Tandem Review: We Tested the App Everyone’s Comparing to Tinder

When you’re learning a language, there comes a point when textbooks, language apps, and flashcards just don’t cut it. We sometimes need a native speaker to explain those nuanced cultural chunks and quirks that slip through the cracks of traditional learning methods.

Since I’ve been working hard to ace my Spanish exams in grad school, I figured it was time to find a proper language partner. So, I gave it a red-hot go — trawled Reddit language threads, joined Facebook groups, and signed up for just about every language exchange app I could find, all in the hopes of chatting with native speakers who could actually help me.

That’s when I stumbled across Tandem!

Apparently, Tandem is a language exchange app that connects language learners worldwide. Like any cautious consumer, I did my research first. Despite seeing several eye-opening complaints on Reddit and TrustPilot (some users were calling it "Tinder for languages," which immediately raised my eyebrows), I decided it was worth trying out for myself.

And so in this post, I'll be sharing my honest, unfiltered review with you — the good, the bad, and the surprisingly awkward moments that made me question whether I was actually learning Spanish or accidentally speed-dating.

What Is Tandem?

Tandem is a language exchange application that promises to connect language learners with native speakers worldwide for authentic, real-world conversations. Officially launched in 2015, this app has evolved into a global community boasting over ten million users who collectively speak more than 300 different languages, including 12 sign languages. The concept is beautifully simple: you help someone learn your native language, and they help you learn theirs.

Instead of formal lessons, you just jump into real conversations. You get to swap slang, pick up cultural bits, and hear how people really speak day to day. It feels more like chatting with a mate than sitting in a class. However, there's a caveat: if you’re expecting grammar drills or structured lessons, you won’t find that here. It works only if you already know the basics and want to get more confident speaking naturally.

Basically, a lot of people use Tandem as a cheaper way to practise with a language exchange partner instead of paying for private tutors on places like italki or Preply. For me, it’s been a great additional resource and confidence booster in the target language, but it's not exactly the best for learning from scratch (more about this below!).

How Does the Tandem App Work?

Getting started with the Tandem language learning app is surprisingly straightforward, though the process reveals some interesting quirks that hint at the app’s underlying challenges. Here’s how the whole experience unfolds:

Creating A Tandem Profile

Your Tandem journey begins with downloading the app and creating what the platform calls an "engaging profile". Here, you’ll need to upload a friendly profile photo (or two), specify the languages you speak and want to learn, and share your interests to attract potential partners. The app also asks you what topics fascinate you, what you’re looking for in a language partner, and your specific language goals.

Once done, every profile goes through an application review process designed to keep the community "safe and fun." This screening process takes about 7 days maximum, but in my experience, it only took about 30 minutes before I got access to the app. I guess one thing that gave me that vote of approval was that I used a verified Google account.

Also, note that their system aims to filter out anyone under 14, those using fake names or photos, and convicted sex offenders. However, many users note that fake photos still slip through the cracks, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in the vetting process.

Exploring The Tandem Community Tab

Once approved, you're thrown into the Community tab, which functions like a language learning version of a social media feed. Here, you'll find members who are native or fluent in your target language, displayed in a scrollable interface that feels suspiciously familiar to anyone who's used dating apps. You can filter potential partners by language, age, gender, and "member experience," though the filtering options become more robust if you upgrade to Tandem Pro.

The platform also features a "References" system where previous language partners can review each other, theoretically giving you insight into someone’s reliability as a learning companion. New profiles are often featured at the top, which explains why fresh users get bombarded with messages and why many of those initial contacts might not be entirely focused on language practice.

Using Tandem Chats

The meat of Tandem lies in its chat functionality, which offers multiple communication methods. You can send text messages for daily discussions, exchange audio messages to practice pronunciation, or jump into audio and video calls for real-time conversation practice. The app requires a certain number of text exchanges before enabling calls, presumably to establish some rapport first.

What sets Tandem apart from regular messaging apps is its built-in language tools. Partners can correct each other’s mistakes directly in the chat, with options to set your correction preferences (every mistake, repeated errors, or general feedback). Free users get three to five daily translations to bridge communication gaps, while the "Speak Tool" provides text-to-speech audio for pronunciation help.

The platform also features "Language Parties" — live audio rooms where members discuss topics in group settings — and "Language Clubs" for topic-based discussions. These social features attempt to create a more structured learning environment, though whether users actually use them for language practice versus socializing is... well, that's where our story gets more complicated.

Earning Tandem Certificates

One of Tandem's newer features is its language proficiency certification system, though it’s currently quite limited. You can earn official certificates for English proficiency only, covering CEFR levels from Beginner (A2) to Fluent (C1). Each 45-minute test costs a modest fee and includes one retake if needed. Upon completion, you'll receive a personalized PDF certificate and a badge on your profile.

While these certificates can be useful if you need to prove language proficiency to employers, they’re only available through the mobile app and focus primarily on test-taking skills rather than conversational abilities. It's a nice addition, but hardly the main draw for most users seeking authentic language exchange experiences.

Tandem Language App Initial Impression

After diving into Tandem for my Spanish learning journey, I'll be honest — my first impression was a mix of excitement and confusion. On one hand, the sheer scope of what this app promises is impressive. On the other hand, within my first few hours of use, I started understanding why so many Reddit users were making those Tinder comparisons.

Enough Tandem Languages Offered

With over 300 languages supported, including 12 sign languages and even pop culture creations like Klingon and Dothraki, it's easily one of the most diverse language communities I've encountered. As someone learning Spanish, I had no trouble finding native speakers, but I was genuinely surprised to see users offering practice in less common languages like Afrikaans, Irish, and Quechua.

However, there's a notable skew that became apparent pretty quickly: a massive portion of Tandem users worldwide are learning English. While this is fantastic news if you're a native English speaker (you'll be drowning in potential partners), it does create an interesting dynamic. As someone whose native language is English, I found myself in high demand — sometimes uncomfortably so.

Is Tandem A Dating App?

This is the million-dollar question, and honestly, Tandem seems to be trying really hard to ignore it. Officially, the app states it’s not for dating and has Community Principles prohibiting such use. In practice? Well, let's just say I received more "Hey beautiful" messages than "¿Cómo estás?" greetings from my Tandem partners.

The app’s design choices feel contradictory to its stated mission. Requiring clear face photos, displaying gender information prominently, and offering location-based filters all contribute to an experience that feels more like browsing potential dates than finding study partners. I honestly have lost count of how many conversations quickly veered from language practice to personal questions that had nothing to do with Spanish conjugations.

Tandem has implemented reporting and blocking features, and they do warn users when someone tries to move conversations off-platform. But from my experience, these feel like band-aid solutions to a fundamental design problem. When your app looks, feels, and functions like a dating app, you're going to attract people who use it like one, regardless of what your terms of service say.

Tandem App Availability

From a technical standpoint, Tandem delivers solid accessibility. The app works seamlessly across iOS and Android, and after initial mobile registration, you can continue conversations on Tandem Web. The cross-platform functionality worked well for me, though I noticed the mobile app had more features than the web version.

The global reach is impressive, allowing you to practice your target language with speakers from different regions. This is truly valuable for understanding various accents and cultural contexts. However, this global accessibility also means navigating time zones, cultural differences in communication styles, and varying levels of English proficiency among users who want to practice with you.

Tandem App Pricing: How Much Does It Really Cost?

When evaluating Tandem's pricing structure, I wondered: Does upgrading actually solve the fundamental problems I encountered, or does it just add bells and whistles to a flawed foundation? After testing both versions during my Spanish learning journey, here's my honest breakdown.

Tandem Free Version

If you’re questioning "Is Tandem free?”, then the good news is that it has a free version! You get access to the entire Community tab for finding partners, unlimited text messaging, audio and video calls, and those handy correction features that actually help with language learning. The Language Parties (limited to 60 minutes daily) and Language Clubs add a social element that feels genuinely educational.

However, the limitations became frustrating quickly. The three daily translations ran out embarrassingly fast during engaging conversations — and trust me, when you're mid-flow trying to explain a complex concept in Spanish, hitting that translation wall kills the momentum. The 10 daily conversation limit sounds generous until you realize how many conversations fizzle out immediately, forcing you to be strategic about who you message.

Tandem Pro Account

Tandem Pro removes these friction points but comes with a price tag that made me pause. The unlimited AI-powered translations are genuinely game-changing if you're having substantive conversations. The profile boosting and enhanced discovery features (seeing who visited your profile, who's online) definitely increase your visibility and connection opportunities.

The AI Toolkit is probably the most valuable Pro feature — tools like Grammar Check, Word Finder, and the Rewrite function that helps make your messages sound more natural. These felt like actual learning aids rather than just convenience features. Being able to add up to 10 languages (versus just one for free users) also opens up significantly more partnership possibilities.

But with all these new features unlocked, I can't help but feel that the Tandem Pro feels like paying to fix problems that shouldn't exist in the first place.

The location filters and profile boosting make the app feel even more like a dating platform, which contradicts its educational mission. The increased conversation limit (30 vs 10 daily) suggests even Tandem knows most conversations don’t work out.

Alternatives For A Tandem Language Exchange

HelloTalk

HelloTalk feels like what Tandem could be if it focused purely on language learning. Its standout feature is the Moments feed, a public timeline where you post in your target language and native speakers correct you. This fixes my biggest headache with Tandem’s one-on-one chats, which fizzle out. Instead, you tap into a whole community and always get feedback. The correction tools are better too, and the free version doesn’t feel pushy about upgrades. You also spend less time fussing with your profile and more time actually practising.

Speakly

Speaky is great if you just want no-nonsense practice without the small talk and social extras. There is no matching system or profile swipe game, just search for people who are online and start chatting right away. This spontaneity means both sides are ready to talk, so conversations last longer. The simple setup keeps you focused on real language exchange instead of scrolling through feeds. It is ideal if you want to practise grammar or vocabulary without worrying about perfect profile matches.

The Mixxer

The Mixxer is for people who want serious language practice in an academic style rather than casual chat. It is run by Dickinson College and attracts students and teachers who are more committed. You use Skype or other platforms for the actual conversations, which avoids the distractions of in-app social features. There are fewer users, but the ones you meet are more reliable and focused, so you get better practice without endless small talk that goes nowhere.

Final Verdict: Is Tandem Worth Your Time?

After weeks of testing Tandem for my Spanish learning journey, I can honestly say it's a platform with serious potential that's undermined by fundamental design flaws. The app succeeds in connecting you with native speakers quickly — sometimes too quickly — but fails spectacularly at fostering the meaningful, sustained conversations that actually improve your language skills. Most of my Tandem conversations lasted less than three exchanges, and the few that extended beyond pleasantries often veered into territory that had nothing to do with learning Spanish.

While Tandem's correction tools and AI features are genuinely helpful when used properly, they can't solve the core problem of finding committed language partners who show up consistently.

Start Learning Languages With Lingopie Instead

Ready to go beyond speaking? Lingopie lets you build your language skills by watching great TV shows and movies in your target language. You get real Spanish the way native speakers use it, with interactive subtitles that help you learn new words on the spot. The built-in review tools and progress tracking keep everything organised, so you keep improving without feeling lost.

Ready to ditch the dating app vibes for actual learning progress? Give Lingopie a go and see how much more confident you feel after a few episodes.