# Glossika: Language Training — user reviews > 26 indexed App Store user reviews of Glossika by Glossika Pte. Ltd., rated 1.50/5 from 26 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glossika-language-training/id6667095609/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glossika-language-training/id6667095609.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 2 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 20 ## Newest reviews (11 of 26) ### 1/5 — No longer the best language app for runners *2026-09-06* For me, the best feature of the Glossika legacy version was the ability to listen to content, repeat it out loud, and even have it recorded while running outside with my phone strapped to my arm. The combination of long, isolated runs with what could otherwise have been monotonous repetition worked amazingly well, both for my running and my language learning. This latest attempt to become Duolingo is a step down and I sincerely hope that the legacy version continues to be supported with its “hands off” capabilities improved for users like me. ### 1/5 — Why not Pinyin *2026-09-05* I don't know characters yet and I've only learned how to read pinyin. Please allow a pinyin option. ### 1/5 — Promising concept, disappointing execution *2026-09-05* I appreciate the refresh, but the new app feels like a step backward. Support for endangered languages is practically limited and you now have to watch ads to earn rewards (e.g., to keep training). The Explore page is overwhelming, training from base to target language is missing (only fill-in and repeat-after-me exercises remain), and there’s no clear A1–C1 progression anymore. The new UI also looks worse. Glad the old app is now Glossika Legacy. I hope it stays around, because that’s still the version serious learners and minority language fans need. ### 1/5 — Not as good as the old app *2026-09-05* Please add listening mode or hands free mode. For most people thats main reason for using glossika, for drilling sentences during chores, commutes and walks. ### 1/5 — A massive step backwards *2026-09-05* I use the legacy app everyday when commuting and sadly this new version appears to have removed all the legacy features that made this app unique. The absence of listening mode for me is the biggest loss as it means you now have to actively engage with this new app far more to get the same language exposure out of it. It has been gamified rather than focussing on true language exposure and learning. There is no way of knowing how far through a language level you are and the “algorithm” is far too opaque. The grouping of sentences also moves away from the core USP of Glossika, learn by mass random exposure. I appreciate a lot of hard design work has gone into this app, however, it is clunky, “Gamey”, requires far too many buttons to be pressed to move through content, makes use of AI generated background images that don’t always align got the content and simply add un necessary distraction, clutter and data usage. I really hope you add back in the features that made Glossika unique, otherwise I fear you are moving towards being just another duo lingo that won’t help anybody reach fluency. I have also emailed a more detailed set of feedback to Glossika and hope to see improvements in further updates. For now I will continue to sue the legacy app and hope that support for the legacy app will continue indefinitely. ### 1/5 — Not suitable *2026-09-05* Audio only mode is gone 😢 this was the only mode I used in the old app. The dictation mode does not work at all. It records my voice (I can play it back) but the app says it can’t recognize it even though I can hear it clearly. Dictation has the problem that the audio sentences are in many times different from the audio. I don’t want to memorize which sentences translation made which mistake. ### 1/5 — Too bad *2026-09-05* I really liked the original app and was a valuable part of developing my listening and speaking skills. The levels haven’t carried forward, and there are no translations in the new app. Sadly, going to have to look for an alternative. ### 1/5 — This new app has destroyed Glossika *2026-09-04* This new app is shocking and not recommended for language learners. Glossika used to be fantastic but they’ve copied Duolingo and turned language learning into a game with an awful new app. It’s removed most of the useful options such as listening only and the ability to customise your method of learning so now the app is actually disruptive for language learning. Do not bother to download it, stick to the old legacy app if possible. I will be cancelling subscription immediately. ### 1/5 — Upgrade is a train wreck *2026-09-04* I have used the legacy version to run through drills as I drive, as I clean the house. This new version doesn’t seem to allow me that option. Instead, I have to sit and stare at the screen and tap to progress. There also seems to be no way to mark my progress as I work my way up through the levels. It may be that you can do all of that? But I don’t have the patience to figure it out. The only improvement is that it now uses female, as well as male voices for the French translation. ### 1/5 — Ron Marshall *2026-09-04* You have turned a simple genius app into the same gamified rubbish as every other language app. This is a disaster. Sorry. ### 1/5 — A huge step backwards *2026-09-03* I’ve been using the now-legacy app every day for ages (mostly for Danish). This new updated app has very few settings. No option to stop the annoying beeps at every success (or failure). No option for handsfree with just listening and talking. You press the recording button and have to wait for more than a second before you speak or it will cut off the beginning of your sentence. There are also too many unnecessary steps which interrupt the learning: “start next session” every 5 questions; “submit” when it could instead just automatically detect that you’ve put in the correct word; if there are two words that you have to fill in, you need to click on the second box instead of the caret automatically moving once the first box is correct; “continue” to go to the next question instead of automatically. It’s all a recipe for a hurting thumb. I’m sure there are lots more improvements to be made. I’ve emailed Glossika and hope to be able to update this review soon. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Awful *2026-09-12* No English translations, jo clear path - can’t tell which sentences have been done and which haven’t. Welsh was considered a protected language on the old version but now has the same payment structure as other languages. I wasn’t fussed on the old version either due to the boringness of it, but I really can’t see the point at all for this new version. ### 1/5 — Not good *2026-09-10* I would not bother getting this app, it’s not good at all. The shadowing sucks on this. Not only that but from what I read on facebook group , it sounds like soon you’ll have to pay for extras while having to pay for a subscription also. **Developer response:** Thank you for taking the time to share this, we really appreciate it. We're sorry shadowing isn't working well for you, could you tell us a bit more about what's going wrong? That would really help us fix it. On pricing, we're not changing what's included in your subscription, and we're not planning any surprise extra costs on top. ### 1/5 — Alles was gut war fehlt jetzt… *2026-09-08* Der nützliche listening only modus, mit der die App auf der Fahrt zur Arbeit super zu nutzen war fehlt. Damit ist Sie für meinen Bedarf nun komplett nutzlos. Ich hoffe die alte läuft parallel noch lange weiter! ### 1/5 — New version is horrible - please not AI *2026-09-08* I loved Glossika since it was an idea from Mr Campbell. I bought the books then moved to the app. But now I am not sure I can support it anymore. First I liked the app for the simplicity. You click, hear the sentences and repeat them. That’s it and that’s why I always recommended it to everyone. Now the new app is unrecognizable. AI is NOT a selling point in this version (please understand that I’m not a Luddite, as I’m the head researcher in an AI lab). I don’t want to record sentences I don’t want feedback from an AI there are so many options out there that do that. If I wanted to record and have AI evaluate me I could use even basic llms to do that. What I liked and I think most people want is to click, listen, repeat and not waste their precious time fumbling through the app. I have loved Glossika since before it was even an app and it pains me to write this. At least make the microphone not mandatory please do at least I can some shadow of what the app was. Or keep the old app working. ### 1/5 — What is this *2026-09-07* This new version is so confusing, why can’t you listen in background anymore ### 1/5 — Garbage *2026-09-06* It is now slop. Used it every day for 3 years. Will delete now after a very bad update. ### 1/5 — A double step backwards *2026-09-06* The recent change to Glossika is horrible—now the focus is on words rather than sentences, and the screen is filled with prizes and other gamification. It takes twice as long as before to review previously learned sentences. I’ll be sticking with the legacy version, which is excellent. ### 1/5 — Exercise in frustration *2026-09-06* Train wreck is right. The new Glossika has long sentences spoken fast and a confusing interface without even an overview to explain how it works. Learning a foreign language just became harder. This is an exercise in frustration, not an effective way to learn any language. No thanks. ### 1/5 — Really Disappointed *2026-09-06* This new app seems to be a different approach than Glossika has used in the past. I’ve been utilizing Glossika’s spaced repetition system for almost 10 years. This isn’t that. Really disappointed and will keep using the legacy app as long as they’ll allow it. One huge feature I desire but don’t see is being able to listen/practice on the go without having to engage with the screen. The “training” area was making me dictate specific words in the sentence. That’s not a bad exercise but it’s definitely not the spaced repetition model I’ve come to know and love. Really bummed. ### 1/5 — Removed the primary feature *2026-09-06* Cannot listen and practice without a microphone. Fails to support my learning style heading to work or working around the house. 0/10. Definitely wouldn’t recommend ## Most praised reviews (5 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — So far so good *2026-09-05* So far I like this app. If you want to see the English translations of the sentences, press the *^* sign. To remove the transliterations: 3 vertical bars, Settings (gear), uncheck it, Save. ### 3/5 — Not for me *2026-09-06* I’ve been using Glossika for over 10 years and this upgrade is not gonna work for me at all. I’m trying to reduce my screen time and this app demands constant interaction. I’ll probably stick with the old mode where you just listen and shadow while the phone is in your pocket during a walk or on the seat next to you while driving. There’s no way I would be able to get the reps in if I had to constantly be tapping at my phone. ### 2/5 — We need the old glossika options *2026-09-09* New app would need to have the option for same functionality the simplicity like the old one, and only if you choose to scroll and engage with the screen. **Developer response:** Thank you so much for this, feedback like yours really helps us. We hear you on wanting the same simplicity as the old app, that means a lot to us. Glossika Legacy is still there if you'd like to keep using that for now, and we're taking this into account as we keep building the new app. ### 2/5 — Legacy is better *2026-09-08* Legacy is simple and easy to learn laguages. This app has a bad design in UI wise and makes it hard to focus on learning. **Developer response:** Thank you for sharing this, we really appreciate it. We're sorry the new design is making it harder to focus for you, but could you tell us a bit more about what's feeling off? That would help us a lot as we keep building the new app. ### 2/5 — A Step Back for Existing Users *2026-09-07* The new platform has promise, but it currently falls short of Glossika Legacy’s excellent system. My sentence-level SRS progress didn’t transfer, daily goals and course progress are unclear, and shadowing assessment has been unreliable. I appreciate the added native-speaker content, new tools, and algorithm-directed repetition, but I wish Glossika had preserved Legacy’s simple, effective approach. For now, I’m continuing with Legacy and hope future updates make the new app worth migrating to. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-14.*