HelloTalk vs JapanesePod101
HelloTalk
hellotalk.com
JapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comSide by side
| Figure | HelloTalk | JapanesePod101 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 8.3 (#86) | 9.1 (#9) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Hong Kong | Tokyo, Japan |
| Languages offered | 260 | 34 |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy | The FAQ says registration email and linked Google or Facebook accounts are not publicly viewable, while the chosen username or name is visible to community members. | Innovative Language Learning says its privacy policy covers how it collects, uses, stores, discloses and processes personal information and describes access, correction and update choices. |
| Speech practice | Yes | Yes |
| Support | HelloTalk says its customer service team responds within 24 hours to requests for help upgrading to Lifetime VIP. | JapanesePod101 says its dedicated customer service team responds to email inquiries within 1 business day. |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
In their own words
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101 teaches Japanese through short audio and video lessons designed to help learners speak from their first lesson. Sessions run 3 to 15 minutes and cover levels from Absolute Beginner through Advanced, with new lessons each week. The materials include pronunciation, listening comprehension, grammar explanations, reading notes, and cultural information approved through a certified Japanese teacher. Study tools include spaced-repetition flashcards, vocabulary and phrase lists, voice recording, translations, read-along notes, and daily lessons. The service has Android and iOS apps as well as a website; learners can download lessons for offline study and sync progress between the app and website. iCloud syncing is available on iOS but not Android. Premium PLUS adds access to a personal Japanese teacher, a personalized program, feedback, corrections, and private messaging. The free plan includes selected lessons and a seven-day Premium trial. Paid plans start at $4/mo (annual); plan prices are also listed in USD based on a 24-month subscription cost.