Shami vs Hob Learning
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Shami
This app focuses on teaching the Jordanian/Palestinian Arabic dialect, specifically the variant most common in Amman. It aims to assist learners by providing focused educational content for this particular dialect.
- Focuses on Jordanian/Palestinian dialect
- Teaches Amman's most spoken variant
- Aids Arabic language learners
- Valuable user feedback integration
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Shami is designed to help Arabic learners, particularly those who have chosen to study the Jordanian/Palestinian dialect. It's important to acknowledge the diversity of dialects in this region; however, Shami has specifically focused on the most widely spoken variant in Amman. We highly value your feedback, as it plays a huge role in shaping Shami to better meet the needs of Arabic learners!
Hob Learning
Learn spoken Levantine Arabic through structured courses, interactive exercises, and real-life videos from native speakers. This app focuses on practical conversation skills, helping you understand and respond in authentic dialogues.
- Structured Arabic courses
- Interactive vocabulary games
- Real-life video lessons
- Native speaker content
- Conversation dictionary
- Daily learning path
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Learn real spoken Levantine Arabic Most apps feel generic and disconnected from how people actually speak. Hob Learning teaches you real spoken Arabic, built for you to understand and respond in real conversations. YOUR DAILY PLAN (NO GUESSING) Open the app, follow your path, and make progress. No decisions and no overwhelm. WHAT YOU’LL GET: • 5 structured courses Built into your daily path • Vocabulary that actually sticks Interactive games + quizzes • Interactive listening activities Watch, toggle subtitles, and test your understanding with built-in questions • 600+ real-life videos From native speakers across the Levant • Dictionary built for real conversation Carefully selected and reviewed by experts for real-life use MADE FOR REAL LIFE Understand what people are saying. Actually know what to say back. NOT BUILT LIKE OTHER LANGUAGE APPS Most apps miss the nuance of real language. Hob is built by real speakers, with cultural context, so what you learn actually holds up in real life. Finally, a way to actually learn real Arabic. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ratings volume: Hob Learning at 81 against Shami's 2. On price, rating, update cadence and 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
Both are free to download. Shami sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.99 per month and Hob Learning sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Shami against 5.0 for Hob Learning. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hob Learning has 81 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Shami ships an update every 11 days, Hob Learning every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Shami | Hob Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (2 ratings) | 5.0 (81 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | — | 92.6% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 81 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | Every 6 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 40 MB | 75 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Khaleel Jamal Annajjar | Sofia Mitre |
Customer experience
Shami
Hob Learning
In-app purchases
Shami
- Shami Monthly Subscription$14.991 Month
Hob Learning
- Monthly Subscription14 Days trial$19.991 Month
- Annual Subscription14 Days trial$199.991 Year
