Italy is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world, and the main language of its people is Italian. The history, culture, and food bring myriads of people to Italy, yet your travel experience could be even better if you were able to communicate in Italian.
People learn Italian in various ways, including using phrasebooks while interacting with Italian people. However, you can learn Italian much quicker by following a comprehensive online Italian course, such as ItalianPod101. ItalianPod101 by Innovative Languages is one of the better Italian courses we’ve come across, and here is our complete review.
Already made up your mind and looking for our 30% discount code?
ItalianPod101 Review Summary
ItalianPod101 is a modern platform that’s meant for use by those who would like to learn the Italian language on the go, and fit lessons into their busy lives. You can access this learning resource using your mobile phone, tablet, iPad, or web for convenience.
The platform offers plenty of resources, which you can rely on to build your pronunciation and vocabulary alike. If your main focus is learning the basics of grammar, then you might want to check out supplemental resources to help you.
Fortunately, ItalianPod101 is easy to use and has a pretty good user interface. There is plenty of content and lessons to keep you busy for a very long time. The major issue that we noted about this platform is that the structure of its modules could be improved.
Overall, this is a useful learning resource, which can be relied on by both intermediate and beginner Italian learners. Advanced learners, however, may not find this online tool as useful.
Signing up for ItalianPod101
To sign up for ItalianPod101, you can first start with a 7-day free trial to see if you like the program. The sign-up process is easy — you only need to fill in your level of knowledge and your email. The process should take less than a minute, but you’ll need to confirm your email address in your inbox. You also have the option of signing up via your Facebook account.
Pros of ItalianPod101
Pro #1: Using the platform is quite easy
When you’re getting started with ItalianPod101, there isn’t much that you’re expected to do. The registration process is fast and seamless, and you don’t have a lot of fields to fill in. Also, the site is relatively intuitive for brand new users.
Pro #2: The site is well-designed
The website has an impressive design. When you complete each module, it will automatically display your progress.
Pro #3: Usable across all devices
This platform works on the web, tablets, and mobile phones.
Pro #4: Covers different areas to sharpen your Italian skills
ItalianPod101 covers reading, listening, and speaking skills. It also has an interactive voice recorder, and even teaches aspects about Italian culture as well.
Pro #5: Has plenty of extra features
ItalianPod101 includes plenty of additional features, including: flashcards, word bank, most common words lists, key phrases, and other study tools.
Cons of ItalianPod101
Con #1: The modules could be better organized
Unfortunately, the modules are not well-organized. They could use some improvements.
Con #2: Does not have enough quizzes
As much as the quizzes in this learning platform are useful, there could be more quizzes available for those that like to test their learning.
Con #3: The lessons utilize a lot of English to explain various concepts
Considering that this is a platform to help you learn Italian, it uses a lot of English for teaching (even at the higher levels)
Features of ItalianPod101
This online tool has features that aim towards promoting the Italian language learning process. Let’s have a look at some of the main features.
Audio lessons
The main lessons on this learning platform are in audio format, and they often feature a non-native speaker and a native speaker. Normally, they are short and concise, and are structured to teach certain related vocabulary or grammar. It’s also possible for you to download the audio lessons so that you can listen to them at a later time.
Video lessons
The platform also features short video lessons, which help to boost your language skills. Videos are helpful because you can see how the speaker is using their mouth to mimic the sounds they make.
Flashcards
With a premium membership, you have access to plenty of tools. One of the tools we liked were the flashcards. The flashcards contain the vocabulary that you hear in the audio and video lessons, giving you more practice and exposure.
Mobile App
If you’re willing to learn while on the go, then you can install the mobile App to learn Italian from any location. The mobile phone interface is not only well-designed but also easy to use. You can also download files via the app.
Who would benefit from ItalianPod101?
ItalianPod101 is an excellent learning platform for someone who is looking to enhance their Italian language skills. However, the platform doesn’t suit everyone. It’s ideal for beginners and those at the intermediate level. It’s also great for someone who wants to learn Italian while on the go. Additionally, it suits those who are comfortable learning in an online space.
Who would NOT benefit from ItalianPod101?
There are also those individuals who would not reap any benefits from this online tool. Such people include advanced learners in the Italian language. Moreover, it doesn’t suit those people who need the constant attention of a tutor to learn Italian.
ItalianPod101 vs Competitors
Besides ItalianPod101, there are other platforms that learners can use to have a better understanding of Italian. Let us have a look at some of them, and see how they compare to ItalianPod101.
ItalianPod101 vs. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a long-established platform for practicing and improving your spoken Italian. Unlike ItalianPod101, which has audio lessons, video lessons, and flashcards, Pimsleur teaches only via audio lessons. The platform is designed to improve your conversational skills. Their technique uses questions and answers to encourage active recall.
ItalianPod101 vs FluentU
FluentU is also another platform that can help improve your Italian. When you sign up with FluentU you get 14 days free, while ItalianPod101 gives you a 7-day free trial. The idea of FluentU is to learn Italian by watching native videos. It also has other tools such as captions, flashcards, games, and Italian TV shows.
ItalianPod101 Price
There are three plans on offer: Basic, Premium, and Premium Plus. Each of these plans differs in price, with the Basic plan being the cheapest and Premium Plus is the most costly at $16 per month.
Basic Monthly Subscription $8 $2.80/month (using this link)
After you’ve registered for an account for free, you can choose to subscribe to the basic membership. This plan usually costs $8 per month, but you can pay as low as $4 per month for the 2-year subscription (or $2.80 if you use our link!). The basic package has plenty to offer, including in-depth lesson notes and complete lesson notes. The plan also has 100 core words and phrases, and you can access the app via the website, iPhone, Android, iPad, or tablet.
Premium Monthly Subscription $25 $7/month (using this link)
Alternatively, you can select the premium membership. The package costs $25 per month, but you can also pay $10 per month if you choose the 2-year subscription (or as low as $7/month with our link!). If you choose the premium membership, you gain access to all the features that you can access on the basic package. However, this plan also has additional features. It comes with HD video access, line-by-line audio dialogue, 2000 core words and phrases, and premium access on other devices. The premium package also includes a recording option, vocabulary slideshow, daily new lessons, season vocabulary, custom word lists, audio dictionary, word bank, grammar bank, and spaced repetition flashcards.
Premium PLUS Monthly Subscription $47 $16/month (using this link)
The ItalianPod101 premium plus membership is the last package, and it is the most expensive option. The package costs $47 per month, but you can pay as low as $22.88 per month when you choose the 2-year subscription (or only $16 if you use our link!).
The biggest benefit of this subscription tier is access to the teacher, assignments, and ongoing professional assessment. It also gives you Premium Plus access on all your devices, and it includes a personalized learning curriculum. The curriculum is structured by your teacher based on your study needs, level, and goals.
The premium plus package is quite different from the other plans because it includes a teacher, who not only guides but also assesses you. As a result, it costs more. However, that does not imply that you cannot benefit from the basic and premium packaged.
Moreover, you get a 60-day 100 percent money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with the package that you purchased.
ItalianPod101 Review: Conclusion
Looking to learn Italian? We give ItalianPod101 a 4 out of 5 for effectiveness, value and fun. It is an effective learning platform that uses audio, videos, and flashcards to help you practice and learn Italian. The sign-up process is simple and quick, and you get a 7-days free trial. After that, you can select between three packages – Basic, Premium, and Premium Plus. Each package contains features that will help you grow your Italian language skills.
If you use our sign-up link, we receive a small commission, and you get 30% off your order.