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Head-to-head · Mobile Learning Software

Duolingo vs ELSA Speak

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Duolingo #1 in Mobile Learning Software 9.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Duolingo
ELSA Speak #8 in Mobile Learning Software 8.2/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit ELSA Speak

Duolingo leads on 0 checks, ELSA Speak on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDuolingo · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth

Duolingo scores higher on our rubric for mobile learning software: 9.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Duolingo is the better fit for free, engaging language learning at scale. ELSA Speak is the better fit for pronunciation-focused English practice.

  • Duolingo fits best

    Free, engaging language learning at scale

  • ELSA Speak fits best

    Pronunciation-focused English practice

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Side by side

Feature Duolingo 9.3/10 Visit ↗ ELSA Speak 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.2
Ranking #1 in Mobile Learning Software #8 in Mobile Learning Software
Best for Free, engaging language learning at scale Pronunciation-focused English practice
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan · 14-day trial $159.99/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days 7 days
Free trial length 14 days 7 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Mobile
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android iOS, Android
Support Email Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Duolingo 0/4 · ELSA Speak 0/4
Offline access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Course authoring Not checked yet Not checked yet
SCORM support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Push notifications Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Mobile platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Learner limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Content formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free tier with short lessons across more than 40 languages
  • Personalized review, placement testing, and speech practice
  • Web and mobile access with gamification and limited offline lessons
  • Detailed, real-time feedback on pronunciation and speech
  • AI tutor conversations with customizable role-play scenarios
  • Personalized study paths and progress tracking
Cons
  • Free access is supported by advertising
  • Offline access is limited to downloaded content
  • AI conversation features require Duolingo Max
  • Focused on English rather than multiple languages
  • Available on iOS and Android, with mobile-only deployment
  • Lessons require an internet connection
Our verdict

Duolingo is a language-learning app and website for individuals and organizations seeking short, interactive practice across more than 40 languages. Lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening, while a placement test helps…

Read the review →

ELSA Speak is a mobile app for learning English, with speaking and pronunciation at its center. It is aimed at individual learners, including students and professionals, who want structured practice rather than a broad language-learning…

Read the review →
  1. DuolingoMobile Learning Software 9.3Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. ELSA SpeakMobile Learning Software 8.2Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duolingo — where it wins

    • Free tier with short lessons across more than 40 languages
    • Personalized review, placement testing, and speech practice
    • Web and mobile access with gamification and limited offline lessons

    Where it doesn't

    • Free access is supported by advertising
    • Offline access is limited to downloaded content
    • AI conversation features require Duolingo Max
  • ELSA Speak — where it wins

    • Detailed, real-time feedback on pronunciation and speech
    • AI tutor conversations with customizable role-play scenarios
    • Personalized study paths and progress tracking

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on English rather than multiple languages
    • Available on iOS and Android, with mobile-only deployment
    • Lessons require an internet connection
  • Duolingo9.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A free, engaging language-learning service with broad practice and strong game mechanics.

    Visit DuolingoFull verdict →
  • ELSA Speak8.2/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A mobile English-learning app centered on detailed pronunciation feedback and AI conversation practice.

    Visit ELSA SpeakFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update