# Umi vs Lingala

The clearest difference is rating: Umi at 4.8 against Lingala's 1.0. Umi also leads on ratings volume (2.8K vs 1). Lingala's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Umi sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and Lingala sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Umi holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Umi has 2.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Umi ships an update every 10 days, Lingala weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Umi | Lingala |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umi-language-learning/id1628381103/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingala-learn-and-speak/id6746335867/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 52.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 79 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Immersely Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1628381105) | [Diarno Diouf](https://appshunter.io/developer/1786779974) |

## What reviewers say

### Umi

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/umi-language-learning/id1628381103)

Master a new language through engaging TV clips, from beginner to fluent in a year. This app offers a fun, scientifically backed immersion method with vocabulary, listening, and reading practice. Learn from native speakers in real-life contexts without textbooks or lectures.

**Highlights:** Learn languages from 0 to fluency, Watch TV clips for learning, Vocabulary, listening, and reading practice, Immersion method, Learn from native speakers, 24 free lessons

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Umi Plus + Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Umi Plus - Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Umi Premium - Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Umi Pro - Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| Umi Plus - 6 months | $34.99 | per 6 months |
| Umi Plus + Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Umi Plus - Annual | $49.99 | per year |
| Umi Premium - Annual | $59.99 | per year |
| Umi Pro - Annual | $69.99 | per year |
| Umi - Plus | $149.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Engaging and immersive learning experience
- 👍 Helpful for improving listening and comprehension
- 💡 Unique approach using real-world media clips
- 🤩 Fun and enjoyable way to learn vocabulary

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate translations and subtitles
- 🐛 Inconsistent clip quality and content
- 💰 Paywall limits free access to full features
- 🤔 Lack of structured learning progression

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent app crashes and loading issues
- Inability to delete account or access full free version
- Inconsistent performance and playback problems

**Requested features**

- Add more language options like Mandarin and Russian
- Improve spaced repetition and word review system
- Provide more detailed grammar and conjugation explanations
- Add a search function to find specific vocabulary


### Lingala

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lingala-learn-and-speak/id6746335867)

Learn to speak Lingala with short, daily lessons featuring native speaker audio. Practice pronunciation, use smart flashcards, and track your progress with daily streaks. Start speaking real conversations in minutes a day.

**Highlights:** Bite-size daily lessons, Native-speaker pronunciation, Smart flashcards, Pronunciation practice, Daily streaks and progress tracking, Offline access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Umi free?

Umi is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Lingala free?

Lingala is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Umi or Lingala?

Umi is rated higher. Umi averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.8K ratings, while Lingala averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Umi or Lingala have ads?

Umi shows ads; Lingala does not.

### Which is updated more often, Umi or Lingala?

Umi ships an update every 10 days, and Lingala weekly. Most recently, Umi was updated on November 7, 2026 and Lingala on November 5, 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.*