The Pimsleur method is a long-standing, highly-regarded audio program focused on developing conversational skills. Each 30-minute lesson uses a question-and-answer format that prompts the listener to recall and construct phrases, effectively building active recall. This audio-lingual approach is excellent for improving listening comprehension and pronunciation, quickly building confidence for speaking basic conversations. The program intentionally minimizes reading and writing to focus on the sounds of the language. While exceptionally effective for auditory learners, it must be supplemented with other resources for deep grammar knowledge and literacy skills.

LingoDeer is often seen as a more structured alternative to apps like Duolingo. It provides a well-organized curriculum with detailed grammar explanations at the beginning of each lesson, which is especially helpful for understanding complex languages. The app is highly regarded for its courses in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. While its lesson format can feel repetitive, it builds a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary for beginner to intermediate learners.