Busuu vs. Gymglish: which is best?

Launched in 2008, Busuu is an online language lesson platform currently offering 12 languages.

Busuu is available on desktop, mobile devices and tablets. More than 100 million people worldwide use this learning platform.

The Busuu method

Once users have registered, the platform asks which language users wish to learn as well as the reason for learning it (for a trip, for work, to learn about different cultures, etc.). Then, the user can either choose their level among the 4 available levels (A1, A2, B1 or B2) or decide to take a placement test.

Busuu offers ten to fifteen lessons per level, with a total of 60 lessons per language. Users also have access to vocabulary lists based on their lessons.

Each course is made up of several modules to work on four language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing). Each lesson unit showcases a specific theme (cooking, travel, shopping, etc.) and is designed to teach new, useful vocabulary in stages. At the end of the module, the learner completes practice exercises and takes quizzes. Busuu also offers a voice recording exercise in which users can record a dialogue which can be corrected by another user on the platform. Unlike other language learning platforms, the correction of exercises is carried out by members of the community.

The Busuu method is based on several principles:

Microlearning: short learning sessions of 10 minutes per day
Personalized learning plan: called a “study plan”, this feature allows each learner to create a personalized learning plan to achieve a specific goal.
Conversation tool with native speakers (correction, speaking, etc.)

The Gymglish method

Since 2004, Gymglish has been offering fun, adaptive online lessons for languages and more, based on regular sessions to optimize long term gains and memorization because there’s no use developing wonderful educational tools if they aren’t used. Gymglish motivates and encourages its users to continue their progress by making e-learning as fun as possible.

A daily email or push notification: Gymglish users receive a lesson every morning (by email or push notification on mobiles and tablets), making lessons easily accessible. There’s no need to remember passwords or logins, meaning learners are more likely to stay on track.
Microlearning: 10 to 15 minutes a day is enough to complete a lesson. We recommend short but regular effort over the long run.
Adaptive learning: Our AI software adapts each lesson to the needs and level of the learner. He or she receives personalized content, explanations and corrections to make sure every minute is well spent.
Fun, practical content: Our lessons include diverse characters and personalities, various accents, professional and personal situations, all with a touch of humor. Using humor in our storytelling not only motivates the learner and stimulates memorization, but also addresses the great number of different ways we communicate, work and live together.
Spaced repetition learning: Depending on each individual’s learning speed and capacity to remember, the engine will define different time intervals for reviewing specific points. This optimizes long-term memorization and makes sure revision is as effective as possible.

Click here to find out more about Gymglish’s approach.

Busuu Features:

Language skills tested: listening, reading, speaking, writing
24/7 access to video lessons thanks to a database of 100,000 professional teachers
Voice recognition system
Collaborative correction system
An official McGraw-Hill Education certificate at the end of each CEFR level (only for English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese)
Offline mode
Access to progress statistics via a weekly report

Features of Gymglish:

Language skills tested: reading, listening and writing
Innovative learning technologies: adaptive learning, spaced learning, and microlearning to ensure retention of knowledge over time
End-of-training learning report with statistics on learner’s level, progress and participation
Access to a User Space which includes latest lessons and corrections, areas of interest, statistics on each learner’s level, progress and participation rate, etc.
Fun and engaging content to keep users motivated
Cultural references at the end of each lesson (films, series, songs, quote, etc.)
Free level assessment
Personalization of lessons according to each learner’s level, strengths and weaknesses.

Find out more about Gymglish’s features.

Busuu: for which level?

Busuu targets 4 levels:

Beginner (A1)
Elementary (A2)
Intermediate (B1)
Advanced Intermediate (B2)

Busuu is not intended for more advanced levels (C1 and C2).

Gymglish: for which level?

Gymglish is suitable for all levels except true beginners and offers a free seven-day trial after which each learner will receive a complete level assessment (containing an outline of their current strengths and weaknesses).

How much does Busuu cost?

Busuu offers both free and premium versions.

In the free version, users have access to only one language with limited features.

In the premium version, learners have access to all language courses and features. Prices range from € 10.99/month for a one-month subscription to € 6.66/month for a 12-month subscription and € 6.24/month for a 24-month subscription.

How much does Gymglish cost?

All Gymglish language course prices are available here.

Gymglish vs. Busuu at a glance

	Busuu	Gymglish
Free trial	No	Yes (7 days)
User languages	13	12
Number of language courses	12	5 language courses
Platform	Mobile application / Desktop	IOS and Android mobile application / Desktop
Strong points	Microlearning Native speaker community Official certificate issued at the end of the course Offline mode	Adaptive learning Microlearning Spaced learning Fun and humorous content Certification Personalized learning plan Cultural references
Prices	Free or paid version: from € 6.24/month	From € 14 /month
Subscription period	1, 12 or 24-month subscription (Premium version only)	6 to 36 months.
Levels	Beginner and intermediate levels (A1 to B2)	All levels except true beginners (A2 to C2)
Language skills tested	Listening, reading, speaking, writing	Reading, listening and writing

Try Gymglish’s online language courses (English, French, Spanish, German or Italian): short, personalized, fun lessons.

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