Testing the Top 6 AI English Learning Apps with Free Features

This video explores six top AI English learning applications, specifically examining their free features for enhancing spoken English skills. The primary rule for testing was that each app must offer usable AI practice features without requiring a trial or credit card. The apps evaluated include Speak, English, Praktikaa, TalkPal, Hablo, and Hallo. These are compared against using ChatGPT with custom prompts. Key evaluation criteria include the overall interaction quality, the usefulness of feedback provided, and the general learning experience offered to the user.

The Speak app was tested, with the user noting a preference for learning English entirely in English, rather than having Spanish as a fallback language option. While the interaction felt a bit robotic, the free talk feature allows for practice. A notable drawback is that corrections are provided in Spanish, which hinders immersion. Despite this, the app offers a good conversation flow, relevant questions, and useful review features, including a day streak goal, which contributes to a generally positive, albeit imperfect, learning experience.

Hablo allows users to set their language level, such as B1, and features an AI-first interface that feels simpler and more intuitive than Speak. The app offers free chat on various topics and vocabulary review. A standout feature is the ability to create custom lessons on demand, such as one focused on 'Painting a house.' The interaction involves vocabulary introduction, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and sentence rearrangement, providing structured practice. Feedback is generally relevant and delivered inline, enhancing the learning process. The custom lesson creation makes it a surprisingly good and unique experience.

The custom lesson functionality is a significant advantage, allowing users to tailor their learning to specific topics. This feature, combined with exercises like fill-in-the-blanks and sentence rearrangements, ensures the practice is structured and directly related to the chosen subject. The app also includes role-playing scenarios, which further enhance conversational practice. While the teacher's voice naturalness could be improved, the overall flow and structured approach make Hablo a compelling option, especially the custom lesson capability.

Praktika is presented as a mature AI English learning application, offering a rich feature set. A key highlight is the option to engage in video calls with AI avatars, adding a dynamic element to practice. The app covers topics like social media impact, providing interactive dialogues. Corrections and suggestions are offered, and features like a 'lightbulb' icon provide example phrases. While some feedback mechanisms might be premium, the overall interaction is strong, and the 'Noob' avatar is noted as particularly fun. The app offers comprehensive features and tracks user growth.

The interactive nature of Praktika is enhanced by its video call functionality and diverse AI avatars, which make practice sessions more engaging. The feedback system, though potentially limited in free access, aims to refine language use with specific notes on grammar and vocabulary. Language notes provided at the end of sessions offer detailed explanations for common errors. The app's depth and variety of features make it a solid and comprehensive choice for learners.

Speak & Learn English, also potentially known as Learna AI, clearly indicates daily usage limits, such as five minutes for free access. It shares common features with other apps like progress tracking, streaks, and vocabulary review. A unique aspect is its structured approach, beginning with a 'lecture' phase to teach concepts, followed by a 'practice' phase. This model, focusing on historical events and using the past simple tense, provides content before application, which is beneficial for learning.

The app divides lessons into a lecture component, explaining grammatical concepts or vocabulary, and then a practice session where users apply what they've learned. For instance, a lesson on historical events focuses on using the past simple tense. While the concept is strong, the limitation of free time might prevent users from completing the practice segment. The interaction quality with the AI teacher is decent, and multiple teachers can be chosen, offering some personalization.

TalkPal's interface prominently displays premium content, making the free offering feel limited. While users can engage in a continuous chat, the free access is restricted, and it's difficult to assess the full capabilities without paying. The chat involves managing emotions, with feedback provided on sentence structure and word usage, such as correcting 'tight' to the adverb 'tightly.' However, the conversation can feel unending and lacks structure, making it less effective than more organized methods. Testing different modes is not possible in the free version.

The primary free feature is a continuous chat thread. While it offers some feedback, like correcting 'in my heart' to 'at heart' or explaining adverb usage, the overall experience is not very structured. The lack of distinct modes or exercises makes it feel less like a lesson and more like an ongoing, unfocused conversation. This format might lead users to question its effectiveness compared to more directed learning tools like ChatGPT, which can be prompted for specific conversational goals.

The adverb form of tightly should be used instead of the adjective tight, because it describes how the fist are held. Yes, that's good.

Hallo, with its distinctive name, presents several learning options, including 'InstaAI' for free-flowing conversation. However, the initial lessons, like 'Saying hello and goodbye,' are excessively basic for intermediate learners. Access to features often requires watching ads or subscribing, severely limiting free practice. The free conversation mode offers only three minutes per day with extremely poor and non-specific feedback, such as 'Your English is good. You use simple words well.' This lack of detail makes it impossible to gauge improvement or identify specific areas needing work, deeming it the worst app reviewed.

The free experience on Hallo is highly restricted, offering minimal time and virtually useless feedback. Basic vocabulary lessons are unsuitable for learners beyond a beginner level. The inability to test advanced features or receive constructive criticism significantly undermines its value. Without compelling free content or constructive feedback, users have no incentive to consider the premium options, making Hallo a poor choice for serious English learners seeking practical improvement.

The overall ranking places Hallo at the bottom due to its poor experience and feedback, followed by TalkPal for its limited and unstructured free chat. Speak and Speak & Learn English/Learna AI are ranked in the middle, offering better learning experiences but with some limitations. Praktika and Hablo are at the top, appreciated for their structured approach and engaging features. ChatGPT is acknowledged as more powerful and versatile, especially with effective prompts, but lacks the built-in structure many learners prefer.

While ChatGPT offers unparalleled flexibility for self-directed learning, many users prefer the structured environment of apps like Praktika and Hablo. These applications provide guided lessons, vocabulary review, and focused practice, removing the burden of prompt engineering. This preference for a hands-off, guided experience makes apps a suitable choice for individuals who want a clear learning path without needing to constantly direct their own studies.

Ultimately, the choice between AI learning apps and tools like ChatGPT depends on individual learning preferences. While ChatGPT excels in versatility for those who enjoy crafting prompts and guiding their learning, apps like Hablo and Praktika offer structured, user-friendly experiences. For learners seeking a comprehensive approach that goes beyond app features or simple prompts, a structured program is recommended. The 'English Fluency in 90 Days' program is introduced as a solution, incorporating extensive video lessons, custom AI practice, accountability, and direct support.