Liningo
A Speak Pal alternative with a topic built in
Liningo is a free-to-download alternative to Speak Pal for iOS and Android. Like Speak Pal, it matches you with another English learner at your level — but you both read the same news story first, and a guided 7-minute voice call takes you through it step by step, so you don't run out of things to say.
What the two apps share
Both start from the same idea — Speak Pal's listing puts it as "It's pointless to study English if you can't speak it!" Both match you with another learner at your level, and both say about 15 minutes a day is enough to start. On Liningo we'd add one thing: practicing with a learner like you often feels less stressful than practicing with a native speaker or a tutor.
Where they differ
| Speak Pal | Liningo | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you talk to | Learners with the same level and interests | A learner at your level |
| What you talk about | Open topics — yourself, your work, anything you both like | Today's news story, which you both read first |
| Before the call | — | Read the story at your level, hear its words, write with AI feedback |
| The call | Open conversation | 7 minutes, 4 guided steps: warm-up, vocab game, the topic, social bridge |
| Price | Free, no ads | Free to download; calls use points you earn, or in-app purchases |
When Speak Pal is the better choice
- You want open, free-flowing conversation. No script, no set topic — just talk.
- You want to spend nothing, ever. Speak Pal's listing says it's free with no ads; Liningo calls run on points you earn or buy.
- You need a partner the moment you open the app. Liningo is a young, growing community, so you won't always find one instantly.
When Liningo is the better choice
- You freeze when there's no topic. You and your partner have read the same story, so the first minute is already solved.
- You want to prepare. Reading, listening and writing come first, so the words are in your head before you speak.
- You like structure. The call board always shows the next step, and the call ends on time.
- You want to learn something, not just chat. Every call is about a real news story at your level.
See how the call works in finding an English speaking partner at your level, or compare Liningo with HelloTalk, Tandem, News in Levels and Cambly on the comparison page.
Questions people ask
What is a good alternative to Speak Pal?
Liningo is a free-to-download alternative for iOS and Android. Like Speak Pal, it matches you with another English learner at your level. The difference is the topic: on Liningo you both read the same news story at your level first, and a guided 7-minute call walks you through four steps — warm-up, vocab game, the topic and a social bridge.
What is the difference between Liningo and Speak Pal?
Speak Pal describes itself as an English conversation club where you talk with learners who share your level and interests, on open topics. Liningo gives both partners the same leveled news story, vocabulary and a writing task first, then a guided 7-minute voice call about that story.
Is Liningo free like Speak Pal?
Liningo is free to download. Calls use points you earn by finishing the day's tasks, or in-app purchases. Speak Pal's App Store listing says the app is free to use and has no ads.
Can I use both apps?
Yes. You can use an open-topic club for free conversation and Liningo for short, prepared practice on a real topic.
Real news. Real English.
Never run out of things to say.
Free to download on iOS and Android. You must be 18 or older.