We will compare the two best language learning apps in this blog post: Duolingo vs HiNative. Both apps have various features and it is hard to say which one is better than the other. We will put their major features forward and make a summarized review as well as their pros and cons. After reading this post, hopefully, you will be able to decide which app is more suitable and efficient for you. Let’s get started!
HiNative: First Look
HiNative is a language learning app but it is quite different than all the other language learning apps in terms of content and system. It has both free and premium versions. HiNative is basically a Q&A platform similar to the usual online forums on the internet. So, how does it work? HiNative brings language learners and native speakers together. As soon as you log in, you can ask language-related questions about your target language and then, the native speakers of that specific language can answer your questions. Currently, the app supports 113 foreign languages, however, the more popular your target language is the more frequent feedback you get.
HiNative helps you master your pronunciation and broaden your vocabulary knowledge with authentic expressions such as idioms and slang. It is also the best resource to learn situational expressions. Let’s have a closer look at both of these apps.
Features Of HiNative
Ask Questions
In HiNative, you can ask about the meaning and pronunciation of any word you’re interested in. The app gives you pre-made question formats so that the algorithm can categorize your question. Also, this helps other users to look through previous questions to make sure whether their question was already asked or not. Here are some question formats provided by the app itself:
- How do you say this?
- Does this sound natural?
- Please show me an example sentence with….
- What does this mean?
- What is the difference?
- Please show me how to pronounce this?
- How is my pronunciation?
After your question is posted, you need to wait for a response from native speakers. With popular languages such as English, German, French or Korean; your question can be replied to quickly compared to the less popular foreign languages.
Correct Your Pronunciation
You can get an answer in two ways; either through a voice recording or text message from a native speaker. If you have the premium version you can listen to the voice recording and find out the correct pronunciation of the words so it is only a premium feature. But, you can ask for the pronunciation in written format as well, I think that would be okay.
Learn Authentic Expressions
In HiNative, you are most likely to grasp new authentic expressions and meanings since you interact with native speakers. This way, you can also understand the difference between two similar words. Moreover, you can learn various situational phrases to use in different areas of daily life.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Free version available
- A perfect way to improve pronunciation
- Questions can be about the culture as well as the language
- Available in 113 languages
Cons:
- Getting an answer is not guaranteed
- Unpopular languages have a smaller community
- Not suitable for beginners
Duolingo: First Look
First of all, who doesn’t know Duolingo? This language learning app is the most widely used resource by language learners. Duolingo has a great number of language courses. Unlike other language learning apps, it is completely free, however, there is also a premium version called Duolingo Plus so it is up to you. Duolingo app is based on a gamified teaching approach. Duolingo teaches you a foreign language from scratch or you can take a placement test and start according to your level. Duolingo’s language lessons are easy to complete and they cover the primary language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking, so let’s see what kind of features it offers.
Features Of Duolingo
Gamified Approach
Every language course consists of a tree system in Duolingo. As you finish lessons one by one, you reach a checkpoint. You have to complete all checkpoints to finish that language course. Every time you make a mistake a heart goes down and when you don’t have hearts anymore you will have to wait until they are back.
Motivational Competition
You can compete with both your friends on the Duolingo leaderboard and with 50 random Duolingo users. The leaderboard is updated on Mondays. Duolingo Leagues are designed to motivate you to go on your language learning studies. In Duolingo, there are ten leagues in total. Only the first 10 learners level up to the next league, while the last ten learners are demoted back to the previous league.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a free feature that Duolingo offers to its users. Unfortunately, they are not available for most foreign languages. They are only available in English, Spanish, and French. If you are studying one of these languages, you can try them out, and I am sure they will be quite helpful for listening comprehension.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- All language courses are free.
- It motivates language learners.
- Appealing design.
- Suitable for all learners
Cons:
- No topic categorization
- Lessons are repetitive
- Interrupting ads
Duolingo Vs HiNative
One thing to consider is that don’t forget that they have totally different formats. Duolingo app teaches you a new language but HiNative, on the other hand, improves your language skills and comprehension so it doesn’t promise you to teach a language from scratch. If you are a beginner and don’t have any background in your target language then Duolingo seems suitable for you but if you have already know the language at a specific level HiNative is perfect for you to master your foreign language.
The Best Language App Alternative: Ling App
If you are still not convinced about which app is the best, here is another awesome language app for you: The Ling App!
The Ling App by Simya Solutions is an effective language app offering more than 60 foreign languages. It has a gamified teaching method with interactive language practices and activities. You can master your target language with all aspects such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking by using the Ling App for only 10 minutes a day. I’m sure you will become much more willing to learn a new language thanks to this app. You can get it from both the App Store and Play Store for free!
What are you waiting for? Download the Ling App and start learning right now!