12 Best HelloTalk Alternatives to Find Language Exchange Partners

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It’s undeniable that learning a new language is both an exciting and tedious process. On the one hand, as you learn a new language, you expand your horizons and expose yourself to new cultures and ways of life. On the other hand, trying to master a foreign language is a challenging and, at times, lonely journey. 

Thankfully, there is a multitude of language learning resources that make the experience more fun. Among these, language exchange platforms like HelloTalk are the best as they allow you to get in touch with other language learners. 

While HelloTalk is a great platform in and of itself, there are also plenty of HelloTalk alternatives to look at if you’d like to try something a little different on your language learning journey. 

What is HelloTalk and how does it work?

HelloTalk is arguably one of the market’s most popular language exchange apps. With over 18 million active users, finding someone to practice speaking in a foreign language is easy as pie on the app. 

You simply need to set up your profile and the app matches you with similar users that you might enjoy having a casual chat with. You can send texts, voice messages, photos and even doodles after connecting with your partner. You can even have telephone conversations once you’re comfortable with each other!

However, despite its stellar reputation, there are certain limitations to HelloTalk too. For example, the free version only allows you to set one target language and is more suitable for those who enjoy a casual chat. 

For those who want a more immersive language exchange experience, consider these HelloTalk alternatives instead.

HelloTalk alternatives for casual conversations

1. Tandem

Tandem is one of the HelloTalk alternatives that is widely known by language learners as the language exchange social networking site. Like HelloTalk, this nifty platform boasts a multitude of language learners from around the world.

The way to use Tandem is similar too: You set up a profile, select the language(s) you want to converse in, and soon, you’ll start receiving messages from potential language exchange partners. Crucially, after chatting with your partner, you can leave reviews of your experience to help other learners find language learning partners that suit them. 

One particular feature that stands out is the autocorrect and translation function which seeks out errors in your texts and corrects them so that the conversation doesn’t meet an awkward end. 

Pricing: The free version is perfectly fine albeit with certain limitations. Tandem Pro, from $6.99/month offers unlimited translations. 

2. Speaky

Another HelloTalk alternative that you can use to have casual conversations with someone is Speaky. Like Tandem, you need to set up a profile and rank the languages you speak according to proficiency so the algorithm is able to match you with better quality language partners. 

Once you do find someone, you can just start messaging them right away. Or, you can simply navigate to the homepage, where you will find a tiled screen of online users who are interested in the same language you are and find someone to practice with from there. 

However, take note that, for now, you can only send text and voice messages on Speaky. You can’t call or video chat with your partner. In addition, you can also choose to hide your profile from certain users, which is great for avoiding unwanted situations. 

Pricing: Speaky is free to use! 

3. Idyoma

Similarly, Idyoma is another language exchange platform that facilitates casual conversations among language learners. Out of all the HelloTalk alternatives, this is one of the apps that will remind you about Tinder the most. 

After setting up your profile, you will literally be swiping away to find the language partner that bests suits your needs. Don’t worry about saying something wrong and failing to make a first impression because the app comes with a built-in translation tool. Rest assured, your partner will know what you are saying, even if there are mistakes in your word choice!

Pricing: Using Idyoma is free. However, if you want to verify your profile (and potentially increase your number of matches), you’ll need to pay a $5 verification fee. 

4. InterPals

InterPals is another one of the lesser-known apps that are similar to HelloTalk. The only difference is that, as its name suggests, InterPals is a language exchange platform that encourages users to make friends all over the world. 

There is a multitude of languages that users can choose from, each with plenty of active users online at any given time. Most users here are also avid travellers, since InterPals focuses on creating connections that, apart from helping people to improve their language skills, also encourages its users to travel. 

Pricing: InterPals is free to use!

5. HiNative

If you’re a little shy about conversing with strangers (be it by text or otherwise), HiNative may well be the best HelloTalk alternative for you. 

Rather than being a typical language exchange platform, HiNative is a little bit more like an interactive Q&A network where learners can ask questions about a particular language and native speakers from around the world can jump in and offer genuine answers. 

A major plus is how easy it is to use HiNative. All you have to do is hit the “Ask” button and leave your question. There’s even an auto-translate function that helps translate your queries into the right language. Or, if you prefer, you can practice your pronunciation by asking a language using a voice recording! 

Pricing: HiNative is free for use. However, you can subscribe to a Premium Membership from $5.68/month so that your questions appear much faster on other users’ feeds. 

6. Hello Pal

Another app that works as a HelloTalk alternative is HelloPal, one of the newest language exchange platforms on the market. 

Apart from connecting with and conversing with other users from around the world, you can also get a teaser of what it’s like living in other countries by checking out the photos and videos posted by other language learners. You’ll also receive language tips as you communicate with other people. 

What’s special about HelloPal is the livestream function. Rather than just text or speak with someone over the phone, you can join a livestream session and interact with the person who’s streaming by leaving comments in real-time! You could also start your own stream and earn money when other users give you gifts. How cool is that! 

Pricing: The app itself is free to use. However, there are optional in-app purchases.

HelloTalk alternatives for meaningful connections

7. MyLanguageExchange

MyLanguageExchange is the epitome of not judging a book by its cover. Compared to all the other HelloTalk alternatives on this list, this classic language exchange platform looks sorely out of place with its basic design and an interface that hasn’t changed since it was first set up in the mid-2000s. 

Despite its old-fashioned look, MyLanguageExchange actually features a thriving network of language learners. Like Bilingua, this platform focuses on deeper conversations. You set up a profile, fill in your details and language learning goals, and you’ll soon start finding fellow learners to practice with. 

Most users only chat for a short while on the website before switching over to Skype to carry on their conversations. If you’re looking for casual chit-chat, this might not be the best HelloTalk alternative for you. However, if you’re genuinely looking for a language partner who you could call a friend, definitely give this one a try. 

Pricing: MyLanguageExchange is free to use!

8. The Mixxer

While language exchange platforms are certainly great at helping language learners meet new people, not every platform helps you improve your conversational skills or pronunciation. That’s because most platforms focus on text messaging. 

The Mixxer, on the other hand, is one of the few HelloTalk alternatives that focus more on speaking practice. Upon registering your profile, you’ll be required to link it to your Skype account where you’ll speak to your newfound friend via voice calls. 

On the downside, you may not find that many users on The Mixxer compared to Tandem or Bilingua. That’s because, understandably, not everyone is a fan of speaking to strangers face to face. However, if you’re a social butterfly, we highly recommend giving The Mixxer a try! 

Pricing: The Mixxer is free to use!  

9. Meetup

If you’re truly adventurous, and you want to take your conversations beyond just texts and video calls, try Meetup. You can probably already guess how the platform works just from the name! 

Meetup is a language exchange platform that facilitates in-person language exchange. Say you’re in a new city and you want to find someone to practice a foreign language with over a cup of coffee. Simply head to the website and either join a language exchange gathering or set up one yourself. 

Really, Meetup is a HelloTalk alternative that is geared more towards making friends than just strictly language practice. The downside is that the platform is more popular in certain cities and towns than others, so you might not always be able to plan or attend a successful gathering. 

Pricing: Joining a gathering is generally free. However, if you wish to host a gathering, you’ll need to purchase certain plans starting from $14.99/month. 

Apps similar to HelloTalk that offer tutoring sessions

10. italki

If you’re not comfortable with the concept of interacting with strangers, don’t fret. There are also HelloTalk alternatives that are strictly designed to cater to earnest language learners. 

One such platform is italki, one of the best language exchange platforms that offer tutoring sessions and lessons. Most users here are either native speakers (community tutors) or certified language teachers who are able to help learners improve their proficiency in a given language. 

Apart from casual chats or conversations, you can also opt for sessions on italki that are more structured. They are designed to help language learners work on specific aspects of the language in a comfortable learning environment. In short, if you’re serious about improving your language proficiency, italki is the platform for you. 

Pricing: Expect to pay between $4 to $10 per session for most languages. Discounts are available too!

11. Preply

For those in the language learning sphere, Preply probably doesn’t need an introduction. After all, like italki, it is one of the most popular platforms to find a language tutor online. 

It features similar features as italki, allowing users to pick tutors based on factors like location, native language, specialties, and more. Tutors on Preply have to undergo a strict vetting process before they are allowed to schedule lessons on the platform. So, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. 

Despite the similarities, Preply shares with italki, what sets this HelloTalk alternative apart is how users are charged. Preply prices are based on hourly rates that differ based on each tutor. More importantly, you can sign up for a trial lesson first before committing to any packages. If you find that you didn’t really like the tutor, Preply offers a free replacement with any tutor of your choice. 

Pricing: $5/hour on average, or even less with Preply’s offers

12. AmazingTalker

When it comes to HelloTalk alternatives where you can find professional tutors to practice languages with, AmazingTalker is one of the underrated gems in the industry. 

This fast-growing language tutoring platform now boasts over 7,000 tutors who specialize in 100 languages. What sets this trendy new platform apart is the fact that it offers personalized private lessons that cater to each user’s schedule, budget, and interests! 

You could, for example, schedule a lesson to work on nothing else other than your pronunciation or grammar, and your tutor will customize a session specifically to help you meet your language learning goals.

Best of all, you don’t need to buy a bulk of lessons on AmazingTalker. You simply buy one when you need it, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. 

Pricing: On average, each session costs between $10-$30/hour. Get a discount voucher here.

Bonus: Busuu

Busuu is primarily a structured language learning app offering lessons for 14 languages, including Spanish, Japanese, and French, with courses developed by language experts.

While it’s not strictly a social platform like HelloTalk, Busuu features a fantastic “Community” section that gets you interacting with native speakers. You complete writing or speaking exercises within your structured lessons and then post them for feedback. Native speakers in the community can then offer corrections and tips, and you can return the favor in your native tongue.

That said, this social interaction is limited to the feedback sections of the exercises—you can’t send private messages or have direct chats.

Pricing: Starts from $12.99/month. Find Busuu discounts here.

Conclusion

And there you have it: awesome HelloTalk alternatives to find the perfect language exchange partner! With so many great platforms including HelloTalk, it really is about taking your time to find the best platform that suits your needs.

You can even try out several of these platforms simultaneously if that helps you in your language journey. Whatever the case, hopefully these platforms help make your language learning experience all the more fun and memorable!