HelloTalk is a partly free French app for beginner to advanced learners (A2–C2). Free text and voice exchange with French speakers; not a course.
Checked October 2026 on the official site ·
About HelloTalk
HelloTalk is a language-exchange app: you chat by text, voice or video with French speakers who want to learn your language, and help them in return. Basic use is free. It suits a learner from about A2 who is happy chatting with strangers and wants daily, informal practice. It is not a course, the quality depends entirely on who you meet, and you will spend part of every exchange helping with English.
How it compares
| App | Price | Levels | Real-speed French | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTalk | Free to use; extras: see site | A2–C2 | Yes | Free text and voice exchange with French speakers; not a course. |
| Tandem | Free to join; extras: see site | A2–C2 | Yes | Free conversation partners, screened at sign-up; unstructured by nature. |
| italki | Set by each tutor; see site | A1–C2 | Yes | The cheapest way to speak French every week, if you choose the tutor well. |
| Preply | About €2 to €36+ per 50-minute lesson | A1–C2 | Yes | A huge choice of tutors at every price; pick carefully. |
| French with AmélieRuns this site | Free weekly lesson; Premium $24/mo or $240/yr | B1–C1 | Yes, with a slow version and a transcript | Real-speed dialogues by email and a private podcast. Not an app. Visit |
