We’ve all been there—sweating over losing a Duolingo streak because life happens. Or, you know, not winning the Diamond League, even though you worked your butt off to get max points.
The pressure, the guilt, the relentless green owl’s notifications. It’s too much.
But here’s the thing: you don’t have to live like this. While Duolingo might have been your first step into the world of language learning apps, it’s not the only option out there.
In fact, if you’re ready for something that balances fun, functionality, and actual progress, you’re in luck. In this guide, we’re diving into the best alternatives to Duolingo,
each offering its own unique spin on language learning.
Let’s explore apps that help you ditch the streak stress and actually learn a new language—on your terms.
Why Look Beyond Duolingo?
Duolingo is undeniably popular for a reason. Well, two, if I’m honest.
One, it’s 100% free. You can learn all 40+ languages at no cost—except for all the ads you have to put up with and #FOMO over all the premium features you don’t get to enjoy.
Second, the app gamifies language learning in a way that’s accessible and, let’s admit it, addictive. Its colorful interface and quick lessons make it easy to form a daily habit.
But as you’ve probably noticed, there are some pretty glaring limitations.
For starters, Duolingo tends to skim the surface. It’s great for introducing you to basic vocabulary, but if you’re looking for depth, real-world conversational skills, or cultural context, it can feel a bit… shallow.
And that’s where Duolingo alternatives come in. Whether you’re after a deeper understanding of grammar, better speaking practice, or immersive content, there are apps that do it better.
13 Best Duolingo Alternatives
Ready to move on from the green owl and his friends?
These alternatives rival Duolingo and often surpass it by offering deeper learning experiences, more engaging methods, or featuring tailored solutions to specific goals.
Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, conversational fluency, or even just a more relaxed pace, there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s my list of the best language-learning apps to suit your unique needs.
Passionate about language learning? Explore our tips!
1. Mondly
Mondly feels like the chill tutor who doesn’t make you feel as bad about missing a lesson as Duolingo does. The app also has streaks, but I recommend using it more to see how many days you can stick to learning the target language consecutively rather than turning it into a competition.
It’s perfect for beginners and offers a well-structured, no-pressure approach to language learning.
Why Mondly is better than Duolingo
Mondly offers practical phrases and real-world scenarios that help you communicate in everyday situations, not just translate random sentences about apples and bears. Plus, you can follow the learning path or complete any of the lessons in the 40+ categories.
There are also daily lessons, weekly quizzes, and monthly challenges to keep it interesting.
Mondly languages
40+, including Afrikaans, Hungarian, Thai, and Hebrew.
Standout Mondly features
Interactive chatbots for real-world practice.
Speech recognition to improve your pronunciation.
Lessons tailored to your interests (travel, business, etc.).
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) features for immersive learning.
Mondly subscription costs
Very limited free version.
Mondly Premium starts at US$9.99/month.
2. Babbel
If Duolingo is the party animal, Babbel is the friend who insists you learn proper table manners. It’s designed for people who are serious about learning practical conversation skills. Plus, the minimalist interface is way more suited for adults than Duolingo’s kiddie vibe.
Why Babbel is better than Duolingo
Babbel focuses on real-world dialogue and grammar explanations, making it ideal for those who want to use their new language in everyday life. I am also a huge fan of the Review feature and setting goals—which puts me in charge of my learning.
Babbel languages
15, including Spanish, German, Swedish, Russian, and Indonesian.
Standout Babbel features
Grammar tips are woven into lessons.
Dialogue-focused exercises for practical skills.
Language courses are tailored to your proficiency level but you can also skip ahead or to a specific topic, depending on your needs.
Cultural insights are integrated into lessons.
Babbel subscription costs
Very limited free version.
Babbel Self-Study costs US$83.40 per year (when discounted by 45%)
3. Memrise
Memrise is like Duolingo’s cooler, more worldly cousin. With its native speaker videos and fun phrases, it makes learning feel natural and engaging.
Why Memrise is better than Duolingo
Memrise focuses on vocabulary and real-world phrases, so you’ll actually sound like a local rather than a textbook.
Memrise languages
25, from Korean and Danish to Swahili and Icelandic.
Standout Memrise features
Video clips of native speakers.
Gamified learning without the guilt.
User-generated courses for niche interests.
Offline mode for learning anywhere.
Spaced repetition to ensure you remember what you’ve learned.
Memrise subscription costs
Limited free version available.
Memrise subscription plans start at US$27.99 per year.
4. LingoDeer
LingoDeer is perfect for anyone tackling Asian languages (and the usual Romance languages). It’s structured, clear, and handles tricky grammar rules like a pro.
Why LingoDeer is better than Duolingo
Unlike Duolingo, LingoDeer gives you detailed grammar explanations and caters specifically to languages like Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
LingoDeer languages
15+, including Vietnamese, Japanese, French, and Spanish.
Standout LingoDeer features
Comprehensive grammar notes.
Offline mode for learning on the go.
Customizable review schedules.
LingoDeer subscription costs
Limited free content.
A LingoDeer subscription starts at US$14.99 per month.
5. Mango Languages
Mango Languages is all about real conversation skills with cultural immersion thrown into the mix. It’s perfect for travelers and anyone who wants to dive deeper into cultural context while learning practical phrases.
Why Mango Languages is better than Duolingo
Mango teaches cultural nuances alongside language, making it ideal for those who want a richer, more immersive experience.
Mango Languages languages
70+, including Bengali, Farsi, Hawaiian, and Turkish.
Standout Mango Languages features
Focus on cultural context and etiquette.
Practical phrases for travel and everyday use.
Interactive audio lessons.
Ability to track your progress.
Mango Languages subscription costs
Free through many libraries in the United States.
But for everyone else, a subscription starts at US$11.99 per month to learn one language or US$19.99 to learn all Mango languages.
6. FluentU
FluentU turns binge-watching into productive language practice. Using real-world videos, it makes learning fun and immersive.
Why FluentU is better than Duolingo
FluentU offers authentic content—think music videos, news clips, and more—to teach language as it’s actually spoken.
FluentU languages
10+, including Mandarin, Italian, German, and French.
Standout FluentU features
Subtitled videos with clickable translations.
Customizable flashcards for review.
Content categorized by proficiency level.
Tracks your progress and adapts to your learning.
FluentU subscription costs
Check out FluentU with its two-week free trial. Subscriptions start at US$29.99 per month.
7. Lingvist
Lingvist is for the efficiency junkies. Its AI-driven lessons are fast, focused, and personalized to your level.
Why Lingvist is better than Duolingo
Lingvist skips the fluff and focuses on high-frequency vocabulary tailored to your specific needs.
Lingvist languages
50+, including Spanish, French, German, Estonian, and Russian.
Standout Lingvist features
AI-powered, personalized lessons.
Emphasis on high-frequency vocabulary.
Detailed progress tracking.
Minimalist, distraction-free design.
Lingvist subscription costs
If you opt for the annual subscription at US$79.99 per year, you get a 14-day free trial to check out the app.
8. Drops
Drops makes learning bite-sized and visually engaging. It’s perfect for those who want to build vocabulary without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Drops is better than Duolingo
Drops is all about visuals, making it easier to remember new words and phrases.
Drops languages
50+, including Hawaiian, Icelandic, Tagalog, and Arabic.
Standout Drops features
Short, five-minute lessons.
Focus on visual learning with vibrant illustrations.
Vocabulary-first approach.
Games to reinforce learning.
Drops subscription costs
Free version or choose a Premium subscription that starts at ±US$13 per month.
9. Busuu
Busuu combines structured lessons with a social learning component. It’s like having a community of learners at your fingertips.
Why Busuu is better than Duolingo
Busuu allows native speakers to provide feedback on your exercises, making it more interactive and practical.
Busuu languages
14, including Turkish, Arabic, Italian, and Japanese.
Standout Busuu features
Social features with community corrections.
Structured courses tailored to proficiency levels.
Vocabulary trainer with personalized goals.
Offline mode for learning on the go.
Busuu subscription costs
A limited free version is available.
But for an ad-free experience, choose a subscription, starting at US$13.90 per month.
10. Clozemaster
Clozemaster is all about filling in the blanks to improve your vocabulary and grammar.
Why Clozemaster is better than Duolingo
Clozemaster focuses on context-based learning, helping you internalize words and phrases more naturally.
Clozemaster languages
Over 50, including Finnish, Romanian, Greek, and Czech.
Standout Clozemaster features
Gamified fill-in-the-blank exercises.
Thousands of sentences in context.
Tracks your fluency progress.
Supports advanced learners.
Clozemaster subscription costs
Free version available; a Pro subscription starts at $8.99 per month.
11. iTalki
iTalki connects you with real language tutors for personalized lessons.
Why iTalki is better than Duolingo
iTalki focuses on real conversations with native speakers, making it ideal for speaking practice. Plus, the tutors can help you focus on your weak areas or suggest resources to help you improve.
iTalki languages
Over 150 languages, including niche options like Khmer and Basque.
Standout iTalki features
One-on-one lessons with native speakers.
Flexible scheduling to fit your needs.
Community features for language exchange.
Tutors for all proficiency levels.
iTalki subscription costs
Prices vary by tutor, starting at US$5 per lesson.
12. HelloTalk
HelloTalk connects you with native speakers for language exchange and real-world conversations.
Why HelloTalk is better than Duolingo
HelloTalk emphasizes speaking and cultural exchange, offering a more social way to learn.
HelloTalk languages
Virtually any language, including Polish, Thai, and Malay.
Standout HelloTalk features
Voice and text chat with native speakers.
Built-in translation and pronunciation tools.
Community-based language exchange.
Social media-style feed for language practice.
HelloTalk subscription costs
A free, ad-filled version is available.
Or opt for a HelloTalk VIP subscription at $12.99 per month or a Lifetime membership at a one-off US$149.99.
13. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone is the OG of language-learning apps, offering immersive lessons with a time-tested methodology.
Why Rosetta Stone is better than Duolingo
Rosetta Stone focuses on total immersion, helping learners think in their target language.
Rosetta Stone languages
25, including Dutch, Hindi, Irish, and Greek.
Standout Rosetta Stone features
Dynamic immersion with no translations.
Speech recognition to improve pronunciation.
Bite-sized lessons for daily practice.
Offline access for flexibility.
Rosetta Stone subscription costs
No free trial or freemium version is available.
A three-month subscription plan starts at US$15.99 per month, and lifetime access costs US$199.
Interested in learning more? Take a look at my articles below:
Who Should Use These Duolingo Alternatives?
Each of these apps shines in different ways, so it’s all about finding the one that fits your goals and learning style. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Casual learners: Memrise, Mondly, Drops.
- Travel enthusiasts: Mango Languages.
- Serious students: Babbel, Rosetta Stone, LingoDeer.
- Intermediate/advanced learners: FluentU, Lingvist, Clozemaster.
- Speaking practice: iTalki, HelloTalk.
Think of these apps as tools in your language-learning toolbox. You might even find that using a combination works best!
How to Choose the Right App for You
When choosing a language-learning app, ask yourself these questions:
- What’s your goal? Are you looking to improve speaking, grammar, vocabulary, or all of the above?
- What language are you learning? Some apps specialize in specific languages, like LingoDeer for mostly Asian languages.
- What’s your budget? Most apps offer free trials, so you can test them out before committing. But to access premium features and ad-free learning, you’ll need to subscribe.
Say Hello to a New App & Wave Goodbye to the Green Owl
The green owl might be iconic, but it’s not the only game in town. Whether you’re after practical conversation skills, cultural immersion, or simply a less stressful way to learn, there’s an app for you.
Why not pair Duolingo with one of the apps on this list for a more balanced and effective approach to language learning? Or completely ditch the pressure of streaks and annoying guilt-tripping notifications, and discover an app that gets you speaking fluently and confidently.
Your next language adventure awaits!
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
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