Duolingo
Short, game-style language lessons on phone and web
- #1 of 10 in best language learning apps
- Free plan, paid upgrades
- Free to use
- WebiOSAndroid
Ranked 1 of 10 in best language learning apps
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.
Best for Free daily practice with a clear course path
About Duolingo
Duolingo teaches vocabulary, grammar and speaking through short exercises that take a few minutes a day. Each language follows a set course path, and the app keeps streaks and progress so a learner can see what is left. The company also publishes chess, math and music content on its blog, which shows it has moved beyond languages.
The free app covers the core course, and Super Duolingo is the paid subscription. Duolingo also sells the Duolingo English Test and Duolingo for Business. Its blog links apps for iOS, Android and desktop, and the website runs in a browser. The fixed course path suits beginners who want structure, and it gives less control to learners who want to choose their own material.
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
Limits
- Advanced extras need the paid Super Duolingo subscription
- Fixed course path gives less control over what you study
Where Duolingo ranks
How Duolingo compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Main skill practised | Lesson format | Speaking practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Duolingo | 92.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | Vocabulary, grammar and speaking | Short exercises | Yes |
#2 Busuu | 88.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | Speaking and pronunciation | Expert-written courses | Yes |
#3 Memrise | 84.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | Listening and speaking | Native speaker videos | Yes |
#4 Speak | 83.0 | Subscription | iOSAndroid | Speaking and conversation | AI tutor conversations | Yes |
#5 Clozemaster | 82.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebiOSAndroid | Vocabulary in sentences | Fill-in-the-blank sentences | No |
The full comparison table for best language learning apps has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Duolingo
All 9 alternatives- BusuuLanguage courses with speaking practice and a native speaker community
- MemriseLanguage courses built around videos of native speakers
- SpeakAI conversation practice for speaking a new language
- ClozemasterFill-in-the-blank sentence game for vocabulary in context
PimsleurAudio-first language courses with recall practice
LingQLanguage learning from books, podcasts and video you choose
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Questions about Duolingo
- Is Duolingo free?
- Duolingo can be used without paying: Free app; Super Duolingo is a paid subscription. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Duolingo open source?
- No. Duolingo is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Duolingo support?
- Duolingo is available on: Web, iOS, Android.
- What is Duolingo best for?
- Free daily practice with a clear course path. In our ranking of language learning apps it is number 1 of 10 with a score of 92.5.
- What are the best alternatives to Duolingo?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Busuu, Memrise, Speak, Clozemaster.
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