If mastering pronunciation in English is your goal, you've probably come across ELSA Speak, the AI-powered app designed for learners who want to sound more fluent and confident. It promises real-time personalized feedback, innovative exercises, and even IELTS preparation. But can it really help you perfect your pronunciation? Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know—from how ELSA Speak works to its pros, cons, and pricing options.
ELSA Speak, short for English Language Speech Assistant, is a mobile app designed specifically to improve English pronunciation. Using advanced AI technology, it identifies areas where learners struggle and provides personalized exercises.
Unlike general language learning platforms like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, ELSA Speak focuses solely on pronunciation, making it a top choice for learners looking to sound more fluent.
With over 25,000 exercises, ELSA Speak works across all proficiency levels. The app primarily supports American English and includes a mix of interactive features—from pronunciation tests to vocabulary building and even speaking simulations.
ELSA Speak was launched in 2015 by Vu Van, a former MBA student, and Dr. Xavier Anguera, a speech technologist. Together, they created an app that combines cutting-edge AI with linguistics expertise to tackle pronunciation challenges for English learners worldwide.
Their efforts have gained recognition globally, with endorsements from Forbes and funding from Google.
ELSA Speak is more than just a language tool—it provides a targeted approach to mastering English pronunciation, using advanced AI to deliver personalized, real-time feedback. From identifying mispronounced sounds to guiding you toward optimal syllable stress and intonation, it breaks down the complexities of pronunciation into manageable steps. Let’s explore the standout features that make ELSA Speak a truly innovative solution for learners.
One of ELSA Speak's most praised features is its AI-powered real-time feedback. The app detects specific sounds you're struggling with, highlights mistakes with color-coded indicators, and offers guidance to correct them. For example, if you're mispronouncing "average," it’ll not only point it out but also help you practice until you get it right.
When you first sign up, you’ll take a quick speaking test that lasts under 10 minutes. The test determines your level (e.g., Intermediate or Advanced) and identifies pronunciation areas for improvement, even breaking down problematic sounds and syllables. Based on your results, the app creates customized lesson plans.
With thousands of available lessons, ELSA Speak can be overwhelming at first. The "Daily Lessons" feature, however, offers a manageable approach by selecting 5 personalized exercises for you to complete each day. This helps keep your learning consistent and goals achievable.
This feature simulates dynamic conversations with an AI chatbot, asking open-ended questions on various topics (e.g., "What are your weekend plans?"). Unlike traditional conversation practice, the bot encourages you to think and respond naturally.
Improving pronunciation lies at the heart of ELSA Speak, and its exercises are designed to cater to learners of all levels by progressively building skills. The app starts with fine-tuning individual sounds, guiding you on subtle differences like "wish" versus "witch," before advancing to complete sentences. Key activities include color-coded Listening Checks that help you differentiate between similar-sounding words; Stress Practice for identifying and applying the correct syllable emphasis in challenging words, such as "average"; and Sentence Intonation exercises, which teach you to convey the right tone and focus in sentences by emphasizing specific words. To elevate its practicality, ELSA Speak also incorporates Conversation Games where you practice dialogues in lifelike scenarios, helping you bridge the gap between structured practice and natural conversation.
For learners aiming to ace exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC, ELSA Speak goes beyond basic pronunciation practice with over 100 specialized course modules. These modules are meticulously designed to address exam-specific challenges, helping you refine critical skills like pronunciation accuracy, fluency, and stress placement under test conditions. Alongside its robust training, ELSA Speak offers the added benefit of certificates that validate your progress—ideal for showcasing your improved English proficiency. Additionally, for professionals, the app includes guided business English materials to polish your communication skills for presentations, interviews, and workplace interactions. Next, let's explore the extra tools that make ELSA Speak a versatile learning companion.
ELSA Speak enhances your learning experience with a variety of supplementary tools aimed at sustaining engagement and reinforcing skills. The Pronunciation Dictionary allows you to search for any word and receive instant guidance on how to pronounce it accurately, giving you the confidence to tackle even the trickiest vocabulary. To keep the learning process dynamic, the app also offers Games & Study Sets, such as the interactive “Missing Letters” game, which sharpens your word recognition, and flashcard-style sets that reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation. These tools are designed not just to educate but to make learning interactive and enjoyable.
Also Read: Fitbod Review: AI-Powered Fitness for Every Level >>
ELSA Speak provides three flexible pricing tiers, designed to suit a variety of learning goals and budgets. Whether you're a casual learner or preparing for exams, these options ensure you can access the features you need without overspending.
Includes limited access to lessons and features—a good starting point to explore the app.
Unlocks all lessons and daily exercises at $13.33 per month and $159.99 for a year. Another Premium Plan is $20.00 per month and $59.99 for a quarterly. For those unsure about committing, ELSA offers a 7-day free trial—plenty of time to explore its features.
| Pros | Cons |
| Accurate Pronunciation Recognition: The app excels at detecting subtle pronunciation errors and offering actionable feedback. | Limited to American English: No support for British English learners at the moment. |
| Wide Range of Exercises: From single sounds to full conversations, it covers diverse skill levels and needs. | Repetitive Exercises: Some learners may feel the content lacks variety over time. |
| Intuitive Design: Navigation is straightforward, making it ideal for tech-savvy and beginner users alike. | AI Accuracy Issues: Occasionally, it misinterprets correct pronunciations, which can be frustrating. |
| AI Innovation: Features like AI-based open-ended conversations keep practice engaging and effective. | Lack of Human Interaction: For advanced learners, supplementing with a real teacher may be necessary for nuanced guidance. |
ELSA Speak is ideal for:
However, advanced learners may find that ELSA, while helpful, cannot replicate the nuanced feedback offered by human tutors.
Step 1: Download the App
Start by downloading ELSA Speak from Google Play or the App Store.
Step 2: Take the Speaking Test
The app will analyze your pronunciation and provide a personalized score and recommendations.
Step 3: Explore Daily Lessons
Begin with curated exercises suggested by the app based on your test results.
Step 4: Focus on Pronunciation Modules
Practice challenging sounds and syllables until you perfect them.
Step 5: Simulate Conversations
Use AI-powered scenarios to practice speaking in real-life situations.
Follow this routine consistently to achieve noticeable improvements in your pronunciation.
While ELSA Speak offers a powerful way to improve pronunciation and fluency, it’s worth exploring alternative tools that might better match your specific learning style or goals. Comparing these options ensures you’re making the best choice for personal or professional growth in mastering English.
BoldVoice stands out as one of ELSA Speak's closest rivals, offering a unique blend of AI-powered speech recognition and a personal touch. Alongside instant pronunciation feedback, it features video lessons led by Hollywood accent coaches, providing expert guidance to refine your accent and fluency.
Say It, developed by Oxford University Press, focuses on teaching both American and British accents with precision. Instead of relying on AI, it uses soundwave analysis to assess pronunciation, allowing users to compare their soundwave charts with those of native speakers for accurate learning and improvement.
Speechling combines listening and speaking practice to enhance your English skills. By recording sentences, users receive personalized feedback directly from native speakers to refine pronunciation. Its flashcard-style format also helps reinforce grammar and vocabulary, making it a versatile and interactive learning tool.
Also Read: Youper Review | A Comprehensive Guide to the AI Mental Health App >>
1. Can ELSA Speak help with exams like IELTS?
Yes, ELSA includes exam-specific modules to prepare you for speaking portions of tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
2. Is ELSA only for American English?
Currently, ELSA supports only American English.
3. What age group is ELSA suitable for?
ELSA is designed for learners of all ages, though most users are teens, students, and professionals.
ELSA Speak is an excellent choice for English learners focused on pronunciation and fluency, offering AI-driven feedback that’s intuitive and useful. However, it might not be the best standalone tool for advanced learners who need more nuanced, human-guided coaching. Whether you're preparing for a job interview, enhancing your IELTS score, or simply aiming to sound more fluent, ELSA Speak’s tailored exercises and AI features make it worth trying. Plus, with a 7-day free trial, you can explore its capabilities risk-free.
For more AI tool reviews, please see: Deep Nude Review - Features, Pricing, and Top Alternatives
