Tandem is a language exchange app available on iOS, Android, and the web that lets you chat directly with native speakers of the language you’re learning.
It works by matching you with someone who speaks your target language and who’s also looking to learn your language in return.
You can talk through text, voice notes, audio, or even video calls the app includes handy correction and translation tools to make conversations flow easier.
Tandem isn’t about formal lessons or grammar drills. It’s all about real talk with real people slang, culture, small mistakes, and everything in between that’s what makes it feel natural and fun.
How Tandem works
You start by signing up and creating a profile with the languages you speak, the ones you want to learn, and a few of your interests.
Your registration goes through a quick review before you’re fully approved, so it’s not instant but helps keep the community safe.
Once you’re in, you can browse for partners based on language, location, and shared interests you’re free to chat through text, send voice notes, or jump into a video call.
If you ever get stuck, there’s a translation feature to help, and both you and your partner can correct each other’s messages as you go.
There are fun community options too, like Language Parties and Clubs, where you can join group chats and meet more learners.
Upgrading to Tandem Pro gives you extra perks unlimited translations, advanced filters, no ads, boosted profile visibility, and the option to find partners nearby.
Features & strengths
In-chat translation & correction helps smooth the talk when you’re stuck.
Multiple modes text chat, voice notes, video calls.
Matching filters pick partners by interests, languages, location.
Community feel it’s part social network, part chat app.
Free core version is solid you can do a lot without paying.
Support for many languages 300+ languages, incl. sign languages.
Security steps registration review, reporting/abuse policies.
Weaknesses & tradeoffs
It’s not structured learning if you need grammar drills, Tandem alone won’t cut it.
For lesser spoken languages, finding active partners might be hard.
Free version limits translation usage (you might run out).
Some users treat it like dating or flirt chat you’ll see off topic profiles.
No full lesson plan or progress tracking built in.
The registration approval step can delay starting.
Pricing & plan options
Tandem offers a free tier + Tandem Pro.
Pro monthly cost is about $6.99 per month.
Promo or longer plans reduce the monthly cost. For example, yearly plan can bring it down to ~$2.92/month in some offers.
With Pro, you get unlimited translations, advanced filters, ad-free, profile boosts, location filters, etc.
Who should use Tandem
If you already know basics and want fluency, Tandem is great.
If you want to speak real, everyday language, not textbook stuff.
If you enjoy social interaction and learning by doing.
If you don’t mind filling gaps from grammar books or courses.
If you’re an absolute beginner, it might feel overwhelming you’ll need something more guided first.
Traffic, usage stats & social reach
Tandem app was launched around 2015 and is based in Berlin.
It claims millions of users globally.
Exact monthly visitor numbers or total social media followers count is not publicly available (or reliably confirmed).
Because of that lack of strong public metrics, your audience might see “millions of users worldwide” as its claimed scale.
