Rocket French Review 2024 Edition: An Honest Look

  • Donovan Nagel
    Written byDonovan Nagel
    Donovan NagelTeacher, translator, polyglot
    🎓 B.A., Theology, Australian College of Theology, NSW
    🎓 M.A., Applied Linguistics, University of New England, NSW

    Applied Linguistics graduate, teacher and translator. Founder of The Mezzofanti Guild and Talk In Arabic.
  • Read time10 mins
  • Comments6
I’d happily recommend Rocket French because of the comprehensiveness of its content and excellent quality of its dialogues.
Rocket French Review 2024 Edition: An Honest Look

Rocket French
Rocket French
Pricing: Starts at $99.95 (coupon applied)
Positives
  • Comprehensive courses
  • High quality dialogues
  • Free mobile app access included
  • Inbuilt gamification and leaderboard
Negatives
  • Slightly pricey
  • Inactive forums
  • Spammy affiliates

Summary

Rocket French is one of the better French courses, is comprehensive in its content, covering all skills, and uses high quality, natural dialogues.

Depth
DepthThis is 'content' richness. How comprehensive is Rocket French and does it take you far in terms of levels, or is it more suited to low level/tourist learners?
Uniqueness
UniquenessIs Rocket French innovative or is it just an imitation? Does it have a unique selling proposition (USP) that makes it stand out among competitors?
Quality
QualityOverall product quality indicator that covers everything from video/dialogue clarity, authenticity, explanations, and effectiveness.
Cost
CostIs Rocket French acceptably priced and how does its pricing compare to market competition?

Today I’m going to share my Rocket French review with you (one of the popular editions of the Rocket Languages series).

It describes itself as a ‘recognized leader in online language learning’ and it’s been popular language learning product for over 10 years.

When I first sampled Rocket French (and before that Rocket Arabic), I admit that I didn’t have high expectations of the program but I was actually seriously impressed at the high quality of its audio content and dialogues.

In fact it’s one of the most comprehensive sites I’ve ever seen for natural dialogue material.

Grammar is demonstrated rather than just being explained and instead of just being a tedious literacy-based program, it really focuses on getting you to speak and listen to French better.

Rocket French uses what’s called a ‘chunking approach’ which means that they break everything down into small pieces or segments so they can be easily absorbed and remembered. This is an approach I advocate a lot in my own writing on this site.

As well as French, Rocket currently offers: Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic (Egyptian), Italian, Hindi, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Sign Language (American) and English (for Spanish speakers).

There are 3 different pricing tiers – Premium, Combo and Works. While the Premium tier offers a lot of great content, the higher tiers offer loads more (with a significant price difference however).

To get specifics on these tiers, click on one of the languages above to see what they offer (personally I think the middle option – Combo – is more than adequate for most people).

Below I’ve listed the reasons why I think Rocket French is worth it and I’ve followed it up with a few negative points.

But first a video demonstration (this is a few years old now — it’s had major improvements since I made the video):

Make sure to comment below if you’ve used it and share your own thoughts.

The quality and comprehensiveness of Rocket French’s audio is outstanding

The quality and comprehensiveness of its audio is what sets Rocket French apart from most other French products.

In preparing for this Rocket French review, I was seriously impressed by the high quality and scope of its audio and dialogues. By comparison, it’s miles ahead of products like Rosetta Stone (see my review here) and Babbel (review).

You’ll find naturally spoken French phrases and dialogues just as they’re used in real life by French native speakers – something that’s hard to find in many other French resources.

In Rocket French there’s a unique and wide variety of topics ranging from absolute beginner level to advanced and they cover areas such sport, literature, France-specific topics, relationships and more.

The best part is everything is accompanied by 100% natural audio to improve your listening comprehension skills.

Rocket French Review

There are two sections – ‘Language and Culture’ and ‘Interactive Audio’.

The Interactive Audio section contains tonnes of high quality dialogues.

The Language and Culture section is the part where you’ll find grammar and detailed information on culture.

Unlike other programs like Rosetta Stone, Babbel and Pimsleur (see this review), Rocket presents its content in a humorous and unique way that doesn’t follow a ‘cookie cutter’ approach (all language versions are unique to France and French culture). The presenters in the audio comment on and engage with the material which makes it fun and interesting to follow.

Due to the comprehensiveness and high quality of the audio alone, I believe the price for Rocket French is absolutely justifiable.

Compared to its competitors and other French products, Rocket French’s audio content is outstanding value to serious French learners.

Rocket French’s helpful community and forum

French Forum

When you sign up for Rocket French you’ll find that there’s a helpful community of people to help you with your French.

There’s also a general forum for other languages.

Being able to engage with other French learners is a really great feature to help both you and for you to be able to help others.

If there are questions about grammar, vocabulary or anything else French-related that isn’t covered by the Rocket content then you may find the answers here.

It seems as though the forums are also actively moderated by native French speakers.

Rocket French app review: The Android and iOS apps are excellent

Rocket recently released a fresh, new design as part of their more recent edition rollouts which I’ve been really getting into.

The desktop version was previously very outdated (in fact, I raised this negative point in my earlier Rocket French review).

The latest edition of the mobile app is incredibly simple, clean and easy to use.

I actually prefer it to the desktop version since it removes a lot of the clutter and unnecessary features, making it easier to access the French audio directly.

If you have a mobile device then you’ll love the Rocket app as you can squeeze in some study time while you’re out and about (on commutes to work, university, etc.).

The Rocket app isn’t quite as feature-rich as the desktop version

While the Rocket languages app gives you access to all the languages they have, it’s worth pointing out that the app is lighter in features.

As I said above, I actually prefer it because it has a simpler, cleaner interface and gives you exactly what you need to study French.

Whatever aspects of the site may be missing from the app version, they’re not part of the core product.

Learn more on Google Play or the Apple Store.

Rocket French includes a handy scheduler and points system, and an amazingly useful ‘Saved Vocab’ feature

This isn’t necessarily a unique feature to have but like other software (e.g. Babbel), Rocket Languages provides these tools to keep you motivated.

They also keep you challenged.

This encourages you to have ‘study streaks’ (unbroken study over a long period) which will prevent you from losing motivation to study or giving up entirely. I can’t emphasize enough just how important this feature is.

There’s also another feature which works brilliantly called ‘Saved Vocab’ which scans through the entire French course when you search for something and brings back every example of the word or phrase in their database.

Thus, it’s a bit like a contextual dictionary.

Rocket French Vocab

You can also add your own custom terms, definitions and notes.

Since Rocket French is so comprehensive, it’s great that they’ve included a search tool that works so well.

You can easily download the entire Rocket French course in MP3 and PDF format

This is one of the best points about Rocket French.

Unlike other programs and websites which restrict you to using their material inside the application or on the website, you can download all of the Rocket French content as MP3’s and PDF files.

This means you can easily put the dialogue material on portable listening devices (e.g. phone, tablet or iPod) and take it with you as well as being able to read the lesson PDF on your device.

UPDATE: In the newest 2024 edition, PDF downloads have been removed. Thankfully, you can still download the audio.

I always say that if you pay for something, you should be able to access wherever and whenever you want.

Rocket Languages is one of the few resources that makes this possible (though it’s also a feature of FrenchPod101).

A few negative points about Rocket French

Like every language product, it shouldn’t be sugarcoated.

Rocket French is fantastic but there are some features and general issues that need improving:

  • Rocket affiliate marketers hurt the company’s reputation. Unfortunately, Rocket has an unchecked affiliate scheme in place that makes it possible for spammers to annoy the heck out of people with ads about Rocket products. These are NOT from the company. They are spammers (the affiliate onboarding process has become a little stricter in recent years however).
  • The desktop interface still looks very outdated but as I mentioned above, Rocket have indicated that they’re replacing this soon. This does not affect the content which is still awesome. - UPDATE: The interface has been completely overhauled in newer editions so this probably isn’t an issue anymore.
  • Games are pointless. One of the features mentioned on the site are the language games. Trust me – they’re a waste of time. Not a big deal really but I wish they’d take them out entirely — UPDATE: These games have been removed in recent editions.
  • The voice recording feature isn’t that great. It’s also a step behind other products like Rosetta Stone. Again, this isn’t a huge deal because it’s an unnecessary feature that doesn’t really benefit your speaking skills anyway (you’re better of using a site like italki for speaking). — UPDATE: The voice recording and recognition system has been massively improved in recent editions using the Google Web Speech API.
  • Rocket French would be a lot better, in my opinion, if they added video lessons.

Rocket French pricing and sale offers

As I mentioned above, there are 3 tiers for Rocket French: Level 1, Levels 1 & 2 and Levels 1, 2 & 3.

They also have an additional French Travelogue addon which is designed for people planning a quick trip to France or a French-speaking country.

Each level is individually valued at $149.95 but there is a default coupon applied that usually brings it down $50.

For the complete package (all three levels combined), which is typically valued at $449.85, there’s a whopping reduction in price of $189.95. This makes it pretty much a no-brainer if you’re trying to find the Best Value option for Rocket French.


UPDATE: I have a unique, exclusive offer for Rocket French that’s only available to my email subscribers. I don’t share it publicly. Join by clicking here, and choose French for more info.


Rocket used to offer the physical CD option for people not wanting an online course but I’m not sure if that’s still offered (let me know in the comment section if it is).

Rocket French refund policy

Like most online subscriptions for language courses, Rocket offers a no-risk trial period on their courses.

This is a 60 day satisfaction period and from what I’ve heard, they’re pretty good at responding quickly to people’s concerns and requests.

Rocket French alternatives

If you’re looking around for alternatives before making a final decision on Rocket French, there are some good ones to consider.

I’ve listed my personal favorites on my French resources page.

We’ve also compiled a long list of the best online French courses.

Ultimately, it depends on your own individual needs and learning style as to what kind of French course or program you sign up for. I could recommend a few to you but they might not suit you.

FrenchPod101 is hugely popular.

It’s quite different to Rocket French (less organized and more of a podcast than a course).

Frantastique is, well, fantastic too.

This is a much more personalized French course that doesn’t overwhelm new learners.

French Uncovered by StoryLearning is one worth checking out.

The French Uncovered course will suit anyone who likes to have things explained to them in great detail. They use a whiteboard approach to pull apart a French short story and build your French comprehension. It’s very good.

Glossika French is incredible but some people get frustrated by its unique method and style.

There’s also French Uncovered from StoryLearning which is comprehensive but much more of a ‘hand holding’, story-based approach for people with no background in French.

Personally, I would avoid well-marketed apps like Babbel and Duolingo.

Rocket French review summary: The great quality and comprehensiveness of its audio makes it worth the investment for a serious learner

Other sites and books lose their usefulness pretty quickly.

Rocket French is a little pricey compared to some other products but trust me – you will get years of use out of it.

I’d happily recommend it because of the comprehensiveness of its content and excellent quality of its dialogues.

Some of the other features I’ve mentioned need improvement (or removal) but the natural audio is where Rocket shines.

You can try it out (they do offer a free trial on their products) here:


Used Rocket French before?

Please share your thoughts below if you’ve used the course (or any other Rocket edition) below.

Rocket French
Pricing: Starts at $99.95 (coupon applied)

🎓 Cite article

Share link Grab the link to this article
Copy Link
The Mezzofanti Guild

WANT HELP

Learning
French?

Who is this?The Mezzofanti Guild
Cardinal MezzofantiCardinal Guiseppe Mezzofanti was a 19th century polyglot who is believed to have spoken at least 39 languages!Learn more
Support me by sharing:
  • Reddit share
  • Facebook share
  • X / Twitter share

Let me help you learn French
JOIN THE GUILD:

Donovan Nagel
Donovan Nagel - B. Th, MA AppLing
I'm an Applied Linguistics graduate, teacher and translator with a passion for language learning (especially Arabic).
Currently learning: Greek
Greek

6 COMMENTS

Comment Policy: I love comments and feedback (positive and negative) but I have my limits. You're in my home here so act accordingly.
NO ADVERTISING. Links will be automatically flagged for moderation.
michal

michal

I tried the sample Chinese lesson and all I can say is that the inserts about how you are doing great and how simple the learning is are irritating. Worse, they waste audio time which turns to me wasting time on listening to lessons.

If I am gong to invest into audio course I am going to look elsewhere.

Keith

Keith

I used Rocket for six weeks. The voice recognition is dreadful. As it’s the main reason I bought it I’m gutted. I’ve tried to sort it with their support, but they’ve very evasive. Since I read dozens of reviews expressing the same problems. Grammatical and verb development is also lacking. It’s cheap but I suppose you get what you pay for!

Donovan Nagel

Donovan Nagel

Their voice recognition is entirely powered by Google’s voice recognition technology (one of the most advanced in the world). So it shouldn’t be an issue. But you shouldn’t be relying on AI to improve your pronunciation anyway - that’s what native speakers and daily practice are for.

Asha

Asha

Hi there,
Thank you for your detailed review of Rocket Languages! I came across your website while looking for Rosetta reviews, and ended up clicking through to here. I was debating whether or not to get Rosetta Spanish (Latin America) for $100/12 months (or I could do $150/24 months. I am planning to work through sooner than that, though, and would rather put the extra $50 to other resources- including italki).

This review, however, left me intrigued and made me think I needed to go check out the Rocket Languages course first.

I have started Spanish in bits and pieces in the past and, while I can’t be super dedicated time-wise, right now, I would like to make some slow and steady progress. I’m looking for something to be a good homebase for me that I can rely on, come back to, and know that it’s going to be useful to me and I can work on my Spanish with a minimum of “figuring out what to learn next.” For now.

With that in mind, some questions:

1. On balance, would you think Rosetta Stone is worth it for this price?

2. I can’t find any info on what regional variations of Spanish Rocket covers. From context, I’m thinking they have detailed info, but I would like to understand what they have before I buy. I plan to travel pretty widely in Spanish-speaking countries. I know I will love Spain, but also I’m a tango dancer and suspect Latin Spanish- Argentine specifically- will be more useful to me in the short-term. Do you know anything about it? I can definitely talk to them if need be.

3. I would love to support you by using your Rocket affiliate link, but the link in your review is broken. If you have a current one, please let me know where it is!

Thanks so much! I’m also stoked about the Earworms and I’m getting some of them tonight! A bunch of them are on an end-of-summer sale. You may want to let your audience know that. Spanish isn’t included, though. :(

Donovan Nagel

Donovan Nagel

Hey Asha,
Thanks for your kind message and feedback!
I actually don’t mind Rosetta Stone at all as you probably already saw in my review. My main issue with it was the pricing (which has since dropped right down to match market competition). Overall, I think it’s a very unique and powerful method for learning.
As for Rocket (this is a Rocket French review - my Rocket Spanish review is here), I don’t know where specifically the material has been sourced from. It is definitely Latin American though. I’ll email the CEO and ask him for specifics on the teachers.
The links here seem to be working for me. Not sure why they’re broken on your end (I’ll look into it). Thanks for offering your support! :)

Ivan

Ivan

Hi Donovan,

Thank you very much for the review. I am keen on Rocket French but I have already invested into Michel Thomas and Assimil. I did find Michel Thomas a little annoying with the 2 students in the session while Assimil has been a good help but in some ways it gives me a cookie cutter feeling. Thus, am looking at a more rounded resource for self-studying.

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
© The Mezzofanti Guild, 2024. NAGEL PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved.
Join The Guild

Let Me Help You Learn French

  • Get my exclusive French content delivered straight to your inbox.
  • Learn about the best French language resources that I've personally test-driven.
  • Get insider tips for learning French.

FrenchFrench

No spam. Ever.