Online English Learning: Tools and Methods Compared

Learning English online offers countless tools. But which ones actually work? Let's compare the main approaches.

The 5 Main Learning Methods

1. App-Based Courses (Structured Learning)

Examples: Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone

How they work:

• Daily lessons
• Gamified progress
• Grammar exercises
• Vocabulary drills

Pros:

• Structured path
• Daily reminders
• Progress tracking
• Good for beginners

Cons:

• Can feel like "fake" practice
• Limited real conversation
• Subscription costs ($7-15/month)
• Gets repetitive

Best for: Complete beginners who need structure.

2. Context-Based Learning (Natural Acquisition)

Examples: FreeTalk Dictionary, reading with tools, immersion

How it works:

• Learn from content you actually want to read
• Get definitions instantly
• Build vocabulary naturally
• No structured lessons

Pros:

• Learn from your interests
• Natural vocabulary building
• Works while browsing normally
• Usually free

Cons:

• Need some English base (A2+)
• Less structured
• Must be self-motivated

Best for: Self-directed learners who want natural fluency.

Start with FreeTalk Dictionary (free) →

3. Video Platforms (Visual Learning)

Examples: YouTube, Coursera, Udemy

How they work:

• Watch lessons
• Follow course curriculum
• Practice exercises
• Learn at your pace

Pros:

• Visual explanations
• Often free (YouTube)
• Learn from best teachers
• Rewatch as needed

Cons:

• Passive if you just watch
• No conversation practice
• Hard to stay consistent
• Quality varies widely

Best for: Visual learners who like video lessons.

4. Conversation Platforms (Active Practice)

Examples: iTalki, Preply, HelloTalk, Tandem

How they work:

• Connect with teachers or native speakers
• Practice conversation
• Get real feedback
• Build speaking confidence

Pros:

• Real conversation
• Immediate feedback
• Personalized to you
• Builds confidence fast

Cons:

• Can be expensive ($10-30/hour)
• Need to schedule time
• Requires courage to start
• Need basic level first

Best for: Intermediate+ learners ready to speak.

5. Comprehensive Platforms (All-in-One)

Examples: EnglishCentral, Lingoda, Busuu

How they work:

• Combine lessons, videos, practice
• All skills in one platform
• Community features
• Progress tracking

Pros:

• Everything in one place
• Structured but varied
• Community support

Cons:

• Expensive ($50-200/month)
• Can be overwhelming
• One size fits nobody perfectly

Best for: Serious learners with budget.

What Research Says Works Best

Most effective combination:

1. Input: Reading + listening (60% of time)
2. Output: Speaking + writing (30% of time)
3. Study: Grammar + vocabulary review (10% of time)

The catch: Most apps focus on #3 (study), but you need way more #1 (input) for real fluency.

Cost Comparison (Per Month)

Free:

• FreeTalk Dictionary
• YouTube
• HelloTalk (basic)
• Anki
• Total: $0

Budget ($10-20):

• Duolingo Plus: $7
• iTalki (2 lessons): $10-20
• Total: $17-27

Premium ($50+):

• Babbel: $14
• iTalki (8 lessons): $80
• EnglishCentral: $24
• Total: $118

The Smartest Free Setup

Want to learn English without spending money? Use this stack:

Daily habits:

1. FreeTalk Dictionary while browsing (vocabulary)
2. YouTube English content (listening)
3. HelloTalk for text chat (writing)

Weekly:

1. Find conversation partners on Tandem (speaking)
2. Watch one English movie with subtitles
3. Read articles on topics you love

Monthly cost: $0
Time needed: 1 hour daily
Result: Solid progress in all skills

Why FreeTalk Dictionary is Essential

No matter which method you choose, you'll be reading online. Social media, news, articles, YouTube comments—English is everywhere.

FreeTalk Dictionary turns all that reading into learning opportunities:

• No extra time needed
• Learn vocabulary in real context
• Stay in your interests
• Completely free forever

It's not the only tool you need, but it should be in every learner's toolkit.

Install FreeTalk Dictionary now →

Method Comparison

The Truth About "Best" Methods

There is no single best method. But there are principles that always work:

1. Consistency beats intensity: 30 minutes daily beats 3 hours weekly
2. Interest drives learning: Study what you care about
3. Input before output: Read/listen more than you speak/write
4. Real context wins: Learn from real content, not textbook examples
5. Active use cements learning: Practice using what you learn

What Professional Learners Do

People who reach fluency typically:

• Read extensively in English (with dictionary tools)
• Watch English content daily
• Practice conversation weekly
• Review grammar occasionally
• Use multiple tools, not just one

They don't:

• Rely only on apps
• Study grammar for hours
• Avoid making mistakes
• Wait until "ready" to speak

Your Path Forward

If you're a beginner:

• Start with Duolingo or Babbel for structure
• Add FreeTalk Dictionary when you reach A2
• Start reading simple articles

If you're intermediate:

• Drop apps, focus on real content
• Use FreeTalk Dictionary for vocabulary
• Start conversation practice
• Read extensively

If you're advanced:

• Immerse in English content
• Focus on speaking and writing
• Use tools like FreeTalk for unknown words
• Consume content in your field

FAQs

Q: Can I become fluent with just free tools?
A: Yes! FreeTalk Dictionary + YouTube + language exchange = complete learning system, all free.

Q: How long to reach fluency?
A: With 1 hour daily practice: B1 in 6 months, B2 in 1 year, C1 in 2 years.

Q: Do I need a teacher?
A: Not required, but helpful for speaking practice and feedback. Start free, add teachers when you can afford it.

Q: Which tool is most important?
A: For vocabulary: FreeTalk Dictionary. For speaking: Conversation practice. For structure: Apps. You need multiple tools.

Q: Should I pay for premium apps?
A: Only if you're actually using them consistently. Many free tools work just as well.