Tandem
An app that pairs you with native speakers for a language swap.
What Tandem does
Tandem is a language exchange app. You find a native speaker of the language you're learning who wants to learn yours, and you help each other by text, voice notes or calls. It says it covers more than 300 languages, including 12 sign languages. Many features are free, and Tandem Pro adds the rest.
When you sign up you pick your languages, describe your goals and the kind of partner you want, then browse and message people. Built-in tools let you translate messages, correct your partner's sentences and add comments that explain a grammar point.
You can stick to one-on-one chats or join Parties, group audio rooms where several people talk at once. Reviewers find many serious learners on Tandem, though it can feel more social than studious, and complete beginners need a patient partner.
Tandem works best once you know a little of the language and want real conversation without paying a tutor. Pro gives you every feature, but plenty of people practice on the free plan.
Alternatives to Tandem
Who it's for
Skip it if: Complete beginners with no vocabulary yet.
Pricing
Free planMany features are free. Tandem Pro gives you everything in the app. The US App Store lists several Pro prices, from $14.99 to $80 including yearly intro offers, so check what you're offered in the app.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Free practice with native speakers
- Handy correction and translation tools
- Group audio rooms for lower-pressure practice
- Covers rare and sign languages
Watch out for
- Partner quality varies
- Feels more social than structured
- Pro pricing is confusing in the store
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Questions people ask
Is Tandem free?
Yes, many features are free. Tandem Pro adds the rest.
How does a language exchange work?
You help a partner with your language and they help you with theirs, usually splitting time between the two.
Does Tandem have sign languages?
It says it supports 12 sign languages among more than 300 languages.