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Head-to-head · English Learning Apps

Duolingo vs EF English Live

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Duolingo #1 in English Learning Apps 9.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit Duolingo
EF English Live #4 in English Learning Apps 8.9/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 3 features Try EF English Live

Duolingo 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 scoreDuolingo · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Duolingo
  • Free trialonly Duolingo

Duolingo scores higher on our rubric for english learning apps: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

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

Duolingo is the better fit for learners wanting a free, motivating all-round app. EF English Live is the better fit for learners who want live teacher-led English classes.

  • Duolingo fits best

    Learners wanting a free, motivating all-round app

  • EF English Live fits best

    Learners who want live teacher-led English classes

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Duolingo 9.3/10 Visit ↗ EF English Live 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #1 in English Learning Apps #4 in English Learning Apps
Best for Learners wanting a free, motivating all-round app Learners who want live teacher-led English classes
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Free plan · 14-day trial Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email Phone
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Duolingo 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
  • Covers speaking, writing, reading, and listening in short lessons
  • Personalizes review around progress and mistakes
  • Includes placement testing, speech practice, and limited offline lessons
  • 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
  • Free tier is supported by advertising
  • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content
  • AI conversation features are reserved for Duolingo Max
  • 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

Duolingo pairs short, interactive lessons with practice in speaking, writing, reading, and listening across more than 40 languages. Its placement test helps learners choose a starting level, while personalized review adapts to progress and…

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. DuolingoEnglish Learning Apps 9.3Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. EF English LiveEnglish Learning Apps 8.9Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duolingo — where it wins

    • Covers speaking, writing, reading, and listening in short lessons
    • Personalizes review around progress and mistakes
    • Includes placement testing, speech practice, and limited offline lessons

    Where it doesn't

    • Free tier is supported by advertising
    • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content
    • AI conversation features are reserved for Duolingo Max

  • 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