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Head-to-head · English Learning Apps

Busuu vs EF English Live

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Busuu #2 in English Learning Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Busuu
EF English Live #4 in English Learning Apps 8.9/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 3 features Try EF English Live

Busuu leads on 1 check, EF English Live on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBusuu · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly Busuu

Busuu scores higher on our rubric for english learning apps: 9.1 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Busuu offers free plan; EF English Live doesn't.

Busuu is the better fit for learners seeking structured courses and feedback. EF English Live is the better fit for learners who want live teacher-led English classes.

  • Busuu fits best

    Learners seeking structured courses and feedback

  • EF English Live fits best

    Learners who want live teacher-led English classes

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Side by side

Feature Busuu 9.1/10 Visit ↗ EF English Live 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.9
Ranking #2 in English Learning Apps #4 in English Learning Apps
Best for Learners seeking structured courses and feedback Learners who want live teacher-led English classes
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Tickets, Docs Phone
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Busuu 2/3 · EF English Live 2/3
Speech recognition Not checked yet Not checked yet
Offline lessons ✓ ✓
Placement test ✓ ✓
Specs
Lesson focus Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Course levels Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • CEFR-aligned courses cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking
  • Community members can correct written and spoken exercises
  • Offline lessons, review tools, and certificates support continued study
  • Choose private lessons or small-group conversation classes with teachers.
  • Personalized plans pair lessons with exercises, flashcards, and grammar practice.
  • Courses cover business, travel, general English, TOEFL, and TOEIC.
Cons
  • AI speaking practice is limited to selected languages, levels, devices, and courses
  • The free plan may not include all Premium features
  • Pricing varies by platform, promotions, and local currency
  • Pricing is personalized rather than shown as standard plans.
  • No free plan is listed.
  • Refund eligibility depends on weekly study requirements and a 12-week period.
Our verdict

Busuu is a self-led language-learning platform for individual learners and organizations. Its expert-developed courses are aligned with CEFR levels and cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking through short lessons. A placement test…

Read the review →

EF English Live is an online English-learning school for learners seeking teacher-led instruction alongside self-study. It offers private classes and small-group conversation sessions, with personalized learning plans and courses in…

Read the review →
  1. BusuuEnglish Learning Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. EF English LiveEnglish Learning Apps 8.9Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Busuu — where it wins

    • CEFR-aligned courses cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking
    • Community members can correct written and spoken exercises
    • Offline lessons, review tools, and certificates support continued study

    Where it doesn't

    • AI speaking practice is limited to selected languages, levels, devices, and courses
    • The free plan may not include all Premium features
    • Pricing varies by platform, promotions, and local currency

  • EF English Live — where it wins

    • Choose private lessons or small-group conversation classes with teachers.
    • Personalized plans pair lessons with exercises, flashcards, and grammar practice.
    • Courses cover business, travel, general English, TOEFL, and TOEIC.

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing is personalized rather than shown as standard plans.
    • No free plan is listed.
    • Refund eligibility depends on weekly study requirements and a 12-week period.

More comparisons

All english learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update