Why was Babbel Live Shut down?
According to Babbel, Babbel Live was discontinued because the majority of individual learners “did not accept Babbel Live as part of their language learning path.” A veteran Babbel Live instructor commented that the format, while beloved by many, wasn’t profitable. Unlimited pricing and a lack of revenue to match the high volume of sessions made it financially untenable in the long run.
If you’re one of the learners affected by the shutdown of Babbel Live on July 1, 2025, you’re not alone. Babbel’s decision stems from an essential strategic insight—they discovered that most individual users found live class formats intimidating and preferred the app. Now is a perfect time to transition to a platform designed for real, engaging language practice.
Why Did Babbel Live Shut Down?
According to Babbel’s official statement, while Babbel Live began as a promising addition to their platform, the company found that individual learners weren’t using it regularly. Many beginners and intermediate users felt more comfortable with the app’s self-study format—and couldn’t sustain participation in live classes. As a result, Babbel refocused its individual offerings on app-based learning, noting that Live formats would continue only for corporate clients through Babbel for Business.
Best Alternative: Strømmen
Strømmen offers what Babbel Live couldn’t deliver sustainably:
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Vetted and Certified Tutors: Every instructor is evaluated before joining—guaranteeing quality and reliability.
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Free Trial Lessons: Find your perfect match before committing.
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Group and Private Classes – Strommen offers both
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Variety of Formats: Online and in-person classes available (in Los Angeles).
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Specialized Services: Dialect coaching, film/TV prep, and cultural events.
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Community & Support: Beyond lessons—movie nights, conversation clubs, and free ESL offerings.
Other Alternatives to Consider
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Lingoda – Structured group lessons with reward-based pricing (“Sprints”), but no in-person option.
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Italki & Preply – Affordable tutor marketplaces, but inconsistent quality and little vetting.
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Talkpal / Innovative Programs – Low-pressure live practice, but less structure and oversight.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Strømmen | Rigorous tutor vetting, free trials, online + in-person, group and private. Ability to speak with a representative for help. | Limited in-person reach outside of LA |
| Lingoda | Structured classes, Sprint rewards | Subscription required; limited flexibility |
| italki / Preply | Wide tutor selection, budget-friendly | Unvetted tutors; inconsistent experience |
| Talkpal / Innovative | Casual live practice with native speakers | Lacks personalization and support infrastructure |
Conclusion
Suppose Babbel Live’s discontinuation left you missing authentic practice. In that case, Strømmen is here to fill that gap—with real humans, flexible formats, and a community that turns learning into something alive, not just an app. Give live language learning another chance—with quality you can count on.
Ready to resume meaningful conversation and progress? Browse Strømmen’s tutor list and try a free trial class today.
