You know how they say “practice makes perfect”? MacDonald from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has the science to back it up. The study says that if you want to get good at a language, you’ve got to speak it.
That’s why language learning apps like Ling, which I know pretty well, focus on conversational practice to help you get fluent faster. And let me be clear: I’m not hyping up the Ling app just because I’m on the team. It genuinely holds its own.
Now, let’s get to the point. I’ve gone through app after app to find the top six apps for real-life language practice and nail that fluency quickly. So, let me give you the lowdown on what sets each one apart so you can pick the one that fits you perfectly.
Quick Overview Of The Best Apps For Real Life Language Practice
Let’s have a look at the comparison table below. As we move on, we’ll tackle them one by one. Let’s get started.
| App | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ling | Simulated Real Conversations | $14.99/month (Free Trial Available) |
| HelloTalk | Real-Life Social Interactions | $6.99/week |
| Tandem | Customized Real Conversations | $13.99/month |
| Busuu | Real-World Scenario Practice | $13.98/month |
| Speaky | Authentic Conversations with Global Partners | $5.99/month |
| Preply | One-on-One Real-Life Conversational Practice | $8 to $40 per hour |
1-Ling: Best For Simulated Real Conversations
So, let’s kick things off with Ling. You know how sometimes language apps make you feel like you’re just talking to a wall? Not with Ling.
The chatbot feature here is next-level. It’s almost like you’re conversing with an actual human fluent in the foreign language you’re trying to learn. You can pick from 20 topics that cover real-life scenarios, like asking for directions or ordering at a restaurant.
But here’s why I believe Ling is the best overall language learning app: It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of app. Whether you’re just starting out or pretty advanced, Ling adapts to you.
You can speak your answers or pick from a list of sentences, which is an advantage when you’re new to the language. And, oh, each lesson comes with native speaker recordings. So, instead of just improving your listening and speaking skills, you’re learning to sound like a local.
Ling’s Standout Features
- Dynamic Difficulty Leveling: Ling has a unique feature where the difficulty of the exercises adapts to your performance. If you’re acing all the questions, expect them to get tougher, offering you a continually challenging experience.
- Cultural Notes: Each lesson for 60+ languages has ‘cultural notes’ that give you context about the language you’re learning. So, you’ll learn the words and the culture and traditions tied to them.
- Voice Recognition Feedback: The app uses advanced voice recognition to give you instant feedback on your pronunciation.
What Are Users Saying About Ling?
Ling has a Google Play rating of 4.4 stars from 11.8K reviews. Ling has garnered praise for its structured lessons and chatbot feature. One user exclaimed, “The lessons are short,” and then highlighted the app’s effectiveness in practicing real-life conversations. That’s a big win for anyone keen on improving their conversational skills.
How Much Does Ling?
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | -Beginner lessons -Introductory chatbot |
| Monthly | $14.99 | -Beginner lessons -Introductory chatbot -200 lessons in 50 units -Access to 60+ languages -Sync across all your devices -Talk with the chatbot about 20 topics -Grammar tips in multiple languages |
| Yearly | $79.99 (7-day free trial available) | -Same as the Monthly plan |
| Lifetime | $149.99 (one-time payment) | -Same as the Monthly plan |
Transform Your Language Skills in a Week – Get the Ling app Today!
2-HelloTalk: Best For Real-Life Social Interactions
Moving on to HelloTalk. Think of it as Facebook but for apps for real life language practice. You get to chat with native speakers, and not just through text.
We’re talking voice messages and video calls here. And you can post on what they call ‘Moments,’ which is like your language-learning newsfeed.
What sets HelloTalk apart? The real-time corrections. Imagine texting in your new language and getting instant grammar checks from a native speaker.
But unlike the Ling app, which gives you a more structured practice, HelloTalk is more like learning to swim by diving right in without any plan.
HelloTalk’s Standout Features
- Language Exchange Library: HelloTalk has a feature where you can save corrected sentences from your chats. This way, you can revisit them later for review, making your learning more structured.
- Transliteration Support: For languages like Arabic or Mandarin that have a different script, the app provides a transliteration right below the text.
What Are Users Saying About HelloTalk?
The app has a Google Play rating of 4.2 stars from 200K reviews. HelloTalk’s social networking features have won over users. One reviewer mentioned they’ve “met many friends abroad,” emphasizing the app’s ability to facilitate real-world language practice through social interactions.
How Much Does HelloTalk Cost?
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | -Limited messaging with native speakers -No voice or video calls -Basic translation and correction tools -Limited learning materials |
| Weekly | $6.99 | -Unlimited messaging with native speakers -Voice and video calls -Language exchange option -All translation and correction tools -All learning materials |
| Monthly | $12.99 | -Same as the weekly plan |
| Yearly | $79.99 | -Same as the weekly plan |
3-Tandem: Best For Customized Real Conversations
Next is Tandem, a language app that focuses on personalizing your language-learning experience. You can find a language partner who shares your interests.
Love cooking? You can find someone to help you learn all the culinary terms in French or Italian. And if you want, there are professional tutors available, too.
But what really makes Tandem unique is the cultural exchange. You’re learning not only the native language but also the context and nuances that come with it.
You can look at it as a friend from another country who’s teaching you their language. It’s a different kind of learning experience, one that the Ling app complements rather than competes with.
Tandem’s Standout Features
- Language Goals Setting: Tandem allows you to set specific language goals and track your progress. It’s a roadmap for your language journey.
- In-App Translation: If you’re stuck during a conversation, the app offers in-app translation to keep the conversation flowing.
- Topic Cards: These are conversation starters that help you break the ice with new language partners. They’re especially useful if you’re shy or don’t know what to talk about.
What Are Users Saying About Tandem?
Tandem has a Google Play rating of 4.2 stars from 348K reviews. It scores high for its personalized approach to language learning. A user noted, “connect with people who share similar interests,” making language practice more relevant and engaging.
- Room for Improvement: Technical issues have been a common complaint. One user mentioned, “The sound doesn’t work well,” which could disrupt real-time language practice.
How Much Does Tandem Cost?
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | -Unlimited messaging with other users -Language exchange with native speakers -Voice and video calls -Ability to create and join groups -Ability to leave reviews to other users |
| Tandem Pro | Pro:$18.99 Pro:$31.99 Pro:$79.99 Pro Intro -12 months: $19.99 Pro Intro -12 months: $47.99 More…. | -All features of the Free Plan -See who has read your messages -Send unlimited voice notes -Prioritize your messages -Use translation tools offline -No ads |
4-Busuu: Best For Real-World Scenario Practice
Let’s talk about Busuu. This language app is for those who like a bit more structure. It offers courses designed for specific situations, like if you’re traveling or need the language for work.
Busuu’s lessons are a mix of listening, writing, speaking, and reading exercises that will help you improve your overall language skills.
The special feature? Busuu lets native speakers review your exercises. So, you’re getting feedback that’s both human and immediate.
It’s a bit more academic compared to the Ling app’s conversational approach. But it’s just as focused on helping you practice and use the language in real life.
Busuu’s Standout Features
- Grammar Review Section: Like many of the best language learning apps, Busuu has a dedicated section for grammar where you can practice using exercises and quizzes.
- Official Certification: You can earn McGraw-Hill Education language certificates directly through the app, which can be a great addition to your resume.
What Are Users Saying About Busuu?
Busuu has a Google Play rating of 4.7 stars from 701K reviews. Busuu’s structured courses are a hit. One reviewer found it “easy to understand,” which is crucial for those wanting to seamlessly integrate language learning into their daily lives.
How Much Does Busuu Cost?
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | -Basic language learning features |
| Monthly | $13.98 | -Full access to all courses -Grammar lessons -Offline mode -Community feedback |
| 6 Months | $59.94 ($9.99/month) | -Same as the Monthly plan |
| 12 Months | $83.88 ($6.99/month) | -Same as the Monthly plan |
5-Speaky: Best For Authentic Conversations With Global Partners
Speaky is a global language exchange app. You can connect with people from over 180 countries and practice through chat or voice messages. It’s authentic, real-world interactions.
In my opinion, Speaky’s language filter is a notable feature. You can find partners who are fluent in the language you’re learning. So, you’re not only practicing, but you’re practicing correctly.
It’s less structured and immersive than the Ling app, but if you’re the kind of person who likes to learn by doing, Speaky is a good second choice.
Speaky’s Standout Features
- Language Level Matching: Speaky pairs you with partners based on your language proficiency level, ensuring that conversations benefit both parties.
- User Ratings: You can rate your language partners, which helps maintain the quality of interactions. This makes it easier to find reliable people to practice with.
What Are Users Saying About Speaky?
Speaky has a Google Play rating of 2.9 stars from 134K reviews. Users appreciate Speaky’s diverse community. One reviewer highlighted, “I like the fact that you can communicate with people from different countries,” emphasizing the app’s strength in facilitating cultural understanding.
How Much Does Speaky Cost?
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | -Find language partners worldwide -Limited translation tool (5 times per day) |
| Monthly | $5.99 | – Unlimited translations -Crown next to the profile name -Search users by gender |
| 6 Months | $28.99 | -Same as Monthly |
| 1 Year | $46.99/year ($3.91/month) | -Same as Monthly |
6-Preply: Best For One-On-One Real-Life Conversational Practice
Finally, we have Preply, which connects you with language tutors. You can book one-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs, whether that’s business, travel, or academics.
The focus here is on individualized learning. Each session is all about you and your learning goals. It’s the closest you can get to a personalized classroom experience.
While the Ling app offers a balanced and effective approach to your overall learning, Preply gives you targeted practice with a teacher who’s focused solely on your progress.
Preply’s Standout Features
- Lesson Playback: Preply allows you to playback your lessons. It’s a fantastic feature for revision and catching nuances, you might have missed during the live session.
- Interactive Calendar: The app has an interactive calendar that helps you schedule lessons and sends reminders, ensuring you never miss a class.
What Are Users Saying About Preply?
Speaky has a Google Play rating of 4.5 stars from 22.6 reviews. Users generally find Preply to be well-designed, offering high-quality tutoring. One user mentioned, “Excellent design and functionality,” praising the app’s user-friendly interface.
How Much Does Preply Cost?
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | $8 to $40/hour | -Rates set by individual tutors -Varies by language and tutor expertise |
| Trial Lessons | Discounted or Free | -Option for a trial lesson with new tutors -Free trial with a different tutor if not satisfied |
Why Apps For Real Life Language Practice Are Your Next Best Step
In an age where we’re all connected yet often miles apart, language serves as a bridge to new worlds and experiences. The apps we’ve discussed, including those specifically designed as apps for real life language practice, offer a convenient way to engage in meaningful conversations right from your phone.
But if you’re looking for an app that truly stands out in offering real-life language practice, then Ling is your next best step. It offers a unique blend of features designed to help you learn and truly engage with your chosen target language.
From adaptive lessons that suit your skill level to a chatbot that simulates real conversations, the Ling app has it all. Get this awesome app from Google Play and App Store now and take the next step towards a more fluent you!
