Written by: Luan Cavallaro, Founder & CMO, BeConfident

If you have ever used Duolingo to learn English, you probably noticed that it helps a lot with vocabulary and basic grammar. However, when it comes to speaking, fluency and confidence might not show up.

This article presents seven options focused on speaking practice, featuring real interactions and helpful feedback for Brazilians who want to express themselves naturally in English.

Why doesn't Duolingo solve speaking fluency?

Apps like Duolingo use gamification to keep users engaged. This works well for learning initial words and rules, but the lack of human interaction or dialogue simulations limits speaking progress. Without pronunciation corrections or practical context, it is hard to advance. Tools like this help with the basics, but speaking requires more dynamic practice.

Gamification gives a sense of progress with points and levels, but it doesn't prepare you for the unpredictability of a real conversation. Talking to someone requires processing ideas quickly, forming sentences in the moment, and dealing with interruptions. These skills only develop with direct speaking practice.

How can Brazilians overcome the speaking barrier?

In Brazil, English learning often focuses on reading and writing, leaving speaking aside. This creates a block when it's time to speak, even when there is comprehension of the language. Lack of confidence is one of the biggest challenges for many students. Platforms focused on speaking help overcome this, offering safe spaces to practice and learn from mistakes.

This obstacle is common among adults who studied English in school but never actually had real conversations. Despite having the vocabulary, the fear of making mistakes or sounding weird holds them back. Start changing this now with a free trial on BeConfident and gain the confidence to speak.

7 options to practice English conversation

BeConfident: practice with AI tutors anytime

BeConfident is a platform that uses artificial intelligence to help Brazilians speak English more naturally. You practice realistic dialogues with AI tutors available 24 hours a day, featuring different accents and personalities, like an American photographer or a South African lawyer. It is possible to chat via text or audio, directly on WhatsApp or on the iOS and Android app, adapting to your routine. Personalized plans and immediate feedback are part of the package.

Another distinctive feature is learning by talking about topics you like, with real-time corrections for grammar and pronunciation. The platform also has monthly rankings and prizes to motivate consistent practice. With over 25,000 students in 62 countries, BeConfident has 10 unique characters to make the experience varied and engaging.

Babbel: dialogues for everyday situations

Babbel focuses on practical conversations for daily use, with short lessons created by experts. The dialogues simulate real situations, like traveling or work, and the spaced repetition system helps retain what you learn. Available for Android and iOS, it is a good choice for intermediate learners who want to apply English in practical contexts.

While Babbel offers structure, BeConfident complements it with unlimited practice and live feedback. Simulating everyday conversations with AI characters helps reinforce learning in a more interactive way.

Busuu: native feedback and collaborative learning

Busuu allows you to practice with native speakers, where users correct each other's exercises. This improves writing and, indirectly, speaking. The content adapts to your goals, covering everything from the basics to professional topics. The ability to set daily goals makes learning more dynamic.

Busuu has the benefit of community, but BeConfident delivers immediate corrections with AI tutors available at any time. You don't have to wait for feedback and can practice as many times as you want.

HelloTalk and Tandem: connection with native speakers

HelloTalk and Tandem connect you with native English speakers around the world. The idea is to exchange languages, teaching Portuguese while learning English. Both offer text and audio chat, voice and video calls, as well as correction tools. It is an authentic way to practice, as you speak with real people in common situations.

While these apps provide human contact, BeConfident helps overcome shyness with unlimited practice before interacting with native speakers, offering a safe environment to build confidence.

Falou: improve your pronunciation with technology

Falou is an app dedicated to pronunciation and fluency, using voice recognition to give detailed feedback in real-time. The activities cover everyday situations, making the learning applicable. It is ideal for anyone who wants to correct their pronunciation and sound more natural when speaking English.

Falou focuses on pronunciation, but BeConfident integrates this into complete dialogues. Practicing within a conversational context helps you use appropriate intonation and rhythm.

ELSA Speak: personalized pronunciation training

ELSA Speak uses AI to identify pronunciation errors and create tailored exercises. With a varied accent database, it helps make your speech clearer. The friendly interface and progress charts keep you motivated. It is a good tool to refine oral communication.

Just like ELSA Speak, BeConfident works on pronunciation, but within real conversations with AI tutors. This ensures you apply what you learn in contextual situations.

Preply and Engoo: private online classes

Preply and Engoo connect students to English teachers for one-on-one online classes. They are not gamified like Duolingo, but they offer speaking practice with human feedback. Preply has many tutors with different accents and prices, while Engoo focuses on casual conversations. They are options for those who prefer direct interaction with a teacher.

These platforms bring human contact, but BeConfident allows you to practice at any time without scheduling. Preparing with BeConfident before classes on Preply can boost your confidence. Try a free trial and see how practice makes a difference.

Comparison: BeConfident and other conversation tools

To help you choose, here is a comparison featuring the main features of each platform.

The table shows that each tool has its strengths. For continuous conversation and flexibility, BeConfident stands out with unlimited practice, immediate feedback, and access through WhatsApp.

Which tool should you choose for your conversation practice?

The best option depends on your profile and goals. If you prefer human contact and have time, HelloTalk and Tandem are good choices to talk with native speakers. For those seeking structure, Babbel and Busuu offer organized progression with a partial focus on speaking.

If flexibility and intensive practice are priorities, BeConfident deserves attention. With AI tutors available 24 hours a day, it helps overcome barriers like lack of time or shyness, creating a safe space to learn. Try a free trial and discover how to speak English with confidence.

Tips to accelerate your speaking progress

Some strategies help improve your conversation skills, regardless of the tool chosen. Practice a little bit every day, even if it's only 15 minutes. Consistency is worth more than long, occasional sessions.

Speak about varied topics, such as hobbies, work, or opinions. This expands your vocabulary and prepares you for spontaneous conversations. On BeConfident, you choose topics of interest to dialogue with different characters.

Don't avoid mistakes; they are part of learning. Making mistakes shows that you are challenging yourself. BeConfident offers a judgment-free environment to practice and improve.

Combine resources. Use BeConfident for daily practice, HelloTalk to speak with native speakers, and Preply for structured classes. This mix accelerates your progress with complementary experiences.

Common questions about alternatives to Duolingo

Is Duolingo good for English conversation?

Not completely. It is useful for beginners to learn vocabulary and grammar, but it does not offer real dialogue practice or contextual feedback. Tools like BeConfident focus on speaking, helping you gain fluency for everyday interactions.

Can you become fluent just with apps?

Yes, as long as you use tools focused on conversation, like BeConfident, which simulate dialogues and provide immediate feedback. Practicing speaking regularly and exposing yourself to different accents and situations is essential.

What makes BeConfident different?

BeConfident combines AI tutors available 24/7, access via WhatsApp, and instant feedback on pronunciation and grammar. Unlike apps focused only on native speakers or pronunciation, it offers contextualized dialogues with multiple accents to build confidence.

Do I need an advanced level to use these tools?

No. Many options, including BeConfident, adapt to all levels, from basic to advanced. Personalized plans help you progress at your own pace, regardless of where you start.

How much does it cost to access these platforms?

Prices vary. HelloTalk and Tandem have free versions, with premium options between R$ 20 and R$ 50 per month. Babbel and Busuu cost from R$ 30 to R$ 80 monthly. Preply offers classes from R$ 25 to R$ 150 per hour. BeConfident provides unlimited access to conversations and feedback 24 hours a day.

Overcome the block and speak English with confidence

Although Duolingo has its place in early learning, speaking fluency requires more. The listed tools deliver real practice and feedback that gamified apps cannot provide. For Brazilians seeking naturalness when speaking English, BeConfident is a practical and affordable option.

With AI tutors available at any time, it helps you prepare for situations like meetings or trips. The integration with WhatsApp makes it easy to include learning in your daily routine. More than 25,000 students in 62 countries have already noticed an increase in confidence and fluency with BeConfident.

It's time to stop just studying and start speaking. Unleash your potential with consistent practice. Want to speak English without fear? Click here for a free trial on BeConfident via WhatsApp.