TLDR;
The video reviews six AI language learning apps (Speak, Hablo, Praktika, Speak & Learn English, Talkpal, and Hallo) and compares them to using ChatGPT for improving spoken English. The review focuses on interaction, feedback quality, and the overall learning experience, with the rule that each app should offer usable free AI practice features without requiring a trial or credit card. The apps are ranked based on their performance, with Praktika and Hablo emerging as top contenders due to their unique features and structured learning experiences.
- Top Apps: Praktika and Hablo, offering rich features and structured lessons.
- Mid-Range Apps: Speak and Speak & Learn English, providing decent interaction and feedback but lacking depth.
- Bottom Apps: Hallo and TalkPal, with limited free features and poor feedback.
- ChatGPT Comparison: ChatGPT is superior for users who prefer open-ended, customizable learning, while the apps offer structured lessons for those who prefer a more guided experience.
Speak [1:02]
Speak requires users to identify as non-native English speakers, preventing native speakers from using the app for immersion purposes. The app offers free talk options with limitations. The conversation flow is good, with questions relevant to the user's responses. The app provides corrections in Spanish, which may not be ideal for English learners seeking immersion. Speak includes review features and goal-setting options, contributing to a complete learning experience.
Hablo [4:33]
Hablo allows users to set their English level and offers a simpler, AI-first interface. It includes free chat with various topics and vocabulary review. A standout feature is the custom lesson option, where users can create lessons on specific topics. The app provides in-line corrections and structured exercises like fill-in-the-blanks and sentence rearrangement. Hablo incorporates role-play scenarios and offers relevant, structured feedback, making it a surprisingly effective learning experience.
Praktika [9:57]
Praktika, previously reviewed with mixed impressions, offers practice sessions on various topics, including social media. Users can engage in video calls with AI characters. The app provides corrections and suggestions during conversations. It also offers a recap of the lesson and language notes at the end. While the interaction is good, stricter limits on free feedback are a drawback. Praktika is a comprehensive app with numerous features and tracks user progress and tutor interactions.
Speak & Learn English [15:05]
Speak & Learn English, also known as Learna AI, clearly indicates the daily usage limit of five minutes. The app shares similarities with others, including streaks and vocabulary review. It uniquely combines a lecture component with practice exercises, teaching users before they practice. The app focuses on using the past simple tense to discuss historical facts. While the lesson experience is good, the feedback from the lessons is not readily accessible.
Talkpal [18:50]
Talkpal's homepage is heavily focused on premium content, with limited free options. The app features a continuous chat format, building on previous conversations. It provides corrections and explanations for errors. Daily feedback is available, offering specific suggestions for improvement. However, the app is very limited in its free offerings, making it difficult to fully evaluate its potential. The continuous chat format lacks structure.
Hallo [23:13]
Hallo offers InstaAI for free-flowing conversations and structured lessons. The initial lesson focuses on basic greetings, which may be too elementary for many users. The free talk option provides limited practice time and poor feedback. The app's free experience is very limited, with most features locked behind a paywall. The feedback is not specific or helpful, making it the least effective app in the review.
Final Ranking [27:10]
Hallo is ranked at the bottom due to its limited free features and poor feedback. TalkPal offers decent feedback and interaction but is also very limited and lacks structure. Speak and Speak & Learn English provide better learning experiences with good interaction and feedback, though they have some limitations. Praktika and Hablo are at the top, with Praktika offering a mature, feature-rich experience and Hablo surprising with its custom lesson feature and structured learning. ChatGPT is considered superior overall for users who prefer open-ended, customizable learning, while Praktika and Hablo are better for those seeking structured lessons and guided practice. The choice depends on the individual's learning style and preferences.