# Michel Thomas Language Library vs linguistica

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: linguistica at none against Michel Thomas Language Library's 4. linguistica also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and review sentiment (63% vs 41%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Michel Thomas Language Library sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. linguistica asks for nothing beyond the download.

linguistica holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 157 and 55 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 41% of Michel Thomas Language Library's written reviews are positive against 63% of linguistica's.

Michel Thomas Language Library ships an update every 4 months, linguistica every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Michel Thomas Language Library | linguistica |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (157 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michel-thomas-language-library/id1429578528/reviews) | **[4.5 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linguistica/id1460842051/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **157** | 55 |
| Positive reviews | 40.8% of reviews | **63.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 97 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hachette UK (Holdings)Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/361205465) | [Linguistica 360](https://appshunter.io/developer/733621984) |

## What reviewers say

### Michel Thomas Language Library

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michel-thomas-language-library/id1429578528)

Learn languages naturally through an audio-based method without books or memorization. This app guides you from beginner to confident speaker by actively participating in simulated live lessons, building a solid foundation and speaking in full sentences from the start.

**Highlights:** Audio-based lessons, No books or memorization required, Learn from simulated live lessons, Active participation, Speak in full sentences from the start, Learn at your own pace

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack of 11 Credits | $10.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 12 Credits | $11.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 90 Credits | $89.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 100 Credits | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧠 Excellent language learning methodology
- 🎯 Effective speaking-focused approach
- 📱 Convenient offline access to lessons
- ⏱️ Flexible short lesson format
- 🚗 Great for learning while driving

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
- ⏸️ Play/pause button unreliable
- 💰 High pricing compared to competitors
- 🔐 Account access and login issues
- 📉 Poor customer support responsiveness

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on login
- App crashes when opening audio files
- Pause/play button unresponsive when phone locked
- Pause button skips back 30 seconds
- Progress bar out of sync with audio

**Requested features**

- Bookmark/progress saving functionality
- Lesson completion tracking
- Better pause/play button responsiveness
- Improved UI design with larger control buttons
- MP3 file access for external players


### linguistica

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linguistica/id1460842051)

Learn Spanish, French, Italian, and German through engaging weekly news podcasts. Native speakers host these slow-paced programs, focusing on comprehension and cultural insights. Access free content with two news stories per language weekly.

**Highlights:** Learn Spanish, French, Italian, German, Weekly news podcasts, Intermediate language level, Native speaker hosts, Slow-paced comprehension, Cultural insights

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Michel Thomas Language Library free?

Michel Thomas Language Library is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is linguistica free?

linguistica is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Michel Thomas Language Library or linguistica?

linguistica is rated higher. Michel Thomas Language Library averages 4.2 out of 5 from 157 ratings, while linguistica averages 4.5 from 55 ratings.

### Do Michel Thomas Language Library or linguistica have ads?

Neither Michel Thomas Language Library nor linguistica shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Michel Thomas Language Library or linguistica?

Michel Thomas Language Library ships an update every 4 months, and linguistica every 2 months. Most recently, Michel Thomas Language Library was updated on November 2, 2026 and linguistica on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*