Qlango Review: A Simple App for Those Starting a New Language

With a user base now exceeding 800,000, Qlango appears to be gaining traction in the language learning app market.

I used the app for several days, spending most of my time on French lessons but also sampling lessons for other languages. The lesson style was informal and enjoyable, though some parts of the program could be enhanced.

What Is Qlango?

In short: Qlango appears most appropriate for absolute beginners and provides enjoyable, objective-based language practice. Once you move beyond the A1 level, the app will no longer be useful. It currently has no offerings for intermediate or advanced students, and it is not the best choice for learners who want all-inclusive lessons or detailed grammar instruction.

Features

Qlango can be used on iOS and Android devices and provides lessons for 43 different languages. English speakers can learn 40 of those languages.

A notable feature is the ability to learn using language pairs. If supported, you can study a new language using your native tongue as the base. For instance, if you speak French, you can learn German through French.

You will learn key vocabulary (organized into "stages") in your chosen language. This is done through short text-and-audio questions and answers, with word pronunciations available instantly.

By design, Qlango offers little direct teaching, so you will pick up a lot as you go. There is also minimal tutorial guidance, as the interface and text are quite simple.

Qlango encourages a regular study routine (based on your selected weekly lesson goal). You can check your weekly progress to see if you are meeting your targets, and you will receive notifications if you fall behind.

You also earn "peanuts" as rewards, which can be used for actions like unlocking lessons ahead of schedule. Peanuts are awarded daily, essentially tracking your consistent use of the app.

Honestly, during my free trial, the peanuts didn't seem to have much utility, and I found no details suggesting a greater purpose. It's a charming concept, but Qlango could develop it further.

Qlango includes a competitive "Wall of Fame" leaderboard that ranks you against other users learning the same language. Your position improves with more daily activity.

I didn't focus much on this aspect, but for competitive individuals, it could serve as a motivational tool.

Pricing

A free version of Qlango is available, but it is quite restricted. While you can access basic functions like peanut rewards and progress tracking, only a few introductory lessons are free; the remainder require a paid subscription.

As of September 2021, a three-month subscription begins at $7.99, and a yearly subscription is priced at $19.99.

How It Works

After selecting your target language (and your base language for pairing), you choose your proficiency level.

This was a quick process for me, as there were only two options based on the Common European Framework of Reference: A1 (beginner, focusing on simple communication) and A2 (elementary, with more emphasis on conveying information correctly).

Next, I decided whether to learn individual words or words within example sentences. The first option is ideal for true beginners, while the second offers more of a challenge. The example sentences are short but require learning more vocabulary at once.

Then I selected a difficulty level, which mainly influenced the kinds of questions I received.

Higher difficulty levels, besides offering more peanut rewards, include exercises that require manual input and self-written translations. There are fewer multiple-choice questions, which pushed me to think for myself and rely on my memory.

Finally, after completing the setup, I could begin the lessons.

In these lessons, I answered questions on specific topics, and Qlango showed my response time for each answer. This seems intended to help improve recall speed, without imposing a strict timer.

A topic contains several lessons. Each lesson is brief, with around 10 questions. They are very direct, showing you words or phrases in the target language and asking for their meanings.

Overall, while Qlango includes rewards and some challenging elements, it isn't heavily gamified. The core teaching method relies on memorization through repeated exposure to words and their meanings.

That said, it varies the question types so you engage with the material from different perspectives. Even when I answered incorrectly, I was prompted to try again until I understood.

I observed that after finishing a lesson, it became locked until the next day. This design encourages you to study other lessons and return later for review. (Alternatively, you can spend peanuts to unlock completed lessons immediately.)

The Pros of Qlango

Option to study with language pairs

I believe this is an essential feature that broadens Qlango's appeal.

There is often a technological bias towards English speakers. This can overlook individuals who prefer using their native language and would learn more effectively if the app's interface supported their language.

For language lovers and aspiring polyglots, it's also a method to practice two languages simultaneously! I tested a German to French pair, and while I was mostly engaging with French, it was beneficial to see German text as well.

Helpful hints for correct responses

Many modern language apps allow some flexibility in exercises. If you make a mistake or skip a question, the app often shows the correct answer and lets you continue.

Qlango is less lenient—which can be positive. You get several attempts in many exercises, encouraging you to remember the material. You can choose to "preview" the right answer, but you must still provide the input yourself.

Admittedly, the app can be precise and demand specific answers. You could view this as an incentive to concentrate and memorize words and definitions thoroughly.

I believe it's beneficial for language learning apps, or educational software in general, to persistently ask users for the correct answer. Real learning progress often comes from recognizing and correcting errors, so any learning tool should encourage students to truly absorb the content.

It made me feel like I was relying on my actual knowledge rather than completing exercises automatically.

Diverse exercise styles

Qlango's exercises come in various formats. Beyond standard multiple-choice, you might match word pairs, write translations, dictate answers, or build sentences.

This might seem like a basic feature for an app, but it significantly impacts the learning process. Many language apps become repetitive in both content and question style, leading to a dull experience.

Thankfully, Qlango offers enough variety in its exercises to let you interact with the same material in different, meaningful ways.

Even though I was tested on the same words in a lesson, I didn't feel like I was answering mechanically from pure memorization. I found I needed to be more focused and aware to answer the various exercises correctly (and more quickly).

Regarding speed, the response-time feature is a subtle but nice addition to the exercises. It gives a visual sense of advancement, especially when you see your times improve. Notably slower times on specific words can highlight areas needing more practice.

Immerses you directly in the language

No matter which language you use as your base, Qlango discourages reliance on your familiar language.

In all exercises, you respond solely in the target language. Qlango explains that this saves learning time. It's an immersive approach intended for direct and uninterrupted

Immersion is a potent learning method that can lead to a more rewarding and enjoyable educational journey.

The Cons of Qlango

Qlango has several advantages that make it valuable. However, it also has some notable drawbacks.

No preliminary language guidance

Earlier, I listed Qlango's immersive approach as a pro. And it can be positive... for certain learners.

Qlango does not offer any introductory lessons for the language you're learning. This can be a disadvantage for true beginners and those unfamiliar with language learning. Since the content is entirely foreign, many would prefer some foundational knowledge or guidance to start on a firmer footing.

When I tried the French lessons, I felt my ability to avoid constant errors was partly due to my previous language learning experience. I used context to deduce some answers. However, this might not be possible for someone new to language learning.

I think this lack of instruction, while motivating for some, could also be discouraging for others if they keep making mistakes. It might not be their fault, given the minimal preparation, and they might be frustrated by the app's demand for precise answers.

Focuses mainly on vocabulary over other language skills

Qlango is primarily a vocabulary building tool. It teaches useful words and phrases you might use immediately, but it doesn't cover other crucial language areas.

This means you won't get proper lessons on grammar or sentence construction (written or spoken), which are vital for achieving fluency.

This is a common issue with many language apps, so it's not unique to Qlango. Nevertheless, it's important to mention, especially for learners seeking a thorough language education.

Limited material for higher-level learners

Currently, Qlango only provides A1 and sometimes A2 level lessons for its languages. These are beginner levels. Some less common languages only have A1 content.

This means advanced, or even upper-intermediate, learners may find Qlango insufficient or too easy. It could still be used for review and brushing up on basics, but it likely won't offer new, challenging material for those already proficient.

Future updates may include more levels, but for now, Qlango is best for beginners.

Outdated and occasionally buggy design

Qlango's interface isn't overly cumbersome, but it also isn't very modern. The visuals and user interface are functional but have a blocky look that seems less attractive compared to current language apps like Duolingo.

More concerning are the technical glitches. I often experienced screens freezing and unresponsive or delayed buttons. I initially suspected my device, but user reviews indicate others have had similar technical problems.

I wouldn't call these issues major, but they can be distracting when they happen frequently. With some refinement, these problems could be resolved.

My Final Verdict

Qlango can be a good starting point for those curious about learning a new language but not yet fully committed. It introduces fundamental concepts without being too intensive or difficult. Its casual nature makes for a relaxed, low-pressure experience.

The language pairing feature is also noteworthy. While not fully realized in its current state, it's a valuable aspect that few other language apps offer.

However, considering its gaps in language instruction, Qlango works best as a supplement to a more comprehensive learning program. It can also be used for reviewing previously learned vocabulary.

Combine Qlango with a more well-rounded resource for optimal outcomes. If you prefer a more polished interface with integrated instruction, consider pairing it with Busuu or Memrise.

These apps are visually appealing and provide ample opportunities to develop listening and reading skills, as well as learn the fundamentals of your target language.

Another excellent partner for Qlango is Lingflix. Through its extensive library of real-world content, Lingflix teaches a language as it is naturally used in various situations.

While Qlango is useful for starting a language, Lingflix can make the learning process more dynamic and enriching. Using both together can significantly boost your studies. Lingflix uses authentic videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and transforms them into tailored language lessons. With Lingflix, you experience languages in authentic contexts—the way native speakers truly use them. A quick browse reveals the wide range of Lingflix videos available: Lingflix removes much of the tedious work from language learning, making it engaging, effective, and efficient. It curates the best videos and categorizes them by level and topic. You simply pick a video that interests you to begin! Every word in the interactive captions has a definition, audio, image, example sentences, and more. You can access a full interactive transcript for each video in the Dialogue tab and easily review vocabulary from the video under Vocab. Lingflix's adaptive quizzes help you learn the video's vocabulary and phrases through enjoyable exercises. Swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you're studying. The application also monitors your learning and suggests review times, creating a fully personalized experience. Use the Lingflix website on your computer or tablet, or download the Lingflix app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Qlango has the potential to enhance its educational value with further updates. The app developers seem responsive to user feedback on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

In fact, Qlango mentions that future updates will bring new features like additional language levels, the ability to reset lesson progress, customizable review cycles, and an offline mode.

With these promised improvements, I look forward to Qlango's evolution! For now, you can try the app to decide if you want to stay for the updates.