The best AI Spanish learning apps: tested & reviewed

As someone who is both passionate about language learning and fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence, I've spent countless hours exploring tools that let me speak Spanish with AI. And it turns out, some are considerably better than others.

AI is going to change the way we learn languages. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming. In this article, I'll share the 3 tools I recommend most for Spanish conversation practice with AI. I'll get straight to the point, highlighting the pros, cons, and pricing.

The Best Tools for AI Spanish Conversation Practice

#1: Langua

Best for: Motivated Spanish Learners

Langua is a powerful AI platform designed for learners who want to take their Spanish conversation skills to the next level, whilst also having the option to learn through listening, reading and flashcards.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of conversation options designed for language learners: practical roleplays, controversial debates, discuss your interests, etc.
• Unlike other apps I tried, you'll feel like you're talking with a human rather than a robot. This takes some getting used to! Many of the voices are cloned from YouTubers in the language learning space who Langua has partnered with.
• Get instant corrections and see explanations for these. This is important as it gives you a deeper understanding of your mistakes. You can even access a detailed feedback report after each chat.
• Speak in your native language when stuck, and the AI will usually still understand you (useful for A1-A2 Spanish learners)
• Also offers podcasts and videos with interactive transcripts generated by AI. These highlight each word as it's spoken, making the content more understandable. Then you can translate words and sentences in 1 click and learn them via spaced repetition flashcards. You can even generate AI stories that incorporate your saved words.
• Available on any device - desktop (via website) or tablet/mobile via apps: iOS (Apple) | Android (Google Play)

Cons:

• The AI occasionally fails to catch errors - a common limitation I've observed across all available AI models.
• Sometimes your speech may be corrected when transcribed (preventing you from being corrected). However, again this is a problem with all AI models and Langua allows you to switch between the best available models.
• Can be tricky if you're a complete beginner (Langua has tools to help beginners but having conversations is always hard as a beginner)
• Currently 'only' available in 19 languages (more are being added every month, so this may have changed by the time you read this).

Pricing: $13 to $29/month (depending on your subscription type). Also has a free plan, which offers some of the comprehensible input features but no AI conversation practice.

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

#2 ChatGPT

Best for: Folks Who Want to Learn for Free

You've probably heard of ChatGPT as it's the most well-known AI tool. While it's an incredible technology that can be adapted to be an AI Spanish tutor, it's not specifically designed for language learning. I tested ChatGPT's capabilities for Spanish practice extensively, and while it has its merits, there are many limitations.

Pros:

• Free version available
• You can ask the AI to help you practice conversation, or request grammar corrections
• Audio mode feels very real and allows you to interrupt the AI.

Cons:

• It is not specifically designed for language learning. I had to keep asking the AI to correct me, it's not automatic. And there's no button to easily get translations.
• The system often cuts off recordings during natural thinking pauses, as its speech detection isn't designed for learners who need time to form sentences.
• No option to select the dialect you want, so the voices will usually sound fairly generic.
• There are no suggested chat options for learning Spanish. I had to come up with all the ideas and the AI kept recommending the same topics - food and music. It gets repetitive quickly.
• Unable to read as you listen (unlike Langua). If you turn audio mode on, you cannot see the text. This makes it harder to follow.
• The free version limits your usage a lot.

Pricing: $20/month for the paid version, free (limited) version available.

#3: Univerbal

Best for: Folks Who Want a Structured and Gamified App

Univerbal is a relatively new startup from Switzerland. It was founded in 2023 (rebranded from 'Quazel').

Pros:

• Mobile app for easy access
• Variety of role-plays covering many scenarios
• Structured by levels for a guided learning experience

Cons:

• Buggy transcription - I found it often stopped recording me mid-sentence
• Compared to Langua, the voices are more robotic and less human-like
• I felt a little too restricted - if you want to have flexible discussions about whatever interests you, it may not be the best fit.

Pricing: $10-20/month

Common Questions Related to Learning Spanish with AI:

How can AI be used effectively for language learning?

AI can be used for various aspects of language learning, such as conversation practice, grammar corrections, and vocabulary acquisition. In my experience, AI tools like Langua and ChatGPT have been invaluable for improving my Spanish speaking skills through interactive conversations and instant feedback.

What are the limitations of AI Spanish tutors?

While AI has made significant advancements in language learning, it still has limitations. AI may not always catch every grammatical error or provide the same level of nuance and context as a human tutor. I've encountered instances where the AI missed corrections or provided generic responses. It's important to keep in mind that AI is a tool to supplement your learning, not a complete replacement for human interaction.

If I can learn Spanish with AI, do I no longer need a tutor?

The short answer is no, only speaking Spanish with an AI Spanish tutor is not the best strategy. The longer answer... if you can afford a tutor, I recommend combining it with AI conversation practice in Spanish. A human tutor offers warmth, accountability, and encouragement that AI cannot replicate. They can also better understand the nuances of the language and provide personalized feedback. AI, on the other hand, is an excellent tool for quick practice sessions whenever you have a moment free. It also gives you exposure to a variety of conversation scenarios. The combination of both can lead to a well-rounded and effective Spanish learning experience. If you're interested in getting a tutor, you can find talented folks on our platform, LanguaTalk. We accept the top 5% of applications, ensuring high standards versus other sites.

Curious whether you can learn to speak Spanish using AI? I encourage you to check out Langua here and create a free account.

Interested in learning other languages with AI? See more:

Learn English with AI  | Learn Italian with AI | Learn French with AI | Learn German with AI