Finding someone to practice English conversation with used to mean a language exchange partner, a tutor, or awkwardly talking to yourself in the mirror. AI conversation tools have changed that — you can now get real-time speaking practice, feedback, and correction any time, for free, from your phone. Here are five worth trying, and what each one is actually good at.
1. FluentFox
FluentFox is built around a full CEFR-aligned curriculum (A1 to C2), so speaking practice isn't disconnected from what you're actually learning — AI conversation practice is tied to your current level and course content, and there's a placement test up front so you're not guessing where to start. It also includes dedicated IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English exam prep, which makes it a good fit if you're studying English for a specific test rather than general conversation. Core A1–C2 lessons are free, with no credit card required to start.
Best for: learners who want structured, level-appropriate speaking practice tied to a full course, and anyone preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams.
2. ELSA Speak
ELSA focuses almost entirely on pronunciation, using speech recognition to give word-by-word and sound-by-sound feedback. If your main goal is sounding more natural and being understood more easily — rather than building vocabulary or grammar — ELSA's narrow focus is a real strength.
Best for: pronunciation-specific practice.
3. Cake
Cake teaches English through short video clips from real movies, shows, and interviews, paired with speaking practice based on real phrases native speakers actually use. It leans casual and conversational rather than exam-focused.
Best for: picking up natural, everyday phrases and slang.
4. Duolingo
Duolingo remains the most widely used language app in the world, with gamified, bite-sized lessons and a speaking practice mode. It's a strong habit-building tool, though its speaking practice is generally less in-depth than apps built specifically around conversation.
Best for: building a daily habit and covering broad basics across many languages, not just English.
5. Speak
Speak uses AI role-play scenarios — ordering coffee, a job interview, small talk with a coworker — to simulate real conversations you're likely to actually have. It's a strong option if you learn best through realistic, scenario-based practice.
Best for: practicing specific real-world conversation scenarios.
How to actually choose
Most of these apps are free to start, so the honest answer is: try two or three for a week each and see which one you actually open every day. The best English app is the one you'll actually use consistently — a slightly-less-perfect app you use daily will move your English further than a perfect app you open once a month.
If you're studying for a specific exam (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge), prioritize an app with dedicated exam-prep content rather than general conversation practice alone — the question formats and scoring criteria are specific enough that generic practice won't fully prepare you.
FluentFox combines a full CEFR-aligned course, AI conversation practice, and dedicated IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge exam prep — free from A1 to C2. Try it here. 🦊
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