Duolingo review

Duolingo is the easiest way to start a language for free. Its lessons take a few minutes, mix reading, writing, listening and speaking, and adapt to your level, so a beginner can open the app and make progress the same day. Points, levels, challenges and reminders from the owl mascot make it simple to keep a daily habit, which matters more than any single feature in the first months. The catalog is the largest here at 100+ language courses, including less common options such as Welsh, Navajo and Haitian Creole. The free plan is usable on its own, while Super Duolingo removes ads, gives unlimited hearts so mistakes do not stop a session, and adds mistakes review and personalized practice. Super Family shares that on up to six accounts. The tradeoff is depth. Duolingo explains grammar less than structured courses, so intermediate learners who want to hold real conversations usually add a tutor or a second app.

Who it is for

Beginners who want a free daily habit and a gentle start in a new language.

Price

Free plan; Super Duolingo has a 1 week free trial (see vendor pricing, USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 100+ language courses, plus chess and math
• Bite-sized lessons that cover reading, writing, listening and speaking
• Lessons tailored to your level and pace with AI
• Game-like points, levels, challenges and reminders to build a habit
• Super Duolingo adds unlimited hearts, mistakes review and no ads

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The core course is free
• Strength: Very low effort to start and keep a daily streak
• Strength: Super Family covers up to 6 accounts
• Weakness: Free plan limits mistakes with hearts and shows ads
• Weakness: Short drills give less grammar explanation than Babbel or Busuu
• Weakness: Super prices are not listed on the Duolingo website

Key facts

• Courses: 100+ language courses
• Free plan: Yes
• Free trial: 1 week of Super
• Family plan: Up to 6 Super accounts
• Learners: 500m+ total learners worldwide, per Duolingo

Where it ranks

Duolingo is No. 1 in our Best Language Learning Apps verdict.