Comprehensive Comparison: Online English Conversation and AI English Apps – Costs & Features
A Comprehensive Comparison of Online English Conversation and AI English Apps!
We introduce the features, advantages, disadvantages, and costs of each service, including NativeCamp and Speak, in an easy-to-understand table.
From beginners to those preparing to study abroad, we explain key points for choosing the English learning method that suits you best.
1. Introduction: How to Choose Between Online English Conversation and AI English Apps
The options for learning English continue to expand. In particular, “online English conversation” and “AI English apps” are popular methods for studying conveniently at home.
- online English Conversation: Practice practical English by speaking in real time with instructors.
- AI English Apps: Converse with AI anytime and practice during short spare moments.
In this article, we compare online English conversation services (inIn this article, we compare online English conversation services, including NativeCamp, with AI English apps, clearly summarizing the features and costs of each.cluding NativeCamp) with AI English apps, explaining their features and costs in an easy‑to‑understand way so that learners from beginners to those preparing for study abroad can choose the method that suits them.
2. What Is Online English Conversation? (Including NativeCamp)
Online English conversation refers to a style of learning where you directly speak with instructors via Zoom or a proprietary app. Among these, the budget-friendly online English service NativeCamp is particularly notable for its features:
- Unlimited lessons with the all-you-can-take plan
- No reservation required with the “Instant Lesson” feature
- Family plans and light plans are available
- Native instructor option can be added
Other companies (such as DMM Eikaiwa, RareJob, and Cambly) mainly offer capped plans like “one 25-minute lesson per day,” but NativeCamp is ideal for learners who want to speak as much as possible.
What Are AI English Conversation Apps?
AI English conversation apps utilize ChatGPT or other large language models, allowing you to converse in English with AI.
- Available 24/7
- Practice repeatedly with zero embarrassment
- Low cost (around ¥2,000–4,000 per month)
- Functional features like pronunciation correction and scenario-based practice
However, they cannot provide as detailed nuance instruction as human teachers, and may be somewhat lacking in practical conversational experience.
4. Online English Conversation vs AI English Apps – Comparison Table
| Item | Online English Conversation | AI English App |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Human instructors (Filipino, Japanese, native) | AI (artificial intelligence) |
| Availability | Scheduled (NativeCamp allows instant lessons) | Anytime, 24/7 |
| Learning Experience | Real conversations with people; learn culture and emotions | Scenario-based practice or free conversation |
| Feedback | Real-time corrections for pronunciation and grammar | Automatic correction, limited accuracy |
| Pressure | Present (good for realistic practice) | None (safe to make mistakes) |
| Continuity | Easier to continue due to instructor commitment | Requires self-discipline |
| Typical Cost | ¥5,000–10,000/month (+¥9,800 for native instructor option) | Around ¥2,000–4,000/month |
| Examples | NativeCamp, DMM Eikaiwa, RareJob | Speak, Elsa Speak, ChatGPT English |
5. Cost Comparison (Specific Examples)
NativeCamp
- Premium Plan: ¥7,480/month → unlimited lessons
- Short Camp Plan: ¥2,980/month → about 10 minutes per day
- Unlimited Native Instructor Option: +¥9,800/month
f you take one 25-minute lesson per day for 30 days, the cost per lesson comes out to roughly ¥249. The more frequently you use it, the more cost-effective it becomes
Other Online English Services
- DMM Eikaiwa: Around ¥7,900/month (one 25-minute lesson per day)
- RareJob: Around ¥6,980/month (one 25-minute lesson per day)
AI English App
- Speak: Around ¥3,000/month
- Elsa Speak: Around ¥2,200/month
- ChatGPT English Plugin: Around ¥3,000/month
Considering AI apps can be used every day for about ¥3,000/month, the cost per session can be less than ¥100.
Conclusion:
Frequent users → NativeCamp
Short-sessions/spare-time practice → AI apps are advantageous
6. Summary of Advantages & Disadvantages
Online English Conversation (Including NativeCamp)
- ✅ Practical conversation with real-time correction
- ✅ Easier to continue due to interaction with instructors
- ❌ Relatively higher cost (especially with native instructors)
- ❌ Requires scheduling and time coordination
AI English App
- ✅ Practical conversation with real-time correction
- ✅ Easier to continue due to interaction with instructors
- ❌ Relatively higher cost (especially with native instructors)
- ❌ Requires scheduling and time coordination
7. Recommended Use Before Studying Abroad in the Philippines
For those preparing for study abroad or overseas employment, a combination of both methods is recommended:
- AI apps: Daily foundational practice; output during spare moments
- Online English conversation: Practical checks, feedback, and experience of conversational pressure
Example:
“10 minutes daily with an AI app on weekdays + practical lessons with instructors via NativeCamp on weekends”
This approach maximizes learning while keeping costs manageable.
8. Conclusion
- Choose AI English apps if cost efficiency is the priority
- Choose online English conversation (including NativeCamp) if practical skills are the priority
The optimal solution is to combine both
The most effective flow before studying abroad is:
“Daily practice with AI → Test skills with online English conversation → Apply skills during study abroad.”
