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italki vs Fluenz

Saturday, December 14th

2024 Language Learning Program Reviews

italki Review 5 Star Rating

italki

5 Star Rating
  • Professional teachers' rates start at $10, and Tutors' rates start at $5 per lesson
  • Offers over 150 languages
  • Choose between Community Tutors and Teachers
  • Filter available teachers by lesson categories, lesson length, languages spoken, and location
  • Purchase lesson packages for a 5% discount
  • AI Learning Plan for tracking progress and setting goals
  • Watch introduction videos and take trial lessons
  • Lessons can be conducted via italki classroom, Skype, or Zoom
  • Compatible with both desktop and smartphone
  • Highly rated with over 10,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

italki is a unique platform where you can learn languages by talking to real teachers through video chat. You can choose from over 150 languages and find tutors who match your learning style and schedule. The service offers both professional teachers and community tutors, and you can watch introduction videos to pick the best fit for you. With flexible lesson times and helpful AI Learning Plans, italki makes language learning personalized and effective. We rate italki 5 stars and highly recommend it for anyone serious about mastering a new language.

Fluenz Review 3.5 Star Rating

Fluenz

3.5 Star Rating
  • Access to all 5 levels of a given language course typically costs $398, individual levels are $187 each
  • Founded by Sonia Gil, a language learner and traveler
  • Offers Spanish, Mandarin, German, Portuguese, French, and Italian courses
  • Courses are designed especially for English speakers and are tutor-led
  • Lessons are a mix of instructional videos and practice exercises
  • Offers immersive retreats in Spanish-speaking countries
  • Uses a variety of exercises to test knowledge and keep learners engaged
  • Thorough grammar instruction
  • Offers higher course levels than some competitors

Fluenz is a woman-owned language learning platform with a particular focus on making sense to English speakers. You can learn languages including Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese through interactive tutor-led videos and practice exercises. For a truly immersive experience, consider their Spanish retreats in locations like Mexico City and Barcelona. However, we think they're a bit overpriced compared to competitors, and there's no way to try before you buy. Despite these drawbacks, we believe Fluenz's thorough and considered approach and it earns a solid rating.

What is the Best Language Learning Program?

Language learning programs are great for all kinds of people. Students often find them useful for supplementary learning in tandem with their school coursework. Professionals might use them to gain an edge in the global job market, where knowing more than one language can be a big advantage. Travelers can use these programs to learn the basics of a language before visiting a new country.

Online language learning programs can solve several problems. Traditional classes can be expensive, time-consuming, and inflexible, with fixed schedules that can be hard to fit into a busy life. Language learning programs, on the other hand, are often more affordable and can be used anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection. They offer different ways to learn, such as interactive exercises, games, and conversation practice, making learning more engaging and effective.

The Best Language Learning Programs Compare Language Learning Programs Compare Language Learning Program Reviews What are the best Language Learning Programs Best Language Learning Program Reviews

Language Learning Program FAQ

Language learning programs usually offer a wide range of languages. You'll find popular options like Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin, along with some less common languages. It's always a good idea to check the list of available languages to make sure the platform offers the one you want to learn.
The cost can vary a lot. Some programs have free versions with basic features and offer premium upgrades, while others might require a subscription. These usually start at $10 per month and can be as high as $80. It's smart to look at the pricing details and see if there's a free trial so you can decide what program is most worth it to you.
Absolutely. Virtually every language learning program is designed to be beginner-friendly. They often start with the basics, like travel vocabulary and simple grammar, and then gradually move on to more advanced stuff. If you're just starting out, make sure the program has a clear learning path for beginners. If you're a more advanced learner, make sure their higher levels are sufficiently challenging for you.
Yes, most language learning programs are really flexible. You can learn whenever you have time, fitting it into your schedule as you like. Some apps have audio-only lessons so you can practice while you commute. This way, you can balance your language learning with everything else going on in your life. The only "pressure” can come with platforms that use gamification features where you try to earn enough points for leaderboards and so on.
Speaking practice is super important, and many programs know that. They often have features like voice recognition, conversation practice with native speakers, or live tutoring sessions. These can really help you get comfortable speaking the new language.
Yes, they do! Many programs include games, quizzes, and exercises to make learning more fun and engaging. These interactive features help reinforce what you've learned and keep you motivated to continue. Look for programs that utilize spaced repetition.
Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. The idea is to reinforce your memory just before you are likely to forget the information, which helps to improve long-term retention. Many language learning programs use spaced repetition to help you remember vocabulary and grammar rules more effectively by scheduling reviews at optimal times.
Definitely. Most programs are available on smartphones, tablets, and computers. This makes it easy to practice whenever you have a spare moment, whether you're at home or on the go.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Imagine this: In high school, you struggled through Spanish class, barely passing and feeling frustrated every step of the way. The rigid schedule and overwhelming, boring homework of the traditional classroom setting just didn't work for you. Years later, as an adult, you find yourself wishing you could speak another language fluently.

Maybe you want to try again with Spanish, or branch out to something new, like French, German, Italian, or even Arabic. You realize there must be a better way to learn than those old high school methods, and you start exploring language learning programs designed to fit into your busy life.

Language enthusiasts and lifelong learners can use these tools to explore new languages and cultures. There are many types of language learning programs, each with its own strengths. Some focus on "immersive” learning, using pictures and audio to teach you in a way similar to how babies acquire their first languages. Others use games and competition with other students to make learning fun. Some programs offer audio-based instruction, which is great if you prefer to listen and practice speaking while on the go.

There are a handful of things to keep in mind when choosing the best language learning program for you:

  • Learning style. Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer seeing, hearing, or interacting with what you are learning? Pick a program that matches your learning style to help you stay interested and retain more information.
  • Language focus. Not all programs offer every language. Make sure the program you choose has good resources for the language you want to learn, including conversation practice, grammar lessons, and cultural insights.
  • Cost. Language programs can be free, paid, or a combination of both. Consider what you can afford and compare the cost with the features and benefits. Free programs can be great, but paid services often offer more comprehensive and structured content.
  • Flexibility. Look for programs that fit into your schedule. Mobile apps are good for learning on the go, while desktop versions might offer more detailed resources. Some platforms offer a combination of both. Whatever you choose, you want to make sure the program's format works with your lifestyle, or you won't use it.
  • Difficulty. Some language learning programs are so much fun that you don't find it difficult to get some practice in every day. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you're actually learning to speak the language. Look for a program that challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone and provides you with opportunities to test how much you really know.
  • User experience. A user-friendly interface can make learning a new language much easier and more enjoyable. Read reviews and, if possible, try a demo.

The language-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked the best language learning programs available. We hope this information helps you find the right service for you, making your journey to fluency in a second (or third, or fourth) language enjoyable and successful.

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