Drops vs. Italki

Drops

Drops is a language learning app that focuses on teaching vocabulary through quick, visual-based games. The idea is to make learning feel more like playing, with short sessions you can fit into your day. Instead of grammar-heavy lessons, it leans on matching words with pictures, swiping, and tapping to help words stick in your memory. The app covers over 40 languages, from common ones like Spanish and French to less common ones like Hawaiian and Ainu. You get common, everyday words and phrases to start with—things you’d actually use in conversation. It’s built for people who want to learn at their own pace, and there are features like reminders and streaks to keep you coming back. Drops keeps lessons short—usually five minutes—so it’s easy to squeeze in some learning while waiting for coffee or riding the train. There’s a free version with ads and limits on daily use, or you can pay for Premium to get rid of ads, unlock all content, and use it offline. Overall, it’s not going to teach you complex grammar or how to hold a full conversation right away, but if you’re looking to build your vocabulary in a fun, no-pressure way, it does the job.

Italki

Italki is a platform connecting language teachers, mostly native speakers, with students. You can book, pay, and schedule your classes directly through their website. The classes are one on one, just you and the teacher, and conducted over a video call. I used Italki successfully before going to Thailand for the first time. My wife who is Thai gave me an Italki gift card. There are plenty of teachers to chose from and the rates are affordable. You'll pay anywhere from $10 to about $20 for a class.

Image of Drops
Image of Italki
Reviews · 1

Drops is a language learning app similar to Duolingo, except it has many of the languages that Duolingo doesn't support, such as Thai. It mostly focuses on teaching you new words, with a catalogue of 2,000+ words divided into categories. It comes with exercises to help you improve your reading, listening, and writing skills. It's a bit light on grammar but is a good place to pick up some basic words and learn to make simple sentences.

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Not as good as Duolingo−1
Repetitive−1

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