Overview

Duolingo is a learning service from a company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its study content includes 40 listed languages, plus chess and math. Language lessons use a quick, bite-sized format and are intended to build real-world communication skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The company describes its teaching methods as research-backed and says research shows its learning works. The available details do not quantify those outcomes, so effectiveness should be understood as the company’s claim, not a promised result. Duolingo also offers an English test, school and business products, and subscriptions called Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max.

Key features

Several learning subjects: Alongside language courses, Duolingo lists chess and math.
Four language skills: Language study covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with speech practice available.
Adaptive study: Lessons adapt to the learner’s level and pace. Placement tests and personalized review are also available.
Short lessons and prompts: Bite-sized lessons are accompanied by game-like features, challenges, and reminders intended to encourage regular learning.
Offline lessons: Lessons can be used offline; the available details do not specify limitations.
Duolingo English Test: The company describes its AI-enabled English test as fast and affordable, and says users can take it wherever and whenever they perform best.
Additional offerings: Duolingo for Business and Duolingo for Schools are listed among the company’s products, alongside Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max.
Help information: FAQs and service status information are available.

Pricing

Duolingo uses a freemium model. The Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free, and a free plan is available. A Free trial is listed as 1 week, but no price is provided for it. The general pricing note mentions a 14-day trial, which conflicts with the one-week trial listing; confirm the current trial terms before relying on either duration. Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max are listed as subscription products, but their prices are not provided.

Platforms

Duolingo is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and the web, with cloud and mobile deployment. Mobile apps are listed, and the company’s apps are available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. The platform details also mark mobile app coverage as “no,” which conflicts with the listed mobile apps and app-store availability. Check the relevant store or platform before choosing based on mobile access.

Who it's for

Duolingo may suit individuals looking for short lessons across languages, chess, or math, particularly learners who want practice across core language skills and a study path that adjusts to their level and pace. Its listed fit ranges from solo users and small organizations to mid-market and enterprise users, with separate school and business offerings. The available information does not detail how those organizational products differ from individual learning.

People choosing it specifically for measurable progress should note that the effectiveness statement is the company’s claim and is not accompanied here by quantified outcomes. Learners who need offline access can consider that lessons are supported offline, though the precise scope is unspecified.

Pros and cons

Pros

A free plan is available, and the service spans 40 listed languages as well as chess and math.
Language learning covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with speech practice, placement tests, personalized review, and adaptive lessons.
Offline lessons and apps for major mobile platforms are listed.
School, business, and English-testing offerings extend beyond individual courses.

Cons

Trial duration is inconsistent in the available pricing details, and no trial price is listed.
Prices for Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max are not provided.
The mobile-app coverage listing conflicts with the stated app availability.
Effectiveness is asserted by the company but not quantified in the available details.

Alternatives

For other language-learning options, consider EnglishClass101, Mango Languages, SpeakPal, Busuu, SuperMemo, Glossika, Mondly, and Innovative Language Learning. Related directories include Language learning apps, Learning Gamification Software, and Adaptive Learning Software.

Verdict

Duolingo brings short, adaptive lessons and a broad set of study subjects together with practice for all four core language skills. Offline lessons, apps, and separate school and business products add flexibility across use cases. The main caveats are incomplete subscription pricing, conflicting trial and mobile-app details, and effectiveness claims without quantified outcomes in the available information. It is a reasonable option to consider for accessible, varied study, but check current plan and platform terms if those details will determine your choice.

	Duolingo	Shiken
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	Yes	Yes
Paid from	Free	£99/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, macOS, Web	Android, api, iOS, Web
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Mobile app coverage	No	—

Duolingo vs Shiken

Duolingo

Shiken