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Becoming fluent in a foreign language is one of the most rewarding things to do. After all, learning languages is a gateway to different cultures and it helps sharpen your mind.
However, while learning languages using apps and books is fun, there’s no better way to improve your language proficiency than simply practicing it with another person.
Thanks to the magic of modern technology — your smartphone, you can now connect to plenty of language learners around the world and simply get to know each other. Tandem, for example, is one such app that is arguably the most popular language exchange platform on the market.
It’s not the only language exchange app though. If you’re looking for Tandem alternatives, you’ve got plenty of options.
What is Tandem and how does it work?
With a vibrant community made up of language learners from around the world, Tandem is best known for connecting language learners to each other to facilitate real-life conversations, kind of like a social networking site for language exchange.
You just need to set up a profile, choose a language you want to learn, and soon you’ll be matched with potential language exchange partners and can start chatting.
However, despite being one of the leading language exchange platforms in the market, Tandem also has a few shortcomings.
For one, given the huge number of active users on the platform, most chat sessions on Tandem are fleeting and users may not have a chance to hold meaningful conversations. This may mean that, even when chatting with multiple partners, you may not actually be able to properly practice your target language(s).
So, if you’re looking for something a little more immersive, consider these Tandem alternatives to add a little more excitement to your language exchange journey!
1. HelloTalk
HelloTalk is arguably the most popular Tandem alternative at this point in time. With over 18 million users, this nifty language exchange app offers features and a concept similar to Tandem — set up a profile and start connecting with other language learners.
That said, what sets HelloTalk apart is its innovative Language Exchange mode which prompts users to switch between languages. This minimizes those awkward silences where both parties grapple with whether to continue the conversation in a given language.
What’s more, the app also features short audio lessons in 10 languages and allows users to post short updates like an actual social media platform, in addition to the usual chat and call functions.
Pricing: HelloTalk is free to use but has limited accessibility. Premium access starts from $12.99/month.Â
2. Idyoma
Another app that is similar to Tandem (and Bilingua) is Idyoma, a lesser-known language exchange platform that started as a medium for Spanish speakers to learn other languages.
Since its inception, Idyoma now boasts a vibrant language exchange community and supports a large array of languages. Much like Tandem, Idyoma requires users to set up a profile and start swiping until they match with a partner with similar interests.
Once you’ve found someone to converse with, you can start practicing your target language via chat. There’s even a translation tool to help make things proceed smoothly!
Pricing: Idyoma is free to use. However, there is an optional $5 verification fee.
3. Speaky
When it comes to apps like Tandem, one of the main areas of concern, especially for women, is safety. With Speaky, you have the option of hiding your profile from users of certain genders, allowing you to interact with language learners stress-free.
After setting up your profile, you’ll reach a screen showing users learning your language. You can then start messaging said user and start chatting instantly. However, Speaky currently only supports instant messaging and voice messages without live calls.
Pricing: Speaky is generally free to use, but you can unlock more features with a membership subscription starting from $5.99/month.
4. MyLanguageExchange
Learn a language on MyLanguageExchange
Another Tandem alternative that suits language learners who prefer to converse behind the comfort of a screen is MyLanguageExchange.
Simply put, this timeless website is one of the oldest language exchange platforms available, and you can tell by the basic design of its interface. Despite this, MyLanguageExchange boasts a large database of language learners looking for penpals.
Unlike Tandem though, MyLanguageExchange is geared towards fostering longer-lasting conversations. Once you find a suitable language partner, you can then communicate on the platform or move to something else like Skype.
Pricing: MyLanguageExchange is free to use!
5. Lingbe
If you’re looking for a Tandem alternative that teaches you the language as you speak it, then Lingbe is your best choice. It features a wide community of language learners in languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, and more.
What makes this nifty app stand out is the way in which it helps language learners improve their fluency. Like on Tandem, you start by finding a conversation partner on Lingbe and engage with them by pressing the call button. After the conversation is over, you’ll be able to receive feedback on your pronunciation, fluency, and even grammar!
What’s more, users are able to give their language partners a rating after the call, allowing them to practice together again any time they want.
Pricing: Lingbe is free to use!
6. HiNative
One of the most popular alternatives to Tandem is HiNative, a massive language exchange platform that boasts over five million users and supports 110 languages.
While Tandem offers users a way to find casual language exchange partners, HiNative is more like an interactive Q&A platform. You basically leave your burning questions in the chat, and soon native speakers will come back to you with genuine answers.
If you want to practice your pronunciation, you can simply record yourself asking the question on the app. And, you guessed it, native speakers will then help to correct your pronunciation. Definitely one of my personally recommended Tandem alternatives, especially for those who are shy about meeting new people.
Pricing: HiNative is free to use but premium subscription starts at $5.68/month.
7. The Mixxer
Learn a language on The Mixxer
On the flip side, if you’re a social butterfly, then The Mixxer is probably going t be one of your favorite Tandem alternatives on the market. After all, this underrated app encourages users to engage in deep conversations rather than just rely on texting.
How is this done? When you sign up for an account, you’ll be invited to connect to your Skype account. From there, you can start reaching out to other language learners. If you hit it off, you can then move the conversations to Skype.
While The Mixxer is a useful language exchange app, I do have to admit that safety is a common concern among users since the app doesn’t really vet its users.
Pricing: The Mixxer is free to use!
8. Hilokal
Despite sounding similar, Hilokal and HiNative aren’t quite the same. While HiNative focuses more on learning in a controlled environment, Hilokal lets users chat amongst themselves in audio chatrooms filled with both language learners and native speakers.
The app supports a range of languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and even Farsi. The chatrooms themselves have a casual vibe, which takes the pressure of having to sound like a local when you speak. In fact, many users use Hilokal as a Tandem alternative so they can get rid of their foreign accent!
Even if you’re not comfortable speaking, you can simply tune in to a chatroom and practice your listening skills.
Pricing: Hilokal is free to use!
9. italki
Find language tutors on italki
While italki isn’t quite the same as Tandem, it certainly is a language exchange app that language learners need to know about.Â
For those not in the know, italki is a popular platform that connects enthusiastic language learners to native speakers and language teachers worldwide for 1-on-1 or group lessons.
While Italki shares similarities with Tandem in that it allows users to practice speaking in real-time, the app is best-used for more structured lessons, although it’s also possible to just chat casually.
Pricing: A lesson costs an average of $4 to $10 per hour. Book a discounted trial lesson now.
10. Preply
Get affordable one-on-one coaching on Preply
Preply is another Tandem alternative that functions a lot like Italki, mainly in that it’s a language exchange platform that specializes in online tutoring sessions.
That said, while Italki lets users choose between a casual chat with a native speaker or a structured lesson, Preply exclusively offers the latter. Preply’s tutors undergo screening before they are allowed to offer classes on the app. Most of them are able to help language learners focus on particular aspects or skills whilst practicing the language.
Pricing: Prices vary depending on the tutor but start from S10/hour on average. Find the latest Preply promo here.
11. Busuu
Busuu isn’t just another Tandem alternative. Apart from connecting users to over 120 million native speakers on the app for casual conversations, Busuu also features holistic lesson plans that help language learners master up to 13 languages!
Best of all, the lessons are crafted by language experts and cater to different levels of proficiency, enabling learners to progress in their fluency by using the app. Busuu comes with a handy offline mode that lets you learn anywhere, anytime!
That said, you WILL need a connection if you’re trying to hold a conversation with someone on the app!
Pricing: Busuu Basic is free but you can upgrade to Premium and enjoy more features from $12.99/month. Check out Busuu’s promo here!
And there you have it: 11 awesome Tandem alternatives for language learners to practice speaking in a foreign language! When it comes to getting better at speaking foreign languages, the best thing to do is simply to practice consistently. Hopefully, these apps can help you do exactly that!Â