Comparison

Speakin' Ilonggo vs Vocaloco

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

Head to head
About

Speakin' Ilonggo

Learn Ilonggo through sentence building with over 2,300 phrases and native speaker audio. The app focuses on massive input of real sentences to build conversational fluency.

Highlights
  • Over 2,300 Ilonggo phrases
  • Native speaker audio
  • Sentence building exercises
  • Trial and error learning
  • Review completed phrases
  • Word meaning lookup
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Speakin' Ilonggo is a language-learning app that focuses on sentence building. It contains over 2,300 Hiligaynon (aka Ilonggo) phrases with accompanying audio recorded by a native speaker from Negros Occidental, Philippines. Many of the phrases in Speakin' Ilonggo were adapted from the "The Giant Ilonggo Phrasebook" written by me, Paul Soderquist. I served as an LDS Missionary on Panay Island from 2010 to 2012 and tried to document everything I learned about the languages there. Though the original focus of the phrases was centered on missionary life, in developing this app many years later I've revised and reorganized the content in an effort to better help anyone who desires to learn Ilonggo. The philosophy of Speakin' is that massive input is the true key to language learning, and that phrases (not vocabulary words) are the building blocks of conversation. Though I didn't originate the idea, I've come to agree with something called "the 10,000 phrase method". It basically says that if you feed your brain enough real sentences, enunciating and dissecting them word by word, phrase by phrase ensuring that you understand each one, then eventually after reaching the somewhat arbitrary and perhaps merely symbolic benchmark of 10,000, you will be fluent. The app allows users to learn each sentence through trial and error. They are shown an English translation and tasked to build the corresponding Ilonggo phrase word by word. If they make a mistake, the phrase is automatically put in a "repeat" pile, and they will be given another chance sometime later to try again until they get it right. At first, it may seem difficult to simply "guess" each word. Therefore, users can optionally long-press any of the multiple choice options in order to see its meaning without being penalized. Gradually, as the user continues to use the app they will become less dependent on this feature. That's an exciting experience. There is also a review feature which allows users to see and hear all of the phrases they've completed in the "done" pile, as well as all of the individual words they've learned from a particular phrase set. Feel free to contact me personally for any questions or concerns. paulsoderquist3@gmail.com

About

Vocaloco

This AI-powered language learning app offers natural conversations with a tutor that remembers your progress and preferences. Practice speaking or typing in over 30 languages with real-time feedback and personalized learning.

Highlights
  • AI conversation tutor
  • Remembers user progress and interests
  • Voice and text practice modes
  • Real-time pronunciation feedback
  • Grammar explanations
  • Automatic vocabulary tracking
Read full description

Transform your language learning with Vocaloco - the only AI conversation app where your tutor actually remembers your journey! Learn Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Polish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Czech, Romanian, Greek, Turkish, Ukrainian, Croatian, Hungarian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, Tagalog, Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Swahili. YOUR AI FRIEND WHO NEVER FORGETS Unlike other apps, Lulu builds a real relationship with you: • Remembers your interests, goals, and progress from every conversation • References past topics to create continuity and connection • Adapts teaching style based on how you learn best • Celebrates your wins and gently pushes you when you need it VOICE + TEXT = TOTAL FLEXIBILITY Voice Conversations: • Natural pronunciation practice with real-time feedback • Speak confidently without judgment or pressure • Perfect for commutes, walks, or home practice Text Chat Mode: • Deep grammar explanations when you need them • Writing practice for composition skills • Perfect for quiet environments like office, library, or public transport WHY VOCALOCO ACTUALLY WORKS • No scripted lessons - just natural conversation flow • Learn colloquial expressions real people actually use • Build confidence gradually through daily practice • Track vocabulary automatically - Lulu remembers every word you learn • Practice anywhere, anytime - no scheduling or pressure PERFECT FOR • Travelers preparing for real conversations abroad • Students who need speaking practice beyond textbooks • Professionals building confidence for international work • Busy learners who want efficient, flexible practice • Anyone tired of boring language apps that feel like homework WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION • 8 Minute Daily Lessons • Pronunciation Feedback • Text Lulu at any time • Save Words and Phrases • Games, flashcards, and quizzes A Vocaloco subscription is required to access all features. Plans available: annual, monthly, and weekly. START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY 3-day free trial - experience the difference of learning with an AI friend who actually remembers you! Ready to have real conversations? Download Vocaloco and meet Lulu - your AI conversation partner who's waiting to help you master any of 32+ languages. Whether you're ordering gelato in Rome, negotiating in Seoul, or chatting with locals in São Paulo - Lulu's got your back!

Screenshots

Speakin' Ilonggo4 screens
Vocaloco4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Speakin' Ilonggo at 100% against Vocaloco's 23%. Speakin' Ilonggo also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 5). Vocaloco's advantage is price (Free vs $8.99) and ratings volume (309 vs 9). On ads 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

Vocaloco is free to download; Speakin' Ilonggo costs $8.99 up front. Vocaloco sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Speakin' Ilonggo asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Speakin' Ilonggo holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Vocaloco has 309 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Speakin' Ilonggo's written reviews are positive against 23% of Vocaloco's.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
Speakin' Ilonggo versus Vocaloco: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpeakin' IlonggoVocaloco
Price$8.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (9 ratings) — better4.4 (309 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better22.9% of reviews
Number of ratings9309 — better
Update frequency—Every 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#161 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB131 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPaul SoderquistVocaloco LLC

Customer experience

Speakin' Ilonggo

All ratings9 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Vocaloco

All ratings293 ratings
Positive84.3%
Neutral4.4%
Negative11.3%
Written reviews35 reviews
Positive22.9%
Neutral14.3%
Negative62.9%

Bugs and requests

Speakin' Ilonggo

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Vocaloco

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Stuck on certain screens with no way to exit
  • Incorrect language flag icons

Requested features

3 requests
  • Improve pronunciation accuracy, especially for Tagalog
  • Add more language options
  • Provide more free lessons

In-app purchases

None

Speakin' Ilonggo

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

Vocaloco

Subscriptions5
  • Vocaloco Premium (Weekly)3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Vocaloco Premium (Monthly)3 Days trial$12.991 Month
  • Vocaloco Premium (Monthly)3 Days trial$14.991 Month
Show 2 more
  • Vocaloco Premium (Annual)3 Days trial$99.991 Year
  • Vocaloco Premium (Annual)3 Days trial$119.991 Year

Questions

Is Speakin' Ilonggo free?
Speakin' Ilonggo costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Vocaloco free?
Vocaloco is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Speakin' Ilonggo or Vocaloco?
Speakin' Ilonggo is rated higher. Speakin' Ilonggo averages 5.0 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Vocaloco averages 4.4 from 309 ratings.
Do Speakin' Ilonggo or Vocaloco have ads?
Neither Speakin' Ilonggo nor Vocaloco shows ads.

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