# Memrise vs Tandem

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Memrise at 68% against Tandem's 47%. Memrise also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and ratings volume (217K vs 38K). Tandem's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Memrise sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Tandem sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Memrise holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Memrise has 217K ratings behind it against 38K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Memrise's written reviews are positive against 47% of Tandem's.

Memrise ships an update fortnightly, Tandem every 6 days. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Memrise | Tandem |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (217K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/memrise-language-learning-app/id635966718/reviews)** | [4.6 (38K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tandem-practice-languages/id959001619/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **217K** | 38K |
| Positive reviews | **68.1% of reviews** | 47.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #164 | **#157** |
| Size | 238 MB | 301 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Memrise Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/506043249) | [Tripod Technology GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/606999648) |

## What reviewers say

### Memrise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/memrise-language-learning-app/id635966718)

**Currently charting:** #164 Top Grossing · Education, #179 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Learn over 40 languages through immersive lessons that simulate real-life conversations and cultural experiences. Practice vocabulary, listening, and speaking with AI-powered bots and native speaker videos to build confidence and speak like a local.

**Highlights:** Real-life conversation simulation, Cultural insights, Vocabulary and listening practice, Speaking practice with AI, Native speaker videos, Learn over 40 languages

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Language Learning Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Language Learning Plan | $24.99 | per month |
| 3-Month Language Learning Plan | $24.99 | per 3 months |
| 30% off Annual Memrise Pro | $42.99 | per year |
| Memrise Subscription Offer | $58.99 | per year |
| Memrise Subscription Offer | $59.99 | per month |
| Annual Language Learning Plan | $61.99 | per year |
| Memrise Annual Pro | $61.99 | per year |
| Memrise Subscription Offer | $61.99 | per year |
| Memrise Subscription Offer | $79.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Plan Offer | $98.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan Offer | $131.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan Offer | $164.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Plan | $329.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great for learning basics
- 👍 Engaging and fun learning experience
- 👍 Effective memorization techniques
- 👍 Useful for supplementing language learning
- 👍 Variety of languages available

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription is too expensive
- 🔒 Limited functionality without subscription
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches in the app
- 🤖 AI conversations are not very helpful
- 🤔 Transition from basics to more advanced content is too abrupt

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes during lessons
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Issues with syncing progress across devices
- Incorrect translations or pronunciations in some courses

**Requested features**

- Add more advanced content and courses
- Improve AI conversation feature
- Allow more control over review and repetition
- Provide offline access to courses
- Improve search and discovery of community courses


### Tandem

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tandem-practice-languages/id959001619)

**Currently charting:** #157 Top Free · Education, #162 Top Grossing · Education (US App Store)

Connect with native speakers globally to practice and learn new languages through text, voice, and video calls. This community-driven app helps you boost vocabulary, perfect pronunciation, and grasp grammar with features like in-app translation and message correction.

**Highlights:** Connect with native speakers, 1-to-1 chats, Group audio learning (Parties), In-app translation, Voice and video calls, Message correction

**Features:** Family Sharing, iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tandem Pro | $14.99 | per month |
| Tandem Pro | $14.99 | per month |
| Tandem Pro - 1 Month | $14.99 | per month |
| Tandem Pro Plus - 1 month | $14.99 | per month |
| Tandem Pro | $26.90 | per 3 months |
| Tandem Pro | $26.90 | per 3 months |
| Tandem Pro | $38.99 | per year |
| Tandem Pro Intro - 12 months | $39.99 | per year |
| Tandem Pro Plus - 12 months | $64.99 | per year |
| Tandem Pro | $69.90 | per year |
| Tandem Pro | $69.90 | per year |
| Tandem Pro | $69.99 | per year |
| Tandem Pro Intro - 12 months | $80.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great for language learning
- 👍 Helpful features like translation and correction
- 🌎 Connects people from around the world
- 💡 Innovative concept for language exchange

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy and glitchy app
- 💬 Difficulty maintaining conversations
- 📤 Excessive ads and paywalls
- 🔒 Privacy and safety concerns
- ⚠️ Moderation issues and unfair bans

**Reported bugs**

- Messages not being delivered or synced properly
- Frequent crashes and app instability
- Login and account issues when switching devices

**Requested features**

- Better search and filtering options
- Ability to save/review past conversations
- Group chat or language party features
- More language options beyond just popular ones


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Memrise free?

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

### Is Tandem free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Memrise or Tandem?

Memrise is rated higher. Memrise averages 4.8 out of 5 from 217K ratings, while Tandem averages 4.6 from 38K ratings.

### Do Memrise or Tandem have ads?

Both Memrise and Tandem show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Memrise or Tandem?

Memrise ships an update fortnightly, and Tandem every 6 days. Most recently, Memrise was updated on October 18, 2026 and Tandem on October 18, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Memrise or Tandem?

Memrise currently peaks at #164 in the App Store charts, and Tandem at #157. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*