Comparison

SmallTalk vs Hilokal

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SmallTalk

This app offers a straightforward method for language practice by connecting users with partners for subject-based conversations. It eliminates the need for scheduling or partner searching, focusing solely on speaking practice with minimal distractions.

Highlights
  • Automatic partner matching
  • Subject-based conversation topics
  • Partner skill estimation
  • Simple and distraction-free interface
  • Focus on speaking practice
Features
Read full description

If you want to just practice languages without all that embarrassing clutter of searching for partners, negotiating appropriate time etc. you should try SmallTalk! This is super simple way to practice languages. All you need to do is to choose a subject you'd like to discuss. Then just wait for your partner and start practicing! ◆ SmallTalk automatically finds a partner for you to practice languages with! ◆ Your talks will be based on a particular subject you choose. You will always have some interesting things to discuss with your partner. ◆ Estimate your partner's skills! Receive the estimates in response. Practicing languages with SmallTalk is simple and fun, and that's all about talking, with minimum unnecessary distractions.

About

Hilokal

Learn languages like Korean and English with an AI tutor and a global community of learners. Practice speaking, writing, and listening with real-time feedback and interactive tools. Engage in themed chats and games to make learning fun and practical.

Highlights
  • AI-powered language tutoring
  • Real-time grammar and pronunciation correction
  • Interactive transcripts with AI insights
  • Word tracking and pronunciation analysis
  • Global language exchange community
  • Themed chat rooms and language games
  • Community-led learning sessions
Features
Read full description

Learn a new language like Korean or English with Hilokal—your AI language tutor paired with the opportunity to practice with an active community of 1.5 million real language learners worldwide. Whether you’re advancing your career, planning your next adventure, or diving into K-pop and international cinema, Hilokal combines the power of AI tutoring with authentic human interaction to make language learning practical, educational, and fun. ▶ AI-Powered Language Tutoring ◀ [Goguma: Your Advanced AI Tutor] • Practice speaking, writing, and listening in 26 languages, including English and Korean, with our low-latency, GPT-4o powered AI tutor that provides real-time text and audio conversations. [Real-Time Language Mastery] • Receive immediate corrections on grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, ensuring you sound like a local and grasp nuanced expressions. ▶ Learning Tools ◀ [Interactive Transcripts with Insights] • Record your learning sessions to get text and audio transcripts; analyze your pronunciation with heat maps and leverage AI insights for targeted improvement. [Word Tracking & Analysis] • Monitor every word you speak, analyze pronunciation accuracy, and review your speaking speed. [Performance Leaderboards] • Compare your language progress with others on a weekly leaderboard to motivate and enhance your learning experience. ▶ Community-Driven Language Practice ◀ [Language Exchange] • Connect with over 1.5 million users learners worldwide, practicing and refining your language skills through real conversations. [Interactive Language Games & Themed Chats] • Engage in fun games and themed chats about popular topics like K-pop, travel, or international cinema, enhancing your language skills in a context you love. [Community-Led Sessions] • Participate in sessions led by experienced speakers and tailored to all skill levels—from beginners to advanced learners. [Instant Audio Chat Rooms] • Jump into audio chat rooms at any time, perfect for spontaneous practice sessions with native speakers and fellow language enthusiasts. ▶ Subscription Options ◀ [Access Full Features with Subscription] • Start with a 7-day free trial and continue your language learning journey with our Premium Plus subscription for full access to AI features and community interactions. [Exclusive Subscriber Benefits] • Enjoy advanced learning materials, detailed analytics, and personalized feedback to accelerate your path to language proficiency. Hilokal isn’t just an app—it’s your gateway to global fluency. Embrace a new language with tools designed for young adults seeking career growth, cultural immersion, and personal connections. Join Hilokal today and start speaking like a native! For more information and support, visit https://www.hilokal.com/. To see Terms of Service: https://www.hilokal.com/en/app/terms.html

Screenshots

SmallTalk4 screens
Hilokal4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Hilokal at 4.4 against SmallTalk's 1.0. Hilokal also leads on ratings volume (772 vs 1). SmallTalk's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 26) and ads (none vs shown). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Hilokal sells 26 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. SmallTalk asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Hilokal holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hilokal has 772 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of SmallTalk's written reviews are positive against 44% of Hilokal's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SmallTalk versus Hilokal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSmallTalkHilokal
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)4.4 (772 ratings) — better
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews — better43.9% of reviews
Number of ratings1772 — better
Update frequency—Every 9 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS9.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB219 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperArtur ShkilHilokal

Customer experience

SmallTalk

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Hilokal

All ratings768 ratings
Positive82.3%
Neutral7.0%
Negative10.7%
Written reviews171 reviews
Positive43.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative45.0%

Bugs and requests

SmallTalk

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Hilokal

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Inability to log in or create account
  • Sudden loss of audio/voice functionality
  • Incompatibility with older iOS/Android devices
  • Disappearing user profiles and conversation history
  • Inconsistent performance after recent app updates

Requested features

5 requests
  • Allow selecting multiple target languages
  • Add option to save/review conversation transcripts
  • Implement better filtering and search for tables
  • Improve moderation system to address harassment
  • Provide more affordable subscription plans

In-app purchases

None

SmallTalk

No in-app purchases

26 purchases

Hilokal

Subscriptions14
  • Hilokal Premium$2.991 Month
  • Hilokal Premium$4.991 Month
  • Hilokal Premium7 Days trial$4.991 Month
Show 11 more
  • Premium Plus 1 month$10.991 Month
  • Premium Plus 1 month7 Days trial$10.991 Month
  • Premium Plus 1 month$19.991 Month
  • Premium Plus 1 month7 Days trial$19.991 Month
  • Hilokal Premium 1 year$24.991 Year
  • Hilokal Premium7 Days trial$24.996 Months
  • Hilokal Premium7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Premium Plus 6 months7 Days trial$41.996 Months
  • Premium Plus 12 months7 Days trial$64.991 Year
  • Premium Plus 12 months$73.001 Year
  • Premium Plus 12 months7 Days trial$73.001 Year
One-time12
  • Hilokal 140 Beans$1.99
  • Hilokal Premium bundle 1$2.99
  • Hilokal Premium(1mo) Gift Card$4.99
Show 9 more
  • Hilokal 500 Beans$6.99
  • Premium Plus bundle 1$10.99
  • Premium Plus bundle 1$11.49
  • Hilokal 1500 Beans$18.99
  • Hilokal Premium bundle 5$24.99
  • Premium Plus bundle 3$37.00
  • Hilokal Premium(1yr) Gift Card$39.99
  • Hilokal 5000 Beans$64.99
  • Premium Plus bundle 10$110.99

Questions

Is SmallTalk free?
SmallTalk is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hilokal free?
Hilokal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SmallTalk or Hilokal?
Hilokal is rated higher. SmallTalk averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Hilokal averages 4.4 from 772 ratings.
Do SmallTalk or Hilokal have ads?
Hilokal shows ads; SmallTalk does not.

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