Pimsleur and Babbel are two popular language-learning apps with a huge fan following.
Both learning apps are good but each has its own unique quality that is a huge help in learning a new language.
If you are wondering which app is between Pimsleur and Babbel, look no further as we got you covered.
In this article, we’ll compare Pimsleur and Babbel and also share their pros and cons to help you decide which of the two is better for you so that you can pick the one suited for your specific learning style.
Without any further ado, let’s get started:
Babbel Overview
Babbel gives access to 14 different languages and its content has different learning levels — Newcomer, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, etc.
You can take a Duolingo placement test to determine your level to be placed at the appropriate level.
Each level has 2 and 8 courses that cover different thematic topics. Each course has 5 to 15 lessons which are usually 15 minutes long.
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Each has listen-and-repeat exercises, digital flashcards, fill-in-the-blanks, matching pairs, matching phrases to images, and completing mock conversations. It also has instructional tips on grammar and lots of repetition.
Before each lesson, there’s a review session where you get spaced repetition and review on vocab you’ve already learned in older lessons.
It begins with the Newcomer level and you will have to complete one lesson per day, or at least a few lessons per week.
Pimsleur Overview
Pimsleur offers courses in 51 different languages and is completely audio-based.
It focuses more on teaching you to speak in your target language from the beginning of your course.
In the 10 to 30-minute-long lesson, one can listen to a conversation between two native speakers.
Next, they will explain vocabulary and grammar and also train you to speak the language by asking you to repeat each word.
After each audio lesson, you can review and correct your mistakes through drills and exercises.
The drills also include reading, digital flashcards, quizzes, pronunciation training, and speed games.
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Pimsleur lessons take an hour to complete with much importance given to listening and speaking skills.
It also has some supplemental features such as the Voice Coach tool which has vocab bonus packs and pronunciation practice too.
Babbel vs Pimsleur Subscription Plans
The subscription plans of Babble and Pimsleur are quite different from each other.
Pimsleur
Subscription for a one-language course costs $19.95 per month. If you wish to access all languages then the cost is $20.95 per month.
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Lifetime access to the first level for one language costs $150, two levels cost $300, and five levels cost $575.
It has a 7-day free trial for its premium subscription.
Babbel
A Babbel subscription will cost you $7.99 per month, $35.99 for 3 months, $47.94 for 6 months, and $95.88 per year.
The Lifetime subscription is $499 with access to all the languages. The first lesson of each language course is free on Babbel.
Also Read > How to Cancel Babbel Subscription
Pimsleur is more expensive than Babbel.
However, if you wish to learn the basics of any language where you can chat with the locals like a native then Pimsleur is for you.
However, if you want a language course that covers all the aspects then Babbel is a better choice.
Pimsleur vs Babbel Pros and Cons
Pimsleur
Pros
- Teaches you the basics of each language.
- The English-speaking moderator is helpful.
- Pimsleur’s emphasis on audio and speaking practices.
- The new voice coach feature corrects your pronunciation.
- One can download lessons to learn on the go.
Cons
- Lessons can seem long and boring.
- Subscription plans are expensive.
- No written exercises.
- More importance to listening and speaking skills.
Babbel
Pros
- More affordable subscription plans compared to Pimsleur.
- Variety of exercises that are fun to learn.
- Short lessons of 10 to 15 minutes.
- The inclusion of English translations makes learning easier.
- Emphasis on grammar and writing exercises.
Cons
- Less emphasis on practicing verbal skills.
- Not ideal for advanced learners.
- Limited languages covered.
Conclusion
Babbel has comprehensive language courses where learners can choose the order for the lessons.
Pimsleur, on the other hand, focuses more on the basics of speaking with the right pronunciations.
Both are effective in learning a new language, however, which is the better of the two depends on your choice and criteria.
If you ar more into practicing speaking and listening skills then Pimsleur is a better option.
However, if you wish to go for a comprehensive course in any language then Babbel is best.
