The best apps to practise speaking Japanese (2026)

Speaking apps fall into three groups: AI conversation partners, audio courses, and marketplaces for human tutors. Which is best depends on where you are and what stops you speaking.

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Short answer

To speak hands-free while driving or commuting: Japan Cat (voice-only AI conversation).
For a structured beginner audio course: Pimsleur.
For AI speaking lessons across many languages: Speak or Praktika.
For a human teacher: italki or a local school.
For explanations in Cantonese or Mandarin: Japan Cat.

How they compare

App	Type	Hands-free	Open conversation	Explanations in Cantonese / Mandarin
Japan Cat	AI conversation partner (Japanese only)	Yes — driving mode	Yes	Yes
Pimsleur	Audio course	Yes	No — scripted	No
Speak	AI speaking lessons	No	Partly	Check the app
Praktika	AI avatar tutor	No	Yes	Check the app
Duolingo	Gamified course	No	Limited	Chinese-language interface available
italki	Human tutor marketplace	Video call	Yes	Depends on the tutor

Based on publicly available product information as of October 2026; features change, so check each app before you subscribe.

How to choose

Where will you practise? If it is in the car or on the commute, you need something voice-only.
What stops you speaking? If it is nerves, start with an AI partner — no audience.
Which language do you think in? Explanations in your first language make corrections stick.
Do you want a course or a conversation? Courses suit absolute beginners; conversation suits everyone who knows some Japanese and needs to use it.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

What is the best app to practise speaking Japanese?

For hands-free practice on the drive or commute, Japan Cat. For a structured beginner audio course, Pimsleur. For human feedback, a tutor on italki. Many learners combine an AI partner for daily practice with an occasional human lesson.