Is there a consensus on the best resources and best ways to learn Mandarin and Cantonese?

I know this subreddit has a list of resources available to learn both of those languages but I'd like to know if there is a consensus within the Mandarin and Cantonese speaking/learning community on what the best resources and ways to learn Mandarin and Cantonese. Looking at everything would probably be good but I want to know the best websites, books, audiotapes, etc. first before looking at the rest.

Also what are the best methods in learning a language besides practicing with others? Watching videos of conversations or movies with subtitles? Listening to podcasts, radio?

If someone is dedicated and can spend 3-5 hours learning per day, how long would it take someone to be semi fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese?

Also I only want to learn how to understand and speak both those languages btw. For now, I don't have any use in learning how to read and write

submitted by /u/HelpMeLearnLanguages
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