Learn French with AI: the best AI French learning apps, tested & reviewed

As a French teacher, I'm always exploring tools that can supplement my students' learning between our lessons. Over the past year, I've tested numerous AI French apps designed to help learners improve their ability to speak fluently, and the quality varies dramatically.

The sheer number of options can be daunting for learners. In this article, I'll share my top picks for AI French conversation practice, based on what I've seen work for students at different levels. I'll provide you with an honest assessment of each app's pros and cons.

The Best Apps For Learning French With AI

There are dozens of AI French learning apps, and between our team, we've tried all of them. But here are my top four:

#1 Langua

Best for: Committed French Learners

Langua is what I recommend to serious learners because it goes far beyond what other AI apps offer. The feedback is genuinely useful - detailed reports, multiple correction styles, etc. The voices are cloned from native French speakers (finally, not robotic), and I love how everything connects: saved words can be practiced in context via custom 'vocab chats', flashcards or stories.

Strengths:

• The available AI voices are cutting-edge (other AI platforms have voices that sound robotic or have an American twang).
• You can practice hands-free, whether in standard chat mode (via auto-record), or via a dedicated Call Mode for smoother chats.
• Huge selection of conversation options, ranging from practical role-plays to stimulating debates and discussions tailored to your interests.
• Provides corrections, as well as detailed explanations for the corrections provided. You can choose whether you want explicit or subtle feedback, as well as whether it's verbal or written.
• Save words with one click, then master them through flashcards and AI conversations that naturally work in your vocabulary.
• Get personalized grammar practice based on your actual mistakes. If you keep mixing up qui and que, or struggle with the subjunctive, Langua creates targeted drills to help you master those specific patterns instead of generic exercises. Amazing!
• When you don't know how to say something in your target language, you can speak in your native language and still be understood.

Limitations:

• May occasionally overlook corrections due to the inherent limitations of AI technology.
• AI models may auto-correct speech during transcription: Like all AI platforms, transcriptions sometimes 'fix' what you say instead of capturing your exact words. To minimize this, Langua offers multiple AI model options to choose from.
• Initial barrier for absolute beginners: Though equipped with beginner-friendly features, starting conversations with zero language knowledge remains challenging.
• Occasionally the AI will pronounce consonants when it shouldn't (Langua's team told me the provider is fixing that).

Pricing: $12-$29/month (pricing varies based on location and subscription type). A free trial is available with all plans to try before you buy.

Langua has both a web version (if you prefer to use your laptop) and mobile apps: iOS (Apple) | Android (Google Play).

You can create a free account on Langua and explore it here.

#2 ChatGPT

Best for: Learners who don't want to pay anything

ChatGPT is a renowned tool that can be adapted to be a sort of AI French tutor. It's not designed specifically for that, but is OK if you only want to play around with a free option.

Strengths:

• Can be utilized for basic conversation practice and grammar corrections (though this requires prompting)
• Offers a free version, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
• Audio mode feels very authentic and enables you to even interrupt the AI.

Limitations:

• In audio mode, it'll often cut you off when you're still thinking of the next word (as it's not designed for language learners).
• It's lacking the ability to select the dialect you want, so the voices will usually sound fairly generic.
• Lacks built-in language learning features, such as automatic corrections and translation buttons.
• No pre-designed conversation prompts or exercises, requiring learners to generate their own ideas and leading to repetitive topics.
• No ability to read as you listen to aid understanding (available on Langua)

Pricing: $20/month for the paid version, with a limited free version available.

#3 Speak

Best for: French Beginners Seeking Structure

Speak provides a polished learning experience with scenario-based roleplays and an AI tutor for grammar help. While it suits beginners looking for guided practice, the feedback system is shallow and the pricing tiers are poorly explained.

Strengths:

• Helpful pronunciation videos and well-paced content for French beginners.
• Natural-sounding French voices with fairly reliable speech recognition.
• "Speak Tutor" feature answers grammar questions and creates custom practice lessons.
• Roleplay scenarios include cultural context (ordering in a French café, planning weekend activities, etc.)

Limitations:

• Feedback is superficial and doesn't give learners the detail needed to improve significantly. Langua is on another level here.
• Lesson types lack variety - becomes monotonous at intermediate levels and beyond.
• No vocabulary retention system with spaced repetition.
• Confusing premium structure with hidden limits on AI lesson access.
• Can't select specific French dialects (no option for Quebec French, for example).

Pricing: Price varies by region. Premium Plus (with unlimited custom lessons) costs substantially more than basic Premium. Tier differences weren't transparent when I signed up.

Read a full Speak review here.

#4 TalkPal

Best for: Learners looking for a simple AI app

TalkPal is a conversational AI app designed specifically for language learning, offering a range of features for French learners.

Strengths:

• Provides a number of conversation options, including role-plays, topic-based discussions, and image description exercises (paid version only).
• Includes a basic plan with limited access to features and a 10-minute time limit.

Limitations:

• Primarily focuses on conversation practice, lacking additional features such as interactive transcripts or the ability to save words and learn them with flashcards.
• Voice quality is less natural compared to Langua, with a more robotic tone that may hinder immersion.
• Some conversation prompts may be too complex or irrelevant for beginners. The discussion I was presented with was 'the most significant moment in human history'. Even as a more advanced learner, it required me to think a lot, rather than focus on practicing my French.

Pricing: $11.99/month for the paid version (cheaper with an annual purchase). No free trial available, but a basic plan with limited features and a 10-minute time limit is offered.

Common Questions About Learning French with AI

How can I choose the best AI tool for my French learning needs?

When selecting an AI French learning app, consider factors such as the quality of the voice recognition and speech output, the variety of conversation topics and exercises available, and the level of personalization and adaptation to your learning needs. Take advantage of free trials or basic plans to see for yourself whether the platform is well designed and works for you.

How can AI be combined with other learning methods for optimal results?

While AI-powered tools can be incredibly valuable for French learners, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other learning methods. Combine AI conversation practice with other activities like working with a tutor and listening to podcast to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. Use AI to target specific skills, such as speaking fluency or vocabulary acquisition, while also seeking opportunities for real-world language use and feedback from native speakers.

What makes AI-powered tools effective for learning French?

AI-powered language learning tools offer several key benefits, such as the ability to practice speaking and listening skills at your own pace, receive immediate feedback on grammar and pronunciation, and access a wide range of learning materials tailored to your interests and proficiency level. Platforms like Langua and TalkPal provide an engaging and interactive learning experience that can help you build confidence and fluency in French.

Can an AI French tutor provide the same level of personalized instruction as a human tutor?

Despite the impressive advancements in AI tech, it's essential to recognize that these tools have several limitations compared to human tutors. AI may not always detect subtle nuances or be able to provide detailed explanations for complex grammar concepts. Additionally, AI-generated conversations may sometimes feel less natural or contextually relevant than those with a real French tutor. It's crucial to view AI as a complementary tool rather than a complete replacement for traditional learning methods. And of course, language is about connecting, so don't miss out on speaking with real people!

Your next steps...

I hope that this article has educated you on the possibilities of working with artificial intelligence to enhance your learning experience. If you're feeling motivated to try learning to speak French with AI, I recommend you start by trying Langua. It's freemium and also has a free trial of the Pro version available. The team at Langua created it because generic AI tools like ChatGPT were not truly meeting the needs of language learners.

Curious about learning other languages with AI? See more:

Learn English with AI  | Learn Italian with AI | Learn German with AI  | Learn Japanese with AI | Learn Chinese with AI | Learn Spanish with AI