MakesYouFluent Reviews, Alternatives, Pricing, Offerings

Introduction

MakesYouFluent is an AI-driven language-learning app that promises real-life conversation practice and personalized tutoring in multiple languages. This article examines how MakesYouFluent works, its pricing, and what students say about it, plus compares it to alternatives like MyEngineeringBuddy to help students and parents choose the best tutoring solution.

MakesYouFluent Reviews and Testimonials

MakesYouFluent’s official marketing highlights success stories (e.g. “MakesYouFluent is great! The chat is my favorite… It’s fun learning with AI!”) and claims a ~4.0/5-star Trustpilot rating from ~700 reviews. On the App Store the app has 4.5/5 stars from about 2,000 ratings. However, independent feedback is mixed. Some users praise its interactive AI chat, while others complain of technical problems and customer service. For example, one Reddit user warned “MakesYouFluent is low-tier, overpriced” with frequent lag and no support. Another noted misleading ads and refund issues: “They use an England flag to imply British English… asked for a refund, they dodged me”. User comments also describe aggressive subscriptions and refusal to honor guarantees.

• Positive: Students on the official site share success stories – e.g. one calls the app “fun” and encouraging for speaking .
• Negative: Many reviews warn about hidden fees and support. One user called the money-back promise “bogus and deceptive,” reporting no refund after trial. Another labeled the service a “scam,” saying the subscription auto-renewed and money was kept. Complaints of lagging or poor responses are also common.

In summary, MakesYouFluent appears legit but has a mixed reputation. The company cites positive reviews, but real users report glitches and refund hassles. By contrast, competitor tutoring sites often have higher user ratings (see Alternatives below). Always read the fine print and user feedback before subscribing.

MakesYouFluent Pricing

Pricing Range

MakesYouFluent uses monthly or multi-month subscriptions (USD pricing shown): a 1-month plan costs about $42.89/month after a 1-month free trial (plus a $32.99 sign-up fee). A 3-month plan is $53.29 billed every 3 months (~$17.76 per month) with a $40.99 fee. The 6-month plan is $66.29 every 6 months (~$11.05/month) with a $50.99 fee. A premium tier “MakesYouFluent+” (all languages unlocked) costs more (e.g. $67.59/3 months with $51.99 fee). Roughly, these are about £35–£53, AED 160–240, or AUD 65–100 per month depending on plan length and discounts. Longer commitments (3 or 6 months) give a lower effective rate per month.

What Students Say About Pricing

Student reviews note that MakesYouFluent can feel pricey for what it offers. Some say the advertised “risk-free” trial is deceptive, and they are upset about surprise charges after trial. Comments describe the subscription as “deceptive” and “too expensive” for an AI chatbot. One reviewer bought a 6-month plan then immediately asked to cancel; the company insisted on 7 days of use before any partial . In short, many users feel the actual cost and refund terms are not clearly communicated.

Hidden Costs

Beyond the subscription fee, there are add-ons. Each plan carries a one-time sign-up fee (often $25–$50) on top of the monthly rate. There is also an optional “Call Mode” add-on for extra practice, costing $9.99/month. These fees can surprise users. Reviewers explicitly warn about these “hidden” charges and the auto-renewal system that continues billing until cancelled.

How Pricing Works

Payments are handled via credit card or PayPal (through the website or app store). All plans auto-renew unless cancelled 24 hours before the period ends. The site often shows promotional “Sale” prices for new sign-ups. Students have reported getting discount offers (e.g. on email). In summary, you pay upfront (with sign-up fee + trial), then are billed automatically monthly or every 3/6 months at the listed rate.

Free Trial

MakesYouFluent offers a free trial period (equal to the plan length). For example, a 1-month plan gives one month free, then charges begin. This means users can test the app before paying. According to the official policy, if you cancel during the trial you pay nothing. However, if you miss the trial cancellation window, the purchase becomes non-refundable.

Refund Policy

Officially, refunds are only granted under strict conditions. The terms state that purchases are non-refundable if the trial is not cancelled. If there was no trial, you may request a refund within 10 days of purchase, but you must have used the app (at least 7 days of lessons) and explain why it didn’t work. Even then, refunds are not guaranteed. In practice, many users report being denied refunds for any reason (accidental purchase, non-use, etc.). On the App Store, one reviewer bluntly notes: “If you cancel you don’t get a refund”. BBB complaints document multiple cases where users asked for refunds and were refused. In summary, plan payments are treated as final unless very specific conditions are met.

MakesYouFluent Alternatives

• Preply: A global tutoring marketplace (languages and other subjects). It has a 4.1★ Trustpilot rating from 10,000+ reviews. Tutors set rates (typically $15–$50/hr) and students can choose by price or experience. Preply offers live tutors for many languages, so it’s more flexible/personal but also often more expensive per session (plus Preply’s 18% fee).
  
• Cambly: On-demand English conversation practice with native speakers. Tutors cost about $10–$30/hr and students pay a flat ~$30/month plus pay-as-you-go minutes. Cambly’s advantage is instant access (no bookings), but lessons are informal and you can’t guarantee tutor quality or structured curriculum:.
  
• MyEngineeringBuddy (MEB): An online tutoring platform (focused on engineering, science, math, etc.). It serves students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Gulf countries. MEB hires top tutors and offers help with homework, labs, and exam prep. It is highly rated (4.8★ from 287 reviews, ~97% student satisfaction). Students praise its clear, quick solutions and “cost-effective” help. Unlike MakesYouFluent’s AI chat, MEB provides real-person tutoring for technical subjects, which many students find more effective for STEM coursework.
• Other options: Gamified language apps (Duolingo, Babbel) and course platforms (Coursera, edX) offer free or low-cost content but no live practice. General homework help sites (Tutor.com, Chegg Study) provide step solutions or Q&A support for a monthly fee. These alternatives emphasize either self-study or live human tutors, in contrast to MakesYouFluent’s AI-only approach.

Each alternative has pros/cons: Preply and Cambly connect you with human tutors but cost more per hour and require scheduling. Duolingo/Babbel are budget-friendly but lack speaking practice. MEB specializes in STEM help (not languages). The choice depends on your needs: MakesYouFluent excels at flexible 24/7 practice via AI, whereas these others offer real tutors or broader subject coverage.

How It Works

For Students

Students first sign up online and select the language they want to practice. The app typically starts with a short quiz to gauge your level, then creates a tailored lesson plan. You interact with an AI tutor (via chat or voice) on the app, practicing speaking and listening. Lessons adapt to your skill, so you’re challenged at the right level. Because it’s an app, there’s no scheduling or fixed class times – you can start a conversation anytime, 24/7. For example, you might open the app at lunch or late at night and immediately practice speaking. The AI evaluates your responses in real-time, giving feedback on grammar and pronunciation. In short, no human teacher is involved – learning is on-demand through the app’s AI tutor.

For Tutors

MakesYouFluent does not hire human tutors on demand – it is fully AI-driven. (There is no “tutor dashboard” or application on the platform.) Therefore, if you are looking to become a tutor, MakesYouFluent isn’t the place; instead consider marketplaces like Preply or MyEngineeringBuddy. For instance, Preply allows tutors to create profiles and set hourly rates. MyEngineeringBuddy hires experienced STEM tutors for 1:1 sessions on subjects like math and physics. The key difference is that on MakesYouFluent all teaching is automated, so tutors do not earn any income from it.

FAQs for Prospective Tutors

Since MakesYouFluent has no tutor program, many common tutoring FAQ apply only to alternatives:

• How much can I earn as a tutor? On platforms like Preply or Cambly, rates vary by subject and experience. Preply tutors often charge $15–$50/hr (after the site’s commission). Cambly tutors earn roughly $10/hr (for example, a $10.20/hr rate is common). In contrast, working through MakesYouFluent is not applicable.
• How do I set my rates? On self-service platforms, you set an hourly rate and the platform takes a cut. Preply, for example, handles scheduling and payment but takes ~18% of your lesson price. MEB invites only top tutors, so its pay model is arranged internally. MakesYouFluent does not allow you to set any rate at all.
• Is work steady? Demand varies. Tutors report that finding consistent students can be challenging on many platforms, and paychecks depend on lesson bookings. Unlike MakesYouFluent (no tutors), sites like Preply or Cambly depend on student demand. On MEB, tutors are booked for specific assignments with clients in US/UK/Gulf, but there is no guarantee of constant work. Reviews on tutoring sites often mention “feast or famine” income.
• What are common complaints? Tutors often cite high platform fees, strict rules, or inconsistent hours as negatives. For example, some Cambly tutors note they can be fired with little notice. MyEngineeringBuddy’s own reviews (on reviews.io) are overwhelmingly positive, but on generic tutor review forums, issues like late payments or low bids are sometimes mentioned (though these are not specific to MEB). In any case, MakesYouFluent’s AI model avoids these issues entirely by not engaging tutors.

MakesYouFluent Company Information

Founding & Mission: MakesYouFluent is an unfunded startup founded in 2022 by founder Lucia. It is headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania. The company’s mission is encapsulated in its tagline to help users “unlock the wonders of the world, one word at a time”. The site explains it was born from the idea of practicing a language “anytime, anywhere, by having real conversations”. In practice, this means combining modern AI with language education. The MakesYouFluent team is “20+ people” of engineers and language experts, all focused on improving the app through user feedback.

Core Offerings: The platform currently supports 9+ popular languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, etc.). Key features include an AI chat tutor, speech recognition for pronunciation practice, and gamified daily lessons. Unique elements are the “avatar” interface and even role-playing with historical figures (e.g. simulated dialogues with Einstein or Cleopatra). A premium “MakesYouFluent+” subscription offers unlimited practice and access to all languages. The company advertises benefits like 24/7 availability and a personalized plan for each user.

Unique Selling Points

• AI-Powered Personalization: The app creates a customized learning path for each student (no one-size-fits-all).
• Interactive Conversations: Users practice via live chatbot dialogues and role-plays (even with avatars of historical figures).
• Adaptive Learning: The AI assesses your level and adjusts lesson difficulty in real time, keeping challenges appropriate to your skill.
• 24/7 Flexibility: The app works anytime, fitting any schedule (morning, lunch, or night).
• Cost Savings: Compared to hiring tutors, the company claims a monthly plan is roughly “19× cheaper than a single class”. Many users find the subscription price lower than regular tutor fees.

Drawbacks

• No Human Tutor: Learning is entirely with AI. Some students find conversations “clunky” or limited compared to talking with a real person. There is no ability to ask a human teacher follow-up questions or get customized explanations beyond what the chatbot provides.
• App/Technical Issues: Several users report glitches, slow responses, or accuracy problems. One BBB complaint noted the program is for “smartphone-only” despite ads implying more flexibility. Such issues can frustrate learners expecting smooth, realtime interaction.
• Cancellation Troubles: Reports indicate that deleting the app does not stop billing, and the cancellation process is confusing. This has led to many frustration posts about unwanted charges after trying to quit.
• Strict Refund Terms: As noted above, the refund policy is very strict. Many users say their refund requests were flatly denied. One reviewer called the “risk-free” promise “bogus”, and Reddit posts warn the so-called “lifetime” plan secretly charges every.
• Hidden Fees: The extra sign-up charge and add-ons can surprise users. Some feel marketing (like free trial and country flags) is misleading. For instance, a user complained the app showed a UK flag but only offered American English. These misalignments and fine-print costs are often cited as downsides.

Comparison with MyEngineeringBuddy

MakesYouFluent and MyEngineeringBuddy serve different needs. MyEngineeringBuddy (MEB) is a human-tutor platform for engineering and STEM subjects (serving students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf). It hires real tutors for one-on-one homework help. In contrast, MakesYouFluent is an AI-only language practice app. MEB boasts overwhelmingly positive feedback: it has a 4.8★ average from 287 reviews (about 97% of students recommend it). Students praise MEB tutors for quick, detailed explanations and high-quality answers. For example, one MEB user said “my projects are already so much easier to handle” thanks to the service. MakesYouFluent, by contrast, is rated more modestly and cannot help with math or science problems. In summary, if your goal is human-led homework assistance, MyEngineeringBuddy (or similar) is likely superior. MakesYouFluent is better for self-paced spoken-language practice, not academic help.

Customer Support and Policies

MakesYouFluent’s customer service has been widely criticized. Many students report that support is slow or unresponsive, especially regarding billing disputes and refunds. Several consumer complaints (BBB and Reddit) accuse the company of ignoring refund requests. By contrast, MEB claims very high student satisfaction (97% positive), which suggests its support is more reliable (though no public complaints are documented). Neither company publishes a detailed support guarantee, but in practice MEB’s reputation is strong, while MakesYouFluent’s policies have led to numerous negative reviews.

Global Reach and Localization

MakesYouFluent is marketed worldwide its app is available on global app stores and it has “over 20,000 learners worldwide”. It supports 9+ languages (targeting learners in many countries). The platform interface itself is in English but it trains learners in different target languages. MyEngineeringBuddy’s market is also global but focused it serves English-speaking students in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Gulf nations. MEB likely operates in English (its materials and support are in English), while MakesYouFluent offers practice in multiple languages. Neither service has substantial localization beyond English (e.g. menus are in English), but both are accessible online from anywhere.

MakesYouFluent’s Future Plans

The company appears to be expanding its offerings. A June 2025 press release notes that MakesYouFluent currently covers over 9 languages and “plans to expand its offerings further,” suggesting more languages will be added. The release also highlights ongoing AI enhancements (immersive conversations, new gamification features) to improve fluency training. There is no public funding or acquisition news (the company is still unfunded), but the focus seems to be on growing the product and user base rather than adding human tutors. We may see new language content or technology updates (more advanced avatars or personalization) in the near future, based on their published goals.

FAQs About MakesYouFluent

• How does MakesYouFluent work? It is an AI-powered app. You sign up, pick a language, and start conversing with the AI tutor on the app. A quick quiz sets your level, and the AI adapts lessons and conversation topics to your skill. You can practice anytime – there are no scheduled classes, just on-demand sessions 24/7.
• Is MakesYouFluent legit? It is a real company with a popular app (20,000+ users). The app has decent ratings (4.5/5 on iOS). However, many users have reported issues like misleading ads and refund problems. The official website claims positive reviews, but be aware of the negative feedback regarding billing.
• What does it cost? Plans start around $43/month (USD) for the 1-month subscription. Longer plans (3 or 6 months) lower the monthly average (as low as ~$11/month on the 6-month plan). Each plan includes a free trial month. You also pay a one-time signup fee ($25–$51 depending on plan).
• Is there a free trial? Yes. Each plan offers an equal-length trial (e.g. a 1-month plan gives 1 month free). You won’t be charged until the trial ends. Just remember to cancel before the trial expires if you don’t want to continue.
• Can I cancel and get a refund? You can cancel at any time, but refunds are very limited. If you cancel during the free trial, you pay nothing. If not, the Terms say purchases are non-refundable. In practice, many users report being denied refunds for any reason. So cancellation stops future billing, but past payments are generally kept by the company.
• Is MakesYouFluent better than MyEngineeringBuddy? They serve different needs. MyEngineeringBuddy (MEB) offers real tutors for engineering and math – it has a high user rating (4.8★) and students praise its quick, clear help. MakesYouFluent, by contrast, is an AI app for language speaking practice. If you need STEM homework help, MEB (or similar tutor sites) is far more effective. For learning a language through speech practice anytime, MakesYouFluent may be sufficient.
• Who should use MakesYouFluent? It’s best for learners who want flexible spoken-language practice and don’t need human feedback. It’s suitable for beginners to advanced language students who prefer an app over live tutors. If you need human interaction, course structure, or help in other subjects, an alternative (Preply, Cambly, MEB, etc.) might be a better fit.
• Is there a human tutor option? No. MakesYouFluent’s instruction is fully automated. There is no way to interact with a human teacher on this platform. For human tutoring, use other services (see Alternatives).

Conclusion

MakesYouFluent offers 24/7 AI conversation practice at a relatively low monthly cost, but users should beware of hidden fees and strict refund rules. Its user reviews are mixed, reflecting some useful features but also serious limitations. For parents and students seeking reliable tutoring or homework help, MyEngineeringBuddy stands out as a strong alternative: it has a 4.8★ student rating and employs human tutors who provide fast, detailed assistance. In summary, MakesYouFluent can help improve speaking skills on a budget, but MyEngineeringBuddy (and similar platforms) is often preferable for actual tutor-led support, making MEB a solid alternative for college students and parents.

Sources: Company and user review sources cited throughout, including official site and user feedback from Trustpilot/Reddit, App Store and Google Play data, tutoring platform profiles, and third-party reports.