Japanese speaking resources

Speaking resources are people systems. Quality depends on the match, not the logo.

Difficulty
Ease of use
Pricing
Type
Platform

italki

A marketplace for Japanese tutors and language-exchange partners.

BeginnerIntermediateFreemiumModerateSpeakingWeb, iPhone, Android

Preply

A tutor marketplace where you can book Japanese lessons.

BeginnerIntermediatePaidModerateSpeakingWeb

HelloTalk

A mobile language-exchange app for text, voice, and corrections.

BeginnerIntermediateFreemiumEasySpeakingiPhone, Android

Tandem

A language-exchange app for text and voice practice with partners.

BeginnerIntermediateFreemiumModerateSpeakingiPhone, Android

Pimsleur

Audio-first Japanese lessons designed for spoken recall on the go.

BeginnerPaidEasyListeningCourseApp, Audio

Apps do not speak for you. These tools only create a chance to produce Japanese.

If you can pay for feedback

italki is a tutor marketplace. Book a short lesson with a specific goal. Change teachers if the session is unstructured chat you could have had for free.

If you want low-cost exchange

HelloTalk is a social app. Use it for short voice notes and corrections. Leave if the feed becomes the habit.

Neither tool replaces grammar or reading. They work after you have something to say, even if that something is small.