The Best Language Exchange Apps

Traveling to other countries nowadays is becoming easier and more accessible, giving people the chance to experience new cultures and meet diverse individuals. As a result, more people are interested in learning new languages, though language barriers can still make real communication and cultural exchange challenging.

Fortunately, a bunch of fantastic language exchange apps have emerged that make it super easy and fun to connect with native speakers from around the world. 

A language exchange app is a platform where you can connect with people from around the world to practice languages—whether for travel, passion, or career. Think of it like a social network for language learners! You can chat via text, voice, or even video calls with native speakers who want to learn your language. Imagine chatting with someone from Spain while sipping your coffee or practicing your Japanese with a friend in Tokyo from the comfort of your home or any place you prefer. You can dive into real-life conversations, swap stories, and even pick up local slang, all without the pressure of a classroom.

This article explores the best language exchange apps I have tried highlighting their unique features and user-friendly interfaces. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pick up a new language or a seasoned polyglot seeking to refine your skills, these apps offer the tools and connections you need to thrive in your language journey.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk is an all-in-one language exchange app designed to connect users around the world to learn and practice languages. It offers a unique approach by pairing users with native speakers, allowing for real-time conversation and cultural exchange. You can interact with your language partners via text and voice messages, stickers, voice, and video calls, as well as through engaging Voicerooms and Live sessions.

Why It Stands Out: 

• HelloTalk’s user-friendly interface and community-driven corrections make it easy for learners to improve their language skills in real-time.
• The app automatically pairs you with another user who speaks the language you’re learning. The suggestion appears at random, and you can choose to accept or decline it.
• HelloTalk is not just about connecting you with language partners and finding friends. You can dive into fun, gamified courses to boost your vocabulary, use a handy translation tool, benefit from an AI grammar checker, explore audio-learning content and so much more.
• If you love meeting new people who are also learning the language you’re studying, you’ll definitely want to check out the Voiceroom feature. You can join voice and live groups that give you that classroom feel. Just keep in mind that the topics can vary from group to group, so every session can be a unique experience. You can also book a language tutor for one-on-one classes.
• If you’re looking for a dedicated language partner but finding it challenging to connect with someone who has the same goal as you, you can book a Pro Partner. For $87 a month, you’ll get 16 sessions, or you can opt for $231 for three months, which includes 48 sessions. 

What’s Not So Good:

• While exploring the VIP subscription, I noticed that the prices were displayed in Japanese yen instead of my local currency. It was probably a glitch because the prices for Pro Partner and Tutors were displayed in USD when I checked those features. 
• I found that some users are not focused on learning languages. Instead, they seem to be looking for someone to chat with or make friends. Therefore, it’s wise to be cautious when joining voice and live groups or chatting with others in the app.
• It is primarily designed for Android and iOS. While HelloTalk does have a web version, the only feature that syncs is the chat messages, and it lacks the other features available on the mobile version. When I tried using HelloTalk Web, I noticed that the existing messages didn’t sync correctly; only new messages were coming through properly.

Price: The app is free but offers limited access to features. For instance, you’re allowed to use the translator only 5 times, the AI Grammar feature 3 times, and the word game for 5 minutes (with usage resetting after a certain period).

Make sure to check the app regularly, as they occasionally have a limited-time offer for a discounted lifetime plan. Pricing may differ based on your location. They offer subscriptions on a monthly, yearly, and lifetime basis. As mentioned earlier, the prices didn’t display in my local currency, which I believe is a glitch.

Languages: 150+ including English, Japanese, Danish, German, Latin

Lingbe

Lingbe is a language exchange app that’s all about connecting people around the world for real, live language practice over voice calls. The whole idea is to build a community where everyone helps each other out—so you get to practice with native or fluent speakers in your target language and give them a hand with yours, too.

Why It Stands Out:

• The app operates on a credit system. You earn credits by helping others learn your language, which you can then use to practice your target language. Alternatively, credits can be purchased if you have no time to earn them by teaching others.
• What I like about Lingbe is that if you’re really serious about learning a language, you don’t have to waste time scrolling through profiles and messaging people to see if they’re a good match (if you prefer you have that option too). With Lingbe, you’re directly connected through voice calls to users who speak your target language or want to learn your native language (if you want to help and earn). I find this to be a more efficient and quicker way to connect and practice a language.
• It’s got a really simple, straightforward design, which I love—nothing feels cluttered or overwhelming.
• In addition to voice calls, there are various other ways to connect with fellow learners. You can join a Lingbe Room or host a Native Room, and participate in Lingbe Tasks where you can ask questions or provide answers about both your native language and the language you are learning.

What’s Not So Good:

• The app isn’t available on the web, so you’ll need an Android or iOS device to use it. 
• There’s a slight delay when pressing buttons, which can be a little frustrating at times.
• Their website provides very little information as well. So, you can see the basic overview of the app, but stuff like FAQs isn’t on the website. If you want more details, you’ll need to sign up and check out the extra info inside the app itself, which can be a bit of a hassle if you’re just trying to gather more info before deciding whether to commit.

Price: Lingbe is free to use but has some limitations. Free users get 10 energy units per day, which can be used for basic activities like practice sessions and calls. However, free accounts don’t get access to Lingos, the in-app currency/credit that unlocks premium features. If you want unlimited energy and weekly Lingos, you can upgrade to a Pro account. They offer a 3-day free trial and prices vary depending on your location, ranging from 6 to 15 USD per month, with options for weekly, monthly, and annual plans.

Languages: Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, French, Italian, Persian, Japanese, German, Vietnamese, and many more.

Speaky

Speaky is a free language exchange platform designed to promote global communication and language learning through direct interaction with native speakers through text and voice chat. The app connects users with language partners who have similar learning goals, making the process of language acquisition more engaging and authentic.

Why It Stands Out:

• Speaky lets you pick up to 5 languages you want to learn. You can even set the level for each one—like whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, so it helps match you with people at the right level for each language. That way, you’re not stuck talking to someone who’s way ahead of you, and you can actually get some real practice.
• The app is really simple to use. It has a straightforward design and no confusing features.
• You can use the app for free, no subscriptions or in-app purchases are needed.
• They have a web version, unlike other apps.

What’s Not So Good:

• One thing I don’t really like about the app is that it’s kind of limited when it comes to ways to communicate with other learners. You can only text or send voice recordings to your partner, but there’s no option for calling or video chatting. It’d be cool if there were more features, like live group chats or joining a group class, to make it more interactive. But hey, it’s a free app, so I can’t really complain too much!
• It can take a while to find people who are actually serious about learning. In my experience, some users just message me with random stuff and aren’t really interested in helping me learn Spanish or talking about my language at all. I also found out that there are a few scammers on the app, so you’ve definitely got to be careful and make sure you’re not getting taken advantage of.

Price: Free

Languages: 110+ languages including Spanish, English, German, Russian, Dutch, Polish

The Mixxer

The Mixxer is a free web-based language exchange app that can be accessed not only on mobile phones but any device with an internet connection. It allows you to browse profiles of other language learners and message them directly to initiate conversations.

Why It Stands Out:

• The Mixxer is completely free to use, with no hidden fees or any sneaky charges.
• Another nice feature is that you can choose to take your conversations outside the app if you want—like by sharing your Zoom, WhatsApp, or Skype ID. It’s super convenient if you prefer chatting on those apps instead of the app itself. With some other language exchange apps, you often have to pay extra just to make calls or use certain features within the app, like video chats. The Mixxer also recommends creating a separate account for any apps you’re going to share, which is a smart privacy move to keep personal contacts separate.
• I also really appreciate that The Mixxer gives you the option to hide your profile from men if you’re a woman. The app allows you to limit who sees your profile and only make yourself visible to other women if you feel more comfortable that way. It’s a thoughtful touch because, let’s be real, a lot of people try to turn language exchange apps into dating sites, and that can make some users feel uncomfortable. So it’s good to have that extra layer of control over your privacy.

What’s Not So Good:

• If you prefer practicing speaking through calls or video chats within the app, it might not be the best app for you. It only offers text chat, there’s no option for audio/video calls or even joining a live group class. So, if you’re looking for more interactive speaking practice, you might want to consider other apps.
• Another limitation is that you can only select one language to learn at a time. So if you’re trying to juggle multiple languages, this might be a bit restrictive. You’ll have to stick to one language per profile.
• They do let you download the app to your phone, but it just takes you to the web version, which feels kind of pointless. It’s more like you’re just saving a shortcut to your home screen rather than having a fully functional app.

Price: Free

Languages: Indonesian, Arabic, Filipino, English, Japanese, and many more

Idyoma

Idyoma is a language exchange app that connects users with other learners for real-time video calls and text chats. The app features a swipe-based interface, similar to dating apps, where users can swipe right to connect with recommended language partners or swipe left to pass. 

Why It Stands Out:

• Most people on the app are pretty genuine, so you don’t have to worry about scammers as much as on other apps I’ve tried. You can also see if someone has a premium account or an ID verification badge on their profile.
• It has a clean design and a user-friendly interface.
• You can select up to three target languages that you want to learn.
• It allows you to translate your partner’s messages right in the chat, which is super handy.

What’s Not So Good:

• One thing I don’t like about the app is that you have to pay extra just to get a verified badge. It’s not included with the premium account, so you end up paying separately for that feature. It feels a bit frustrating because it adds another cost on top of the premium membership.
• There aren’t many filters to help you find a language partner. You basically have to just keep swiping through the app’s recommendations with no real way to narrow things down. The only filters are for nearby users or worldwide, and that’s about it. It’d be awesome if they added more options, like filtering by interests or language proficiency. 
• The translation feature is really useful, but I did run into a bit of a problem. When I tried to translate my partner’s message, I got an error message instead. Kind of a bummer, but hopefully, they’ll fix it soon.
• It has no web version.

Price: With a free account, you’re limited to starting just 5 conversations each month. If you want to reach out to more people or use the video call feature, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium account. The pricing changes depending on your location, but here’s what it costs for me (converted to USD):

• Premium Account: around $3/month
• Verification Badge: about $5/month

Those are the only subscription options available — they don’t offer annual or lifetime plans.

Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Hebrew, Japanese, and many more.

SewaYou

SewaYou is a Japan-based language exchange app that enables users to connect with native speakers globally. It features a unique interactive map for browsing native speakers. This location-based approach makes it an engaging and distinctive tool for users who want to practice languages with speakers from particular locations or regions. Even though SewaYou is mainly designed for language exchange, some people use the app to meet new friends. It lets you share your gender, choose to allow or restrict certain genders, and even set preferences to allow or block romantic advances. So, it’s not just for language learning—it kind of works like a social app too, depending on what you’re looking for.

Why It Stands Out:

• Instead of just scrolling through a list of profiles, you actually get to explore the map, which I think is a really cool and unique way to find people! You can zoom in on your own area to find people nearby, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore other countries and connect with speakers from all over the world. 
• On the map, you can actually see when people are available to meet up or chat. It’s super convenient because you don’t have to waste time figuring out when they’re free. Not everyone shows their availability, but it’s still a really useful feature when you want to know if someone’s up for a meetup or conversation!
• Right in the chat, they have this AI-powered correction and translation tool, so if you mess up a word or don’t understand something, you can just use it to fix things or translate on the spot.
• It has a modern and simple design that is easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
• You can filter users by gender, age, and even whether they’ve been active within the week or are new to the platform, which makes it easier to find people who match your preferences or are more likely to respond quickly.
• They offer a 7-day free trial.

What’s Not So Good:

• I ran into an issue trying to log into my account the next morning. At first, I thought it might be a problem with my device, so I tried logging in on another one, but it was still the same. If there was an issue with my original account, I really hoped they would let me know via email, but I never got any updates from them. It was a bit frustrating not knowing what went wrong. For some reason, it just wouldn’t let me in, so I ended up having to create a new account.
• One thing it’s missing is the ability to have group conversations, like live calls, chats, or video calls. It would be awesome if you could connect with multiple people at once instead of just one-on-one.
• It has no web version.

Price: You can use the app for free but with some limited features. If you want to unlock all the good stuff, like the AI correction and translation tool, you can upgrade to SewaYou Pro for full access.

The prices for SewaYou vary depending on where you’re located, but here’s what it shows for me (converted to USD):

• Monthly: around $9.99
• Yearly: around $55
• Lifetime: around $97

You can also earn Beans (which is their in-app currency) by logging in daily and watching ads. Beans let you unlock some features without needing a subscription. For example, 500 Beans costs about $3, so it’s a nice way to access some premium features if you don’t want to pay for the full subscription.

Languages: Arabic, Armenian, French, Chinese, Tagalog, English, Spanish, and other popular languages.

Tabee

Tabee is another language exchange app that connects people globally to help them learn and practice new languages. The app is currently only available for iOS devices. Tabee lets you message users directly by chat and calls and offers useful filters so you can search for language partners by gender, native language, and learning language.

Why It Stands Out:

• I really love how simple the design is—it makes the app super easy to navigate, no matter your age or tech skills. It’s straightforward, so anyone can jump right in without getting confused.
• Aside from the filters, I really like that there’s a dedicated section where you can browse by category — new users, native speakers, and people who want to learn your language.
• Unlike other apps where you’re limited to just a few languages you want to learn, with Tabee, you can filter users by any language anytime. So, if you initially selected Spanish as your target language but later decide you want to practice French with a native speaker from France, you can easily switch the filter and find someone to chat with in French.

What’s Not So Good:

• There’s just one main feature (which is the chat and calls), and no group calls or live groups to join. It might not be a big deal to everyone, but it would be pretty cool to have those options, especially if you’re someone who loves meeting more people.
• It’s only available on the App Store, so if you’re an Android user, there’s no way to download it. Unfortunately, it’s not available on the web either, so you can only use it on iOS devices.

Price: The app is free to use, but if you want to make calls directly within the chat, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium account, which costs $3.99 per month.

Languages: 29 languages including German, Italian, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Hindi, Indonesian, Thai, and Vietnamese

THE VERDICT: Which language exchange app is the best option?

I know I’ve mentioned a bunch of apps, but there are actually a ton of options out there. You can even find language partners in places like Facebook groups or other communities. But honestly, it all depends on what you’re looking for and what suits your style of learning.

When it comes to picking the best language exchange app, it really comes down to your preferences and goals. Everyone learns differently, so you’ll want to consider what’s most important to you, whether it’s having the ability to filter by language or location, the features for communication, or how immersive the experience feels.

But, just a heads-up, be careful when chatting on these apps, since some people treat them more like dating sites than language-learning platforms (which, as mentioned earlier, can be an issue). It’s always a good idea to set clear boundaries and stay focused on the app’s main purpose.

Personally, I really like SewaYou because of its interactive map feature. It makes finding language partners way more fun and interactive, and the design is super simple and easy to use, so even if you’re new to language apps, you won’t get overwhelmed. I also love that you can search by location, which adds an interesting cultural aspect to your learning experience.

If you’re not sold on the language exchange apps, and you’re more of a shy learner, you might want to check out AI language learning apps like our very own French Together. If you are looking to practice your French, the app has an AI Speaking Partner built right in, you can practice without the pressure of talking to a real person and it’s perfect if you want to build confidence first. If you’re interested in trying it out but aren’t ready to commit, sign up for a 7-day free trial.

At the end of the day, the right app for you is the one that aligns with your learning style and goals, whether that’s connecting with real people for live chats or practicing solo with AI tools. Just pick what works best for you!