Tandem is a partly free French 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 French | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem | Free to join; extras: see site | A2–C2 | Yes | Free conversation partners, screened at sign-up; unstructured by nature. |
| HelloTalk | Free to use; extras: see site | A2–C2 | Yes | Free text and voice exchange with French speakers; not a course. |
| 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 |
