Head-to-head · English Learning Apps
Pimsleur vs VOA Learning English
Pimsleur leads on 0 checks, VOA Learning English on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePimsleur · 8.7/10
- Free planonly VOA Learning English
- Free trialonly Pimsleur
- Most featuresPimsleur · 1 of 3
Pimsleur scores higher on our rubric for english learning apps: 8.7 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
VOA Learning English offers free plan; Pimsleur doesn't.
Pimsleur is the better fit for learners focused on conversational speaking practice. VOA Learning English is the better fit for learners seeking free news, audio, and structured lessons.
- Pimsleur fits best
Learners focused on conversational speaking practice
- VOA Learning English fits best
Learners seeking free news, audio, and structured lessons
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Side by side
| Feature | Pimsleur 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | VOA Learning English 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #6 in English Learning Apps | #8 in English Learning Apps |
| Best for | Learners focused on conversational speaking practice | Learners seeking free news, audio, and structured lessons |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Pimsleur 1/3 · VOA Learning English 0/3 | ||
| Speech recognition | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Offline lessons | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Placement test | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Lesson focus | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Course levels | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Pimsleur is an audio-based language-learning service for independent learners who want to build conversational speaking skills. Its program centers on 30-minute lessons, supplemented by reading lessons, flashcards, quizzes, and Speak Easy… Read the review → |
VOA Learning English is a free multimedia service from Voice of America for people learning English, including beginning and intermediate learners. It combines news and feature stories with audio programs, podcasts, captioned videos, and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Pimsleur — where it wins
- Thirty-minute conversational lessons emphasize listening and speaking.
- Voice Coach gives pronunciation feedback, with Speak Easy role-play for practice.
- Mobile lesson downloads support offline study, with progress synced across devices.
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan; access requires a paid subscription.
- Premium Monthly covers a single language; switching languages requires All Access.
- Lessons are built around 30-minute sessions, which may not suit shorter study windows.
VOA Learning English — where it wins
- Free courses, lessons, worksheets, assessments, and lesson plans
- Captioned videos and slower-paced English broadcasts
- News, audio programs, MP3s, and podcasts for learners
Where it doesn't
- The official VOA Learning English service is web-based
- Its content focuses on American English
- Its strengths center on learning content, not personalized review
- Pimsleur8.7/10 · 7-day trial
A speaking-centered language app with role-play, pronunciation feedback, and offline lessons.
Visit PimsleurFull verdict → - VOA Learning English8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, web-based mix of structured lessons and learner-focused news and audio.
Visit siteFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update