12 best language exchange apps and websites in 2024

Discover the best language exchange apps to boost fluency fast.
Miranda Parr

If you want to confidently speak a foreign language, you should get as much speaking practice as possible. Anyone who has mastered a second language knows this to be true. It’s the only “trick” for faster language learning that works!

But if you’re learning a language that isn’t spoken much where you live, opportunities to practice probably aren’t leaping out. For many language learners, the solution is to invest some time in a language exchange. If you haven’t tried one yet, you’re missing out!

language exchange is a simple yet effective way to practice a new language. You connect with someone learning your native language, and in return, they help you with theirs. Typically, conversations are divided in half: in one part, you speak your language, and in the other, your partner’s, giving both of you the chance to learn and teach.

With so many language exchange apps and websites out there, finding a conversation partner has never been easier. Whether you prefer casual text chats or more structured video sessions, there’s a platform out there to suit every type of learner. Here are our top 12 picks of the best platforms to find your perfect language buddy and discover why language exchanges are so effective.

Disclaimer: The author of this article tested and reviewed each language exchange app listed below. While all information has been fact-checked, it is important for any reader to complete their own research before signing up, subscribing, or paying for any service.

1. Preply – Best to practice with language experts

Preply

  • Best use cases: Personalized 1-on-1 lessons with native speakers
  • Pricing: Starting at $10/lesson, varying by tutor
  • Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Available on: WebiOS, and Android

Okay, you caught us… This isn’t exactly a language exchange website. Preply is a platform for finding online tutors for 1-on-1 classes in almost any language. Hear us out: language exchanges are a fantastic way to improve your speaking skills in a second language. But they can also be frustrating.

In the best-case scenario, you are only learning half the time during any language exchange. It’s better than nothing, but it’s inefficient. There’s also no guarantee of finding a language exchange partner who is a good teacher – it’s a very rare skill to stumble across.

Finding a great language partner can be a disheartening process of trial and error. A story of putting yourself out there and trying to make meaningful connections, but being left disappointed time and time again.

Preply offers a far more efficient way to get speaking practice. If you take 1-on-1 language lessons with a Preply tutor, you can talk only in your target language and focus on the skills you want to practice.

With prices starting at around $10 per hour, tutoring doesn’t have to be expensive. Many people consider it to be a worthwhile trade-off for the time and inefficiency that typical language exchanges can cost. Start with a trial lesson and you’ll be amazed at the speed of your progress!

If you’re not happy with your tutor, Preply will replace them up to two times for free.

Pros

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Professional multilingual tutors
  • Customized learning plans and classes

Cons

  • Not a free service

2. Speaky – Best for instant language exchanges

Speaky

  • Best use cases: Quickly connecting with users who are online and actively learning your language, without the need to schedule sessions in advance
  • Pricing: Free
  • Average rating: 2.8/5 stars
  • Available on: Web, iOS (in some regions), and Android

If you want to message a native speaker in the next five minutes, you can make that happen with Speaky. After setting your interests, you are shown a tiled screen of users online learning your language. You can message anyone, and anyone can message you. A useful privacy feature allows you to hide your profile from people of the opposite gender.

Some students also find the app buggy, claiming that it has deleted their messages for no reason. However, it does have tons of members, so there will always be someone available to message right now, whenever “right now” happens to be.

Pros

  • Large user base
  • Can hide your profile from certain users

Cons

  • No video chat
  • Some users report bugs

3. The Mixxer – Best for video chatting

  • Best use cases: Participating in live, unscripted video calls for direct conversation practice with people who speak your target language
  • Pricing: Free
  • Available on: Web

The big benefit of language exchange apps, in theory, is that they get you in conversation with a native speaker of your target language. However, in practice, most language apps are based on messenger services. So really, you’re getting writing practice, rather than that all-important speaking practice.

The Mixxer is a website designed to combat this problem. Users have to connect to their accounts to WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom straight away to start a language exchange. Of course, you can message other students before video chatting with them. But it’s for people who are looking for live speaking practice rather than someone to text and send audio messages to.

The Mixxer was created by a college language teacher from Pennsylvania, USA. On one hand, this means that the website is run without a budget, so it can’t attract millions of members or professionally moderate user behavior. On the other hand, it was created purely for the needs of language students, with no business goals to prioritize. There are even free conversation starters to help users structure their sessions productively.

Are you uncomfortable jumping into video chat without screening your language partner first? If so, that’s understandable and this site might not be for you. If you’re willing to take a slight risk, however, then this site might be a surprise winner.

Pros

  • Supports live speaking practice
  • Includes conversation starters

Cons

  • Small user base
  • No screening tools

4. Polyglot Club – Best for public or group discussions

  • Best use cases: Participating in larger discussions or conversations, whether it’s offline or in person
  • Pricing: Free
  • Available on: Web

With over 100,000 members, Polyglot Club stands out for its vibrant community and diverse learning opportunities. More than just a messaging app, Polyglot Club organizes a range of real-life events, from social gatherings and conversation nights to karaoke and fitness classes.

Available worldwide, these events give learners the chance to immerse themselves in language practice in a casual, social environment. If you can’t make it to an in-person event, you can still engage with other members via online chat, public chat rooms, or the platform’s built-in video chat feature.

One of Polyglot Club’s unique features is its text correction service. Users can submit written entries, such as short essays or journal entries, and receive detailed feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and phrasing from native speakers. With the handy notebook feature, you can save these corrections and review them later.

The platform includes a language learning video library with explanations of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances for over 100 languages, from French and Korean to Nepali and Welsh. Polyglot Club also offers a marketplace where users can find language services like translators, tutors, and writers, or even promote their own services.

Pros

  • Completely free
  • Offers many learning resources and ways to connect

Cons

  • Website can be glitchy or slow to load

5. Meetup – Best for in-person language exchanges

Meetup

  • Best use cases: Finding language exchange partners near you for in-person practice
  • Pricing: Free, although some events charge a fee to attend
  • Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Available on: WebiOS, and Android

Texting new friends is great practice, but actually meeting fluent speakers is the real deal! If you are able to travel to big towns and cities, it’s worth going to an in-person language exchange, even if you’re nervous.

Meetup is a website for planning gatherings of strangers around common interests. It has a big presence in Europe and the Americas, and language exchange is one of its most popular event categories.

You can search by city and language. Meetups are usually free or cheap and often take place in bars, cafes, or parks. Sometimes, exchanges involve fun activities such as dance classes or bowling to give attendees something to talk about. Of course, your opportunities will depend on where you are in the world. But if you’re learning the language of a country that you’ve just relocated to, then what are you waiting for?

Don’t let fear hold you back – everyone else will be in just the same situation as you are!

Pros

  • In-person interactions
  • Wide range of activities

Cons

  • Location-dependent
  • Varies in quality and frequency
  • Less convenient than online language exchanges

6. Idyoma – Best for nearby language connections with safety features

Idyoma

  • Best use cases: Practicing language skills safely, with verified profiles, one-click blocking, and filters that help you control who can connect with you
  • Pricing:
    • Free access to some features
    • Starting at $3.49/month
  • Average rating: 4.1/5 stars
  • Available on: WebiOS, and Android

Idyoma is an intuitive language exchange app designed to help users connect with language learners nearby or around the world. With its user-friendly swipe function, similar to popular dating apps, you can easily browse through profiles without the pressure of rejection.

In your profile, you can select up to three languages you’re practicing and three that you already speak to customize your experience. Plus, users can build out their profiles with photos and leave comments on how their conversations went.

One standout feature of Idyoma is its commitment to safety and genuine connections. For an extra layer of security, users can pay to verify their profile. Idyoma also prioritizes user safety by offering one-click blocking and filters to control who can find you, as well as disabling photo messages – all efforts to create a safer environment, especially for women and girls.

Beyond individual chats, Idyoma lets users form group conversations with people from around the globe. You can instantly translate messages or share corrections to improve your language skills on the spot. For those looking for longer-term partnerships, Idyoma’s Pen Pal program is a great way to foster more meaningful connections over time. The app even learns your preferences, showing you better matches over time, and limits initial connections to encourage higher-quality exchanges.

Pros

  • Option to look for language exchange partners located nearby
  • Verified profiles ensure you connect with real people, not bots or scammers

Cons

  • Not many filtering options
  • Subscription model can be confusing

7. Lingbe – Best for equally balanced language exchanges

Lingbe

  • Best use cases: Connecting with native speakers and trusting you’ll each get plenty of time to practice
  • Pricing:
    • Free access to some features
    • $4.99/week
    • $9.99/month
    • $99.99/year
  • Average rating: 4.5/5 stars
  • Available on: WebiOS, and Android

Lingbe offers a unique twist on the typical language exchange experience by focusing on real-time voice calls rather than text-based chats. The app allows you to connect instantly with native speakers of your target language, removing the often awkward and slow-moving messaging phase.

One of Lingbe’s standout features is its reward system. Users earn “lingos” by helping others learn their native language. These lingos can then be spent on practice sessions with native speakers of other languages. This reciprocal approach makes language learning feel like a community-driven effort, where you give and receive in equal measure. However, it does require more active participation on your part, so be prepared to put in the work.

If you don’t want to spend as much effort, Lingbe Pro gives you unlimited language exchanges, video calls, and private practice rooms, plus an ad-free experience. Other premium features include gender filters and the option to skip users you don’t want to talk to.

Lingbe’s group chats, known as “rooms,” are another fun feature that sets it apart from other platforms. These rooms host live group conversations on specific topics so you can practice in a dynamic social setting. Additionally, the platform includes tasks where you can ask and answer questions about your target and native languages to create a learning environment.

Pros

  • Can connect with language exchange partners immediately
  • Helpful built-in correction and translation tools

Cons

  • Some reviews report technical issues, like calls dropping
  • Requires a lot more work than other language exchange platforms

8. HelloTalk – Best for innovative language exchange tools

HelloTalk

  • Best use cases: Chatting with native speakers via an advanced platform with tons of built-in learning features
  • Pricing:
    • Free access to some features
    • $12.99/month
    • $79.99/year
    • $149.99 for lifetime access
  • Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
  • Available on: WebiOS, and Android

In 2024, HelloTalk is the king of language exchange apps. Or at least a member of the royal family. It has over 18 million users – that’s over twice the population of New York City!

Language learners fill in a profile, and the app suggests similar profiles of people you might enjoy connecting with. The chat feature is very advanced: You can send photos, emojis, and doodles to your new language partners. Once you’ve gained each other’s trust, it’s even possible to send text and voice messages and make phone calls for free!

The free version of HelloTalk will be sufficient for most learners, but you can only set one target language. Consider paying for a subscription if you’re trying to master a few languages at once.

One of the age-old problems of language exchanges is that learners find it hard to know when to switch languages. HelloTalk has a handy feature to prevent the awkwardness of trying to be strict with a relative stranger. If you turn on “Language Exchange mode,” you’ll get a notification when it’s time to switch languages.

With so many users passing through, it’s slightly more suited to those who want casual chat than those who want a more developed language exchange. However, HelloTalk deserves its great reputation.

Pros

  • Free option available
  • Chat with native speakers

Cons

  • No clear learning structure
  • Not suitable for beginners
  • Free version limits you to one target language

9. Tandem – Best for trustworthy language partners

Tandem

  • Best use cases: Filtering language exchange partners using a user review system
  • Pricing:
    • Free
    • $13.99/month
    • $31.99 for 3 months
    • $79.99/year
  • Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
  • Available on: Web, iOS, and Android

Like HelloTalk, Tandem is a very up-to-date app with millions of users. It’s even been called the Tinder of language exchange apps because of its swipe-based matching system for connecting with language partners. But don’t let that comparison put you off: people on Tandem are here to learn.

Once you’ve filled out your profile, your inbox will quickly receive lots of messages. With so many users, it can be hard to focus on one conversation at a time or to move beyond superficial topics, but the app is very easy to navigate. You can leave reviews of other users, which helps keep things professional and focused on learning rather than feeling like a dating app interaction.

You can send voice messages or video chat, but there isn’t much of a culture of doing either, since most interactions are spur-of-the-moment. There’s also a handy “correct this message” feature to help your partner out without derailing the conversation.

If you want to enjoy language exchanges through a slick, up-to-date messaging app, Tandem is a great option.

Pros

  • Provides reviews of users
  • Innovative “Correct this message” feature

Cons

  • Free version features pop-up ads
  • Lacks additional educational materials

10. MyLanguageExchange – Best for long-term connections

  • Best use cases: Building long-term connections for a more focused, personalized language exchange
  • Pricing:
    • Free access to some features
    • $5.99/month
    • $11.99 for 3 months
    • $23.99/year
  • Available on: Web

The MyLanguageExchange website looks older than the concept of language itself, but don’t be put off. Although it looks like nobody has updated the website’s design since the mid-2000s, MyLanguageExchange is a thriving network of language learners, with new members joining every day.

It is a straightforward database of people looking for language exchanges, with columns for a short bio and details of what they’re looking for. If flashy apps such as Tandem and HelloTalk are suited to short-term chatting with many strangers, MyLanguageExchange is the opposite. Once you have connected with someone, it is typical to switch to an alternative form of messaging, such as email, Skype, or WhatsApp. Study buddies blur into the realm of “new friends” very quickly.

This is language exchange for those who loved doing language exchanges in school. You could meet someone on this site who will become a part of your life long term – a person you might Skype with for years and eventually fly halfway across the world to meet. Students who are used to the anonymous and instant feel of modern apps might find this a bit creepy or even potentially dangerous. But everything depends on what you are looking for and how much of yourself you want to share.

Pros

  • Potential for long-term connections
  • Versatile messaging options

Cons

  • Dated website design
  • Less anonymity compared to modern apps

11. Reddit – Best for language exchange communities

Reddit

  • Best use cases: Joining specific subreddits focused on language learning to find dedicated communities for niche or less common languages
  • Pricing: Free
  • Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Available on: Web, iOS, and Android

If you like the idea of finding one long-term study buddy for a language exchange but don’t like old-fashioned websites, then “the front page of the internet” might be a surprisingly good choice. Reddit has some very weird corners, but there’s a thriving forum for almost any topic, and language learning is no exception. Reddit itself isn’t very suited to hosting language exchanges, but you can easily find another student to pair up and then organize an exchange using video chat on another platform.

Since people use Reddit to discuss all kinds of niche interests, you’ll be able to check out what potential language partners are interested before accepting their request to learn more. It’s another option to consider!

Pros

  • Potential for long-term connections
  • Can find partners with similar interests

Cons

  • Not designed for language exchange
  • Difficult to organize speaking sessions

12. Facebook – Best for private groups

  • Best use cases: Finding active communities where members regularly share resources, tips, and encouragement to help each other progress
  • Pricing: Free
  • Average rating: 4.5/5 stars
  • Available on: Web, iOS, and Android

If Reddit isn’t your thing but you like the idea of finding a language exchange through your existing digital networks, then Facebook might be just the solution. There are private groups on Facebook for just about anything, so try entering “[your native language] to [your target language] language exchange” into the search bar. Chances are you’ll find people in the same situation as you.

The great thing about finding a study buddy through Facebook is that you can usually view their likes, opinions, and holiday photos before deciding whether to connect with them. As we all know, after you’ve added someone as a friend, Facebook allows you to chat, phone, and video call them. It’s almost like it was designed for language exchanges!

These groups also provide something you didn’t know you needed – a team of other language learners to draw support from. Dumb as it sounds, seeing memes appear in your feed on topics such as “Things you only know if you’re an English speaker trying to learn Arabic” can really be very reassuring! And motivating, if you often procrastinate your studies by scrolling through Facebook…

Pros

  • Utilizes existing networks
  • Multiple communication options

Cons

  • Privacy concerns
  • Varies in group quality
  • The platform’s other features are distracting

Why use language exchange apps and websites?

Language exchange apps and websites offer an accessible and interactive way to practice speaking a new language. By connecting with native speakers or fellow learners, you can improve your skills in a real-world context from the comfort of your own home. Here’s why these platforms are so effective.

Learn from anywhere, anytime

Back in the day, finding opportunities to practice talking in a second language involved…leaving the house. It’s so easy to take it for granted, but learners are unbelievably fortunate to have the option to learn languages from home.

If you can’t sleep at night and want to practice your Urdu, it’s possible to open an app and find someone to chat with within a matter of minutes. You don’t even have to get out of bed – what a gift! Apps and websites make finding opportunities to practice a second language more convenient than it has ever been.

Looking for more tech where you can improve your language skills from anywhere? Check out our article on the best language learning apps.

Practice real-life interaction in a safe environment

If you’re learning a foreign language, chances are you’re gearing up for some important conversations. Whether it’s an academic test, an immigration interview, a pitch to a potential client, or simply asking for directions in a foreign land, the stakes are high. Therefore, a misstep in communication can be costly.

Here’s the good news: A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that language learners who engage in speaking exercises outperform those who stick to comprehension-only methods.

Language exchanges offer a low-pressure playground to hone your skills. These casual chats help you break the ice, overcome speaking anxiety, and build your confidence when speaking your new language. It’s like a dress rehearsal before the big show.

Want a bit more practice before jumping into a conversation with a stranger? Check out our blog on how to improve your English speaking skills at home.

Learn from native speakers

Learning from non-native speakers can give you a solid foundation, but when it comes to mastering a language, nothing beats insights from a native speaker. Why? For starters, native speakers naturally understand idioms and slang. If you might learn a phrase that’s grammatically flawless but it’s something a native would never say, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

Moreover, native speakers have a keen ear for pronunciation nuances that non-natives might overlook. As it’s notoriously difficult to perceive new sounds in a foreign language, natives are generally much better at identifying pronunciation issues than non-natives. This is crucial because the way you sound can significantly impact how you’re understood – or misunderstood.

If you’re on the quest for fluency, connecting with native speakers is a game-changer. The ideal language exchange partner doesn’t just help you swap out those sneaky, textbook-perfect phrases for authentic alternatives; they also guide you in perfecting your pronunciation. With their keen ear for subtle sounds and accents, you’ll be able to transition from sounding like you’re reading from a book to speaking like a local.

Get fascinating cultural insights

When you’re studying hard, it’s easy to forget the real benefits of learning a new language. The things that really help you grow as a person could never be measured in CEFR language levels!

Being able to speak a new language is like a passport to understanding diverse cultures. This point is emphasized in the study “’I Had a Stereotype That American Were Fat’: Becoming a Speaker of Culture in a Second Language.” The research shows that learning a language makes you more culturally sensitive and tolerant.

When you engage with a native speaker, these cultural insights deepen. As a result, language exchanges offer more than just a boost in your speaking skills. They can evolve into meaningful friendships that enrich both parties so you can exchange cultural insights and expand your worldview.

Go beyond language exchange apps with Preply

Now you’ve read about our top picks for language exchange websites and apps, what’s next? Test them out and do your own research to try and find your favorite. When you’ve done that, follow these steps to make the most of your time:

  • Know the skills you want to improve: Whether you want to practice speaking, reading, or writing, choose an appropriate language exchange app to help you progress.
  • Stay consistent: There’s no point in constantly switching between different apps and conversations, as you’ll rarely get past the stage of “hello, how are you?” Stick with one app over the long term and consider adding this time to your study plan.
  • Start exchanges with native speakers or experts: If possible, try to locate native speakers or experienced language tutors who can guide you with clearer corrections and common, natural phrases.

Use these tips, and you’ll make the most of one of the 21st century’s most incredible gifts: the possibility to learn a language from home, wherever you are.

Of course, while language exchange apps are a fantastic tool for practicing real-life conversations, they do have their limitations. Your partner may not always be a trained teacher, and exchanges can be unevenly split between languages. To truly maximize your progress, you need to complement these exchanges with more structured learning methods.

If you’re ready to take your language learning journey to the next level, then try Preply. Powerful filters help you sort through thousands of 1-on-1 tutors based on your budget, schedule, and learning goals. You can even filter by country of origin so you can find a tutor who has a certain accent or knows a regional dialect.

You’ll then start with a trial lesson to see if you like working with that tutor. If you aren’t satisfied, Preply will replace your tutor up to two times for free. Once you’ve decided on someone, they’ll create a personalized learning plan based on your current level, learning style, and goals. This will help you progress faster so you can use your new language in the real world sooner rather than later!

You also schedule your own language lessons, which makes learning even more convenient. Whether you want to meet early in the morning, during your lunch break, or after work, Preply allows you to build your language learning into even the busiest schedule.

If you’re ready to get some speaking practice in your new language, check out our comprehensive guide to how to do a language exchange.

FAQs

How do I choose the right language exchange app for me?
Selecting the appropriate language exchange app depends on various factors. Consider the languages you want to learn and teach, the app's user base, and the available communication tools. Research the app's reputation, user reviews, and success stories. It's also crucial to assess the app's safety measures and privacy features to ensure a secure learning experience.
What are some tips for a successful language exchange?
Achieving a successful language exchange requires effective communication and collaboration. Start by setting clear goals and expectations with your language partner. Create a balanced language learning environment where both participants have equal opportunities to learn and teach. Be open to constructive feedback, correct each other's mistakes gently, and maintain a patient and respectful attitude throughout the exchange.
How can I maximize the benefits of a language exchange app?
To make the most of a language exchange app, it's essential to stay consistent and proactive. Schedule regular sessions with your language partner to ensure continuous practice. Explore different topics and cultural aspects to broaden your vocabulary. Utilize additional app features like language resources, grammar guides, and vocabulary exercises to supplement your learning. Lastly, aim to build a genuine connection with your language partner to foster a comfortable and motivating learning environment.
Do language exchange partners have to be native speakers?
No, you can start language exchanges with people who aren't native speakers. As long as they have a good level of your target language, and understand correct grammar and have a good accent, it will be helpful. Beware, though, as the lower the level of your partner, the more likely you will be to get into bad habits.
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Content Writer at Preply. Miranda is from Thanet, UK, but currently lives in Barcelona, where she's working on her muy mal Spanish. She loves going to galleries and writes about that too in her spare time.

Content Writer at Preply. Miranda is from Thanet, UK, but currently lives in Barcelona, where she's working on her muy mal Spanish. She loves going to galleries and writes about that too in her spare time.

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