Rocket Languages Review: A Comprehensive Review of Online Language Learning Courses

 

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Rocket Languages is a well-known name in the world of online language learning courses. With its extensive range of language options and unique features, Rocket Languages has gained recognition as one of the best platforms for language learners. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the main features, language options, learning experience, areas of improvement, pricing, alternatives, and user ratings of Rocket Languages. So, let’s dive in and explore what Rocket Languages has to offer!

Rocket Languages Overview

As an avid language learner, finding the right language learning app is crucial. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a platform that aligns with your learning goals and provides an effective and engaging learning experience. Rocket Languages aims to meet these criteria by offering a comprehensive approach to language learning. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Rocket Languages has courses tailored to your needs.

Main Features of Rocket Languages

Rocket Languages stands out from other language learning apps with its array of features designed to enhance your language learning journey. Let’s take a closer look at the main features that Rocket Languages offers:

Audio Lessons

The core focus of Rocket Languages is to help you become conversational in your chosen language. To achieve this, Rocket Languages utilizes audio lessons that enable you to start speaking from day one. These lessons typically range from 15 to 40 minutes, making them easily manageable and preventing information overload. You can stream the lessons directly in the app or download them for offline practice. Each lesson revolves around a complete conversation, allowing you to practice speaking and answering in the target language.

Play It!

One unique feature of Rocket Languages is the “Play It!” functionality. After listening to a conversation in the audio lessons, you have the opportunity to play the role of one of the speakers. This feature enables you to mimic real-life conversations and develop your own sentences, enhancing your comfort and fluency in the language.

Rocket Reinforcement

In addition to the audio lessons, Rocket Languages provides various ways to reinforce what you’ve learned. These include flashcards, listening and speaking practice, writing activities, and quizzes to test your knowledge. These activities help you remember and practice the language, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. If you’re looking for additional practice, apps like Drops and Clozemaster can complement your Rocket Languages course.

Language and Culture Lessons

Rocket Languages takes a holistic approach to language learning by incorporating culture lessons alongside language lessons. While many other language learning apps solely focus on teaching the language, Rocket Languages recognizes the importance of understanding the culture behind the language. This feature allows you to communicate more effectively and naturally with native speakers.

Speech Recognition

Rocket Languages recently introduced speech recognition technology to its platform. This feature enables you to improve your pronunciation by comparing your speech to that of native speakers. While technology can be helpful for individual practice, engaging in conversations with native speakers is ultimately the best way to sound more like a native speaker. Platforms like italki and Preply provide opportunities to connect with language tutors for personalized language practice.

Points and Badges

For those who enjoy gamified aspects, Rocket Languages offers a points and badges system. Every completed activity earns you points, allowing you to climb the leaderboard. This feature can provide motivation to complete more activities and practice exercises. Additionally, Rocket Languages tracks your daily study streak, encouraging you to maintain consistent learning habits.

Additional Features

Rocket Languages offers several additional features to enhance your learning experience:

1. Benchmarks: These tests help determine your current language level and track your progress over time.
2. Saved Notes and Vocabulary: This feature allows you to review specific parts of the lessons and save words and phrases for later practice.
3. Rocket Certifications: After completing each module of a Rocket Languages course, you have the option to take a certification test. While these certificates are not official, they can serve as a personal achievement.
4. Forum for Questions: Rocket Languages provides a forum where you can ask questions to other language learners. However, the forum activity may be limited, so alternative platforms like Reddit or Quora may be more active for language-related queries.

Languages Available on Rocket Languages

Rocket Languages currently offers courses for a wide range of languages. Whether you’re interested in learning Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese, American Sign Language (ASL), or English, Rocket Languages has you covered. Each course is unique to the specific language, ensuring tailored content that meets the needs of learners. It’s important to note that each language course is sold separately, unlike some other language learning apps that offer access to multiple languages with a single subscription.

Rocket Languages Review: Learning Experience

The learning experience with Rocket Languages is generally positive. The courses are well-structured and easy to follow, allowing for a logical progression of skills. The app provides ample opportunities for practice, ensuring that you can apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations. However, some users have reported that the lessons can become repetitive over time. Additionally, the frequent use of English in the lessons, even at more advanced levels, may detract from creating an immersive language learning environment.

One notable strength of Rocket Languages is the use of native speakers in the audio lessons. This ensures that the language and phrases reflect authentic usage, helping you sound more natural. The comprehensive approach, which includes cultural lessons, also sets Rocket Languages apart from other language learning platforms.

Areas of Improvement

While Rocket Languages offers a solid language learning experience, there are areas that could be improved. One aspect that may not appeal to all learners is the frequent use of English in the lessons. For those seeking a more immersive environment, this reliance on English may hinder their language acquisition.

Another area in need of improvement is the discrepancy in course offerings. Some languages have multiple levels and modules, while others have limited content. This inconsistency may make Rocket Languages more suitable for popular languages like Spanish and French, but less comprehensive for less commonly studied languages like Arabic and Korean.

Rocket Languages Pricing and Subscriptions

The pricing structure of Rocket Languages varies depending on the language and the number of levels you choose to purchase. Prices range from $99.95 to $449.85. Here is a breakdown of the pricing for each course:

• Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish:
• Level 1: $149.95
• Levels 1-2: $299.90
• Levels 1-3: $449.85 (or $75/month for 6 months)
• Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Portuguese, Russian:
• Level 1: $149.95 (or $27/month for 6 months)
• English, Sign Language (ASL):
• Level 1: $99.95 (or $20/month for 6 months)

It’s worth noting that Rocket Languages frequently offers coupons, ranging from 10% off to over 60% off the total purchase price. Keep an eye out for these coupons, especially during major holidays and back-to-school seasons in August.

Rocket Languages Alternatives and Competitors

While Rocket Languages offers a comprehensive language learning experience, there are alternative platforms worth considering. Some notable competitors include Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, Babbel, and Duolingo. Each platform has its unique features and strengths.

Rosetta Stone, known for its immersive approach, provides a language learning experience without the use of English. This can be beneficial for learners seeking a fully immersive environment. However, Rocket Languages offers more in-depth explanations in English and focuses on natural conversations, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a balance between formal and informal language usage.

Pimsleur, like Rocket Languages, focuses on audio-based learning. Both platforms offer complete courses for popular languages. While Rocket Languages provides more updated content and additional practice options, Pimsleur’s scientifically-backed methodology allows for quick and effective language acquisition. Both platforms offer free trials, allowing you to compare and choose the one that suits your learning style.

Duolingo, a popular language learning app, offers a free platform with gamified features. However, the quality of its language courses may not be on par with Rocket Languages. While both apps cover useful topics, Rocket Languages’ conversations are more natural and relevant to real-life situations. Additionally, Rocket Languages provides cultural lessons, which Duolingo lacks. It’s important to note that Duolingo is ad-supported, which may interrupt the learning experience.

Babbel, another popular language learning app, offers a monthly subscription starting at $9.99. Babbel’s lessons delve deeper into the language, while Rocket Languages provides more opportunities for practice. Both platforms offer free trials, allowing you to test them out and determine which one best suits your needs.

Rocket Languages User Ratings

Taking into account various user reviews from different platforms, Rocket Languages has received mixed ratings. Here is an overview of the average ratings across different sources:

• Langoly: 8.25/10
• PCMag: 7.0/10
• G2: 8.0/10
• Apple App Store: 6.8/10
• Google Play Store: 9.2/10

It’s important to note that user ratings can vary based on individual preferences and experiences. The best way to determine if Rocket Languages is the right fit for you is to try it out for yourself.

Conclusion

Rocket Languages offers a comprehensive language learning experience with its range of courses, unique features, and focus on natural conversations. While there are areas for improvement, such as reducing the use of English and ensuring consistency across all language courses, Rocket Languages remains a solid choice for language learners.

With its extensive language options, audio lessons, cultural lessons, and additional practice activities, Rocket Languages provides a well-rounded learning experience. Whether you’re aiming to become conversational or seeking a solid foundation in a new language, Rocket Languages can help you achieve your language learning goals.

So, if you’re ready to embark on your language learning journey, give Rocket Languages a try and see how it can enhance your language skills. Happy learning!