This curated list of resources is designed to help English learners of all levels improve their speaking skills. These resources include apps, websites, YouTube channels, and other tools that offer free or affordable ways to practice speaking English. They focus on pronunciation, conversation practice, vocabulary building, and confidence in speaking English.

 

Conversation Practice Platforms

Engaging in conversational practice is one of the best ways to improve speaking skills. These platforms connect learners with native or fluent English speakers for real-time practice.

 

Free Options:

 

Tandem (Free with paid upgrades)
A language exchange app where you can connect with native English speakers to practice speaking and pronunciation.

Features: Text, audio, and video chat.

Best For: Practicing real-life conversations and cultural exchange.

 

HelloTalk (Free with premium features)
Similar to Tandem, this app connects you with native speakers for language exchange.

Features: Voice messages and pronunciation correction tools.

 

Speaky (Free)
A free language exchange platform where learners can chat with native speakers via text, audio, or video.

 

Low-Cost Option:

 

iTalki
A platform where learners can book affordable one-on-one lessons with native English teachers or community tutors.

Cost: Starts at $5 per session.

Best For: Structured conversation practice with guidance.

 

Pronunciation and Speaking Apps

These tools focus on improving pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.

 

Elsa Speak (Free with premium features)
An AI-powered app that teaches pronunciation and fluency by analyzing your speech.

Features: Personalized pronunciation feedback and speaking exercises.

Best For: Fine-tuning pronunciation and accent.

 

Speak Pal (Free with premium upgrades)
This app allows learners to have AI conversations for free, providing corrections as you speak.

Best For: Practicing conversations without fear of judgment.

 

Cake (Free)
A gamified app that uses short videos and dialogues to improve speaking and listening.

Features: Repeat-after-me exercises and pronunciation practice.

 

YouGlish (Free)
This is a unique tool that helps learners improve pronunciation by showing how words and phrases are pronounced in real-life contexts via YouTube videos.

 

YouTube Channels for Speaking Practice

YouTube offers countless free resources for improving speaking skills with engaging and interactive lessons.

 

English Addict with Mr. Steve - Focuses on conversational English, pronunciation, and vocabulary for beginners and advanced learners.

Speak English with Vanessa  - Offers practical tips and lessons on speaking confidently in real-life situations.

Rachel’s English - One of the best channels for improving American English pronunciation and intonation.

BBC Learning English - Provides a variety of videos for speaking practice, including conversations, pronunciation tips, and vocabulary lessons.

Learn English with Bob the Canadian - Teaches English in a friendly, conversational style, helping learners develop confidence in speaking.

 

Vocabulary-Building Apps

Expanding vocabulary is crucial to speaking fluently and confidently.

 

Quizlet (Free with premium upgrades)
Allows learners to create flashcards and play games to memorize vocabulary.

Best For: Expanding vocabulary for specific topics.

 

Memrise (Free with premium features)
Combines vocabulary learning with audio and video clips from native speakers.

Best For: Learning vocabulary in context.

 

Drops (Free with a time limit)
A visual-based app that teaches vocabulary through short, engaging exercises.

 

Listening Practice for Speaking Confidence

Listening and speaking go hand in hand. These resources help learners improve listening comprehension, which boosts speaking accuracy.

 

ESL Pod (Free with paid options)
Offers podcasts designed for English learners, focusing on real-life conversations.

 

BBC Learning English Podcasts (Free)
Downloadable audio lessons covering speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

 

Spotify - English Learning Playlists (Free with ads)
Search for playlists like "Learn English Podcasts" or "English Conversations" for free audio-based practice.

 

Language Learning Websites

These websites offer structured lessons for speaking practice and more.

 

ESL Fast (Free)
Provides short dialogues and conversations for speaking practice.

 

Breaking News English (Free)
Uses current events to teach vocabulary, speaking, and listening.

Best For: Intermediate to advanced learners.

 

TalkEnglish (Free)
Focuses entirely on speaking, with lessons categorized by fluency level.

 

Duolingo (Free with premium upgrades)
While primarily a vocabulary app, Duolingo now includes speaking exercises with AI feedback.

 

Pronunciation Websites

 

These tools focus exclusively on pronunciation and accent improvement.

 

Forvo (Free)
A pronunciation dictionary where learners can hear native speakers pronounce words.

 

Speechling (Free with premium options)
Offers listening and speaking practice with feedback from real coaches.

 

Virtual Reality and AI Tools

For learners who want interactive speaking practice in a more immersive way.

 

ImmerseMe (Affordable)
A virtual reality app that allows learners to practice speaking in real-life scenarios like ordering food or traveling.

Cost: Starting at $10/month.

 

AI English Tutor (ChatGPT-based) (Free or low-cost)
Use AI tools like ChatGPT to practice speaking by typing and simulating conversations.

 

English Practice Groups and Meetups

Speaking with other learners or native speakers in real time builds confidence and fluency.

 

Meetup (Free or low-cost)
Search for local or virtual English conversation groups to join.

 

Facebook Groups (Free)
Join groups like "English Learners and Speakers," where members practice speaking together via video calls.

 

Affordable Private Speaking Coaches

For students who want personalized feedback and faster improvement, private tutors can be a valuable resource.

 

Preply
Affordable, one-on-one online tutoring with native speakers.

Cost: Starting at $5/hour.

 

Cambly
Connects learners with native English speakers for real-time conversation practice.

Cost: Starting at $10/month.

 

Pro Tips for Using These Resources:

1. Set Goals: Focus on specific areas, such as pronunciation, fluency, or vocabulary.
2. Practice Daily: Even 15 minutes of speaking practice a day can lead to a noticeable improvement.
3. Record Yourself: Use apps like Voice Recorder to track your progress.
4. Be Consistent: Regular practice is the key to fluency. 

 

Additional Resources

 

New General Service List 1.2

The NGSL 1.2 is a 2809-word list of the most important words in general English and daily life for second language learners. Though this is less than 10% of the vocabulary known by native-speaker college graduates, it gives an average of 92% coverage of most general English texts and even higher coverage in other situations (93% coverage for Harry Potter, 94% coverage for TOEIC exams, and 95% coverage for many TV shows such as Friends). Download the NGSL 1.2 List in a database format with definitions in easy English.