What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is a language learning platform offering short, bite-sized lessons in dozens of languages, plus chess and math courses. Lessons are organized into levels and units, with points, streaks, and reminders from the owl mascot Duo to keep learners on a daily habit. The page states that the company combines AI with language science to tailor lessons to each learner's level and pace.
In practice, you can learn reading, writing, listening, and speaking through exercises in the app or on the web. The page also mentions the Duolingo English Test, an English proficiency assessment that uses AI and is offered as a separate product for certifying English level.
Key features
- Short, bite-sized lessons in many languages
- Gamified progress with points, levels, and streaks
- AI-personalized lessons matched to learner level and pace
- Reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises
- Duolingo English Test for certifying English level
- Chess and math courses
Who is it for
- Self-learners studying a new language
- Students preparing for an English proficiency certificate
- Schools and businesses (Duolingo for Schools, Duolingo for Business)
How to get started with Duolingo
- - Go to the Duolingo website or download the app for Android or iOS.
- - Create an account and choose the language you want to learn.
- - Take the placement test or start with the first lesson.
- - Set daily reminders to keep your learning consistent.
- You are learning a foreign language from scratch and want short, regular lessons.
- You need motivation through points, levels, and challenges.
- You want to prepare for an English certificate and are considering the Duolingo English Test.
- You need fully free access to all features, since some require a subscription.
- You are looking for an advanced course for professionals or intensive live-tutor instruction.
Pros and cons
- Free core courses with fun, game-like structure
- Research-backed teaching methods, per the company
- Some features require a paid tier such as Super Duolingo or Duolingo Max
Duolingo pricing
The vendor does not publish prices in a readable form (often pricing is shown only after signing in).
Is Duolingo free?
There is a free trial. Free basic courses; the page offers a 1-week free trial of the paid tier.
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Duolingo alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Photomath | 9.99 USD/mo | trial | Education |
 Quizlet | not listed | yes | Education |
 Brisk Teaching | not listed | yes | Education |
 Praktika | not listed | yes | Education |
 Speak | not listed | trial | Education |
 Scribbr | 19,95 USD | ? | Education |
All alternatives to Duolingo →
Comparisons
FAQ
What is Duolingo used for?
Free, gamified language courses (plus chess and math) with short daily lessons personalized by AI for self-learners.
Is Duolingo free?
There is a free trial. Free basic courses; the page offers a 1-week free trial of the paid tier.
How much does Duolingo cost?
The vendor does not publish prices publicly or requires sign-in.
What are the best Duolingo alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Photomath, Quizlet, Brisk Teaching, Praktika, Speak.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (duolingo.com).