HelloTalk Review: A Useful Resource for Language Enthusiasts, Though Partner Matching Has Room for Growth

HelloTalk proposes that you channel the time you spend on online messaging and chatting into learning a new language.

This application for web and mobile devices seeks to merge the engaging nature of social networking platforms with the practical benefits of connecting with a language partner.

I tested the app as an English speaker learning French. The interactive content, integrated system for receiving corrections, and advice from genuine native speakers justify downloading it, though the application does have some limitations.

The Main Features of HelloTalk

Connecting with other language learners

The main purpose of HelloTalk is to link language learners with each other and with native speakers.

Similar to other top language exchange applications, it enables you to interact with learners across the globe.

You simply specify your native language and the language you wish to learn. The app then assists you in locating learners who are native in your target language and are interested in practicing your native tongue for a mutual exchange.

I was quickly presented with a list of learners, both nearby and distant, predominantly native French speakers seeking English practice.

Exchanges are possible in over 150 languages, such as English, French, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian. You can also locate speakers of less commonly studied languages like Afrikaans, Tagalog, and Navajo.

Text messaging

HelloTalk facilitates language learning by pairing you with native speakers for practicing your target language.

Text chat provides a low-stress method for this practice, allowing real-time interaction with other users in one-on-one or group settings. I discovered that text chats within the app were ideal for sporadic, on-the-move messaging.

The chat interface includes useful features such as translation options and methods for users to correct each other's errors.

Voice and video chat

Although text chat is handy and fast, I found that my learning progressed most during voice conversations.

It was excellent to practice speaking the language spontaneously, while still having the ability to delete an audio message and re-record it if I made an error.

I also attempted a video call, which was somewhat beneficial. There were a few awkward silences, so I suggest starting with a text or voice conversation first.

It's also important to remember that not every user is open to video calls, so don't be offended if a language partner prefers to communicate via text and audio only.

Social media features

While looking for potential exchange partners, you can view their profiles. This allows you to discover their interests, hobbies, and language learning objectives.

Users can modify their profile whenever their needs or goals change. Each language listed in a learner's profile also includes a helpful color-coded indicator to show their proficiency level.

HelloTalk also enables you to add someone as a "friend" within the app. This is great for maintaining ongoing language exchanges, particularly as you encounter new people from the app's expanding user base.

Moments

As you use the app, meet people, and add friends, you also cultivate a personal feed.

With this in mind, all users can share posts (known as "Moments" in HelloTalk), which can include images, videos, or text updates.

These "Moments" are visible not just to your HelloTalk friends but also to other members of the app's language learning community.

These "Moments" function similarly to other messages in conversations. Other HelloTalk users can reply to your posts and even correct your use of the target language.

Conversely, you can comment on and correct other users' posts within HelloTalk.

"Moments" offer an excellent way to practice your target language. You can post about almost any topic: a dish you've tried, a location you've been to, or simply a passing thought.

Furthermore, these "Moments" can assist you in discovering new language exchange partners in a more engaging manner than just scanning a list of names.

User friendly interface

The app's interface for language practice is quite comprehensive and beneficial for learners. It is not only modern, responsive, and largely free of glitches, but the chat interface also includes features that improve the language exchange process.

For example, the chat interface includes a built-in translation function.

I found it helpful to tap on any word in my text conversations with partners to get an immediate translation from French to English. This ensured smooth and uninterrupted communication.

HelloTalk's chat interface also enables your language partner to correct your messages in the target language.

I intentionally made some errors—and a few naturally occurred—and my language partner could effortlessly indicate and edit my message.

Mistakes are highlighted with a convenient red strikethrough, and the correction is shown in green text below.

The chat interface also provides a transliteration tool for non-Latin scripts used by languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

I don't have extensive personal experience with these features, but reviews of HelloTalk suggest they function well.

Besides the standard typing input for text chats, there are also text-to-speech and speech-to-text capabilities for easier communication and additional listening and speaking practice.

I also appreciated the ability to bookmark posts, sentences, and words from conversations. These can be easily accessed later for review and reference.

VIP plan

The positive aspect is that HelloTalk is largely free. The core version of the app—which contains its most valuable features—is accessible to all users.

This means you can download the app, find new language partners, participate in text, audio, and video conversations, share "Moments," and make corrections without any charge.

However, these features have restrictions. For instance, non-paying users can only use the translation tool 10 times per day and can only start 10 new chats daily.

To eliminate these limits, HelloTalk provides a subscription option known as the VIP plan. It is priced at $12.99 per month, $79.99 for a year, or $149.99 for a lifetime membership (prices are from late 2022).

VIP subscribers also gain access to specialized tools to improve their experience, such as filtering new partner searches by gender, finding language partners in their local area, and removing advertisements within the app.

Is HelloTalk a Safe App?

When I initially researched HelloTalk, I came across some user reports on Reddit describing questionable behavior on the app.

Users mentioned that some individuals—primarily men—were using HelloTalk as a platform for dating or casual encounters.

These individuals were sending inappropriate messages to women, leaving uncomfortable comments on their "Moments," or attempting to convince them to meet outside the app using other social media services.

It is important to note that HelloTalk permits VIP users to filter language partners by location, gender, and age, which could potentially facilitate targeted misuse.

Officially, HelloTalk strives to maintain a respectful community by requesting users to avoid discussions on politics, religion, and other sensitive subjects.

While HelloTalk does not thoroughly screen its users, the app provides members with "report" and "block" functions to help them stay safe during language exchanges.

The "report" feature allows users to notify the company about inappropriate users for potential banning, and the "block" feature enables any user to prevent further contact from another user.

In principle, this should be sufficient to stop any unwanted advances, but HelloTalk still advises users against sharing personal information.

HelloTalk’s Highlights

Combines language learning with social media

If HelloTalk does one thing exceptionally well, it's the seamless integration of a language exchange platform with a social networking app.

As anticipated, HelloTalk is excellent for connecting you with numerous language learners and native speakers worldwide.

With a continuously growing community, I had plenty of language practice partners, and it was rewarding to find individuals who shared my enthusiasm for learning a new language.

Gets you naturally interacting with your target language

Moreover, learning a language through a social media framework was an unexpectedly productive experience.

I frequently found myself browsing posts from other users in the app, unknowingly absorbing content in my target language.

These feeds, filled with other users' "Moments," provide meaningful learning, additional practice, and opportunities to find new partners.

These interactions represent genuine examples of native language use, and HelloTalk recognizes that such input is crucial for acquiring a new language.

Built to support language interaction

Beyond the language exchange and community elements of the app, there are also several effective learning tools to enhance partnerships.

Integrated translation capabilities, correction functions, and text, audio, and video calls make HelloTalk an ideal environment for successful language exchange relationships.

HelloTalk’s Shortcomings

User-led content and interactions can mean errors

The other language learners on the app are exactly that: individuals who are learning a language.

For instance, when I asked a language partner to clarify a French word, I observed that they had difficulty providing an exact definition.

Since the app is centered around user contributions, corrections, pronunciations, and other language advice can sometimes be inaccurate or incomplete.

While language partners are beneficial for practice, they are not necessarily qualified instructors.

You might be unaware of this incorrect information, which could lead to communication problems later on.

Conversations tend to stall past the small talk stage

Possibly the most significant issue I encountered was the challenge of engaging new language partners and sustaining those connections.

After the initial introductory chat ("Hello. How are you? Where are you from? What do you do?"), more than half of my conversations dwindled.

I frequently attempted to ask more in-depth questions and engage partners further, but the discussions often felt one-sided.

This isn't entirely HelloTalk's responsibility, but their algorithms for matching users could potentially be refined to connect individuals with more shared interests beyond just a common target language.

Is HelloTalk Worth It?

Taking into account HelloTalk's strengths, weaknesses, and safety considerations, is it a good choice for you?

In short: Yes.

As with many language exchange apps, the value you get depends largely on your own effort.

This app offers a productive way to interact with native speakers of your target language and develop meaningful practice sessions.

I recommend staying aware of your surroundings and taking appropriate safety measures to ensure a positive experience.

I suggest using this service in combination with other language learning approaches.

HelloTalk is an excellent resource for learning and practicing your target language when used alongside a formal course, textbook, or another language learning application that includes authentic and engaging material like Lingflix. Lingflix uses real-world videos—such as music clips, film trailers, news reports, and motivational speeches—and converts them into customized language lessons. You can test Lingflix free for two weeks. Visit the website or get the iOS or Android app. P.S. Click here to benefit from our current promotion! (This offer expires at the close of the month.)

Alternatives to HelloTalk

If HelloTalk doesn't perfectly match your requirements (but you're interested in a similar tool), we can assist you in finding a suitable alternative.

HiNative

HiNative is a language exchange app that, similar to HelloTalk, offers users specific tools to identify and correct language mistakes. However, HiNative is more oriented toward asking particular questions and receiving answers.

For example, you can ask native speakers if your written sentence is understandable and sounds natural in their language. You can even request feedback on your pronunciation.

You can also contribute to the community by responding to other users' inquiries about your native language.

Providing answers can earn you likes and quality points, which enhance your standing within the app. This increases the visibility of your own questions.

For additional details about HiNative, read our comprehensive review.

Tandem

Tandem shares many characteristics with HelloTalk. Both allow you to communicate via text, voice, or video, and both include social networking-style features so you can connect with users through their profiles and language skills.

Like HelloTalk, Tandem enables users to search profiles by gender and age. However, Tandem conducts background checks on new accounts in an effort to enhance platform safety.

Tandem also allows users to review their interactions with others, which can help you find more dependable practice partners while also steering clear of potential safety concerns.

For more information, see our full Tandem review.

italki

italki is a versatile and comprehensive language tutoring and exchange app, offering personalized one-on-one lessons with a teacher on your schedule, along with access to a large, active community of language learners for practice.

italki provides over 150 languages, all taught by native speaker instructors who offer their services at various schedules and prices. italki also supplements your learning with integrated reading and writing exercises.

To find out more, check out our complete italki review.

General social media

There are numerous methods to find a language exchange partner, especially if you consider less conventional options.

In addition to traditional language exchange programs and messaging apps, you can locate people to chat with on platforms like Twitter or Meetup. You might also try Reddit or Discord, allowing you to focus your search on particular communities.

Whatever social media or chat platforms you regularly use, it's quite possible to find a language exchange partner there if you make an effort.

Although these platforms aren't specifically designed for this purpose, they offer the significant benefits of being convenient and free.

I always believed that the hours spent browsing social media weren't entirely wasted! With HelloTalk, you can browse—and communicate!—your path to advanced language skills.