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Head-to-head · Language Learning Apps

Duolingo vs Busuu

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Duolingo #1 in Language Learning Apps 9.4/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Duolingo
Busuu #2 in Language Learning Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Busuu

Duolingo leads on 0 checks, Busuu on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDuolingo · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Duolingo

Duolingo scores higher on our rubric for language learning apps: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Duolingo is the better fit for beginners seeking the strongest free mainstream option. Busuu is the better fit for learners wanting courses plus native-speaker feedback.

  • Duolingo fits best

    Beginners seeking the strongest free mainstream option

  • Busuu fits best

    Learners wanting courses plus native-speaker feedback

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Side by side

Feature Duolingo 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Busuu 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Language Learning Apps #2 in Language Learning Apps
Best for Beginners seeking the strongest free mainstream option Learners wanting courses plus native-speaker feedback
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan · 14-day trial —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email Email, Tickets, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Duolingo 5/5 · Busuu 5/5
Offline lessons ✓ ✓
Speech practice ✓ ✓
Placement test ✓ ✓
Personalized review ✓ ✓
Mobile apps ✓ ✓
Specs
Languages offered Not checked yet 14
Our review
Pros
  • Free access includes bite-sized lessons across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  • Placement testing and personalized review help tailor practice to learner progress.
  • Offline mobile lessons, stories, DuoRadio, and speech exercises broaden practice.
  • Short lessons, placement testing, review, and personalized study plans
  • Native-speaker community feedback supports writing and speaking practice
  • Premium Plus adds AI Conversations and pronunciation feedback
Cons
  • The Free plan includes advertising.
  • AI conversation features require the Duolingo Max plan.
  • Offline lesson access is limited to the mobile app experience.
  • Advanced speaking features require the Premium Plus plan
  • Community feedback depends on participation from native speakers
  • Course access and pricing can vary by platform and region
Our verdict

Duolingo is a self-paced language-learning website and mobile app for learners building skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, and grammar. Its short interactive lessons combine practice with progress tracking,…

Read the review →

Busuu is a language-learning platform for individual learners and organizations, with courses in 14 languages across web, iOS, and Android. Its short, focused lessons cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while placement testing…

Read the review →
  1. DuolingoLanguage Learning Apps 9.4Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. BusuuLanguage Learning Apps 9.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duolingo — where it wins

    • Free access includes bite-sized lessons across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
    • Placement testing and personalized review help tailor practice to learner progress.
    • Offline mobile lessons, stories, DuoRadio, and speech exercises broaden practice.

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan includes advertising.
    • AI conversation features require the Duolingo Max plan.
    • Offline lesson access is limited to the mobile app experience.

  • Busuu — where it wins

    • Short lessons, placement testing, review, and personalized study plans
    • Native-speaker community feedback supports writing and speaking practice
    • Premium Plus adds AI Conversations and pronunciation feedback

    Where it doesn't

    • Advanced speaking features require the Premium Plus plan
    • Community feedback depends on participation from native speakers
    • Course access and pricing can vary by platform and region
  • Duolingo9.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A strong free starting point with broad practice, personalization, and mobile access.

    Visit DuolingoFull verdict →
  • Busuu9.2/10 · Free plan

    A broad language-learning app combining structured lessons with human and AI feedback.

    Visit BusuuFull verdict →

More comparisons

All language learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update