# Fluenz vs Michel Thomas Language Library

Fluenz and Michel Thomas Language Library both sit at 4.2 stars, but that hides the real split: 66% of Fluenz's written reviews are positive against 41% of Michel Thomas Language Library's. Fluenz also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Fluenz sells 15 one-off in-app purchases and Michel Thomas Language Library sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for Fluenz against 4.2 for Michel Thomas Language Library. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 115 and 156 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 66% of Fluenz's written reviews are positive against 41% of Michel Thomas Language Library's.

Fluenz ships an update every 3 months, Michel Thomas Language Library every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Fluenz | Michel Thomas Language Library |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (115 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluenz/id829383171/reviews) | [4.2 (156 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michel-thomas-language-library/id1429578528/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 115 | **156** |
| Positive reviews | **66.0% of reviews** | 40.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 58 MB | 97 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fluenz](https://appshunter.io/developer/829383174) | [Hachette UK (Holdings)Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/361205465) |

## What reviewers say

### Fluenz

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluenz/id829383171)

This app offers a comprehensive language learning experience designed specifically for English speakers. It combines video explanations with interactive exercises and flashcards to help users achieve fluency in languages like Spanish, French, and German. Learn anytime, anywhere with downloadable content and seamless syncing across devices.

**Highlights:** Designed for English speakers, Video explanations of language concepts, Interactive reading, writing, and listening workouts, Flashcards for vocabulary and grammar, Downloadable lessons and podcasts, Syncs across mobile and desktop

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| French Upgraded 1 | $179.99 | one-time |
| Italian 1 | $179.99 | one-time |
| Spanish Upgraded LA 1 | $179.99 | one-time |
| Mandarin Upgraded 1+2+3 | $299.99 | one-time |
| French Upgraded 1+2+3 | $299.99 | one-time |
| Italian 1+2+3 | $299.99 | one-time |
| Portuguese 1+2+3 | $299.99 | one-time |
| German 1+2+3 | $299.99 | one-time |
| Spanish Spain 1+2+3 | $299.99 | one-time |
| French Upgraded 1+2+3+4+5 | $349.99 | one-time |
| German 1+2+3+4+5 | $349.99 | one-time |
| Italian 1+2+3+4+5 | $349.99 | one-time |
| Spanish Spain 1+2+3+4+5 | $349.99 | one-time |
| Spanish Upgraded LA 1+2+3+4+5 | $349.99 | one-time |
| Portuguese 1+2+3+4+5 | $349.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👨‍🏫 Excellent teaching methodology and grammar explanations
- 📚 Comprehensive multi-level curriculum with structured progression
- 🎯 Effective learning approach combining reading, writing, and speaking
- ⭐ High-quality instructor-led sessions and personal teaching style
- 🌍 Multiple language options available

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive upfront cost
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing issues
- 📥 Unreliable offline download functionality
- 🔊 Audio playback problems on some devices
- 🎬 Video playback issues and missing videos

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup or during lessons
- Audio not working or playing at very low volume
- Video playback failures or incomplete playback
- Downloaded lessons become corrupted or unplayable
- Text wrapping issues preventing sentence visibility

**Requested features**

- Shorter, more modular lessons
- Better offline download reliability
- Mac/MacBook Pro compatibility
- More language options (Japanese, Russian, Arabic)
- Additional Spanish levels beyond 5


### Michel Thomas Language Library

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/michel-thomas-language-library/id1429578528)

Learn languages naturally through an audio-based method without books or memorization. This app guides you from beginner to confident speaker by actively participating in simulated live lessons, building a solid foundation and speaking in full sentences from the start.

**Highlights:** Audio-based lessons, No books or memorization required, Learn from simulated live lessons, Active participation, Speak in full sentences from the start, Learn at your own pace

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pack of 11 Credits | $10.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 12 Credits | $11.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 90 Credits | $89.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 100 Credits | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧠 Excellent language learning methodology
- 🎯 Effective speaking-focused approach
- 📱 Convenient offline access to lessons
- ⏱️ Flexible short lesson format
- 🚗 Great for learning while driving

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
- ⏸️ Play/pause button unreliable
- 💰 High pricing compared to competitors
- 🔐 Account access and login issues
- 📉 Poor customer support responsiveness

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on login
- App crashes when opening audio files
- Pause/play button unresponsive when phone locked
- Pause button skips back 30 seconds
- Progress bar out of sync with audio

**Requested features**

- Bookmark/progress saving functionality
- Lesson completion tracking
- Better pause/play button responsiveness
- Improved UI design with larger control buttons
- MP3 file access for external players


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Fluenz free?

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

### Is Michel Thomas Language Library free?

Michel Thomas Language Library is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Fluenz or Michel Thomas Language Library?

Fluenz and Michel Thomas Language Library are both rated 4.2 out of 5 on the App Store, from 115 and 156 ratings respectively.

### Do Fluenz or Michel Thomas Language Library have ads?

Neither Fluenz nor Michel Thomas Language Library shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Fluenz or Michel Thomas Language Library?

Fluenz ships an update every 3 months, and Michel Thomas Language Library every 4 months. Most recently, Fluenz was updated on October 3, 2026 and Michel Thomas Language Library on October 6, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*