By Vahid Alaghehband
The right choice depends on what you want to practice, not only on whether an app is free. HelloVozi brings together specialized coaches for active English use: conversation, missions, applied grammar and spelling. An indicative level diagnostic can help you choose a starting point. Compare practice formats, feedback and current access conditions; a free trial is not unlimited access.
How we built this comparison
HelloVozi publishes this article and is included in the comparison. That's why we stick to each app's official information (websites, help centers and the developer's App Store listing), accessed on September 29, 2026, and to its stated value proposition. We don't assign scores or claim to have tested each app for this article. Prices are in US dollars and vary by country; many apps only show prices inside the app.
If your main goal is speaking, it helps to understand why it's hard: see why understanding English isn't enough to speak it. And if you want conversation practice at your level, see how Vozi Coach, HelloVozi's AI speaking coach, works.
Comparison table: what each app offers for free
| App | Practice focus | What's free | What's paid | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Vocabulary and grammar through short lessons and a daily habit | Every course, with ads and limited energy | Super (no ads, unlimited energy) and Max (AI features) | Not published on its website; shown in the app |
| ELSA Speak | Pronunciation and accent | Free version with limited features | ELSA Premium (monthly or yearly, 7-day trial), including exam prep | Individual price not published on its website |
| Speak | Speaking from day one with guided lessons | 7-day free trial | Premium and Premium Plus (monthly or yearly) | Shown in the app |
| Praktika | Conversation with AI avatar tutors | 3 avatars, limited conversation and basic feedback | Premium: all avatars, unlimited conversation and advanced feedback | Varies by plan and region; shown in the app or on its website |
| Gliglish | Voice conversation and role-plays, also in the browser | 10 minutes of practice a day | Unlimited chat | We couldn't verify it |
| Talkpal | AI conversation in many languages | Basic plan: basic chat, 10 minutes a day | Premium: unlimited practice in all modes | Current price depends on plan and location; see the official pricing page (advertised 14-day trial) |
| ChatGPT (Voice) | Open conversation on any topic | Limited voice chats | Go and Plus plans: more voice time | Varies by country; we couldn't verify it |
| HelloVozi | English speaking, grammar, spelling and exam practice with voice and text coaches, in the browser | Check diagnostic access and current practice conditions in the app | Ongoing practice with the coaches, depending on the plan you choose | See plans at hellovozi.com |
Sources: each app's website, help center or developer App Store listing (links under "Sources and methodology"). USD prices from the official US page; Talkpal notes that prices and currencies may vary by location.
HelloVozi: connected practice, not isolated exercises
HelloVozi brings together five coaches for active English practice: Vozi Coach (voice or text conversation on topics at your level), Vozi Missions (speaking missions with clear goals), Vozi Grammar (grammar inside guided conversations), Vozi Bee (spelling with audio) and Vozi Exam (level check and exam practice). Practice is organized by coach and configured level, with feedback to guide your next step. The Vozi Exam Placement Test helps you identify your starting point and organize practice. For Cambridge, TOEFL or MET preparation, explore plans and availability for Premium practice simulations. Practice results do not replace official certification.
- Nothing to download: it runs in the browser on any device, with no app taking up phone storage.
- Specialized in English for Spanish speakers: missions offer optional bilingual support and the interface is in Spanish and English.
- Everything connected: speaking, grammar, spelling and exam prep in one account.
- A defined focus: English practice in one connected experience, with an English and Spanish interface. Check each coach's features and access conditions before choosing your plan.
The other 7 apps in brief
- Duolingo: short vocabulary and grammar lessons. All courses are free, with ads; AI conversation features are paid (Max).
- ELSA Speak: focused on pronunciation and accent. Limited free version; exam prep is paid (Premium).
- Speak: guided speaking lessons. Free for 7 days; a subscription after that.
- Praktika: conversation with AI avatars. The free plan includes 3 avatars and limited practice.
- Gliglish: voice role-plays on your phone or in the browser. Free for 10 minutes a day.
- Talkpal: AI chat in many languages. Free for 10 minutes a day; check the current Premium price on its official website.
- ChatGPT Voice: general voice conversation; specify your level, session goal and the feedback you need. If you use it, follow our prompts for practicing English with ChatGPT.
Data from each app's official information (see "Sources and methodology"). We don't rate or score the apps.
Which app should you choose for your goal?
| Your goal | Apps that fit |
|---|---|
| Start from scratch | Vozi Missions for guided situations from beginner levels; Duolingo offers structured lessons. |
| Lose the fear of speaking | Vozi Coach or Vozi Missions. Gliglish, Talkpal and Praktika also have free plans. |
| Improve pronunciation | ELSA Speak; in HelloVozi, Vozi Bee works on word pronunciation and spelling. |
| Practice without downloading anything | HelloVozi in the browser; Gliglish also works on the web. |
| Understand your level and prepare for exam goals | An indicative level diagnostic in Vozi Exam and speaking practice in Vozi Coach. Use the exam provider's official materials and check premium mock exam availability. |
| Improve grammar when speaking | Vozi Grammar, which practices each structure inside a conversation. |
One tip that works with any app: pair an input app (vocabulary, listening) with an output app (speaking). Second language research shows that understanding and speaking are trained differently. To see what the evidence says about AI learning apps, read AI for learning English: what the evidence says. If you don't know your level yet, check the CEFR levels from A1 to C2.
Is there a 100% free English learning app?
Of the 8 apps in this comparison, Duolingo is the only one that offers its full course at no cost, with ads. AI conversation apps have free plans with limits (10 minutes a day on Gliglish and Talkpal, 3 avatars on Praktika, limited voice on ChatGPT) or trials of 7 to 14 days. Unlimited AI conversation is usually paid.
Practice speaking at your level
In Vozi Coach you talk in English by voice or text about topics that match your level and interests, with feedback at the end of each session, right in your browser with nothing to download.
Meet Vozi Coach →Frequently asked questions
Is there a 100% free language learning app?
Duolingo offers all its courses for free, with ads. AI conversation apps have free plans with limits or time-limited trials; unlimited conversation is usually paid.
Is Duolingo really free?
Yes. Duolingo's official listing says every course is free. The free version has ads and an energy system; Super Duolingo removes ads and gives unlimited energy, with a 14-day trial.
Is ELSA Speak free or paid?
Both: the app is free with limited features, and ELSA Premium, with a 7-day trial and monthly or yearly memberships, unlocks the rest, including exam prep.
What is the best free app for practicing English speaking?
Choose according to your goal and each service's current access conditions. HelloVozi connects speaking, missions, grammar and spelling; check available access in the app. Compare what free plans include and whether their format helps you practice consistently.
Can I practice English with ChatGPT?
Yes. With ChatGPT Voice you can talk in English and ask for corrections. The free plan has limited voice. It isn't a course, so give it clear instructions about your level and the kind of practice you want.
Which AI tool is best for English?
It depends on the skill: ELSA Speak focuses on pronunciation, Speak and Praktika on guided conversation, Gliglish and Talkpal on role-plays and chat, and ChatGPT on open conversation. HelloVozi combines speaking, grammar, spelling and exam practice.