Tandem Review 2024: Is it worth it? (+Alternatives )

While learning a new language, it is very important to focus on all the aspects of the language. At present, there are a lot of language learning platforms that help you develop your vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. One aspect that most of the platforms fail to focus on is the communicational aspect. Tandem is a platform that bridges the gap between communicational development and online learning. Want to learn how? Let me share how Tandem works by giving you a detailed Tandem review.

Quick Takeaways

• Tandem is a platform where you can get a language exchange partner with whom you can practice language skills.
• The platform has both free and paid versions and the free version has some of the restrictions. The free version will only allow you to have limited translations.
• If you are a person who just wants to practice what they have learned so far, then Tandem is a perfect choice for you. 
• On the other hand, if you want to learn the language, you must look at other alternatives like iTalki or Duolingo.
• Following are some of the features that you get on Tandem-

1. Live chat
2. Video calls
3. Community & topics
4. Audio messages
5. Language correction

What is Tandem?

Tandem is a platform on which I got a language exchange partner with whom I could learn the language. This platform helped me to practice my language skills with others. Tandem is based in Berlin and has language exchange partners from across the globe from 45 countries. You will get different languages to practice like Spanish, Chinese, etc. 

An interesting fact: Even learning about emojis is also one of the listed languages. 

What is the pricing structure of Tandem?

Tandem is a platform that has free and paid versions. I chose the free version over the paid one. In the free version, the two most important features: are translations and autocorrections. There will be a limited number of translations for it. Thus, to have more regular conversations with other people, simply choose the subscription plan. The cost of the subscription plan will depend upon the duration decided.

The cost of subscription plans are $13.99, $31.99, and $79.99 for 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year respectively. However, I suggest you, go for the free version. The free version will not stop you from connecting with multiple users. Instead, save this money for platforms like iTalki, Rosetta Stone, etc.

Tip: If you want to use the subscription plan, invite three friends on this platform to get 1 month of the subscription plan for free.

What are the benefits of taking a subscription plan of Tandme?

Honestly, I do not enjoy taking the subscription plan. As discussed above, the main benefit of the subscription is that you get a lot of unlimited translations. But according to me, getting 20 translations is also great.  It will also give you a specific feature known as the “Hang Out” feature. If you are an extrovert person, you will enjoy it. Here, you will pair up with a person who lives near you. With the help of this feature, you can have a conversation with the person in real life. It also highlights the profile, which further helps increase the chances of getting connected with other people.

What are the languages available on this platform?

There are multiple languages available on this platform. However, below I have mentioned the most common ones-

• English
• Spanish
• Japanese
• Russian
• French
• German

Different levels of proficiency in Tandem

There are language learners all over the world at different levels. Tandem takes care of these levels and thus has three different proficiency levels-

• Beginner: When we learn a new language, we start from a beginner level. On my starting day, I was scared to use it. But, I am glad I did that. Tandem provides me with native speakers who patiently help me to learn a new language.
• Intermediate level: Intermediate level is the one which is created for me if I have a reasonable grasp of the language. Here, I got opportunities for in-depth discussions.
• Advanced: Advanced is the level to engage yourself in a high-level discussion. Here, I could immerse myself in complex conversations. 

What are the different Tandem features?

To choose a platform pricing is not only a factor, you must know its features. Thus, the following are the different features of Tandem-

1. Live chat

This is a feature that I have used much. I really love it. Here, I could have a live chat to engage with them in real-life conversations. As this platform has an immersive technique, you will learn the language by working on your conversational skills. You can ask questions and also get feedback from them instantly. 

2. Video calls

This platform does not only provide live chat but also the option of video calls. It will offer you a face-to-face connection with native speakers enabling you to learn the pronunciation and body language. 

3. Community & topics

Suppose, you are learning a language like Spanish and want to boost your cultural knowledge, then this feature is a must-try for you. I have used this feature a lot. Here, I could discuss different topics with the other users. When you choose a particular topic, like cultural knowledge, you will get individuals having similar interests. Try to discuss it with them.

4. Audio messages

On this platform, I could receive and send audio messages to improve my listening and speaking aspects of the language. Here, I get more natural conversational skills which offer more convenience in the communication. 

5. Language correction

With the help of this feature, I easily got feedback for the way I wrote or spoke the language. The native speakers of the language not only correct my grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation errors but also help me improve my proficiency in the language. 

6. Language challenges

The language challenges usually revolved around a specific topic and helped me stay engaged with the exercises. All the exercises will help you in staying active while practicing the language. With the help of these challenges, you will be able to develop vocabulary knowledge. 

7. Translation tools

As mentioned above, there is a special inbuild tool known as Translation tools. It made it easy for me to communicate with the language exchange partner. With the help of this feature, I could translate words that were new to me.

8. Certificate for English proficiency

One of the latest features of Tandem offers a certificate for English proficiency. You must pay some cost to take this test in the app. However, an important point that you must remember is that you will be getting this test only for the English language. This app allows me to earn a certificate at different CEFR levels from A2 to C1 level. When I was unable to pass the test, I got the choice to retake it once again. However, once I passed the exam, there was a personalized Tandem PDF certificate where I got to check my marks. 

Tandem review: Is Tandem worth it?

Despite having the beginner level, there is not much to learn as a beginner. It is because I could only practice it but not get content for learning. On the other hand, if you are looking for a platform to practice with native speakers, this is the perfect choice. The best part of this platform is that it is free and I can easily have conversations with others. Further, it allowed me to connect with people through various options including Video calls, live chats, etc. 

What are the benefits of using the Tandem platform?

You may still be doubtful of using Tandem. Thus, here, I have shared the reasons, why I like it-

• On this platform, I have a lot of people with whom I can connect with.
• The platform has a lot of things to offer even with the basic version. 
• The app provides a modern look that helps me easily navigate the app.
• I got language exchange partners for different levels of proficiency.
• The platform is very supportive and has helped me in learning the language.
• As I am connected with the real native speakers, I get the authentic conversations.

What are the drawbacks of using Tandem?

Having benefits does not mean there are no drawbacks. Here are some downfalls of using Tandem-

• While using this platform, I saw that there are a lot of messages on this platform. It may not look like a drawback, but I need clarification on which one to reply first.
• The pro version of this platform has features similar to some dating apps like Tinder. 
• This platform will not teach you the language but only help you practice it.

What are the other alternatives to Tandem?

Tandem is a very good platform to practice the language with others. But it does not mean you will have to stick with it. There are many other platforms like it. Following are some of the alternatives that you can use to learn the language-

HelloTalk

HelloTalk is a language exchange partner platform where you find online native speakers to help you in learning the language. There are again two inbuilt features similar to the Tandem – translations and autocorrections. Both features are very important for having a conversation with native speakers. If you love Tandem, you will also love HelloTalk. The bellow table will help you to get a short comparison between the pricing of platforms-

Tandem	HelloTalk
Monthly – $13.99	Monthly – $12.99
Three months – $31.99	Annual – $79.99
Annual – $79.99	Lifetime – $149.99

However, you must remember that the price of both platforms may vary with the country you are living in.

iTalki

iTalki is a platform that allows tutors to teach the language with the help of online tutors. The prices you pay depend upon the type of tutor and other factors like teaching experience and the class duration. However, there is a free feature on this platform known as the Langauge exchange partner program. It acts similar to Tandem. I could easily send messages to other people. 

Duolingo

Duolingo is a free platform where I can learn the language in the most engaging approach. As the platform follows the gamified approach, the exercises are created like I am playing a game. I had to earn the gems after completing the lessons on the platform. Although it does not offer a language exchange partner, it is best for a beginner who wants to start learning the language. 

How is Tandem different from other platforms?

Most of the platforms have a particular structure, in which each of the courses is divided. Contradictory to them, it is a great choice that helps me to connect the native speakers in real-time. I could send the connection request and start conversations with them. But with others, it was not possible. I had to complete the lessons to learn the language.  

Conclusion

Tandem is a platform where you will get an online language exchange partner to help you practice the language with native speakers. It is free to use, but the free version limits you with translations and other features. However, with a subscription plan, you unlock a special feature where you can find a language exchange partner near your area of residence.

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