Parlez-vous Français?
Voudrais-vous apprendre parler Français?
In English, that’s “would you like to learn to speak French?”
If your answer is an enthusiastic oui, then bienvenue to the captivating world of Francophones! Learning French opens doors to a rich culture, career opportunities, and a global community. Did you know that French is the 6th most spoken language globally and holds official language status in 29 countries? That’s second only to English! French resonates across continents, taught in every corner of the world. Even in the United States, French ranks as the fourth most spoken language. Interestingly, English, despite its Germanic roots, shares around 30% of its vocabulary with French, thanks to centuries of close Franco-English relations. This means you already have a head start!
Ready to embark on your French learning journey but feeling overwhelmed about where to begin?
The internet offers a plethora of options for online French classes, making the selection process daunting. Choosing the right platform is crucial for effective learning and sustained motivation. From comprehensive courses to immersive apps and personalized tutoring, the landscape of online French learning is vast and varied.
Through my own experiences in learning French, I’ve discovered that a multi-faceted approach, utilizing diverse resources, yields the best results. No single course or program is a silver bullet, capable of addressing every aspect of language acquisition perfectly. Therefore, this guide aims to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various online French classes to empower you to make informed decisions.
It’s important to remember that personal preferences and learning styles significantly influence the effectiveness of any learning tool. What resonates with one learner might not click with another. Consider these reviews as starting points – your ideal “Learn French Online Classes” experience is a personal journey of discovery.
Let’s delve into a curated selection of the best online French classes, exploring their unique features, pricing, pros, and cons.
Table of Contents:
Note: Some resources listed might not be strictly defined as “courses” but are included due to their popularity and significant contribution to French language learning.
Top Picks for Online French Classes:
1. Rocket French
Pricing: Starting at $99.95
Course Summary: Rocket French provides a structured and comprehensive approach to learning French online classes. Each lesson follows a step-by-step format, beginning with an interactive audio lesson to immerse you in spoken French. This is followed by a written section that delves deeper into grammar rules and cultural nuances, reinforcing the audio lesson’s content.
The course is divided into three progressive levels, catering to learners from beginner to advanced. Rocket French offers a free trial that allows you to assess your current French proficiency and determine the most suitable level for your online French classes journey. This personalized placement ensures you start at the right point for optimal learning.
A standout feature of Rocket French is its robust review system, incorporating recap quizzes and various testing methods. These assessments solidify learned concepts through speaking exercises, writing prompts, English-to-French translation tasks, and digital flashcards. This multi-faceted approach ensures comprehensive retention and application of the material covered in your online French classes.
While lauded for its structured and thorough curriculum, some users find the format somewhat repetitive, potentially impacting long-term engagement. There’s a desire for more dynamic and stimulating content to maintain motivation beyond rote memorization. However, for learners who thrive in structured environments and appreciate comprehensive coverage, Rocket French’s online French classes are a strong contender.
Pricing is tiered: Level 1 costs $99.95, Levels 1 & 2 are bundled at $250, and the complete Levels 1, 2, & 3 package is $260. Opting for the full package offers significant cost savings, particularly if you anticipate progressing beyond the initial levels in your online French classes.
Pros:
- Ideal structure for learners who prefer a systematic approach to online French classes.
- Extremely comprehensive, covering all key language skills.
- Balanced focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in online French classes.
Cons:
- Lack of video content may be a drawback for visual learners.
- Inactive user forum may limit community interaction and support.
2. French Uncovered
Pricing: $297 (one-time payment)
Course Summary: French Uncovered presents an innovative methodology for online French classes, diverging from traditional classroom approaches. Instead of rote memorization of vocabulary and grammar rules, learners are immediately immersed in a captivating story. This narrative-driven approach facilitates vocabulary acquisition and grammar comprehension organically, through context and osmosis. Crucially, you learn to discern authentic, everyday French as spoken by native speakers.
Spanning over twenty chapters, the course plunges you into real French, mirroring the natural language acquisition process of native speakers – primarily through listening and contextual understanding. Each chapter concludes with a concise quiz to reinforce newly acquired knowledge. While these quizzes are effective for immediate recall, some users find them somewhat simplistic in content. For absolute beginners, the immediate immersion into the language might initially pose a challenge, requiring a degree of perseverance to gain momentum in these online French classes.
Supplementing the story-driven lessons and quizzes, French Uncovered provides in-depth grammar tips and explanations. This supplementary information elucidates complex French grammatical concepts in detail. Some learners might find the volume of grammatical information overwhelming initially, akin to “drinking from a firehose.” However, the beauty of the method lies in the fact that a complete grasp of every grammatical nuance isn’t immediately necessary to progress through the story and your online French classes.
A single payment of approximately $297 grants lifetime access to all course features. If the story-based learning style doesn’t align with your preferences, a 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free trial period for these online French classes. For learners seeking engaging and motivating online French classes, the immersive power of storytelling offers a compelling alternative.
Pros:
- Unique and engaging story-driven learning method for online French classes.
- Fairly comprehensive curriculum covering essential aspects of the language.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some subscription-based online French classes.
3. Frantastique
Pricing: Starting at $24 per month
Course Summary: Frantastique offers a distinctive and engaging approach to online French classes, utilizing an immersive story format. You follow the whimsical adventures of a cartoon Victor Hugo, humorously depicted in minimal attire (PG-rated!), as he navigates the nuances of the French-speaking world.
Upon subscribing to Frantastique’s online French classes, you receive a daily emailed lesson. This “drip-feed” approach prevents binge-learning but cultivates consistent, gradual progress. Each lesson, entirely in French, incorporates dialogues featuring diverse accents, enhancing comprehension across various speaking styles.
The lessons are also personalized; based on your performance in daily exercises, you receive customized feedback, and subsequent lessons adapt to your learning trajectory. This adaptive learning ensures that the online French classes remain challenging yet manageable, catering to your specific needs.
Given the entirely French instruction from the outset, Frantastique’s online French classes are better suited for learners beyond the absolute beginner stage. Beginner to advanced learners can benefit significantly from the immersion technique and personalized instruction. If you appreciate a quirky sense of humor and value personalized online French classes, Frantastique is worth exploring.
Subscription options range from $24 per month (Basic), $36 per month (Premium), to $48 per month (Pro). The Pro level offers the unique opportunity to earn a certified diploma, recognized in France, adding a valuable credential to your online French classes experience.
Pros:
- Unique story-driven method that makes online French classes engaging.
- Personalized lessons adapt to individual learning progress.
Cons:
- “Dripped” content delivery might not suit learners who prefer intensive study.
- Slightly higher monthly cost compared to some online French classes.
4. Pimsleur French
Pricing: $14.95 per month or $119.95 (one-time purchase)
Course Summary: Pimsleur French is a renowned name in language learning, favored for its distinctive teaching philosophy. Pimsleur’s online French classes emphasize immediate speaking and practical application from the very first lesson. Each lesson builds upon previous material, reinforcing vocabulary through spaced repetition. This method promotes rapid initial progress and builds confidence in speaking French early on.
However, Pimsleur’s online French classes are less comprehensive in grammar instruction, a notable drawback given the importance of grammatical accuracy in French communication. Supplementing Pimsleur with additional resources is advisable to gain a deeper understanding of French grammar intricacies.
Overall, Pimsleur is popular for its ability to quickly engage learners and foster a sense of immediate progress. The availability of a Pimsleur app enhances accessibility for learning on the go, making these online French classes convenient for busy schedules. Completing one lesson daily could lead to course completion in approximately five months.
Priced between $15 to $20 per month, Pimsleur’s online French classes are not a comprehensive solution but are an excellent resource for achieving rapid, tangible results, particularly in speaking and listening comprehension.
Pros:
- Grounded in solid, credible research on language acquisition.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some online French classes.
- Time-tested and proven methodology.
- Encourages active participation from learners.
Cons:
- Methodology is decades old and may feel dated to some.
- Some users find there is too much reliance on English in the lessons.
5. FrenchPod101
Pricing: Starting at $8 per month
Course Summary: FrenchPod101 offers another immersive approach to online French classes, utilizing audio and video clips focusing on French culture and customs. The content is structured into bite-sized lessons categorized by diverse topics, making it easy to find online French classes aligned with your interests.
Despite the vast array of resources, the website’s organization can be somewhat confusing, and the app’s navigation is less intuitive compared to other platforms. FrenchPod101’s online French classes also lack built-in motivational elements or progress tracking features. Self-directed learners will thrive with the abundance of content, while those needing external motivation might find it challenging to maintain consistent engagement.
Reviewers note varying podcast quality, attributed to diverse instructors. However, lessons are generally thorough within their specific topic areas. Each lesson is downloadable, along with transcripts for enhanced comprehension. The podcasts are predominantly in French, with transcripts available when needed.
Premium subscriptions unlock additional features; however, the basic subscription provides access to most essential features. “Ask a Teacher,” a personalized support feature, is available in the Premium Plus subscription, appealing to learners who value direct instructor interaction in their online French classes.
Subscription costs range from $8 to $42 per month, depending on the service level and subscription duration.
Pros:
- Extensive library of French lesson content for online French classes.
- Inexpensive entry point for accessing online French classes.
- User-friendly interface for accessing lessons.
Cons:
- Some older videos exhibit a dated or “cheesy” aesthetic.
- Marketing strategies can be perceived as overly promotional or “spammy.”
6. French Simplified
Pricing: $97 per course (or $147 for a bundle)
Course Summary: Joel Acker, a prominent social media personality and certified French teacher (DELF/DALF), has developed two unique video courses (A1 and A2 levels) focused on teaching authentic, natural French. His teaching method is considered distinctive and easy to follow. Both courses are affordably priced and available as a discounted bundle, making these online French classes accessible.
Pros:
- High-quality video lessons enhance the learning experience.
- Focuses on teaching authentic, natural spoken French.
- Inexpensive compared to many online French classes.
Cons:
- Currently lacks a B1 level option for intermediate learners seeking to progress further.
7. Babbel French
Pricing: $12.95 per month
Course Summary: While many online resources cater to intermediate and advanced learners refining their skills, Babbel French is designed to be a starting point for beginners. It offers a structured pathway through vocabulary and grammar fundamentals, ideal for those new to online French classes.
However, Babbel’s online French classes currently do not extend beyond the intermediate level, and conversational French practice is limited. Priced at $13 per month for the most comprehensive option, Babbel is a valuable resource for initiating your French learning journey and building a solid foundation through online French classes.
Pros:
- Well-designed and extensively funded program ensures a polished learning experience.
- Flexible learning style adapts to individual paces and preferences.
Cons:
- Perceived by some as a paid version of Duolingo with similar gamified elements.
- Marketing efforts may create inflated expectations that don’t fully align with the depth of content offered in these online French classes.
8. italki
Pricing: Starting as low as $4 per hour
Course Summary: italki simplifies the process of finding a personal tutor for online French classes. A diverse pool of both experienced and newly qualified teachers are available on italki, with hourly rates ranging from $4 to $60. The majority of tutors fall within the $10 per hour range, making personalized online French classes accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Tutor quality naturally varies; however, professional teachers are certified, and many hold university-level qualifications. Community tutors, while lacking formal degrees, can be excellent instructors offering valuable conversational practice and personalized guidance for online French classes. With hundreds of tutors, finding the right fit may require some initial exploration. italki’s platform does not provide structured lesson plans or progress tracking.
Despite the variable tutor quality, italki offers exceptional value for personalized learning. You gain individualized attention, targeted assistance with challenging grammar points, and valuable conversation practice with native speakers, all within affordable online French classes.
Pros:
- Incredibly inexpensive access to personalized online French classes.
- Highly personalized learning experience tailored to individual needs.
- Wide selection of teachers to choose from, ensuring diverse teaching styles and expertise.
Cons:
- Tutor quality can vary, requiring careful selection and trial sessions.
9. Lingoda
Pricing: Starting at $109 per month
Lingoda offers online French classes that simulate a traditional classroom environment with other students. Lingoda provides classes for all French levels, structured in packages of 10, 20, or 30 classes per month, priced at $109, $199, and $259 respectively. These online French classes offer a structured learning experience with live interaction.
Upon logging into the Lingoda platform, you access a class library with diverse course objectives clearly outlined. This allows you to select online French classes that align with your learning goals and avoid redundant material. Classes are live and scheduled across various time zones, accommodating different schedules.
The depth of material covered in each class is influenced by student participation and collective understanding. “Homework” assignments are provided in PDF format, requiring compatible software for editing and completion in these online French classes.
Pros:
- Learn French in a digital classroom setting with real-time interaction with other learners.
- Includes homework assignments to reinforce learning outside of class time.
Cons:
- More expensive compared to self-paced online French classes.
Other Popular Online French Classes:
Beyond our top picks, numerous other excellent online French class options are available. Here’s a broader selection to consider:
10. Rosetta Stone
Pricing: Starting at $6.49 per month
Course Summary: Rosetta Stone, a long-established name in language learning, gained prominence before widespread internet access. It pioneered language learning software, employing visual association between images, actions, and ideas, bypassing direct translation. This “immersion” method is effective for concepts lacking direct equivalents, fostering French thought patterns from the outset in these online French classes.
While historically significant, Rosetta Stone’s format is considered by some to be outdated compared to contemporary learning methodologies. Vocabulary is often introduced in isolation, lacking contextual sentences, hindering immediate practical application until later stages of the course. Furthermore, sentence examples can sometimes be unnatural or rarely used in real-life conversations.
Another area where Rosetta Stone’s online French classes fall short is cultural immersion. The standardized lesson sequence lacks cultural relevance and personalization, potentially limiting a holistic understanding of the French-speaking world.
However, Rosetta Stone has improved its payment model. While software purchase remains an option (CD or download, around $100 per level, five levels total), subscription options (3, 6, 12, 24 months) offer greater flexibility. Subscription costs range from $26 for 3 months to $10 per month for a 24-month commitment. Despite the improved pricing, numerous lower-cost alternatives exist for online French classes.
Pros:
- Well-established and recognized brand in language learning.
- Unique and research-backed immersion method.
- Effective in building foundational vocabulary and basic sentence structures in online French classes.
Cons:
- Lack of explicit grammar explanations can be frustrating for some learners.
- Cultural representation can be generic and sometimes inappropriate.
11. Coffee Break French
Pricing: Prices vary depending on the course
Course Summary: Coffee Break French offers four “seasons” of podcasts: beginner, intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced. Beginner and intermediate seasons structure lessons around topics and grammar concepts, presented in a podcast format featuring a teacher and a student. Lessons are conversational and informative, delivered in French for immersive learning.
Upper-intermediate and advanced seasons adopt a story-driven format. The teacher introduces the text, followed by a reading at natural speed. Subsequently, the teacher revisits the text, explaining complex sentence structures and linguistic nuances within these online French classes.
Being audio-based, Coffee Break French’s online French classes lack reading and writing practice, crucial aspects of French language acquisition, especially given silent letters and orthographic complexities. Full course versions offer transcripts, but these require paid access. Quizzes to assess comprehension and identify areas for improvement are absent in the free version of these online French classes.
The audio lessons are freely available, a significant advantage for budget-conscious learners. Paid versions, priced at $104 per season or $355 for all four, include video lessons, additional podcast content, transcripts, and supplementary explanations, enhancing the value of these online French classes.
Pros:
- Lessons progress at a comfortable pace, suitable for various learning styles.
- Abundant free content available for initial exploration.
- Comprehensive coverage of French language concepts across levels.
Cons:
- Paid versions can be relatively expensive for full access to features.
12. Memrise (Decks)
Pricing: Free (basic version)
Course Summary: For effective vocabulary memorization, flashcards remain a powerful tool. Memrise provides an online flashcard platform for online French classes, allowing users to create custom flashcard sets or utilize pre-made sets created by other users, all freely accessible. Memrise staff-created sets are available with a Premium subscription ($9/month or $59/year).
While Memrise excels at vocabulary acquisition, it doesn’t provide comprehensive instruction on word usage or contextual application. It serves best as a supplementary tool to reinforce vocabulary learned through other online French classes.
Pros:
- 100% free access to user-generated content.
- Many decks incorporate audio pronunciations for enhanced learning.
- Highly effective for vocabulary memorization.
Cons:
- Quality of user-created decks can vary.
- Primarily functions as a digital flashcard app, lacking comprehensive language instruction beyond vocabulary in these online French classes.
13. Lingodeer
Pricing: $9 per month
Course Summary: Lingodeer offers an excellent introduction to French for absolute beginners, starting with the alphabet and phonetics. While foundational, Lingodeer employs diverse methods to maintain engagement in these online French classes.
Lingodeer, like many online platforms, can fall short in fostering conversational fluency compared to classroom or interactive learning environments. Supplementation with other resources is recommended to overcome listening and speaking barriers for practical communication in online French classes.
Lingodeer is often compared to Duolingo. Reviews suggest Lingodeer offers a superior platform for vocabulary review and grammar instruction.
Lingodeer is subscription-based, priced at $9 per month or $42 annually.
Pros:
- Well-designed and user-friendly interface enhances the learning experience.
- Excellent for absolute beginners establishing foundational knowledge.
Cons:
- Similarities to Duolingo in gamified approach and lesson structure.
- May be insufficient for advanced learners seeking in-depth linguistic development in online French classes.
14. Coursera
Pricing: Varies widely depending on the course
Course Summary: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms like Coursera are gaining popularity for accessible, university-level education. Coursera offers MOOC French classes, including Advanced Placement (AP) preparation courses. These courses cover advanced grammar, verb conjugations, and French composition for AP exams, providing structured online French classes.
Coursera’s French offerings primarily target students seeking advanced French proficiency, lacking beginner-level courses. However, for learners seeking challenging online French classes to elevate their skills, Coursera provides rigorous academic content.
For an even greater challenge, Coursera offers courses on diverse subjects taught entirely in French, providing immersive learning opportunities. French AP courses are generally free, though some features may require payment.
Pros:
- Fully accredited courses from reputable universities.
- Utilizes the UC Davis platform for course delivery.
Cons:
- Course quality can vary depending on the instructor and institution.
15. edX
Pricing: $40 per month (subscription for verified certificates)
Course Summary: edX is conceptually similar to Coursera. Key differences lie in course offerings (Coursera has a broader range) and cost structure. edX offers free courses, whereas Coursera may require payment for certain features or course access.
edX provides an option to purchase courses for verified certificates upon successful completion, including graded quizzes and exams. A monthly subscription of approximately $40 grants access to these accredited online French classes and certification.
Pros:
- Accredited courses from reputable institutions.
- Offers graded quizzes and exams for structured assessment.
- Free courses are available for basic access to course materials.
Cons:
- Can be expensive if pursuing verified certificates for multiple courses in online French classes.
16. French Today
Pricing: Starting at $20 per audiobook
Course Summary: French Today offers audiobooks ranging in scope from beginner basics to advanced narratives. The beginner and intermediate audio learning series present entirely French stories at two speeds, accompanied by PDF transcripts in English and French, along with a study guide for vocabulary and grammar reinforcement in these online French classes.
Other audiobooks cover specific topics like pronunciation, poetry, and grammar nuances. Book lengths vary depending on the subject.
French Today’s online French classes lack built-in quizzes or review tests for progress assessment. Motivation relies on self-discipline. However, the diverse audiobook selection keeps content engaging.
As audiobook format courses, French Today doesn’t offer subscriptions for complete access. Individual book prices range from $20 to over $70, but sales and bundles can offer cost savings for these online French classes.
Pros:
- Ideal for learners who prefer audiobook-based learning.
- Offers two audio speeds for varied comprehension levels.
- All content is downloadable for offline access.
Cons:
- Limited quiz-based reinforcement for knowledge assessment.
- Can be somewhat expensive if purchasing multiple audiobooks for comprehensive online French classes.
17. Duolingo French
Pricing: Free (basic version)
Course Summary: Duolingo French is widely popular due to its free access, gamified learning approach, and multiple language offerings. The online French course is continuously updated with new content and levels, providing ongoing learning opportunities in these online French classes.
Duolingo employs a game-like learning system. Skill completion earns experience points, maintaining daily streaks for motivation. Learning intensity can be adjusted, from “casual” (10 points/lesson) to “insane” (50 points).
Brief grammar explanations are provided in some skill levels. However, sentence structures and vocabulary may sometimes precede explicit instruction, prompting forum discussions where users seek clarification on translations, grammar, and alternative answers.
Some sentences can be impractical or unnatural, and multiple valid translations may not be accepted. User flagging prompts admin review and potential correction of accepted solutions.
Duolingo’s primary advantage is its free accessibility to all core features. Premium plans remove ads and enable offline features on the app, but the free version is fully functional for website users.
Pros:
- Free access to all essential features of online French classes.
- Highly engaging and potentially addictive gamified learning system.
- Good introductory resource to French language basics.
Cons:
- Potential for selling user-generated translations (data privacy concerns).
- Can become tedious or repetitive for sustained long-term learning in online French classes.
18. Michel Thomas French
Pricing: Typically around $130
Course Summary: Michel Thomas French utilizes a classroom-style audio course, featuring an English-speaking host, a native French speaker, and two student learners. The lessons follow a logical progression. The methodology emphasizes teacher correction, attributing student difficulties to teaching inadequacies. Memorization, studying, and reviewing are discouraged, suggesting effective teaching obviates student effort in these online French classes.
This approach is controversial and may not suit all learners. Course costs range from $12 to over $100, requiring cautious consideration before purchase, as it may not be the most effective approach for all online French classes.
Pros:
- Provides decent explanations of challenging French grammar concepts.
- Offers a good introductory overview of the French language.
Cons:
- Methodology may feel overly psychological or akin to a therapy session to some.
- Lacks research-based evidence for its effectiveness.
- Excessive English usage in instruction may limit immersion in these online French classes.
19. French Your Way
Pricing: Free
Course Summary: French Your Way is more of a resource website than a structured course, focusing on clarifying tricky aspects of French. Jessica simplifies complex topics like the distinction between “que” and “qui” in a clear, accessible manner through podcasts for online French classes.
Podcasts cover vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights, delivered in a friendly, conversational style. Podcast topics often originate from listener questions, fostering community engagement.
The podcast is currently on hiatus but boasts a substantial back catalog of hundreds of episodes. French Voices, a sister podcast featuring interviews with native French speakers, further enriches the learning experience, expanding the scope of these online French classes.
Pros:
- Completely free access to valuable learning resources.
- Casual, approachable teaching style is refreshing and engaging.
Cons:
- Podcast production is currently inactive, limiting new content updates.
20. Comme Une Française
Pricing: Around $200 per course
Course Summary: Comme Une Française (“Like a Frenchwoman/Frenchman”) focuses on natural, spoken French and cultural immersion. Geraldine’s YouTube channel offers diverse, engaging content.
Courses, priced around $200 for 20 lessons, are considered somewhat expensive but provide substantial content. Some classes have limited student capacity and waiting lists for these online French classes.
Pros:
- Emphasizes natural spoken French for practical communication.
- Focuses on cultural assimilation for a deeper understanding of French culture.
Cons:
- Limited student intake for some courses may restrict access.
- Relatively expensive compared to other online French classes.
21. News in Slow French
Pricing: Starting around $15 per month
Course Summary: News in Slow French utilizes current events from French-speaking countries to transition learners from textbook French to natural language comprehension. Relevant articles expose learners to French culture and real-world language usage in these online French classes.
It’s not a structured teaching course, better suited for learners with a basic French foundation. However, even beginners can benefit from immersion. Articles feature slowed audio and transcripts. Unfamiliar terms are highlighted with translations upon clicking. Intermediate content is extensive, covering politics, lifestyle, history, and cultural influences.
News in Slow French offers a basic app with potential for future enhancements. Subscriptions are reasonably priced ($15-$25/month depending on level). Some free content is available for trial.
Pros:
- Unique “news-based” approach to learning French.
- Includes slowed audio and transcripts for enhanced comprehension.
Cons:
- Lacks structured French language instruction.
- More suitable for intermediate and advanced learners in online French classes.
22. Ilini
Pricing: Starting at $6 per month
Course Summary: Similar to FrenchPod101, Ilini is a newer platform offering short French videos with captions and definitions. Ilini also provides printable PDF exercises. Videos cover diverse topics across proficiency levels, searchable by level and topic filters, making these adaptable online French classes.
Monthly plans start at $6, offering excellent value for accessible online French classes.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive monthly subscription.
- Fantastic video content for engaging learning.
- Downloadable lesson notes for offline review.
Cons:
- Less extensive content library compared to FrenchPod101.
23. Speechling
Pricing: ~$20 per month (Unlimited Plan with teacher review)
Course Summary: Speechling focuses on pronunciation improvement. Users record themselves speaking French and compare their pronunciation to native speakers. Beginners benefit from mimicking native speakers to identify pronunciation areas for improvement. Advanced learners can answer questions, describe images, and practice freestyle sentence creation in these online French classes.
Speechling is free for basic use. The Unlimited Plan ($20/month) adds teacher review and correction to the automated recording comparison, providing valuable personalized feedback for pronunciation refinement in online French classes.
Pros:
- Free basic access to pronunciation practice tools.
- Excellent tool for improving French pronunciation.
Cons:
- Paid subscription for teacher corrections can be considered expensive for basic feedback.
24. Speaky
Pricing: Free (basic version)
Course Summary: Speaky is a language exchange platform where users learn French while teaching their native language. Users select their native language and target language (French). The platform matches users with native French speakers learning English for language exchange partnerships in online French classes.
Speaky functions like social media for polyglots, facilitating direct messaging for conversation practice. Some users prioritize language learning, while others value social connections. A large community ensures diverse interaction opportunities.
Speaky’s basic version is free. Premium subscriptions ($4/month) offer enhanced search filters and ad removal, but are not essential for core functionality in these online French classes.
Pros:
- Free access to language exchange partners.
- Polyglot-focused social media platform for language practice.
Cons:
- Ads are present in the free version unless a premium subscription is purchased.
25. FluentU
Pricing: Starting at $15 per month
Course Summary: FluentU utilizes native French videos for language learning, promoting natural vocabulary and grammar acquisition. The subscription-based platform offers interactive video features beyond standard video sites like YouTube. These include word replay, looping segments, and a built-in dictionary for real-time vocabulary lookups during video playback, enhancing the online French classes experience. Video topics span politics, cuisine, culture, science, and more.
FluentU’s personalized learning tracks known vocabulary through flashcards and watched videos, tailoring video recommendations and vocabulary quizzes. A mobile app synchronizes with desktop profiles for on-the-go learning in these online French classes.
FluentU lacks a structured, progressive curriculum, requiring self-direction in video selection. It’s less suitable for absolute beginners. However, for learners with some French knowledge seeking real-world comprehension, FluentU is valuable. Basic plans start at $15/month, Premium at $30/month, with annual subscriptions offering 33% discounts.
Pros:
- User-friendly video player interface enhances engagement.
- Extensive library of videos across diverse topics.
- Suitable for learners of all levels, though best for those beyond absolute beginner in online French classes.
Cons:
- More expensive than some video-based alternatives like Yabla.
Summary: Best Online French Classes
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of numerous online French classes and resources.
Have we missed any exceptional platforms? Let us know!
The ideal “learn french online classes” choice depends heavily on individual learning preferences and styles. The internet provides a wealth of excellent resources, alongside less effective options. Choosing wisely is key to successful French language acquisition.
Overall Top Picks:
Courses: For a blend of value and comprehensive content, Coursera (for advanced learners) and Rocket French (for all levels) stand out as top all-purpose online French classes.
Audio/Visual: Comme Une Française excels in podcasts and videocasts explaining French language and culture. Ilini is our choice for immersive, full-French audio and video content for online French classes.
Tutors/Exchanges: italki, with its user-friendly platform and ease of use, is the top pick for tutor-based learning and language exchange in online French classes. However, the effectiveness of this category depends on individual tutor compatibility and exchange partner engagement.
Regardless of your chosen “learn french online classes” resource, bonne chance!
Remember: Even the best online French classes require the right mindset and consistent commitment for success.
Effective learning hinges on the learner’s dedication, not solely on resource quality.
Supplement your online French classes with frequent practice with native speakers. If access to French speakers is limited, italki is highly recommended for connecting with online tutors and language partners.
Know of a great French course not listed here?
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