Assess your learning needs and determine what program best suits them. For example, if you want to become fairly fluent, Rosetta Stone is a good choice because it offers an intense, detailed program. However, if you simply want to learn a few phrases for vacation, Rosetta Stone probably isn't worth the investment. In addition, if you already have some experience with the language, you may not want a program that starts from an introductory level. Rosetta Stone offers three to five levels for most languages. Rosetta Stone also offers programs for some uncommon languages, such as Pashto, Latin and Swahili, which may not be available on other programs.
Compare the method that Rosetta Stone uses to teach a language to other programs and determine which program best suits your learning style. For example, if you learn best by immersing yourself and combining many language skills at once, Rosetta Stone will probably work well for you. However, if you learn best by memorizing or concentrating on a specific skill, Rosetta Stone might not be the best program for your particular learning needs. Reviewers have also noted that Rosetta Stone is not as entertaining as other programs.
Compare the cost of other programs to the course time and benefits that they offer. Rosetta Stone's programs generally cost around $300, as of 2011. The courses typically take 40 to 50 hours to complete, but this program urges each user to move at his own pace, and it offers unlimited online access to practice and refine your skills. Other programs may be much cheaper, but they generally do not offer as many course hours.
Compare the reputation of the programs. Rosetta Stone is a well-known, consistently high ranking program which has won a number of awards. A few other programs, such as Pimsleur and Tell Me More, have equally high reputations, but other more obscure programs may not provide quality instruction.