E-clair

E-clair turns podcasts, recordings, and audio links into language-learning sessions on Android and iOS. Users can subscribe to podcasts, upload audio files, or paste links, then follow transcripts synchronized to playback word by word. A selected word or phrase can be replayed, and tapping a word or holding a phrase opens a translation powered by DeepL. Saved vocabulary retains its place in the audio and can be practiced as flashcards using FSRS spaced repetition. E-clair transcribes more than 20 languages, and its guide lists 16 translation target languages. Supported upload formats include MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, and AIFF; video uploads are not supported. The free plan limits the number of collections and the amount and size of users’ own audio transcriptions, while podcast transcription is treated separately. The maker describes the app as intended for learners beyond the beginner stage studying podcasts or recordings they already have. Offline access is listed.

E-clair combines audio playback with synchronized transcripts, translation, and spaced-repetition vocabulary review. The free plan has limits on collections and users’ own audio transcriptions, and the app is intended for learners past the beginner stage.

E-clair suits intermediate learners who want to study podcasts, audio recordings, or linked audio through synchronized transcripts and vocabulary review. It is available on Android and iOS, with offline access listed.

Overview

E-clair is an audio-centered language-learning app for people who want to study podcasts, recordings, or web audio rather than work through a fixed course. It is most compelling for intermediate learners: synchronized transcripts and saved vocabulary help turn listening into repeated, contextual practice.

Key features

Listeners can subscribe to podcasts, upload recordings, or paste links to audio files. Word-by-word transcript syncing and replay for a selected word or phrase make it easier to isolate a tricky passage without losing its place in the recording. This is a stronger fit for close listening than for learners who mainly need video-based study: video uploads are not supported.

Tap a word or hold a phrase to translate it with DeepL. Saved vocabulary keeps its position in the audio and can be reviewed as flashcards with FSRS spaced repetition. That connection between lookup, context, and later review gives learners a useful practice loop; it will matter less to someone who only wants a one-off translation.

E-clair transcribes more than 20 languages and offers 16 translation target languages in its guide. Uploads support MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, and AIFF. Offline access, transcripts, and interactive practice are supported.

The privacy policy says audio is processed in temporary server memory rather than permanently logged or distributed, and data is encrypted in transit with HTTPS/TLS. Text sent to DeepL is handled as a transient request and is not retained or used to train models. Support is by email, and account deletion can be requested in the app or by email.

Pricing

Free: free. The plan caps collections and the amount and size of users’ own audio transcriptions each month. Podcast transcription is handled separately and more generously, making the free tier better suited to podcast-led study than to frequent uploads of personal recordings. No other E-clair plan is included here, so readers needing room beyond those limits should check with the maker for custom pricing.

Platforms

E-clair is available on Android and iOS. Its audio-file workflow accommodates common formats, but the lack of video upload narrows its use for people whose learning material is primarily visual.

Who it's for

E-clair suits learners past the beginner stage who already have podcasts or recordings they want to study. Its transcript alignment, contextual translation, and spaced-repetition review are well matched to deliberate listening and vocabulary building. Beginners looking for guided foundational instruction, or video-first learners, are better served elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Word-level transcript syncing and replay keep difficult phrases tied to their original audio context.
• Pro: Saved words retain their audio position and can return as FSRS flashcards, supporting review beyond the initial listen.
• Pro: Podcast transcription is treated more generously than users’ own audio on the free plan, so podcast-focused learners can get more mileage without uploads.
• Con: Monthly limits on personal-audio transcription and caps on collections may constrain learners who rely on their own recordings.
• Con: Video uploads are unsupported, excluding a common source of language-learning material.
• Con: The product is aimed at learners past the beginner stage, so it is not the clearest choice for someone starting from basics.

Alternatives

For a broader set of language immersion apps, compare tools built around other kinds of material and practice. LingQ is worth considering if saved-word, imported-lesson, and playlist caps are manageable: its free plan allows 20 saved words and phrases, 5 imported lessons, and 1 audio playlist, and it also runs on web and browser extensions. Readlang is another freemium option for readers interested in learning from novels and other native content.

OpenKoto is a free, open-source alternative for users who prefer software under the Apache 2.0 license. Beelinguapp offers unlocked stories and news plus vocabulary practice with a glossary and flashcards on its free plan; choose it when that story-based format is a better match than bringing your own audio. SpeakAccent has a free iOS plan with one learning language, a native-language podcast player, and limited translations and study.

News in Slow French is a paid, French-focused option with an audio-only plan at $6.90 a month, automatically renewing monthly, for readers who want its audio and Rooms rather than transcripts, lessons, or quizzes. News in Slow Spanish offers a similar $6.90 a month automatically renewing audio-only plan for a Spain or Latino edition, audio, and Rooms. Language Reactor is an alternative for learners seeking a browser-extension-based option across web and desktop platforms.

Verdict

Choose E-clair if you are an intermediate learner who wants to turn podcasts or recordings into focused listening and vocabulary review: the synchronized transcript and audio-positioned flashcards are its clearest strengths. Look elsewhere if your study depends on video, beginner instruction, or uncapped personal-audio transcription.