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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

ELSA Speak alternatives

ELSA Speak users often look for alternatives due to persistent bugs, frustrating recent updates, and issues with customer support and billing. Alternatives like Duolingo and Babbel offer different learning styles, while others focus on specific aspects like conversation practice or reading.

Why users look for alternatives to ELSA Speak

The alternatives

Duolingo
4.7★ · 5,312,612 ratings · Free

Duolingo is a popular language learning app known for its gamified approach, making language learning feel fun and addictive R58. It offers a wide range of languages, including less common ones, and helps users learn vocabulary R55. However, some users find it doesn't adequately teach grammar or provide enough content for true fluency R54.

Better for: Duolingo is better for casual learners who enjoy a gamified experience and want to build vocabulary in various languages R55R58. It suits those who prefer a less structured approach and are motivated by streaks and rewards R56R58.

Head-to-head: ELSA Speak vs Duolingo
Babbel
4.7★ · 745,315 ratings · Free

Babbel provides structured lessons with a focus on practical conversation and grammar, helping users learn new words and phrases effectively R66. It offers different options for speaking, listening, and writing . Some users appreciate its thorough content and structure, though the AI for spoken word processing can be slow .

Better for: Babbel is better for learners who prefer a more structured and thorough approach to language learning, focusing on practical conversation and grammar R66. It's suitable for those who want to learn a language for travel or general communication and don't mind paying for a comprehensive service R67.

Head-to-head: ELSA Speak vs Babbel
Speak & Learn English
4.6★ · 319,296 ratings · Free

Speak & Learn English is described as easy to understand and very specific for learning English . However, multiple users report that despite being advertised as free, the app quickly demands payment, leading to frustration R82.

Better for: Speak & Learn English might suit beginners looking for an easy-to-understand English learning tool, provided they are willing to pay for the content despite initial claims of being free .

Head-to-head: ELSA Speak vs Speak & Learn English
EWA
4.7★ · 192,843 ratings · Free

EWA offers a variety of learning methods, including flashcards and a 'dueling' feature, with repetition that helps memorization without being boring . Users appreciate the initial tests to determine their language level . However, many users report severe issues with subscription cancellation and being continuously charged, with some resorting to changing credit cards R93R96.

Better for: EWA could be better for learners who enjoy varied learning methods, including flashcards and gamified elements, and find repetition helpful for memorization . However, potential users should be extremely cautious regarding its subscription model and reported difficulties with cancellation R93R96.

Head-to-head: ELSA Speak vs EWA
Praktika
4.8★ · 158,514 ratings · Free

Praktika is praised for its immersive approach to language learning with AI tutors . Users find the AI interactions engaging and helpful for practicing speaking . However, some users report bugs like audio not working, progress disappearing after updates, and issues with subscription charges R107R110.

Better for: Praktika is better for learners who want an immersive experience with AI tutors for speaking practice and don't mind the potential for technical glitches or subscription issues . It suits those who learn best through direct conversation and interaction .

Head-to-head: ELSA Speak vs Praktika
Stick with ELSA Speak if

You should stick with ELSA Speak if you are primarily focused on improving American English pronunciation and speaking skills, and you find its specific feedback on individual sounds valuable . It may also be suitable if you've had a positive experience with the app's older versions or recent fixes have resolved issues for you .

Evidence note: All alternatives had sufficient reviews to form a pitch.

Frequently asked

Why are users unhappy with ELSA Speak's recent updates?
Users are unhappy with ELSA Speak's recent updates because they introduced a new AI-based interface that many find distracting, less user-friendly, and a downgrade from the previous 'planets' interface R7R9R13R16. Some users also report that the new version lacks the detailed feedback and progress tracking of the older version .
Does ELSA Speak support British English?
ELSA Speak primarily focuses on American English, which is a common point of frustration for users who want to learn or practice British English R18R24R27R36. Users report that even when an option to select a different accent is available, conversations and pronunciations often remain in American English R18.
Are there common issues with ELSA Speak subscriptions?
Yes, common issues with ELSA Speak subscriptions include users being charged automatically without warning after trial periods, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and problems accessing paid content despite having paid R4R23R25R37. Some users have reported paying significant amounts, such as over $200 per year, only to face these problems R4.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US Speak not work: This version has failed when i tried speak, not at all
  2. [R6] ELSA Speak 3/5 · US Se bloquea: He tenido que eliminar la aplicación y volverla a instalar debido a que en ocasiones no escucha o se traba, además de que pierde el progreso de lo que ya se inició y es difícil volver a llegar a él
  3. [R12] ELSA Speak 3/5 · US Great idea, but needs development: This app is really interesting, but it needs quite a bit of work. Almost all the lessons have bugs, and it’s hard to make progress through them. I couldn’t find an option to report this issue within the app, so I’m leaving my feedback here. It’s a bit frustrating because, for the cost, you’d expect a smoother experience.
  4. [R13] ELSA Speak 2/5 · US Terrible update: congrats, you managed to ruin it finally. It needed improvements with recognition and transcription fixing, but you decided to trash it instead, preserving all old glitches and massacaruing interface. Who was qa who tested simple buttons of choosing between saying again and continue?! It would be nice to get a refund for this year, I didn't subscribe for this! Update from today:
  5. [R7] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US Nueva Actualización IA: La app me encantaba, recientemente hicieron que sea por medio de una IA y la experiencia es pésima, quiero regresar a la versión antigua, como hago ?
  6. [R9] ELSA Speak 3/5 · US Horrible update: I’ve been using the app since 2021 and I honestly preferred the earlier user interface that had. the planets. This new 2025 update is distracting and not user friendly. I liked just logging in and seeing my daily lessons rather than this AI tutor asking me what I would like to do for the day . I probably won’t renew my pro subscription.
  7. [R16] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US The last update is just horrible!: Not user friendly interface, a lot of bugs.
  8. [R4] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US It is a trash: I got this app paid over 2 hundred per year, after a few months doesn’t le me use if I don’t pay for updates is crazy
  9. [R23] ELSA Speak 4/5 · US Me suscribí por una año y ahora no puedo entrar: Quería informarles que me suscribí por Apple y me fue descontada la suscripción y hoy dice que se me terminaron las lecciones gratis, pero yo pagué por un año, me pueden ayudar ? No es justo que jueguen con las personas y le quite. Su dinero
  10. [R25] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US This app Is a joke: By mistake I download it and they charged me 126 and I called because was a mistake and never refund it the money also is better Duolingo 100 times
  11. [R31] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US Outdated: Totally outdated, impossible to upgrade from lifetime pro to premium, so many content to pay. So bad I don’t use it
  12. [R18] ELSA Speak 3/5 · GB Cannot change the accent: The concept is great but however while there is the option to select different accent, the conversations and pronunciations seems to always be in American English which is really annoying if trying to improve British pronunciation
  13. [R24] ELSA Speak 3/5 · GB Bring British RP accent: Like many regretting not being able to choose between US accent and UK accent
  14. [R27] ELSA Speak 3/5 · GB Dear Elsa: ‏ been using Elsa Speak and find it very useful for improving my pronunciation. However, I have noticed that the app primarily focuses on American English. As a learner who prefers British pronunciation, I would like to suggest adding a British accent option to the app. ‏This would be extremely helpful for users who want to learn and practice British English. I hope you will consider
  15. [R36] ELSA Speak 3/5 · GB Not for people who want to learn British English: It is all about American English but as I live in the UK, it is useless
  16. [R44] ELSA Speak 5/5 · US Very slow app: Disappointed that I paid 80$ for premium Whenever I close the app and comeback again I should login again and again So taking much of my time in resetting Slow and disconnecting usually The conversation AI is slow and repetitive
  17. [R40] ELSA Speak 1/5 · US 1-Star Review: Very Disappointing Experience: I’m extremely disappointed with ELSA Speak. They care more about money than their customers. They do not send any reminders before the trial period ends, and as soon as it expires, they automatically charge you without warning. When I reached out for a refund, they refused to return my money. It feels like they just keep the money and don’t care about
  18. [R54] Duolingo 2/5 · US not good for fluency and glitched: duolingo is a okay app if you are trying to become fluent as the content it teaches is different than what you actually say in real life. recently in section 2 for Spanish, there was a new update featuring 3 new units with new words. when I started the unit, the lesson started with multiple words i didnt know and did not teach me at all. it was like I skipped a w
  19. [R55] Duolingo 5/5 · US HELPFUL: I LIVE it I always recognize every single word now HELPFUL
  20. [R56] Duolingo 3/5 · US Wow: Making me repeat the ones I CLEARLY didn’t understand, not to mention since I didn’t understand it I finished my lesson just now at exactly 12 and it said I miss my streak from THRUSDAY. Ruined my prefect 4 month streak. I will not be using again
  21. [R58] Duolingo 5/5 · US Duolingo rating in my opinion: I do not know why but this help with any language and it’s also very addicting to use
  22. [R65] Babbel 1/5 · US Pictures have very little correspondence to word or phrases. Will charge you yearly without notice: The current PICTs are useless for expressing what is being taught. Zero refund once charged! I don’t recommend this company. No human to talk to also!!
  23. [R66] Babbel 5/5 · US The BEST language learning app: I’ve tried many and this is the only one that sticks. The info sticks and the learning is easy and fun. LOVE LOVE LOVE
  24. [R67] Babbel 3/5 · US Absolutely not, (it’s given a five to get seen): This app is just not for me, I did one lesson and then it wanted me to subscribe to do all my other lessons, like I just want to learn French for free! I thought I would download this app with loads of good reviews but I don’t want to pay to learn a language, they might as well jut have you pay for the app at that point, my real review is one star
  25. [R68] Babbel 1/5 · US No longer works: I’ve been using the babel italian app for more than 4 years… suddenly it won’t link to my iPhone. I still have 6 months of my paid subscription remaining.. I’ve had no luck reaching out to them. When my subscription is up in December I’ll likely look for a different service.
  26. [R79] Speak & Learn English 1/5 · US Limited: Arabic is the 5th most spoken language in the world and this app only has four languages to learn.
  27. [R80] Speak & Learn English 5/5 · US Great App!: Must try!
  28. [R81] Speak & Learn English 3/5 · US Jha: Very impressive
  29. [R82] Speak & Learn English 1/5 · US Falsedad: Supuestamente que dice gratis y cuando lo vas a utilizar cobra todo
  30. [R93] EWA 1/5 · US DO NOT RISK SUBSCRIBING: DO NOT subscribe. This subscription CANNOT BE CANCELED and they DO NOT RESPOND TO EMAILS. They will keep taking your money indefinitely. NOT WORTH THE RISK.
  31. [R94] EWA 5/5 · US Leaning with God: Mind bright
  32. [R95] EWA 3/5 · US ): It is not possible to use the full service. To perform tasks and lessons where required, the microphone does not work. Constantly writes "speech recognition services are temporarily unavailable"
  33. [R96] EWA 1/5 · US Dangerous: It's very difficult to cancel the subscription. I had to change my credit card to finally get rid of the intrusive subscription fee. I do not recommend it!!!! · translated
  34. [R107] Praktika 1/5 · US Audio stopped working: Reinstalled app, bug did not fix the problem. Contacted support, no response
  35. [R108] Praktika 5/5 · US Lesson: Everything's cool, I just really want premium. · translated
  36. [R109] Praktika 3/5 · US Regarding some issues: The person in the video chat blocks the text and dialogue. Can you make it so that it can be minimized or closed? · translated
  37. [R110] Praktika 1/5 · US Insane: Ridiculous. I subscribed to the yearly and had a week free trial and I enabled the notify me before free trial ends and they never did notify me. It then offered me the free trial again and as soon as I subscribed again it automatically charged me for the full year. Not to mention the yearly is not cheap either.
  38. [R37] ELSA Speak 2/5 · US I can’t sign in: I paid for a one-year subscription, but I cannot sign in to the app. Every time I try to log in, it doesn’t work, and I’m completely locked out of a service I already paid for. I’ve tried reinstalling the app and checking my login details, but nothing helps. There is no clear support or quick fix, which is very frustrating for a paid subscription.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store