Duolingo
An app that turns learning a language into a short daily game.
What Duolingo does
Duolingo is the free language app many people try first. Short, game-like lessons teach more than 40 languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean, and every course is free with ads. Super Duolingo is an optional upgrade that removes ads and adds extras.
Each lesson takes a few minutes. You match words, build sentences, listen, type and speak, and the app keeps you coming back with streaks, points and leaderboards. That habit loop is the real strength: it's easy to practice every day, even on a busy one.
The big languages get deep courses, and smaller ones get lighter ones. Reviewers in 2026 point out that grammar explanations are thin and the exercises can get repetitive, so Duolingo works best as a daily warm-up rather than your only teacher. Pair it with speaking practice or a tutor if you want to hold real conversations.
Super Duolingo removes ads and adds perks, and there's a 14-day free trial. A higher Max tier adds AI conversation practice. If you're just curious about a language, or want a free habit before a trip, start here.
Alternatives to Duolingo
Who it's for
Skip it if: People who want deep grammar explanations. Learners who mainly need real conversation practice.
Pricing
Free planFree to use, with ads. Super Duolingo removes ads and adds extras after a 14-day free trial. On the US App Store, Super plans range from $9.99 to $119.99 depending on length and offer.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Every course is free
- Very easy to stick with day to day
- Huge choice of languages
- Short lessons fit into spare minutes
Watch out for
- Thin grammar explanations
- Exercises can feel repetitive
- Smaller languages get less content
- Ads on the free plan
Want practice that fits your own goals? Build your own.
Describe your app idea and Bilt builds it. Free to start, on your phone in minutes.
Try this idea: “a simple app where I learn 5 new words a day in the language I'm studying, with a streak and a quick quiz each night”
Questions people ask
Is Duolingo really free?
Yes. Every course is free to use, with ads. Paying for Super removes ads and adds extras, but you don't need it to learn.
How many languages does Duolingo teach?
More than 40, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Italian.
Can you get fluent with Duolingo alone?
It's a strong start, but most learners add speaking practice, a tutor or more reading to reach real conversations.
Is Duolingo good for Japanese or Korean?
It teaches both and it's a fine free start. If you want more grammar detail, add a specialist app for Asian languages.