Liningo
Liningo compared: which English app fits you?
Pick by what you need. For a native speaker to chat with, use HelloTalk or Tandem. For a paid tutor, use Cambly. For leveled news to read, use News in Levels. For open conversations with other learners, use Speak Pal. For leveled news plus a guided call about it with a learner at your level, use Liningo.
Side by side
| App | Who you talk to | What you read | How you talk | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liningo | Another English learner at your level | 2 news stories a day, each at 3 levels | 1:1 voice call, 7 min, 4 guided steps, about the story you both read | Free to download; calls use points you earn, or in-app purchases |
| Speak Pal | Other English learners with the same level and interests | Not a focus | 1:1 conversations on open topics | Free, no ads (per its App Store listing) |
| News in Levels | No one — reading and listening only | Short news at 3 levels (1,000 / 2,000 / 3,000 most-used words), US and UK audio | — | Free |
| HelloTalk | Native speakers (language exchange, 260+ languages) | Community posts, livestreams | Text, voice messages, calls, group Voicerooms | Free; paid VIP |
| Tandem | Native speakers (language exchange) | Not a focus | 1:1 chats, group audio "Parties" | Free; paid Pro |
| Cambly | English tutors | Lesson materials | 1:1 video lessons | Paid |
Competitor details come from each app's App Store listing, checked September 15, 2026. Apps change — check speakpal.club, newsinlevels.com, hellotalk.com, tandem.net and cambly.com for current features and prices.
When another app is the better choice
- You want to talk with native speakers. HelloTalk or Tandem. In a language exchange you also help your partner with your language.
- You want a teacher who corrects you. Cambly or another tutor platform. Liningo has no tutors.
- You only want to read. News in Levels is free and focused on exactly that.
- You want to learn a language other than English. Liningo is English-only.
When Liningo is the better choice
- You understand English but freeze when you speak. You prepare with the story first, and the call board gives you a script to lean on.
- You want real topics. Today's news, not textbook dialogues — at the level that fits you.
- You have 15 minutes, not an hour. One story, one 7-minute call, done.
- You'd rather practice with a learner like you than with a native speaker or a tutor.
More detail: how to learn English with the news, how Liningo speaking partners work, and the full comparisons for Speak Pal and News in Levels.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Liningo and HelloTalk?
HelloTalk is a language exchange: you chat with native speakers of the language you learn and help them with yours, in 260+ languages. Liningo is English-only: you read a news story at your level, then talk about it with another English learner at your level in a guided 7-minute call.
What is the difference between Liningo and News in Levels?
Both write news at three levels. News in Levels is for reading and listening. Liningo adds vocabulary practice, writing with AI feedback, and a guided 7-minute call where you speak about the same story with another learner.
What is the difference between Liningo and Speak Pal?
Both match you with another English learner at your level. On Speak Pal the conversation topic is open. On Liningo you both read the same news story first, and a call board guides the 7-minute call in four steps: warm-up, vocab game, the topic and a social bridge.
What is the difference between Liningo and Cambly?
Cambly is paid video lessons with English tutors. Liningo is a free-to-download app where you practice with other learners; it does not offer tutors.
Real news. Real English.
Try the news-to-call loop
Free to download on iOS and Android. You must be 18 or older.