Mondly Review

Saturday, September 14th

2024 Spanish Lesson Reviews

Mondly

• Monthly: $9.99, one language (equalling $119.88 annually)
• Yearly: $47.99, one language
• Lifetime access: $99.99, all 41 languages
• The first app to focus on VR and AR
• Conversations with a chatbot
• Affordable
• Mondly Kids version available
• Conversation-focused

Mondly is known for being the first app to use chatbot technology and AR (augmented reality) to enhance the learning experience and engage the learner. Mondly was founded in 2013 by Alexandru Iliescu and Tudor Iliescu, graduates of Transylvania University in Romania, and its first app was launched in 2014. Today, Mondly is known as Mondly by Pearson, as they are now under the umbrella of Pearson, the textbook and testing company, though its headquarters remains in Romania.

No money-back guarantee, so try for free before subscribing

This is a rarity: Mondly offers no satisfaction guarantee, but almost every other language-learning company does when you have a paid plan.

If you like it, the subscription is the way to go

We'd suggest trying the limited, free version first. Then, if you like it, get the one-year or lifetime subscription. However, do the math. When the lifetime price costs as much as two one-year subscriptions, it might behoove you to purchase lifetime access. Besides, the lifetime access allows you to get lessons from any of Mondly's 41 languages, not just Spanish.

It's fun and motivating

You'll take short, daily Spanish lessons and practice what you've learned. The lessons are gamified to grab your attention and keep you hooked by giving rewards for hitting another level. Motivation is what you want, right? Nobody wants to be bored. When we start talking animation, this is where users will easily compare Mondly to a popular competitor that's known for its cute, green owl. However, owls aside, the actual gamification, virtual reality and augmented reality are where Mondly really shines in comparison.

AR technology

This feature has a big appeal. Create a CGI teacher and design their surroundings for your classroom. The digitized teacher presents a fun lesson and then using a high-quality speech-recognition program, the virtual teacher gives you feedback on what you said.

Chatbots that give you feedback on your spoken Spanish

When you're having a virtual conversation via the app and it's your turn to speak the next line, you don't have to have a specific answer that Mondly is looking for. You can say your own answer, and Mondly will give you feedback on what you said. This is huge and there are very few platforms that offer this. You have to be patient as the bot doesn't always understand you perfectly so it might tell you it's having trouble hearing you. Don't get down on yourself; use the "it's not me, it's you” mentality.

Mondly has virtual reality

The VR app is created to complement the Mondly app so that you can virtually travel around the world practicing your Spanish. If you have grocery vocabulary, your purchase can virtually be in a store in Mexico, for example. It's a great option since we can't all travel around the world while taking our Spanish lessons.

Mondly Kids

There's a version created for kids and it's even more fun so the kids not only learn through playing but also look forward to the next lesson. Since Mondly uses pronunciation of native Spanish speakers, you'll notice your kids picking up on the accents even faster than you'd imagine. Mondly even has Spanish lessons using songs and cartoons catering to toddlers.

If English isn't your first language or you want a real challenge...

Most language-learning platforms use English as their base, meaning that when they explain grammar or give vocabulary definitions, they're in English. However, not everyone has English as their first or base language. No problem. You can choose a different language as the base to get vocabulary definitions and grammar explanations.

Advanced doesn't really mean advanced

Here's the problem when language-learning platforms like Mondly don't use the most widely accepted European CEFR method of proficiency. This means that Mondly decides its own definitions of beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels, and this can be misleading. Case in point: what Mondly calls its advanced level isn't actually very far above their beginner level, and it would be clearer if they used the specific CEFR determiner of proficiency. So if you want to learn more and actually grow to become a more advanced Spanish speaker, try one of our other highly-rated Spanish language programs that uses CEFR and goes to at least a C1 (advanced) level.

Mondly is amazing, whether you're a beginner, a kid, or a kid at heart

Mondly takes learning languages to a new, fun level. They're the first to apply virtual reality so it seems like you're traveling while learning. They have chatbots to give you good feedback on your spoken Spanish. Mondly Kids is so much fun for the little ones, even the youngest. But, Mondly can only help you get so far. The lessons are fun, but you won't get more advanced than pretty much lower intermediate. We wish Mondly would add lessons and curriculum to help its learners be more advanced Spanish speakers, especially if they buy the Lifetime program.