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Comparison · Language learning apps

Duolingo vs Memrise: which is better in 2026?

Duolingo92.5#1 in best language learning appsMemrise84.0#3 in best language learning apps

Duolingo ranks higher in our list of language learning apps (#1 against #3, score 92.5 against 84.0).

How we rank Share

  • 92.5
    Editorial score
    84.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Duolingo if you want

Free daily practice with a clear course path.

The broadest free start in this list, with short lessons on iOS, Android and the web. Its course path is fixed and the extras need Super Duolingo, unlike Clozemaster's free-to-play model.

Choose Memrise if you want

Learning from native speaker videos toward a goal.

Native speaker videos and goal-based courses set it apart, across more than 50 languages. The main page does not name its apps, and paid plans sit beside the free start.

Side by side

DuolingoMemrise
Score92.584.0
Rank in list#1 of 10#3 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree app; Super Duolingo is a paid subscriptionFree plan, paid upgradesStart for free; paid plans are offered
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, AndroidWebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android
Made byDuolingo, Inc.Not stated
Main skill practisedVocabulary, grammar and speakingListening and speaking
Lesson formatShort exercisesNative speaker videos
Speaking practiceYesYes
Best forFree daily practice with a clear course pathLearning from native speaker videos toward a goal
Strengths
  • Short lessons that fit into a few minutes a day
  • Apps for iOS and Android, plus the web
  • Clear course path for each language
  • Native speaker videos rather than only synthetic voices
  • Courses for more than 50 languages
  • Goal-based courses such as exam preparation
Limits
  • Advanced extras need the paid Super Duolingo subscription
  • Fixed course path gives less control over what you study
  • Paid plans are offered alongside the free start
  • The main page does not name its apps
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Duolingo vs Memrise

Is Duolingo better than Memrise?
Duolingo ranks higher in our list of language learning apps (#1 against #3, score 92.5 against 84.0). Duolingo is best for: free daily practice with a clear course path. Memrise is best for: learning from native speaker videos toward a goal.
Which is cheaper, Duolingo or Memrise?
Duolingo: Free app; Super Duolingo is a paid subscription. Memrise: Start for free; paid plans are offered.
Do Duolingo and Memrise run on the same platforms?
Duolingo supports Web, iOS, Android. Memrise supports Web, iOS, Android.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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