When it comes to language lessons, it’s hard to beat online websites that use the power of communication tools. Combining the power of live face-to-face learning, and the flexibility of scheduling, it's arguably the most powerful way to learn a language.As research from the National Training Laboratories shows, humans retain only 5% of what we learn from lectures, 10% from reading, but 90% of what we use and teach others. This goes to show that participatory learning is up to 18x more effective than passive learning.

This is especially true when it comes to learning a language because we learned our first native language by speaking with others. When people always ask us why they should take lessons with professional teachers when Duolingo is free, we point them straight to the scientific data. There's no arguing cognitive science in the way humans were designed to learn.The other problem is, there are a growing number of websites that either don't match the quality of teachers they initially promise, or overcharge the cost of these lessons.

To help you save time, we've curated our top 10 favorite websites to take language lessons online. These include conversation exchanges, forums, and professional teaching websites. As we'll share below, quality does not need to be sacrificed for affordability. Enjoy! 

10 Language Lessons Websites Online For Any Level

1. Rype

Rype was founded with the mission that quality language lessons should be offered at fair and simple prices. That's when the company first introduced a simple monthly membership model into the language learning industry.

 What we personally take pride in above all is the quality of teachers we allow into our teacher network. Every teacher is fully vetted and interviewed before they're allowed in. From there, each one undergoes a trial period with the requirement to maintain a 4.5+ star rating or higher. Say goodbye to overpaying for average lessons, say hello to quality and fair prices. 

2. Mylanguageexchange.com

With members in over 130 countries speaking 115 languages, My Language Exchange may be for you if you’d like to learn a new language while teaching another person your native tongue. If you have the time to spend, it can be a valuable way to learn, teach, and make new friends at the same time! 

3. Conversationexchange.com

While the method is similar to My Language Exchange, the format it not- Conversation Exchange allows you to practice the language you’re learning in person with native speakers in your city. We love this concept, but would be remiss if we didn’t remind you to always meet in a public place! 

4. Fluentin3months.com/forum

With almost 80,000 members on it’s forum, this is a great way to meet and chat with other people who are learning a language. 

5. Interpals

Interpals definitely has our vote! Chat online or find a pen-pal who will help you learn the language of your choice. There are dozens upon dozens of languages to choose from, and most have hundreds (if not thousands) of users available! 

6. HiNative

HiNative is an awesome app that allows you to ask native speakers for help with pronunciation, writing in their language, and culture. There is an excellent community of people within this app, and it’s definitely worth a look. 

7. HelloTalk

Another great app that connect language learners with native speakers willing to help them learn! You can choose from over 100 languages, and search for people by their location, or yours! 

8. Verbal Planet

Verbal Planet is a Skype-based platform that provides language lessons online with language tutors. It's priced at around $22 for 45-minutes, which comes to around $28/hour.

9. LiveMocha

LiveMocha is a conversation exchange to meet like-minded language learners and even take language lessons online within the community. Keep in mind these are not vetted or trained teachers, but just someone that knows how to speak the language.

10. Open English

OpenEnglish focuses solely on English, and is a Rosetta Stone like application that also includes group lessons. Members pay upfront for a yearly contract ($1,000+) and gain access to group lessons available throughout the day from US-based teachers.