Tandem is a partly free language-learning app for beginner to advanced learners (A2–C2). Free conversation partners, screened at sign-up; unstructured by nature.
Checked October 2026 on the official site ·
About Tandem
Tandem matches you with French speakers who want to learn your language, for text, audio and video chats. Signing up is free, and the team reviews every application before you can start. It suits a learner from about A2 who wants real conversation practice without paying a tutor. Partners are volunteers, not teachers, so sessions are unstructured, corrections are hit and miss, and many chats drift into English.
How it compares
| App | Price | Levels | Real-speed audio | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem | Free to join; Tandem Pro $14.99/mo or $69.99/yrchecked 2026-10-09 (US App Store in-app purchases) | A2–C2 | Yes | Free conversation partners, screened at sign-up; unstructured by nature. |
| HelloTalk | Free to use; VIP $12.99/mo or $79.99/yrchecked 2026-10-09 (US App Store in-app purchases) | A2–C2 | Yes | Free text and voice exchange with native speakers; not a course. |
| italki | Set by each tutor; italki says $4 to $60 an hour for Frenchchecked 2026-10-09 (italki.com/en/teachers/french) | A1–C2 | Yes | The cheapest way to speak the language every week, if you choose the tutor well. |
| Preply | Set by each tutor; from $3, average $21 per lessonchecked 2026-10-09 (preply.com/en/online/french-tutors) | A1–C2 | Yes | A huge choice of tutors at every price; pick carefully. |
Prices as shown on the official site on the date given; they vary by country and change often.
