Thursday, January 23rd
2025 Language Learning Program Reviews
Pimsleur
- Starts at $19.95 per month for one language or $20.95 per month/$164.95 annually for all 51 languages
- Developed by Dr. Paul Pimsleur based on memory research
- Offers 51 languages including popular and less common ones
- Compatible with CarPlay and Amazon Echo
- 30-minute audio-only lessons focused on listening and speaking
- Progress automatically synced between devices
- Short conversations with English explanations and translations
- Phonetic "Reading” tab available after each lesson
- Review using flashcards, minigames, and conversation roleplay
- AI pronunciation feedback available for some languages
Dr. Paul Pimsleur (1927-1976) was a highly respected academic who earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University and taught at UCLA and Ohio State. His groundbreaking research on memory led to the discovery that reminding learners of new words at slightly increasing intervals helps move information from short-term to long-term memory. This theory forms the basis of Pimsleur courses, which limit the amount you learn at one time to help your brain internalize new words before continuing. Each new item is introduced within a real-life conversation, aiding retention by integrating pronunciation, rhythm, and meaning.
51 languages
Pimsleur offers 51 languages for you to learn, including popular choices like Spanish, French, and German, as well as less common ones like Twi and Ojibwe. Whether you want to learn for travel, work, or personal interest, you can definitely find an interesting language course here. For example, if you're planning a vacation in Japan, you can start learning Japanese, or if you have a business trip to Brazil, you can pick up Brazilian Portuguese.
Compatible with CarPlay and Amazon Echo
You can use Pimsleur on your phone, from your car's CarPlay, and even with Amazon Echo devices. Your progress will be automatically synced between devices.
Set aside at least 30 minutes a day
At the heart of the Pimsleur Method are the Conversational Lessons. By doing these 30-minute audio-only lessons regularly, you'll build a strong foundation in the language. Pimsleur wants you to focus on listening and speaking skills without using outside materials or taking notes. This helps you master the rhythm and sounds of the language first, which Pimsleur thinks should be your priority. It's suggested to do one lesson per day, but you can split it into multiple sessions if needed.
Repeat after the speaker
Each lesson begins with a short conversation spoken at normal speed. Then, an English explanation of the scenario and a translation of each sentence follows. There are also tips, such as in Finnish, where you learn in the first lesson that the stress is always on the first syllable of every word. You are expected to repeat each part aloud, trying to match the speaker's pronunciation. To use Pimsleur effectively, you need a quiet space where you can listen to the lessons and speak aloud without feeling self-conscious or being interrupted.
Phonetic approach to reading is odd
Also available to you after each lesson is a phonetic "Reading” tab. However, you won't be reading for meaning until later in the course - instead, you'll be learning how different letters combine to make the sounds of your chosen language, and the words won't be the ones you just heard in the audio lesson. Honestly, we found this approach to be a bit frustrating, and we didn't like having to listen to an English explanation for each example word - it'd be more efficient to… well, read it.
Review with flashcards, minigames, and roleplay
After your lessons, you can review in a handful of ways. Basic flashcards offer 1-to-1 translations of words, but they might be a bit frustrating if you're learning a language that uses different characters from English or words that aren't spelled the way they sound to you. Pimsleur doesn't provide transcripts, so the flashcards will be your first time seeing these words written. Additionally, there are speed round games, roleplay conversations, cultural highlights, a quick match quiz, "bonus packs," and a pronunciation tool.
AI pronunciation available for some languages
Voice Coach helps you improve your pronunciation by offering two options: Practice and Challenge. In Practice, you can work on new sentences by repeating phrases to get the pronunciation right. In Challenge, you'll see a prompt in English and respond in your target language. If it's available for your language, AI provides feedback on your pronunciation. If not, you record yourself and compare yourself to a recording of a native speaker. (We prefer the latter method, since AI is not really equipped to detect the nuances of an accent the way a human can.)
No grammar instruction
Pimsleur doesn't even mention grammar in their FAQ, which we find surprising, given one of our first questions was how they teach it. Apparently, they don't - and they advertise that as a benefit along with "no textbooks” (some of us are nerds, Pimsleur!). This language learning program definitely takes the more "immersive” approach, and, when it comes to online language learning, that means they want to convince you that you can become fluent in your target language the way you learned your first - through lots of exposure to spoken words with very little formal instruction. We're not convinced this is the best way for an adult to learn, though.
Starts at $19.95
Pimsleur offers two main subscription plans, and each can be shared with up to 3 family members. The first plan is for learning one language and costs $19.95 per month. This plan includes audio content and visual aids like flashcards. The second plan is a premium option that costs $20.95 per month or $164.95 annually. It comes with everything Premium does and also gives you access to all 51 languages offered by Pimsleur, making it a good choice if you're learning Spanish, for example, and your sibling wants to learn French.
Too limiting
Across the board, Pimsleur users complain that the program is slow, the scenarios feel wooden and unengaging, and that it can take up to 90 days to start feeling like you have a foothold in the language. Even if you strongly prefer audio lessons, there are other programs that offer both audio and text-based lessons, as well as grammar instruction, should you decide you want it. Our favorite program like this is also a bit cheaper. Check out the language learning programs that made the top of our list before you buy a Pimsleur subscription.
More Language Learning Program Reviews
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.
Language Learning Program FAQ
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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