7 Best Intermediate Spanish Apps, Courses and Tools
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Table of Contents
The intermediate plateau is where most Spanish learners quit. You've made progress with beginner materials, but you still can't understand fast Spanish TV or keep up in conversations with native speakers. You're not sure what to do next and how to break through the intermediate Spanish plateau.
This is completely normal! And I've been exactly where you are. After testing dozens of resources over several years, I’ve gathered what I think are the best Spanish apps, courses, and tools that actually break through the intermediate barrier when learning Spanish. These tools focus on listening, reading, and speaking (and writing too if you want), with an emphasis on tools that improve Spanish listening skills (which is key).
I've used each one on the list extensively, though some more than others, and I'm honest about my experience with each and their pros and cons. These tools took me from struggling with Spanish TV to comfortably watching without subtitles, and from fumbling through conversations to confidently communicating with native speakers.
This guide will help you choose which tools fit your specific situation, goals, and learning style.
Spanish Speaking Practice Tools
Most of us are learning Spanish to speak it with others - whether it’s for work, friends, or family reasons. To improve Spanish speaking fluency we need to build key vocab and phrases, speaking flow, and confidence. Improving speaking tends to dramatically improve overall learning motivation as well.
Langua
Best for: Daily speaking practice without scheduling or judgment.
Pricing: $19.90 - 29.90 /month.
Annual Discount: $16.90 - 24.90/month.
Lingtuitive Discount: use code LINGTUITIVE20 for 20% extra off annual plans.
Free Trial: Create a no-time-limit free account - includes many Langua features for free, and lets you try a brief AI conversation.
Key Features:
Spanish AI tutor available 24/7 for speaking practice
20+ different AI voice models in various Spanish dialects (e.g. Spain, Mexico, Argentina, etc.)
Detailed speaking feedback (in-chat and post feedback reports)
Clickable transcripts in AI chats and video content
Save words and expressions to flashcards
Immersion content (videos, AI-generated mini stories, imported your own content, etc.)
Play back your own messages to check pronunciation
Writing feedback (social media messages, emails, etc.)
Multiple chat options for variety and targeted practice
Pros:
Practice speaking anytime, without scheduling
Natural and human-sounding AI voices and chats that feel like real conversations
Hands-free mode for speaking practice while doing chores, driving, etc.
Helpful feedback in-chat and post conversation
Cost-effective compared to regular tutoring sessions
Prepares you for specific scenarios (job interviews, restaurant conversations)
No credit card required for a free account
Secure & private - chats only stored on your personal device
Cons:
Lacks the emotional connection of human tutors
Occasional AI provider outages can disrupt practice sessions
Lacks live human improvisation skills
No set path for structured learners
For the longest time, speaking practice has been one of the biggest challenges for learners. It's tough to practice solo because you need feedback, and it's difficult to get enough speaking volume to see results. Langua addresses both issues.
At first, I felt uncomfortable using AI for speaking practice. But I was short on time and needed to improve my Spanish quickly for a YouTube interview. My awkwardness turned out to be unfounded. I was surprised how engaging it was and how quickly my speaking improved - while doing the dishes!
Langua helps you feel prepared for real conversations because the AI chats actually feel authentic. You can have the AI interview you, pretend to be a barista taking your order, or discuss niche topics you find interesting. Through detailed feedback, you learn to express yourself accurately while picking up local slang and common expressions. Save any word or phrase from your conversations for later review as flashcards or AI-generated mini stories (that weaves in your saved vocab).
Langua also offers writing feedback and comprehensible input, making it particularly valuable for learners who prefer to use fewer apps.
Time frame: Use daily for 15-30 minutes and you’ll notice improvement in your speaking in a matter of weeks.
More posts about Langua:
Langua AI Tutor Review 2025: Best AI for Speaking Fluency? (specifically about the AI tutor, including my personal experience with it)
Everything You Need to Know About Langua (the Langua platform as a whole)
4 Steps to Crush Your Foreign Language Interview—Follow My Process (link to my Spanish interview included)
LanguaTalk
Best for: Spanish online lessons and conversation practice with real native speakers.
Pricing: $11 - $60 /hour (varies depending on the teacher).
Discount: Purchase packages of 5, 10 or 20 lessons at a discounted price.
Free Trial: Many teachers offer a completely free 30-minute trial lesson, while others offer a discounted trial lesson.
Key Features:
1-on-1 video call lessons
Rigorous teacher screening process (less than 10% acceptance rate)
Direct credit card payment - no platform credits required
Flexible scheduling system with teacher availability calendars
Detailed teacher information, student reviews, and introduction videos
Multiple video options (Google Meet, Zoom, Teams, browser-based platforms like Whereby)
Pros:
Higher quality teachers speaking a variety of Spanish dialects
Pay-per-lesson with no subscription commitment
No need to buy non-refundable platform credits
Instant booking with flexible scheduling and easy cancellations
Easy-to-navigate platform and great support
Great for people who thrive on having personal accountability
One free trial lesson per student
Cons:
Higher cost than AI alternatives if taking frequent lessons
No mobile app - browser-based only
May require trying more than one teacher to find the right match
Need to use other tools in-between sessions to see meaningful progress
While AI tools like Langua are excellent for daily practice, they can't replicate human connection, cultural insights, or the accountability that many learners need to stay consistent. Real conversations involve emotions, interruptions, and unpredictability that only human tutors can give you. 1-on-1 online Spanish lessons is a meaningful way to connect with native Spanish speakers, build fluency, and prepare for real-life conversations.
LanguaTalk connects you with carefully screened (less than 10% acceptance rate) online Spanish teachers who speak a variety of dialects that can easily adapt to your current level and interests. It’s especially beneficial for those of you who need personal accountability to stay on track. The teachers can offer personal support, guidance and encouragement.
Feeling nervous about your first lesson with a stranger? That's completely normal! I felt the same way before my first language lesson to the point where I even had a hard time sleeping the night before. LanguaTalk's teachers encounter nervous students regularly and know how to create comfortable learning environments.
Time frame: With weekly lessons you’ll notice a big boost in your speaking ability in 2-3 months.
For more on LanguaTalk and language lessons:
Note: Langua and LanguaTalk are sister platforms - signing up for one gives you access to both.
Apps and Courses for Spanish Listening Comprehension
At the intermediate level, one of the biggest obstacles is listening comprehension. Focusing on it will open up content you can enjoy and understanding native speakers—which is key to Spanish fluency.
These next three resources all focus on improving your listening comprehension, even though they all solve unique problems within that. They also work well in sequence if you’d like - starting with structured conversations, mastering effective listening strategies, and then diving into authentic media.
Spanish Conversations (Storylearning)
Best for: Bridging the gap from beginner content to understanding fast, colloquial speech
Pricing: $197 (lifetime access)
Payment model: One-time payment
Free Trial: None, but a 30-day money-back guarantee, with the option to keep the material if refunded (according to their terms)
Key Features:
20-part story with natural, colloquial Spanish dialogue (2-3 minutes each)
Full Spanish transcripts and English translations
Downloadable audio plus rolling subtitle videos
Lists with ‘key vocabulary’ for each chapter (pre-made Anki deck included)
Short study-tip videos and 30-minute ‘Listening Skills Masterclass’ by Olly Richards
Lifetime access with free updates
Pros:
Crystal-clear audio quality makes every word audible
Story format keeps you engaged while learning naturally
Targets the critical A2-B1 gap where most learners quit
Lets you absorb complex grammar (subjunctive, tricky verbs) naturally through context
Pre-made flashcard deck saves prep time
Builds a foundation for understanding native content
30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
Higher upfront cost than some other apps and tools
Limited motivational support compared to interactive courses with regular check-ins
Need SoundCloud account for audio downloads (though it’s free)
Single story setting may not appeal to learners preferring diverse topics
Moving from beginner content to understanding rapid, natural Spanish is challenging. How do you learn to understand Spanish speakers when they speak so fast? Spanish Conversations bridges this gap with a structured approach designed for A2-B1 learners.
The course follows a story about a young couple moving to a small town in rural Spain, spread over 20 chapters that each feature a 2-3 minute conversation between different characters in the story. The method and materials of the course help your ears get used to and understand Spanish spoken at full speed.
The vocabulary is smartly selected and repeats with subtle twists, which helps you naturally grasp complex Spanish grammar like the Subjunctive mood and tricky verbs without forced study. While the course uses Castilian Spanish, the core listening skills transfer to Latin American varieties, which broadens your overall comprehension. However, if you only want to immerse in a particular dialect then it’s something to consider.
The course won’t make you understand TV shows 100% but it will train your ears and confidence to understand and start immersing in more difficult content, getting more out of what you listen to.
Time frame: If you’re at a A2/B2 - 30-45 minutes per day for 90 days will give your listening comprehension a significant boost.
More about Conversations courses:
Level Up Your Listening (Refold)
Best for: Learning systematic methods to improve Spanish listening comprehension.
Pricing: $147 (lifetime access).
Payment Model: One-time payment.
Free Trial: None, but a 90-day, no questions asked, money-back guarantee.
Key Features:
28-day structured course on improving your listening skills
15 video lessons plus 15 tutorial videos
Curated Spanish content database and ‘minimal pairs’ Anki deck
Multiple listening techniques: intensive listening, multipass method, chorusing
Daily homework with Refold’s tracking app
Weekly guided reflections and progress check-ins
Private Discord community with coach support
Pros:
Systematic 28-day approach builds lasting listening habits
Daily homework provides clear, actionable steps
Method works with any content and transfer to any future language you learn
Expert coaching and active community support
Clear tutorials make complex tools and strategies accessible
Teaches advanced techniques like transcription, intensive listening, and sentence mining
Demystifies listening improvement, making it concrete
90-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing
Cons:
Requires 1.5 hours daily commitment for 28 days
Requires learning multiple new tools
Heavy emphasis on TV show content may not suit all learners
Success depends on strong self-discipline and consistency
Many intermediate learners hit a listening wall. Reading Spanish feels manageable, but when you remove subtitles, it sounds like a completely different language. You know the words when you see them, but can't catch them at native speed. Many know listening is important but don't know how to effectively practice it beyond the typical "just watch more Spanish TV!" advice we often get.
Refold’s Level Up Your Listening teaches you exactly how to improve your listening comprehension with a methodical 28-day program. The course gives you daily homework assignments (which are varied, fun, and genuinely improve listening) that follow a clear progression, using Refold's tracking app to log your practice and show when assignments are complete.
The methodology comes from experienced language learners and coaches who have refined these techniques through years of successful language learning. Few language learning instructors understand the complexities of language acquisition as thoroughly as the Refold team. The strategies gained can be applied to any content and to any future languages you learn.
The course teaches specific techniques like intensive listening (breaking audio into manageable chunks), multipass comprehension methods, and sound recognition through ‘minimal pairs’ (premade Anki deck included). You'll also learn to use tools like Audacity, asbplayer, and develop portable listening skills you can practice anywhere. Some tools and strategies will resonate more than others, but the variety helps you find effective approaches that fit your learning style.
Time frame: 1.5 hours daily for 28 days (including homework assignments, i.e. ‘listening practice’)
Check out my personal review and experience of Level Up Your Listening:
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Download Free GuideLingopie
Best for: Understanding Spanish TV shows & movies
Pricing: 3-month plan: $13.99/month (billed as $41.97).
Annual Discount: Yes, 50% off - $6.99/month (billed as $83.88). Lifetime plan: $229 (one-time purchase).
Lingtuitive Discount: 10% extra off all plans.
Free Trial: 7 days.
Key Features:
Clickable subtitles with instant definitions and translations
Mini-games to review saved vocabulary in between episodes
Flashcards with audio from original scenes
TV shows, movies, music videos, audiobooks, and short stories
Learn Spanish with Netflix & Disney Plus (app integration for select content)
Break down grammar of any line of dialogue with AI
Auto-pause and speed control features
Smart TV app
Pros:
Clean, intuitive interface that's easy to navigate
Highly accurate subtitles
Subtitle-based navigation lets you replay exact phrases (instead of fixed 10 seconds like Netflix)
Scene-based flashcards make vocabulary more memorable (i.e. easier to remember)
New content added to the platform each month
More affordable than many competitors
Smart TV app for comfortable couch Spanish learning
Builds reading skills and vocabulary alongside listening
Cons:
Subtitle dependency can create false sense of listening progress
Content may not appeal to all tastes, particularly those with specific preferences
Vocab deck can’t be exported outside Lingopie
Requires discipline to gradually reduce subtitle reliance
7-day free trial requires credit card
You want to learn from Spanish TV shows, but native content feels overwhelming—too fast, too many unknown words, and pausing to look up things is inconvenient and disrupts the flow. This is what Lingopie is for as it transforms Spanish TV shows into an interactive learning experience.
It makes authentic content that would otherwise be too difficult comprehensible through audio slowdown, auto-repeat, and mini-games to review the words you’ve clicked on during each episode.
Netflix Spanish subtitles often don’t match the audio, but Lingopie’s clickable subtitles match word-for-word across all content. This lets you verify what you hear, build vocabulary, and comprehension. Save words any word you want to learn to your flashcard deck, which lets you review words by replaying the scenes where you found them.
Lingopie's subtitle-based navigation lets you jump between specific phrases rather than Netflix's fixed 10-second intervals, which is perfect for replaying exactly what you missed. You can also get AI-powered grammar breakdowns of all the words in any given sentence, aiding your understanding of the content as you watch.
The platform adds new Spanish shows and content every month and includes Netflix and Disney Plus integration for select shows—though separate subscriptions for each is required if you want to use these features.
Time frame: Watch for 30-60 minutes daily and you'll notice improved TV comprehension within 2-3 months.
For more in-depth about Lingopie, check out these posts:
Spanish Reading and Vocabulary Building
Vocabulary is one of the main things holding us back when we’re entering the intermediate levels—and reading is the most effective way to expand your Spanish vocabulary. Because when reading, we’re exposed to much richer language than what’s used in everyday language.
While other previous tools on the list also work on this skill—due to the use of transcripts and subtitles—this next tool focuses fully on improving reading skills and vocabulary.
LingQ
Best for: Expanding Spanish vocabulary and reading skills for intermediate learners
Pricing: $14.99/month
Annual Discount: $10.00/month (33% off), 2-Year Plan: $8.99/month (40% off)
Lingtuitive Discount: Extra 5% off annual plans with code b_12lingtuitive (final price: $9.44/month or 37% off)
Free Trial: 20 free LingQs. Get 100 extra LingQs through the Lingtuitive’s extended free trial
Key Features:
Import any content (e-books, articles, YouTube videos)
Extensive Spanish library with audio support
Color-coded word tracking shows learning progress
AI-powered context-based definitions and text simplification
Multiple audio playlists for on-the-go listening practice
Full sentence translations
Detailed progress statistics (words learned, time spent, etc.)
Read sentence by sentence in ‘Sentence View’
Pros:
Learn through your personal interests (e.g., finance books, fantasy novels)
Color-coded highlighting and progress tracking boosts motivation and makes growth tangible
Large Spanish content library provides diverse reading and listening options
Works effectively from beginner through advanced levels
Audio sync helps connect reading and listening skills
AI definitions give highly accurate translations for the particular context
Text-to-speech when clicking words reinforce correct pronunciation
‘Sentence View’ makes complex text more manageable
Cons:
Feature-rich interface has a steeper learning curve than simpler apps
Numerous settings options can feel confusing for learners wanting simplicity
Some e-books may require conversion before importing (though drag-and-drop works for most content)
YouTube integration doesn't allow clicking subtitles while watching videos
Reading has so many benefits, particularly for vocabulary growth and making listening easier. But when we’re entering the intermediate level it’s too difficult to just pick up any book and start reading. There are too many unknown words and looking them up in a dictionary is painfully slow.
LingQ makes reading accessible and makes any text interactive and clickable. Import books about subjects you actually care about - finance, parenting, fantasy novels - and click unknown words for instant definitions. The color-coded highlighting system shows your progress: new words appear blue, words you're learning turn yellow, and known words stay white.
LingQ has a large library of Spanish content, and while each lesson offers audio (and generated text-to-speech for imported text) the strength lies in its reading features. The app tracks all your vocabulary across content so there’s no need for review. You simply read, easily look up words with one click, and learn new words and expressions without having to painfully memorize anything. It combines language learning with immersing in topics you’re interested in.
LingQ tracks everything: words learned, reading time, and overall progress, making it motivating long-term as you get a clear sense of progress by seeing the numbers go up.
Time frame: Read daily for at least 15-30 minutes and you’ll see a difference in 1-2 months and build a huge vocabulary over time.
For more about LingQ:
How to Read Books with LingQ: Complete Beginner's Guide (everything you need to read with LingQ, how to find and import books, and more.)
The Ultimate LingQ Settings Guide: Complete Setup Tutorial (copy-paste settings for fast setup)
Unlock Spanish Content
To reach high levels of comprehension it becomes increasingly important to immerse in the language through native content—like TV shows, programmes, and movies. Plus, it’s just a plain old fun and relaxing way to improve your Spanish.
ExpressVPN
Best for: Unlocking Spanish immersion content no matter where you live or when traveling
Pricing: $12.99-19.99 /month (depending on the plan)
Annual Discount: Yes, $4.99 - 8.99 /month. 2-year plans: $3.49 - 7.49 /month
Free Trial: 7-day (via app) + 30-day money-back guarantee.
Key Features:
Access to 3,000+ servers in 105 countries for unlocking regional content
Compatible with major streaming platforms (Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime)
One-click connection with intuitive interface
Support for up to 10 devices simultaneously
Military-grade encryption and strict no-logs policy for privacy
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros:
Unlocks more content and Spanish-dubbed versions of TV shows and movies (e.g., Spanish audio on Friends)
Fast, reliable streaming without buffering issues
Simple one-click setup - no technical knowledge required
Works across all devices (phone, computer, smart TV)
Access Spanish-language content only available in certain regions
7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee allows risk-free testing
Cons:
Not a dedicated language learning tool per se
Not needed if you already live in a Spanish-speaking country (unless you want to unlock specific content)
May need to try different servers if your first choice doesn't work with certain platforms
Connection quality can vary by server distance
As intermediate learners we need massive Spanish input to break through listening barriers, but geo-restrictions limit our content options. ExpressVPN takes care of this by unlocking Spanish content from any country with one-click server switching.
One of the best ways to increase comprehension levels is accessing Spanish dubs of shows you already know. Since you know the plot and characters, comprehension becomes easier while you absorb natural speech patterns, slang, and cultural expressions. For example, Friends on HBO Max only has English audio in my region, but connecting to a Brazil server reveals the Latin American Spanish version.
ExpressVPN also unlocks additional content and features on language learning platforms - for example, Lingopie's Disney Plus integration is only available in certain regions, but a VPN gives you access regardless of your location.
ExpressVPN's simple interface makes switching servers to a particular country effortless - you don’t need any technical skills.
Time frame: Stream Spanish content 30–60 minutes daily and see noticeable listening improvements in 2-3 months.
Which One to Choose?
These Spanish learning resources for intermediate learners each target different skills. So which one you choose depends on your biggest challenges and what you want to currently work on at this stage of your Spanish journey.
Most intermediate learners benefit from combining 2-3 tools: typically one for speaking practice, one for listening comprehension, and optionally one for vocabulary building.
Budget-conscious? Start with one tool and add others as you progress.
Struggling with speaking confidence?
Prefer solo practice → Langua
Want human feedback → LanguaTalk
Vocabulary feels limited? → LingQ
Just finished beginner materials? → Spanish Conversations
Don’t know how to improve listening? → Level Up Your Listening
Can't follow Spanish TV? → Lingopie + ExpressVPN
What's your biggest intermediate Spanish challenge right now - speaking confidence, listening comprehension, or vocabulary? Let me know in the comments!
Related posts:
Comprehensive reviews:
Guides & How to’s:
The Best Way to Use Lingopie for Effective Language Learning
4 Steps to Crush Your Foreign Language Interview—Follow My Process (how to use Langua effectively)
Best Langua Settings: For Beginners, Intermediates & Practice
Comparison posts:
Personal experiences:
