Pimsleur French Review: Learn French with Pimsleur
French is everywhere! Approximately 300 million people worldwide speak French, either as a first or second language. From the Old World to African countries to sun-speckled Caribbean islands and elsewhere, the language’s influence is around the globe.
If you’re interested in learning French, whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, there are plenty of learning apps on the market. Finding out which one is best for you doesn’t have to be an endless search.
Based on Pimsleur reviews, French is accessible for all skill levels, including yours. Since Dr. Paul Pimsleur developed the scientifically-proven Pimsleur Method more than 50 years ago, thousands of curious learners have chosen Pimsleur as their preferred learning platform.
And best of all, with today’s high-tech applications, you can learn on your terms. Let’s explore why Pimsleur has received countless positive French reviews, some of the pros and cons of Pimsleur’s courses, and more.
Why Learn French with Pimsleur? A Method Built for Real-Life Speaking
Audio-first, Conversation-focused Learning
To become a conversational speaker of French – the goal of any language learning platform – it helps to have conversations in French. That’s why Pimsleur puts a premium on speaking and listening to French. Every lesson, every course, and every module with Pimsleur gets you speaking French quickly, since we focus on oral and aural skills. We bypass traditional yet ineffective techniques like ponderous grammar lessons and just focus on what works! That’s the Pimsleur approach to French – and every other language.
Daily Lessons That Fit Your Schedule
Perfect for anyone on the go, our half-hour core lessons get you learning French in no time.
How efficient is this method?
✔️Multitask while learning
✔️Listen on your commute
✔️Busy day? You just need 30 min.
The Pimsleur app goes with you anywhere, anytime!
The Pimsleur app also provides unmatched flexibility and convenience – a common theme among people who learn French with Pimsleur that are mentioned in reviews.
Structured but Flexible Progression
Thoughtful planning punctuates the entire Pimsleur platform – but that doesn’t mean you can learn French with supreme flexibility. Our technique fits any learner’s preferences (some are more visual, others thrive with audio-focused lessons). Many Pimsleur French reviews mention how easy it is to build confidence, since each lesson builds on the foundation already established from the beginning.
Pros and Cons of Learning French with Pimsleur
Pros
Practical, purposeful learning with Pimsleur means conversational-based language acquisition. Real-world conversations are explored, and you’ll hear expert-level French speakers sound out words and sentences. The lessons are easy to pick up, and additional applications (like our AI voice coach, available for some plans) provide world-class instruction and guidance for pronunciation, pace, cadence, and more.
Cons
While the pros definitely outweigh the cons, a few things mentioned in Pimsleur French reviews include a lighter focus on grammar, along with a more gradual learning pace. Pimsleur reviews of our French courses also mention less emphasis on reading and writing the language.
French Course Structure and Features
Number of Lessons & Levels
Pimsleur’s French lifetime subscription has 5 levels, with 30 lessons for level – that’s 150 lessons in all! With 150 half-hour core lessons, you’ll enjoy premium audio language instruction, visual aids, plenty of immersive & entertaining tools, and much more.
Key Tools and Practice Features
About those tools…since the Pimsleur approach to French language acquisition covers all the bases, our learning modules have the variety to match. Interactive, attention-grabbing applications in the Pimsleur learning platform include:
- Quizzes
- Digital Flashcards
- Quick Match & Speed Round Games
- Bonus Packs & Reading
- Speak Easy Challenges
- And more
Skill Icons and Learning Goals
Casual yet captivating conversations are central to learning with Pimsleur, along with helpful lessons that improve skills and empower learners with grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more. And bold visual aids are part of the Pimsleur experience – that’s something our feedback captures from those who learn French with Pimsleur reviews. You’ll always have an easy overview available as you progress through our courses with these icons:

Survival Skills | General Phrases | Meet & Greet | Polite Phrases | Speak & Understand
How Pimsleur French Compares to Other Apps
Duolingo
The Pimsleur vs Duolingo contrast is stark. Unlike Pimsleur’s conversational-based learning with speaking and listening to French, Duolingo puts learners in a gamified format, with a spotlight on visual learning elements.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone also has visual applications as a focal point, and also offers less control of the general learning pace. This can be frustrating for learners who quickly grasp new language concepts – there’s no acceleration option!
Babbel
While Pimsleur never strays far from the oral – aural dynamic, Babbel takes a drastically different approach, with plentiful grammar exercises.
Is the Pimsleur French Learning Worth It?
To put it simply…yes! But don’t just take Pimsleur French reviews as proof – try this innovative language learning program for yourself! Jump in and start learning with no obligation – you can sign up for a free French lesson today.
Start today, and you’ll be able to speak basic French phrases after your first core lesson…with another 149 to go! It’s easy to see why Pimsleur can help take a novice to conversational capability within a matter of weeks. All you need is a little bit of curiosity, and minimal time commitment at just 30 minutes per day.
And if you’re feeling ambitious with your language learning goals, our All-Access lifetime subscription gives you access to French and dozens of other languages in the Pimsleur library. Sign up today!
