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Suppose you find yourself contemplating a relocation to Israel, or maybe just a trip to visit the Holy Land. Maybe you'd like to reconnect with your culture, learn more about a new one, or brush up on some courses you took in school. No matter what your reason is, finding affordable Hebrew lessons that fit into your daily routine can be a hassle.
There are many reasons why online Hebrew lessons have surged in popularity. For most people, securing in-person lessons isn't a viable option. Whether it's too expensive or takes too much time driving from lesson to lesson, in-person learning can be a huge roadblock to moving forward with your language learning goals, particularly if you're not located in a Hebrew-speaking area.
Sunday, November 10th
When seeking recommendations for language self-study, Rosetta Stone is often the top choice. Widely recognized and implemented by over 12,000 corporations, 9,000 organizations, and 22,000 educational institutions globally, they have millions of learners that have benefited from their offerings.
From humble beginnings to state-of-the-art
Originally distributed solely through CD-ROMs at considerable prices, Rosetta Stone now offers affordable online access, allowing you to access all content and new features through a cost-effective subscription model. Notably, Rosetta Stone is dedicated to preserving endangered languages and collaborating with indigenous communities globally. Though these materials are not accessible through the platform, it reflects well on Rosetta Stone's commitment to language diversity.
Get set up with no cost
Rosetta Stone's pricing structure for Hebrew lessons includes a 3-day free trial, allowing you to explore the platform with minimal commitment. This trial lets you get started with only an email address for access. You'll be guided through the selection of your proficiency level and learning objectives to create your personalized Hebrew learning plan. Once you've tried out a few lessons during the three-day period, you can figure out if this system of learning is right for you.
Unique language tools with real-world basis
In terms of unique tools, Rosetta Stone is a standout platform. The company employs proprietary TruVoice software for speech recognition. You'll need a microphone to access this tool, and the program will prompt you to make a voice type selection during setup. The platform's immersive teaching model, known as Dynamic Immersion, replicates natural Hebrew language acquisition through exposure in context, facilitating the intuitive learning of words, phrases, and grammar. Rosetta Stone's mobile app offers a See & Speak tool, available for iOS and Android, turning language acquisition into a scavenger hunt for vocabulary based on real-world surroundings.
Quarterly, yearly, or lifetime membership
At Rosetta Stone, there are three ways you can pay for your Hebrew program: a 3-month subscription, a 12-month subscription, and a lifetime subscription. Here's what you can expect from each of those:
Design your progression to match your goals
The learning plan is based on the user's language level and objectives, such as travel, work, family, or foundational language skills. For instance, a beginner-level plan for Hebrew Basics and Beyond prescribes 30 minutes of daily study over five days a week, spanning six weeks and covering various topics each week. If you're looking for something more in-depth Rosetta Stone will help you develop a guided plan with all the necessary tools to help you toward your desired level of Hebrew fluency.
30-day money-back guarantee
If you're worried about paying slightly higher prices for Rosetta Stone, you don't have to be. The company offers a competitive 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you don't feel like this teaching methodology isn't working for your learning style within 30 days of purchase, you can process a refund. Rosetta Stone has your back.
Top tier reputation
Rosetta Stone has an impressive reputation. As one of the few companies in our review that has a rating from the Better Business Bureau, we were highly impressed. Rosetta Stone holds a top score of "A+” from the BBB. On top of that, the reviews from customers on the iOS and Android apps show overwhelmingly positive feedback. From both the Apple Store and the Google Play Store, Rosetta Stone has an average rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. Particularly, students praised how effective the speaking portions of Rosetta Stone were in helping train proper native-sound accents. Even through the beginner levels, students felt they had achieved enough fluency to communicate basic concepts with native speakers.
Top pick for learning methods
Rosetta Stone easily remains a leading choice for Hebrew lessons, offering an immersive approach that fosters a sense of accomplishment as learners pick up language skills naturally. With tools and methodologies that support multiple learning styles as well as all facets of language (speaking, reading, writing, and grammar), you'll be supported through your language plan toward your ideal level of fluency. With consistent improvements and competitive pricing, Rosetta Stone maintains its status as a top contender and a 5-star service for those embarking on Hebrew language learning.
Mondly strives to make language learning enjoyable and straightforward. Acknowledged by Forbes, CNN, and Bloomberg, this platform has garnered numerous accolades for its app, positioning itself as a well-regarded choice.
Engaging and addictive
Among the 40+ languages offered, the Hebrew lessons on Mondly stand out for their engaging and almost addictive nature. Mondly also offers a separate app designed for kids, for preschool through early elementary age groups. This kid-friendly version operates independently, offering free content with more advanced features available through a separate subscription. This way you and your family can learn Hebrew together.
Easy access and engaging content
Accessing ample Hebrew instruction is simple, and you don't have to create an account on Mondly to get started. You start off by choosing your starting language and indicating your approximate fluency level. Free accounts offer a preview with access to the initial six lessons, one vocabulary section, one Chatbot conversation, and the daily/weekly/monthly bonus lessons. The platform employs gamification with challenges, leaderboards, badges, and rewards, fostering motivation and continuous exposure to the language.
Features for learning from multiple languages
Mondly presents a range of distinctive features. Our favorite? The flexibility to start learning a new language not only from English but also from other source languages. This is a refreshing departure from platforms that often assume English as the starting point for Hebrew learners. Another helpful feature of Mondly is the ability to toggle between Hebrew characters and the Latin alphabet during lessons. This is especially beneficial, especially in the early stages of learning.
Membership or permanent access
There are two plans to choose from when you subscribe to Mondly. The Mondly premium plan costs around $10 per month, or $48 per year if you prepay 12 months in advance. The other plan is a lifetime access option. You can score lifetime access to Mondly (and all 41+ languages on its platform) as well for around $99, depending on when you shop.
Multimodal learning
At this time, Mondly provides limited direct grammar instruction, and it is gradually improving. The platform encourages learning through sentences and phrases, with grammar details incorporated as a supplementary aspect. This approach may not appeal to everyone, especially those accustomed to structured lessons with explicit grammatical explanations; however, with multimodal learning (sound and written) as well as a gamified tracking system, the learning methodology is great for keeping you engaged and appealing to different learning styles.
Refunds only in special cases
One major downside to Mondly is its refund policy. If you decide to end your subscription because Mondly violates a contract term or for valid reasons, and you've already paid for future usage, Mondly will refund you for the unused portion of your subscription from the date of termination. However, in any other case, if you end your subscription, you will be out only the amount you paid. If you're on a monthly membership this isn't too bad, but if you prepaid for a year, this could be a very frustrating policy.
Rave reviews on the app store
According to reviews from customers who've used the Mondly app, the company has an outstanding reputation despite the snag with the refund policy. According to reviews on the Apple Store, Mondly has an impressive 4.8-star average. Customers loved that the app helped them sound "authentic” and understand conversational interactions in the language they chose. While some customers don't love the chatbot feature for practicing the language, the overall impression is that Mondly is one of the go-to language apps online today.
Top pick for gamified learning
Despite some limitations with the refund policy, Mondly stands out as one of the most entertaining and affordable options for Hebrew lessons. Its engaging approach and ever-expanding services make it a favorable choice for individuals seeking a positive language learning experience. With multimodal learning and a fun, engaging gamified approach, Mondly earns a solid rating among the options on our list for learning Hebrew.
With nearly five decades of experience, the Pimsleur Method, pioneered by Dr. Pimsleur, revolutionized self-taught language instruction. The program began with Modern Greek and has expanded to over 50 languages, including Hebrew. Pimsleur has gained recognition for its emphasis on learning through listening. Initially employing cassettes and CDs, the method has evolved into an online subscription, allowing learners to access content conveniently and flexibly.
Free lesson to preview
To get started learning Hebrew on Pimsleur, you can start with the complimentary Hebrew Level 1 lesson. This hands-on introduction gives you a glimpse into Pimsleur's unique approach, with each lesson centered on 30-minute conversations. Creating an account requires only an email address and password, and on top of the free lesson, you can access a 7-day free trial with the option to upgrade to a subscription.
Share your account with your family
One feature we loved is that Pimsleur accommodates multiple learners within the same household, allowing up to four students to share a subscription across unlimited devices. This flexibility extends to a Driving Mode, where you can practice your Hebrew while commuting. While Pimsleur lacks speech recognition tools and a game-based approach, it is an appealing option for those who appreciate learning through audio methods.
Monthly and annual prices
There are three ways to subscribe to Pimsleur. The first is the one-language plan. If you just want to learn Hebrew, the cost is $19.95 per month. Now, if you're interested in Pimsleur's full catalog of languages, you can get access to all of them for $20.95 per month. Considering there is only a $1 difference between the single language and full access plans, it may make more sense for most to go with the full subscription. Finally, if you want to commit to a full year in advance, you can get access to all languages for $131.96 for the first year and $164.95 per year for every year after.
Progress through listening methods
The Pimsleur method breaks down learning into syllables and words, guiding learners through mastering sentences and dialogues. With 30-minute conversations as the basis of the learning system, you can easily progress in your Hebrew on the go. However, with limited access to other kinds of learning methods like written exercises, speaking exercises, or puzzles, this may not be ideal for those who don't succeed in languages just by listening (or who need to be able to read and write in Hebrew, not just speak and understand it).
30-day money-back guarantee
Pimsleur is confident in its effectiveness, so the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you purchase directly from Pimsleur or through their customer service call center, and you are not satisfied, you can return the product within 30 days. Be aware that it notes that if your subscription comes with a 7-day free trial, you may not be eligible for a refund, so you may want to double-check that before subscribing.
Solid reputation among language bloggers
In general, Pimsleur has a solid reputation. With most language learning blogs and review sites rating the company around 4.4 stars, the general consensus is that the program is effective, and its 50+ years in the industry offer understandable expertise. Pimsleur offers a mobile app, and we found a similar rating average on the Google Play store. Customers love how effective the lessons are. While some customers complained about issues with the voice reader, most were very happy with their progression through Pimsleur.
Solid service for listening lessons
As a trusted and dependable option, Pimsleur offers an alternative for individuals who enjoy learning Hebrew without textbooks or formal grammar lessons. While it may not include the advanced features found in other platforms, the method's success over the years is praised by bloggers and professional linguists. Pimsleur's free sample provides ample information for learners to determine if this approach aligns with their preferences for mastering Hebrew. However, if you're looking for something beyond listening lessons, Pimsleur won't be ideal for you. For this reason, it gets a strong rating overall, but it doesn't rate higher due to some of those missing methodology features.
As a course offered through the online learning platform Udemy, Hebrew for Beginners is a quick and easy option for students looking to get through the beginnings of Hebrew. Promising to teach you to speak, read, and write through the guidance of two native speakers, Hebrew for Beginners is exactly what it says: a service for those who have never worked with Hebrew before to get their feet wet and begin building a Hebrew vocabulary. While this may not be ideal for those looking for advanced lessons, it is an affordable one-time payment to begin your Hebrew journey.
Preview video to get started
To get started, you just need to purchase the program from Udemy's platform. However, you might notice that there's no free trial, but there is a preview video at the top of the course that offers you a quick look into what you might be buying. While this isn't as detailed as getting a free trial with the materials, it's still good that they offer you some kind of look into the program.
Videos, articles, mobile and more
On top of access to real teachers, which is one of the standout features of Hebrew for Beginners, there are features supporting a range of different learning styles, so no matter how you like to engage with language, there's something here to support you. With Hebrew for Beginners, you'll:
One price, one time
The pricing for Hebrew for Beginners is simple. You get the entire course for a one-time purchase of $89.99. There's nothing else to it. You get lifetime access to the beginner course, and you don't need to worry about ongoing memberships or extra payments once you're finished. You can also take your time with the program, without being rushed through a quarterly or yearly period to avoid being charged for a renewal.
Tons of teaching methods included
This program is designed to teach you Hebrew from the ground up. Whether you're aiming to travel to Israel or engage in basic conversations, the two teachers who guide the program set clear goals for your language development. Starting with understanding the differences between English and Hebrew, you'll progress to mastering the Hebrew alphabet, reading, writing, and building a rich vocabulary. From constructing basic sentences to asking questions, the course offers a comprehensive grasp of Hebrew communication. You can expect learning support from different methodologies like practice with homework, quizzes, and supplementary materials like MP3 files, presentations, and PDFs.
30-day money-back guarantee
On top of all the other benefits, you also get a guarantee supplied by Udemy of a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don't like the program or find out it's too beginner-level for your needs (or any other reason), you can request a refund within 30 days. This makes the one-time payment even more attractive.
High praise from students
While there's not a lot of buzz for Hebrew for Beginners outside of Udemy's platform, there are a decent number of student reviews for customers who successfully completed this program. On Udemy, the average rating from students is 4.7 stars out of 5. Customers praised the "slow and steady” teaching style that made the program extremely easy to follow. Even some students who already spoke Hebrew but struggled with writing found this program helpful. With over 1,000 individual reviews, the star rating is impressive.
Best beginner program
While this program is a little limited by its level, the low price, wide variety of teaching methodologies, and access to real teachers really help Hebrew for Beginners to stand out. With high praise from students who've completed the program, we feel comfortable awarding Hebrew for Beginners a very good rating due to its usefulness for beginner students. It doesn't rate higher since it doesn't offer material for advanced language learners, but it's a highly competitive (and low-cost) program that's definitely worth a look.
If you're curious about what an AI-powered language learning platform would look like, take a peek at Glossika. These lessons prioritize full-sentence practice based on personalized learning patterns. Glossika stands out by serving learners whose first language isn't English. Unlike platforms assuming an English starting point, Glossika allows you to choose from various "source languages." Whether your primary language is Polish or Korean, or you wish to utilize a second language like Spanish or Russian for learning Hebrew, Glossika accommodates these preferences.
A little complex, but focused on philanthropy
While Glossika's unique approach can be confusing at first, particularly for new learners, a demo guide video is provided on the main page of the website to help you jump right in. Despite the interface complexities, Glossika provides a comprehensive learning experience with substantial content. An interesting aspect of Glossika is its commitment to language preservation, offering free access to lessons in lesser-known languages. This philanthropic initiative sets Glossika apart in its dedication to preserving linguistic diversity.
Impressive catalog of tools and features
The platform encompasses over 6500 sentences and 5000 vocabulary words in Hebrew, fostering European proficiency levels from A1 to C1. Learners can customize their experience by selecting or deselecting specific vocabulary themes, providing a personalized learning journey. Glossika also offers a placement test for those who already know some Hebrew and hope to improve on what they've previously learned. There are also a variety of free resources like blogs and downloads to help you on your educational journey.
Three tiers for most learners
There are four options for pricing at Glossika. These range from free access to "Enterprise” which is built for businesses or schools to use. These options can be paid for annually as well if you prefer. Here are the different pricing tiers offered:
Flexible teaching methodologies
Flexibility is a key feature of Glossika's learning methodology. Learners can designate their proficiency level, ranging from "complete beginner" to "I've already learned some." Glossika places a strong emphasis on sentence learning through repetition, offering two modes: "Full Practice" and "Listening Only." The former incorporates reading and writing in Hebrew, allowing learners to type the Latin alphabet until they become acquainted with the Hebrew alphabet and keyboard usage. The other includes listening entirely in Hebrew to learn how to speak and hear the language.
Refunds within 60 days for annual plans
The refund policy with Glossika is a little limited. While Glossika allows cancellations for monthly plans at any time, you can't get a refund for the monthly plans. Since most of the plans are listed in monthly payments it sounds at first like you can't get a refund. However, you can purchase your subscription annually too. And for those plans, you can get a refund within 60 days.
Solid reputation but needs a few updates
Glossika has some impressive reviews from third-party websites. In general, customers rated Glossika an average of 4 stars from online reviews and 4.1 stars out of 5 from mobile app users. Customers liked the learning models but complained about the higher-than-average costs for membership. Customers felt that the program did help them become more proficient in their chosen language with regular use, but there were also regular complaints about bugs on the Apple version of the app, showing that Glossika might need some extra updates to be highly competitive.
Mid-tier service overall
While Glossika presents an intriguing AI-driven approach, Hebrew learners should consider its higher cost and potentially challenging learning mode, especially for beginners. The free trial serves as an opportunity to assess whether Glossika aligns with your learning preferences. Although the platform may appeal to those desiring an advanced starting point and a unique emphasis on sentence learning, alternative options typically offer a more user-friendly experience while achieving improved Hebrew fluency. With a need for some updates in the mobile app, we give Glossika a good rating in our review with the hopes that it will rise higher in the future.
As implied by its name, Hebrew Podcasts specializes in instructing contemporary conversational Hebrew through listening activities. Established in 2008, this platform engages Hebrew learners worldwide, releasing new lessons every month. For each audio lesson, Hebrew Podcasts provides printable PDF lesson guides to help you follow along. These guides include full transcripts in standard Hebrew with Niqqud and a Latin alphabet transcription for English speakers to follow and imitate pronunciation.
Lots of text, but a comprehensive site
If you're looking for the most aesthetically pleasing site to start learning Hebrew, Hebrew Podcasts isn't going to be at the top of the list. As you get started on this site you'll immediately notice a mish-mosh of linked and outdated clip art guiding you through the podcast lesson materials. There is a lot of text to sift through. The easiest option is to jump right to the "learning” tab. From here you can select to learn by level, by number, by guide, or just start learning Hebrew online. The lessons are organized from "easy” through "advanced” so you can jump in wherever you'd like or start from the beginning.
A few fun extras included
You can access the podcasts from iOS devices or Android, making them easy to use across platforms. And, you'll find a few fun extras on Hebrew Podcasts. Some enhance your learning, like an online dictionary or calendar. Others are more for immersing yourself in the culture like online recipes or travel itineraries. But in general, the main learning tool is the podcast itself. Hebrew Podcasts offers exactly what it says on the tin.
6-month or 1-year commitment
The pricing for these Hebrew lessons isn't the cheapest option out there. You can choose from a 6-month subscription that costs $69, with a renewal price of $50, or the one-year access subscription which is priced at $89, with a renewal cost of $79. Renewing your membership yields discounts of $10 to $19 in the second year and additional discounts from the third year onward. You can either pay with your Amazon account or PayPal for a secure purchase.
Listening and learning is their method
Despite incorporating some video lessons, Hebrew Podcasts' teaching structure, as we mentioned previously, primarily relies on audio podcasts. The video content resembles slideshow presentations accompanied by an audio podcast, featuring static images that display written Hebrew. Technologically, this platform is not the most advanced, with games limited to flashcards and basic quizzes. You can download PDF files to follow along, which is more helpful than some of the other podcast-focused options in our review, but it still leaves out some other learning methods for students who don't prefer podcasts as their primary source of information.
No refunds, just a free trial
While there used to be a money-back guarantee from Hebrew Podcasts (a 60-day money-back guarantee, no less), that is no longer something the company offers. Instead, prospective subscribers are encouraged to explore the free lesson samples available on the main page and under "Try a free sample of lessons of different levels" and "Listen Now Try Free" in the Recent Lessons section. However, once you subscribe, the product is yours even if the podcasts outside of the trial ones aren't to your taste.
Praise for advanced-level material
Despite the removal of the money-back guarantee, the rating for these Hebrew lessons has some impressive positive feedback on the advanced content. According to the iOS podcast page for Hebrew Podcasts, the material is rated an impressive 4.2 stars out of 5. Unlike other providers that excel at beginner levels but lack content for advanced learners, Hebrew Podcasts offers substantial instruction as proficiency increases. Happy students praise the range of topics covered, including daily life situations to culturally relevant themes, contributing to the positive rating.
A solid option for podcast fans
Hebrew Podcasts is recommended for those focused on auditory learning, as it places a strong emphasis on this approach. While it may not be the first choice for those seeking extensive reading and writing practice, it serves as a convenient resource for on-the-go learning, especially for advanced Hebrew students seeking challenges to encourage greater fluency. The platform receives a good rating overall, acknowledging that while more technologically advanced platforms exist, Hebrew Podcasts remains an affordable and beneficial resource for certain students.
italki stands out as an incredibly flexible and budget-friendly platform to connect with language tutors. With an extensive array of teachers covering over 100 languages, you have the freedom to choose the tutor that aligns with your learning preferences, schedule, and personality.
Instructors set their own prices
Teachers have the autonomy to set their own prices and availability, providing a personalized learning experience. Unlike traditional course providers, italki acts as a facilitator, offering a database of teachers and practice partners across numerous languages. You can easily book private lessons, classes, or casual chats for practice.
Pick a tutor and start learning
To get started, you can select either an "instant” lesson or something within 72 hours. This will show you available teachers and tutors who can help you practice your Hebrew. Each tutor or teacher charges their own hourly rate, so the pricing will ultimately decide on which tutor (or tutors) you decide to work with.
May work best as a supplementary tool
The platform enables you to review teachers' qualifications and read feedback from other students to make informed choices. All sessions are conducted via video conference tools like Skype or Facetime. Remember, italki doesn't provide educational services itself; it's a platform connecting learners with qualified language tutors. Ideally, italki is a supplementary service alongside your other Hebrew learning course materials.
Prices are decided by individual tutors
Pricing for Hebrew lessons at italki will depend entirely on the tutor or teacher that you choose to work with. During our research, we found prices ranging from $5 to $20 per hour for trial lessons. After that, the prices go up to anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour for full lessons. If you're trying to choose between tutors and prices, you can easily see student ratings for each tutor to get an idea of what quality of service you can expect. Many of the tutors we checked during our review had a full 5-star rating out of 5 from students.
Progress is somewhat self-guided
Progress in Hebrew is dependent on you and your individual tutors. italki isn't a language-learning program, but a tutoring service. So, your progression will depend on the plan you make with your tutor, what other kind of lesson materials you have outside of italki, and how often you go to tutoring. This is a much more "self-guided” method than other platforms in our review. So, if that's not your cup of tea, you might want to check out a different option.
Unclear refund policy
You can only get a refund from italki if you buy "credits” through their platform, instead of paying directly. In this case, you can get some credits refunded to your account whether you're the one who cancels the appointment or lessons. However, we struggled to find any policy regarding payment if you don't use the italki credits.
Mixed teacher quality
Overall the reviews for italki are extremely positive. According to Trustpiot, the average rating for italki on the whole is 4.7 stars out of 5. Customers particularly praise the high quality of instruction offered by teachers. A few customers said they didn't love that sessions were limited to 40 minutes as they felt it was hard to get everything done in that timeframe, but in general, all of the most recent reviews were 5 stars.
Tutoring rather than a full course
italki has an impressive reputation, no doubt about it. However, the fact that the site prioritizes tutoring and teaching sessions without a particular curriculum (or expects students to bring their own curriculum) is a drawback that can't be ignored. If you're trying to learn Hebrew just through italki, you may not find much success. Or, at the very least, you'll need to find learning materials from outside italki to bring to your tutoring sessions. Due to this extra step and possible extra cost required, italki earns just an average rating overall. On the other hand, if you're looking for a high-quality language-focused tutoring service to help you with your Hebrew learning, you should definitely check out italki.
Innovative Language Learning, the company behind Hebrew Pod 101, has provided the 40 language courses offered by Hebrew Pod 101 since 2005. The Hebrew Pod 101 approach is podcast-style and incorporates exposure to native speakers with a range of voices, tones, and speaking styles. With weekly releases of new content that integrates current events and pop culture, the lessons are regularly reviewed by certified Hebrew instructors to make them more accurate for Hebrew learners.
Hard to find details about what you'll be learning
To access Hebrew Pod 101 as a new user, you might be a little confused at the lack of previews. During our research, we found that previews or info videos were located on outside platforms such as the Hebrew Pod 101 Facebook page. This unconventional approach to obtaining information contrasts with the straightforward practices of many other Hebrew lesson platforms. And even then, Hebrew Pod 101 still faces transparency challenges, particularly in terms of high-pressure sales tactics and a lack of upfront information on how the program functions or its costs. The homepage remains vague, offering minimal details about the audio and video lessons, study tools, and the Premium Plus subscription.
Podcast-style listening for lessons
Hebrew Pod 101 excels in offering exposure to contemporary speech and current events, consistently delivering fresh content. The program is designed as a podcast where the instructors focus on "real” language and grammar that you'd hear in conversation. Audio lessons are presented in English with Hebrew dialogues used for learning purposes. Despite homepage frustrations, the platform stands out for providing authentic language experiences, allowing learners to hear and speak modern Hebrew as it is used by native speakers. One of the best features of these lessons is that they're downloadable.
From free to $23
Hebrew Pod 101 provides four subscription options, ranging from free to Premium Plus. The Basic ($4 per month), Premium ($10 per month), and Premium Plus ($23 per month) subscriptions offer varied features, including access to all lessons, in-depth lesson notes, line-by-line audio dialogue, HD video, interactive quizzes, flashcards, voice recording tools, and customizable word lists. The Premium Plus subscription includes personalized one-on-one learning with an assigned teacher.
Missing more advanced material
Hebrew Pod 101's learning process is pretty straightforward, but it notably lacks games or leaderboards for progress tracking. The platform allows you to move freely through the "paths” available on the site. These are organized by topics rather than difficulty, which makes it harder to figure out for those who are less comfortable teaching themselves. While the lessons are based on situations that would happen in real life in Israel, the content becomes noticeably limited from Beginner to Intermediate levels. Advanced students might find the platform less suitable overall due to this problem.
60-day refund policy
Hebrew Pod 101 offers a 7-day free trial for the Premium level and a 60-day money-back guarantee for paid subscribers. So, you can easily test out the program to see if the learning style fits your needs. Hebrew Pod 101 encourages you to thoroughly evaluate the platform's compatibility with your learning preferences before fully committing, and the 60-day refund policy gives you plenty of time to explore the cluttered dashboard.
Missing the mark on organization
According to reviews on Apple where the podcasts are accessible, students gave Hebrew Pod 101 a 3.9 out of 5 star rating. From other reviews on teaching blogs, Hebrew Pod 101 stayed around 3.8 stars out of 5. Many complaints arose with the difficulties found in navigating the website. Further, while fans enjoy the podcast-style learning method, other reviewers say that the English dialogue used to facilitate the podcast feels awkward and scripted, making the lessons harder to engage with and listen to.
Best for those who can teach themselves
With the inclusion of a 7-day free trial, Hebrew Pod 101 emerges as a solid choice for those seeking exposure to authentic, modern Hebrew with listening exercises in conversational Hebrew. While it may lack certain features offered by competitors, its focus on contemporary language use contributes to its overall value for Hebrew learners. However, if your first language isn't English or you're looking for a site that's easier to use (or offers advanced Hebrew lessons), this podcast-focused learning method might not be the right fit.
Launched in 2012, Preply connects learners with online tutors worldwide, offering them the tools and content to craft personalized live language classes. Using AI-powered features, the platform promises a dynamic learning experience, though it isn't clear how the AI is utilized in the tutoring sessions.
Tutors are independent
On Preply, tutors design their lesson plans independently, emphasizing the importance of choosing experienced educators. Throughout the platform, you'll come across tutors described as 'certified,' 'professional,' and 'internationally certified,' giving you options to find the right match for your Hebrew language learning journey. However, according to some reviews, the tutors aren't as highly qualified as Preply claims.
Browse tutors to get started
To get started, you just need to start browsing tutors and teachers on Preply. Like other tutoring-based platforms, Preply provides you profiles of individuals who you can connect with to learn Hebrew. You can narrow down the list of tutors using filters like price, country of birth, and availability. After that, it's just about sifting through the different tutors to find the best fit for your Hebrew journey and your schedule.
Preply may lack fair compensation
The main feature of Preply is collaboration. The goal is to connect you and your tutor together so you can develop a lesson plan. While the tutor does most of the work on their end, it may require you to bring outside materials to the lessons. Since Preply isn't its own language learning service, you won't have a curriculum from the company itself. However, several concerning reviews are floating around that Preply doesn't pay their teachers and tutors properly, which is a major downside knowing how much work they need to do.
Higher prices may not support tutors
The pricing at Preply changes depending on the tutor that you choose. However, prices at Preply are much higher than at other tutoring-style sites. Many reviews note that this is because Preply takes the majority of that money rather than paying it directly to the tutor. During our research, we found prices ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. The sessions are each 50 minutes long, but considering the higher prices, this may not be ideal for customers looking for long-term help with Hebrew lessons.
No progression guarantees
Progression in Hebrew is determined by how you and your tutor plan out your lessons. However, like other tutoring-based sites, there aren't any pre-made lessons or built-in curriculum for Hebrew on Preply. This is a site built to facilitate tutoring, not original coursework. For this reason, you may find you need to pay for Preply as well as another course-style service to reach the level of Hebrew fluency you desire.
Refunds based on internal review
While Preply doesn't promise a refund, you can ask for one through their return policy. If you need a refund from Preply, you'll need to send an email to their support team including the date and time of the lesson, the reason for the refund request, and the name of your tutor. Preply will review your request, and you can expect a decision within 30 calendar days.
Mixed reviews with red flags
The reviews for Preply are all over the place. There are some blogs and sites that have a fairly high opinion of Preply with an average rating of 4.4 stars. However, from other sites, we found averages as low as 2.2 stars. From Preply itself, all ratings are a full 5 stars, which we find a little suspicious. The biggest red flag though, is that even on sites like Trustpilot where the review average is pretty high, customers and tutors are leaving reviews that the company isn't serving their tutors or paying them properly. There is also an increasing number of reviews that use words like "scam” on Trustpilot.
Not worth the trouble
At the end of the day, this tutoring service isn't really a Hebrew language-learning program. While you can supplement other language learning materials with tutoring to help increase your understanding, Preply doesn't really stand out on its own as a way to learn Hebrew. Compared to other tutoring services, there are some serious red flags for Preply too, like complaints from customers about scams and worries about underpaid tutors. If you're looking for a tutoring service to help with Hebrew, head up to the higher-rated options in our review instead.
Luckily, the digital world of online learning opens up tons of possibilities that didn't exist before. Whether your Hebrew learning style tends towards auditory experiences, written practice, or speaking exercises, different Hebrew lesson programs place a deliberate emphasis on learning styles that fit your needs.
You can immerse yourself in audio files, encompassing syllables, words, phrases, and sentences for the purpose of repetition. Or if you're a visual learner, opt for a Hebrew language platform that ingeniously gamifies the entire learning trajectory. This includes not only grammar intricacies and writing exercises but also incorporates speech recognition software to facilitate a side-by-side comparison of your pronunciation with that of a native speaker.
Furthermore, virtually all online Hebrew lessons exhibit a commitment to infusing cultural and historical dimensions into your study sessions. Given the profound historical backdrop and symbolic significance of Hebrew, a nuanced understanding of the language often necessitates delving into its historical roots and comprehending its contemporary contextual applications.
You can also expect many modern options to use more conversational Hebrew like you would find if you talked to a native speaker in Israel. This way, you're not stuck with archaic grammar exercises or phrases that feel out of touch with modern language.
As you navigate the wide array of online Hebrew lessons, it might seem a little overwhelming at first. We've put together some helpful criteria to make sure you find the best fit:
To make your Hebrew learning journey the best it can be, Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best options for taking Hebrew lessons available online today. We hope this helps you reach your ideal level of fluency whether you're learning for travel, for culture, or for fun. Hebrew is now in your reach with the right learning platform for you!
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