Tandem vs HelloTalk, and when to meet in person instead

Tandem and HelloTalk are chat apps for language exchange. You message people from other countries, send voice notes and correct each other. Both are free to start, with paid plans. This page compares them using two named sources. We have not tested either app ourselves.

The short answer

• You want the most users, and text corrections: HelloTalk is often praised for this.
• You want video calls and stricter moderation: one source says Tandem does better.
• You want to meet people nearby: Nearly Fluent for meeting, an app for practice.

Price

Prices differ between sources, are in US dollars, and change. Check the app store in the UK before you pay.

• TalkDrill used App Store listings checked in October 2026. It gives HelloTalk VIP at $6.99 a month or $45.99 a year. It gives Tandem Pro at $13.99 a month or $79.99 a year. See TalkDrill.
• All Language Resources has an article dated 25 August 2024. It gives $9.99 a month for HelloTalk VIP and $9.49 for Tandem Pro. It also lists cheaper fixed terms. See All Language Resources.

The two sources do not agree. That is why we quote both with dates.

Corrections and calls

• TalkDrill praises HelloTalk's inline corrections. You tap a message and suggest a fix, and both versions show side by side.
• TalkDrill says Tandem's video calls are better built in. It adds tools to share corrections during the call.
• All Language Resources says Tandem has a Correct tool. It says Tandem supports voice and video calls. It does not mention calls on HelloTalk.

Complaints and moderation

TalkDrill says HelloTalk still draws recurring complaints about spam and inappropriate messages. It says Tandem has fewer, because of stricter moderation and a human team. It adds that no app can guarantee a safe experience. Treat every stranger with care, on any app.

What neither app is built for

Both apps connect you with people anywhere in the world. That is their strength. Meeting in person is not what they are built for. All Language Resources lists "finding partners in your city" as a Tandem Pro perk. Even then, you arrange any meeting yourself.

Nearly Fluent only shows members in Surrey and London. You say hello, agree a public place and meet for a coffee. Or you join a small table hosted by a member. It is free. We are small, so there may be few people near you yet.

For more on the trade-offs, read in-person vs online language practice.

Using an app and Nearly Fluent together

An app gives you daily practice with text and voice. A table or a partner gives you real conversation, with faces and pauses. You can use both. Prepare with an app, then speak at a table. Take the level quiz to see which table type suits you.

Safety when you meet someone from any app

• Meet in a public place, such as a café.
• Tell a friend where you are going and when.
• Pay for your own drink.
• Leave if anything feels wrong.

Read the safety page and the safety guide.

Ready?

Join free to see who practises your language near you.