We know that there are many online apps that claim to have the perfect method for learning English. Among the best known is Pimsleur, so we decided to evaluate how its methodology works.
We studied the platform, its features, advantages, disadvantages, costs, and user reviews. This will give you a broader view of its service before you sign up. Let's get started!
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What is Pimsleur and how does it work?
Pimsleur is an online platform and app specializing in language learning, including a catalog with more than 50 different options to suit the goals of its users.
English stands out among the available languages because it offers courses specifically designed for students’ native language. For example, there are lessons tailored for Spanish speakers, though they do not include live teachers.
The courses focus mainly on audio lessons, pronunciation, and reading, while grammar is largely overlooked. They use their own leveling system rather than the Common European Framework of Reference.
Lessons cover a variety of topics, such as English phrases for expressing love, but their methodology does not address grammatical structures, like the correct use of the present continuous tense.
What is the Pimsleur Method all about?
The entire Pimsleur teaching system is based on studies conducted by Dr. Paul Pimsleur in the 1970s. He was a linguist who specialized in how we learn languages.
His studies have been updated over the years, but essentially they establish that any language is learned through speech, without the need to include complex grammatical rules during the teaching process.
Based on this, the Pimsleur app designed a system that offers short 30-minute lessons with constant readings and an AI-powered voice coach to recognize pronunciation errors.
It also includes sections focused on expanding vocabulary, role-playing games to practice conversations, and a streak system to motivate users to continue studying every day.
How much does it cost to study with Pimsleur?
To study topics such as goodbyes in English, Pimsleur offers two payment options.
The first is to pay for all English content on the platform for $350 USD, or $798 USD to access all available languages.
However, if you prefer to pay in installments, the second option is divided into 30 lessons for each language level, with the following prices:
- Level 1 Premium: $150 USD.
- Level 2 Premium: $150 USD.
- Level 3 Premium: $150 USD.
It is important to mention that the platform offers a free lesson so you can see how it works before enrolling in the course.
Advantages and disadvantages of learning English with Pimsleur
Let's now look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Pimsleur English course.
Advantages:
Available 24 hours a day
One of the platform’s key advantages is that you can access content anytime. Combined with short, manageable lessons, this flexibility makes it easy to fit studying into your schedule.
Updated lessons
The lessons are continually refreshed with practical, everyday topics like jobs in English, keeping students engaged and motivated to continue learning.
Focus on pronunciation
Pimsleur focuses on helping users speak fluently, integrating reading exercises, conversational practice, and voice recognition tools to improve pronunciation.
Master English through a complete and engaging learning method
Papora combines real-world practice, grammar, reading, and conversation in every class. Much more than just repeating phrases.
Discover the difference
Disadvantages:
No personalization
Although they offer unique courses for Spanish speakers, the truth is that their lessons lack personalization. At no point do they adapt to your learning pace or your language goals.
Very limited content
Learning how to say cool in English is important when you're just starting out in the language. However, when you are advancing in level, the platform falls short with its content, especially considering that they do not offer grammar classes.
Lack of real teachers
Its biggest disadvantage is the lack of experienced teachers who can offer you feedback on your progress. This is replaced by voice recognition, which, although it can be useful, does not give you a real perspective on English.
User reviews
The only way to know if a language platform delivers what it promises is through user reviews. That's why we're sharing some of the most notable ones with you.
Some people have been satisfied with Pimsleur's service, especially with how easy the app is to use:
“It's a very good app. It's easy to follow and the way it teaches you is very well done. Some languages don't have all the levels, but some important ones do.”
However, this is not the case for all students. The platform has received complaints about its content, highlighting that it is very simple and only aimed at the most basic levels:
“It's for beginners, i.e., “how are you?” type questions, and they explain what they consist of. It wouldn't be a problem if you could change the difficulty level, but they send you emails with promotions. You give it a try, looking to change the difficulty level, but there isn't one, so take a point off for wasting my time and not specifying that the app is for people who have never heard any English before.”
One of the most common comments we received referred to problems with course payments, as students were often charged for the service without their consent:
“Dear developers of this app, I have tried to cancel my subscription with this app and it has not been possible, and they have been charging me for two months now! This app does not appear as a subscription on Google Play. I want to cancel the subscription and get my money back, thank you.”
The cost of the course offered by the platform cannot be ignored, as its lessons are much more expensive than other options on the market. Even though the method is dynamic, the price makes it less accessible:
“To be honest, I thought the first lesson was really good. You feel like you're learning a lot even if you don't know anything about the subject, but it's too expensive, and they don't even accept any other form of payment besides credit cards :/ That part is really bad.”
It can be said that Pimsleur offers an adequate study methodology, but one that is mostly only applicable to the most basic levels. Due to its high costs and flaws in the application, especially regarding payments, it has received many complaints from its users, who also do not receive classes with real teachers.
In short, is it worth studying English with Pimsleur?
When assessing Pimsleur’s teaching method, it’s clear that it has a strong focus on pronunciation. However, this does not make up for the lack of grammar instruction and deeper language study.
The content is quite basic, covering simple topics like how to say “friend” in English, without providing a clear path to the level you will achieve by the end of the course.
While the app includes features such as flexible scheduling and conversation practice, similar benefits can be found on other, more structured platforms at a lower cost.
The best option for learning English: Papora
Papora proves to be a superior choice in every aspect we examined.
Like Pimsleur, it is an online platform, but here you get classes with experienced, native-level teachers. This ensures a more personalized experience with small groups that encourage conversation.
You’ll learn English through consistent practice, covering all essential skills—reading, writing, pronunciation, listening, and grammar—through engaging and dynamic lessons designed to make learning enjoyable.
Unlike Pimsleur, Papora allows you to reach a higher level of English and provides a certificate to validate your skills.
Learn English at your own pace, but with real results
Papora offers unlimited live classes and content available 24/7. Study whenever you want, but always with guidance.
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Preguntas frecuentes sobre Pimsleur
Unfortunately, their website does not specify the level of the lessons they offer to users. However, considering its content, it is clear that the course is designed only for the most basic levels of the language.
Their website claims that just 30 minutes a day is enough to learn the language. However, studying only this amount without consistent practice makes it difficult to reach a level of fluent communication.
