HelloTalk vs Tandem: Which Language Exchange App Fits You?
By Liebeastra
Pick HelloTalk if you want the bigger pool of people and a public feed to post in. Pick Tandem if you want to talk by call and prefer a community where every member has been reviewed first.
Quick disclaimer: I build penfolk, a smaller language exchange app, so I have a stake in this space. This post is about the other two. Features come from HelloTalk's site and Tandem's site, and prices from each app's US App Store listing, all checked in November 2026.
HelloTalk and Tandem side by side
| HelloTalk | Tandem | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 70M+ language learners, 260+ languages, 200+ countries and regions (its own figures) | "Millions" of language partners (no exact number given) |
| How you talk | Chat, plus voice and video calls | Text and voice notes, plus audio and video calls |
| In-chat tools | Translation, pronunciation, transliteration, corrections | Corrections and translation |
| Getting in | Sign up and start | Every application is reviewed before you can use the app |
| Public feed | Moments, where you post questions and native speakers reply | None listed on its site |
| Group speaking | Voicerooms and Livestreams | None listed on its site |
| Paid plan | VIP, $12.99/month or $79.99/year (US App Store) | Tandem Pro, 12 months listed at $69.99 (US App Store) |
Where HelloTalk is stronger
More people. HelloTalk's own figure is 70 million learners. Tandem only says "millions". If you learn a less common language, a bigger pool usually means someone to talk to sooner.
More ways to practice. Moments lets you post a question and get answers from native speakers. Voicerooms and Livestreams let you practice speaking in a group without a one-to-one commitment.
No waiting list. You can sign up and start chatting. Tandem reviews applications first.
Where Tandem is stronger
A reviewed community. Tandem says it reviews every application to keep the community safe. HelloTalk's free-chat model has no such step, and people do complain about it. A member wrote on HelloTalk itself that three close friends quit after repeated flirting, and FluentU's review raises the same safety concern.
Built around conversation. Tandem lists audio and video calls as a core way to talk, and lets you search for partners by language, location and interests.
What each one costs
Both are free to download. On HelloTalk, FluentU reports that free users can start 10 new chats and use translation 10 times a day. Searching by gender or for people in your own city needs VIP, at $12.99 a month or $79.99 a year on the US App Store. Tandem Pro's 12-month plan is listed at $69.99 on the US App Store. Prices vary by country, so check the store before paying.
Which one should you pick?
- You want the biggest pool and group rooms: HelloTalk.
- You want calls and a reviewed community: Tandem.
- You want to start today with no application: HelloTalk.
- You are fine waiting for approval to join a screened group: Tandem.
Many people install both and keep the one where their conversations last. If neither works because chats stall after small talk, other options exist. I compared them in HelloTalk alternatives and Tandem alternatives, and the full list is in the best language exchange apps of 2026.
FAQ
Is HelloTalk or Tandem better?
Neither wins for everyone. HelloTalk is bigger and has a public feed and group rooms. Tandem reviews every member and centers on calls.
Is HelloTalk free?
HelloTalk is free to download and says you can practice with native speakers for free. Some features, like searching by gender or city, need VIP according to FluentU.
Is Tandem free?
Signing up is free. Tandem Pro is a paid plan, listed at $69.99 for 12 months on the US App Store.
Which is safer, HelloTalk or Tandem?
Tandem reviews every application before you can use the app, which HelloTalk does not say it does. Whichever you use, you can report and block people who make you uncomfortable.