
  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 are sorry to hear you were unaware that your Babbel subscription would automatically renew.
  
  Reviewing the situation you have now shared with us here, we understand that your specific circumstances present a further challenge.
  
  We would like to confirm the refund of your renewal charge. The money should be with you in five working days.
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/29/2025

  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 will be resolved when I actually receive the refund.  It is interesting that even though I gave Babbel the same information I provided to you, they did not respond until the BBB was involved.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******
  
  
  
   
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/13/2025

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  Babbel makes it very difficult to end a subscription or cancel an account. This is the only company EVER that has continued to charge my credit card for a subscription after I've attempted (I only say attempted because they never did stop the subscription or cancel my account) to end it. I believe they are misleading in their communications around ending subscriptions and that they do this intentionally to continue to withdraw from people's financial accounts after they've expressed interest in ending the relationship. My guess is that this company is financially struggling and they are becoming desperate. Or, perhaps, they've always operated in this unethical manner.After emailing the company to request a refund for the renewal fee for the service I hadn't used in 18 months, I finally found a way to delete my account. They responded by saying that since I deleted my account there was no way to give me a refund? It's the year 2025, I think we can figure something out.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/14/2025

  Hi ***, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback. 
  
  We can see that you had purchased a 3 month Babbel subscription for All Languages on the 16th of January 2024. 
  
  Since then, the subscription had been active and was autorenewing every three months. The latest charge was on the 16th of July 2025, and you cancelled your subscription on the 9th of August 2025. 
  
  As mentioned, 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 fully understand that you missed this. We've reviewed your request and are happy to offer you a refund of 50% of the most recent renewal payment. Youll still have access to your lessons until the 16th of October 2025. 
  If you think a friend or family member could make better use of Babbel, we can create a voucher for your remaining time that you can gift to them. Alternatively, you can use this yourself at a future date. Please respond to our email, so we can assist you further with this. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team 
  
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/12/2025

  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.

  Hello I was charged $91.53 for Babble. I DONT even have the app on my phone or on any device. This is an unauthorized fraudulent charge! I filed a complaint with ****** as well. I tried calling Support for Babble and the number is no longer in use! You can Only contact thru their email and we know how that goes Snail Mail IF that or IF they answer. How am I going to get my money back???

  Business Response

  Date: 08/15/2025

  Hi *******, 
  
  We are terribly sorry that you have been a victim of fraud. In order for us to help you, we need to locate the payment so that we can refund the charge. This is also frustrating for us since we want you to have a positive experience with Babbel. We have sent you an email and we have requested you to send us more info, so we can assist you further. Please respond directly to our email for privacy reasons. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/22/2025

  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:

  Hello

  Babbel did not resolve my issue of being charged $91.53.

  I gave them the last 4 digits of the card that was used, time and date of the transaction.

  I did not have their app ever on any of  my devices.

  ****** was able to refund my money.

  It looks like the purchase was made on the ****** Play Store which I do  not have access to on my Iphone.

  So ****** made the refund because of their investigation finding I did not purchase this product and with no help from me.

  All I did was send a complaint to ****** and they did the rest.

  I am pleased with ******'s response time and refund.

   

  Thanks also goes to the BBB. I truly appreciate your support and effort on this matter.

   

   

   

   

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

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

  Business Response

  Date: 08/23/2025

  Hi *******, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback. 
  
  I can see that my colleague had requested payment details in order to track the charge several times, 
  but we did not receive a  GPA number to be able to proceed. 
  
  Please feel free to get back to us via email if you need any further help. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/05/2025

  Better Business Bureau:
  

  Account # ********

   

  To whom this concerns,

  Babbel did not have a resolution to the charge on my Bank account.

  ****** refunded my money to me.

  Babbel asked for a *** number or a ****** invoice from the purchase.

  I called my Bank and asked for the *** number and they said the investigating officer would handle that IF they deemed it necessary for Babbel to have.

  I have NO ****** Invoice From The Purchase Because I Didn't Purchase The Product.

  So I could not accommodate their request.

  The problem with Babbel has been settled BUT Not because of any help from Babbel.

  The problem was solved because of ******.

   

  Thank you ****** 

  Thank you BBB

  I truly appreciate your services.

   

  Sincerely *** * ******

   

  
  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:07/24/2025

  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 bought a one-year subscription to Babbel. I used it for 2 months - didn't like it and haven't used it since. I did not agree to auto renewal. I was charged for another year and asked for a refund the day they charged me and I was told no-just no. I told them I am not paying for something I don't want and didn't like and won't use. They said I should thank them for offering me to pass my year onto someone else. And as I read below-this is common for them. DON'T USE BABBEL. Doesn't help you learn a language and steals your money! HORRIBLE customer service too!

  Business Response

  Date: 07/25/2025

  Hi *****, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback here. 
  
  We can see that your yearly subscription renewed on the 17th of July 2025, and you contacted us 5 days later regarding this. 
  
  As mentioned, 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 fully understand that you missed this and therefore, since we want you to have a positive experience with Babbel and would be happy to welcome you back in the future, we've reviewed your request and have offered you a refund of 50% of the renewal payment.
  
  If you think a friend or family member could make better use of Babbel, let us know and we'll create a voucher for your remaining time that you can gift to them. Alternatively, you can use this yourself at a future date.
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/22/2025

  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.

  On 09/05/2024. I signed up for Babbel Live subscription. I previously emailed Babbel Inc., and made an official complaint, reference Ticket #*******, about the A1.1 Module 1 class on January 27th, where the instructor, was helping the class pronounce the German letter G (geh), which incidentally sounds like the English word gay. What was not incidental was the instructors immediate voluntary laugher in a mocking tone. The Babbel teacher failed to maintain a level of professionalism I expected for the services I signed up for. This was not a minor instructional slip. It left me feeling singled out and embarrassed, and which created a hostile environment that did not align with Babbels advertised supportive learning space nor my own personal space. I kindly requested that this incident be reviewed by a supervisor. Babbels Policies: Statutory Rights & Service Quality: Babbels Terms and Conditions and ** consumer protection standards emphasize that digital services must be provided in a professional manner. I respectful requested: A full refund of my Babbel Live subscription due to the service I received not meeting the standards promised by Babbel which resulted in a discriminatory experience which shyed me away from further learning and Babbel experiences. Babbel responsed and stated Babbel Live has since closed, we are unfortunately unable to follow up on these specific incidents with the respective team and I was only issued a partial refund. I am respectfully requesting the Better Business Bureau to please further assist me in a better resolution, this is embarrassing enough for me to have to involve others now, but, Babbel has not adhered to its own policies. Thank you

  Business Response

  Date: 07/24/2025

  Hi *******, 
  
  Thank you for sharing your feedback. 
  
  We would like to apologize for any negative experiences you have had during the ******s. 
  
  We had a closer look at your case and we can see that you first contacted us and mentioned issues with the ****** from the 27th of January 2025, 
  several months later, on the 1st of July 2025. 
  
  Since these sessions occurred several months ago and Babbel Live has now been discontinued, we're unfortunately unable to investigate these specific cases further with the relevant team.
  
  My colleague had offered you a voucher as a goodwill gesture on top of the Babbel Live partial refund you had received. 
  
  You did not accept the voucher, but our offer still stands if you would still be interested. 
  
  We are unable to issue a refund beyond what has already been offered. 
  
  Best regards, 
  Babbel team
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/24/2025

  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:

  The Voucher offer would mean that I still have to use Babbel. which this feels like entrapment when I was hoping for  resolution.
  

  If Babbel could be so kind as to review my class activity they would see that after this incident occurred my class activity began to slow down. The reason for the delay in my complaint is due to the embarrassment and my attempt at giving a second chances to the Babbel teachers, with no success. I dont feel comfortable with Babbel anymore.

  If a full refund is not able to be approved by a supervisor. Would you please consider an exception for a refund, for at least, from the start date of this incident: A1.1 Module 1 class on January 27th to the current date.

   

  Thank you.  

   

   

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

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

  Business Response

  Date: 07/28/2025

  Dear *******, 
  
  Thank you for your feedback. 

  
  Unfortunately, we are not able to individualy monitor our members' ****** activity and contact you directly if there is a lower participation in the classes. 
  
  If there is any issues with our services, there are several ways to contact our **************** team that are listed on our website. 
  
  We are unable to issue any further refunds, but as informed in our email, the voucher code we have offered you can be used also as a gift to a friend or family member. 
  
  Best regards,
  Babbel Team 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/28/2025

  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 am being provided an entrapment instead of a resolution.  

   

   

   

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

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

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/16/2025

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  Auto renewal of subscription

  Business Response

  Date: 07/31/2025

  Hi ******,
  
  Thanks for your feedback. 
  
  As we also informed 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 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 have issued a partial refund of the renewal payment and youll still have access to your lessons until the 12th of July 2026.
  
  If you think a friend or family member could make better use of Babbel, let us know and I'll create a voucher for your remaining time that you can gift to them. Alternatively, you can use this yourself at a future date.
  
  Please note that we cannot issue any further refunds. 
  
  Best regards, 
  Babbel Team

• 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