10 apps like Tandem for faster progress

Many language learning apps on the market make big promises when it comes to speed of improvement!

Tandem is a popular language exchange app that connects learners with native speakers for real-life conversations. Rather than passively memorising grammar rules, the app allows users to talk, write, send voice messages, and practise speaking with people from around the world.

While it can be an effective study resource, Tandem isn’t the only option. If you’re looking for apps with similar features - or additional support for reading and writing skills - there are tools can help you practise speaking, build confidence in listening comprehension, and quickly reach your learning goals.

In this article, we'll explore 10 apps like Tandem for faster progress, each designed to help language students move beyond learning exercises and into genuine communication!

Key takeaways

• FindTutors and GoStudent offer vetted professionals with qualified language expertise

• Busuu and Speaky focus on community language learning and feedback

• HelloTalk and Lingbe allow you to chat casually with native speakers of your target language

• italki and Lingoda provide options for group language classes

• Beelinguapp and FluentU enhance vocabulary and grammar understanding through real-world media

FindTutors – a fast route to fluency

Best for: Learners seeking flexible, one-to-one language lessons
Popular languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German
Format: Online lessons, in-person classes, hybrid learning

The FindTutors app allows you to browse and contact vetted, professional language tutors for free, guaranteeing high-quality conversation practise and grammar coaching in your target language. In-person and online language lessons are designed to fit your learning level, style and goals, with focused feedback and flexible scheduling options.

FindTutors uses a unique two-way search system that permits you to post a student ad detailing your study needs and preferences, allowing suitable tutors to reach out to you and offer classes.

How can FindTutors boost my progress?

• Real conversations during every session

• Personalised, flexible lesson plans to suit a range of budgets

• Real-world cultural insights from native speakers

• Immediate feedback on pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary

• Designed for long-term progress

GoStudent – structured one-to-one language tutoring

Best for: Learners who need personalised academic support from professional tutors
Popular languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish
Format: One-to-one online tutoring

GoStudent is an excellent alternative for learners seeking guided progress with their school language studies. The platform matches students with a dedicated private language teacher who tailors lessons to their academic level and objectives.

GoStudent's personalised online classes follow a structured pathway in line with the UK curriculum - all tutors are required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check in line with safeguarding measures

How can GoStudent boost my progress?

• Personalised one-to-one tutoring with bespoke progress tracking

• Structured lessons with clear, grade-focused, AI-supported revision plans

• Speaking practice, pronunciation guidance, grammar explanations and vocabulary testing for exam prep.

• Interactive digital learning tools boost engagement and concentration

HelloTalk – multiple language exchange partners

Best for: Learners seeking informal language practice
Popular languages: Japanese, Korean, Chinese
Format: Text chat, voice messages, video calls

Like Tandem, HelloTalk pairs you with language exchange partners looking to learn your native language while helping you practise your target language. The app allows you to send audio messages, use text messages, and start video chat sessions, with the option to switch languages at any time. Built-in tools let HelloTalk learners receive corrections, translate messages, and highlight grammar mistakes.

How can HelloTalk boost my progress?

• Filter by focus: lessons for children, classes for travelling, studying and working abroad

• Choose from text, voice and video calls, voiceroom, and livestream formats

• Unlimited translations are available with the premium version of the app

Speaky – connections with new cultures

Best for: Learners looking for quick conversation sessions
Popular languages: English, French, Spanish
Format: Online chat

Speaky focuses on matching new users with language partners that have similar interests. The app connects you with learners from around the world for audio and visual calls, allowing you to design your language practice around the subjects and learning goals that are of interest to you.

How can Speaky boost my progress?

• Fast partner matching

• Simple, easy-to-use text chat interface

• Social learning aspect can enhance study motivation

Lingbe – finding your voice

Best for: Real-time speaking practice
Popular languages: Portuguese, Arabic, English, Spanish
Format: Phone calls and text chats

Need to overcome shyness when speaking your target language? Lingbe connects users for short voice calls with native speakers! Instead of typing, the app brings you out of your comfort zone you talk, encouraging your ability to respond to verbally in your chosen study language.

How can Lingbe boost my progress?

• Virtual rooms for group audio chats

• Option to teach your own language for in-app credits that unlock additional features

• Confidence in self-expression built through real-time interactions

italki – community language learning

Best for: Budget-conscious language learners
Popular languages: English, Chinese, German, Japanese
Format: Online lessons

italki allows language learners to choose between professional teachers for academic guidance and community tutors for more casual online classes. Students can filter their search by teaching style, availability, accent, and lesson price.

How can italki boost my progress?

• Speech-focused classes improve spoken language skills

• Short trial lessons are available

• Group discussion forums for learners

Bilinguapp - learning with audiobooks

Best for: Book lovers seeking language support materials
Popular languages: French, Dutch
Format: Story-based language exercise app

While community learning apps are a fantastic resource, Bilinguapp takes an alternative approach to language acquisition.

Beginner language students - and those on the more introverted end of the social scale - may find it helpful to supplement their studies with narrative learning materials. Bilinguapp allows learners to listen along to books as they read, improving vocabulary recognition and pronunciation in their target language, and helping them to build up confidence for face-to-face conversations.

How can Bilinguapp boost my progress?

• Familiar stories help speed up the learning process

• Explore stories from other cultures to create connections with native speakers

• Texts narrated by native speakers enhances listening comprehension and natural pronunciation

FluentU – learning through real-world input

Best for: Learners looking to improve their cultural and contextual understanding
Popular languages: Spanish, Chinese, Russian
Format: Video-based language learning app

FluentU demonstrates real-world language usage through YouTube videos and media clips. The app tests learners on their grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation through exercises based on cultural resources, improving their awareness of world events in addition to their understanding of the language itself.

How can FluentU boost my progress?

• Exposure to authentic language through context-rich resources

• Knowledge of real-world events makes it easier to connect with native speakers

• Strong focus on reading and listening comprehension

Busuu – feedback from friends

Best for: Students looking for peer-to-peer reviews of their progress
Popular languages: English, Spanish, Japanese
Format: Online classes and community forums

Busuu combines app-based learning with community discussions. Learners complete written and spoken exercises, submitting them to other students who can then suggest corrections and improvements. The platform also offers learners the opportunity to earn certificates demonstrating their language level.

How can Busuu boost my progress?

• Personalised feedback from native speakers

• Courses aligned with CEFR criteria

• Language level tests available

Lingoda – group classes for language learning

Best for: Classroom-style interaction
Popular languages: English, French, German
Format: Online group video lessons

Lingoda provides access to live, teacher-led, small-sized language classes. Students study together with other learners who share the same language level, ensuring shared, even rates of progress. With a focus on building speaking and listening skills, the app is a good choice for students who enjoy learning through group conversations in a class environment.

How can Lingoda boost my progress?

• Opportunities to meet other people studying your target language

• Class reminder notifications improve assistance rates

• Recap study exercises support topics covered in class

Language exchange and learning app comparison

Below is a quick overview comparing key features and typical pricing for each tool:

Choosing the right language exchange app

The best language exchange app for your needs depends on your learning objectives:

• Choose FindTutors or GoStudent for a fully personalised professional language tuition

• Check out Busuu and Speaky if you enjoy a community learning atmostphere

• Consider italki and Lingoda if you're looking for group language classes

• Take a look at HelloTalk and Lingbe if you prefer a casual language learning solution

Most learners improve rapidly when they use their target language on a daily basis - the right app can make study sessions go faster!

Still undecided? Take a look at our top 7 language apps to explore some alternative options!