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Head-to-head · Chinese Learning Apps

Duolingo vs Ling

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Duolingo #2 in Chinese Learning Apps 9.1/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Duolingo
Ling #7 in Chinese Learning Apps 8.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Ling

Duolingo leads on 0 checks, Ling on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDuolingo · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresDuolingo · 1 of 3

Duolingo scores higher on our rubric for chinese learning apps: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

Duolingo is the better fit for learners who want a free, gamified daily routine. Ling is the better fit for learners seeking broad language choice and cultural context.

  • Duolingo fits best

    Learners who want a free, gamified daily routine

  • Ling fits best

    Learners seeking broad language choice and cultural context

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Side by side

Feature Duolingo 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Ling 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.4
Ranking #2 in Chinese Learning Apps #7 in Chinese Learning Apps
Best for Learners who want a free, gamified daily routine Learners seeking broad language choice and cultural context
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan · 14-day trial $89.99/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days 7 days
Free trial length 14 days 7 days
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email Email, Docs · 24/7
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Duolingo 1/3 · Ling 0/3
Character writing practice Not checked yet Not checked yet
Speech recognition Not checked yet Not checked yet
Offline lessons ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Lesson focus Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Short lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening
  • Personalized review responds to progress and mistakes
  • Stories, DuoRadio, and speech exercises add practice variety
  • Courses span 80 languages, including lesser-taught options.
  • Lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
  • Native-speaker audio, dialogue practice and cultural notes add context.
Cons
  • The free tier is supported by advertising
  • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content
  • AI conversation features are available in Duolingo Max
  • The free plan offers only limited lessons.
  • Full access requires a paid subscription.
  • The 12-month plan is billed annually at $89.99.
Our verdict

Duolingo offers short, interactive Chinese lessons through a website and mobile apps, with practice in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. A placement test helps learners choose a starting level, while personalized review revisits…

Read the review →

Ling is a web and mobile language-learning app for learners from beginner through advanced levels. Its catalog spans 80 languages, including Asian, Eastern European and other lesser-taught options, and its lessons address vocabulary,…

Read the review →
  1. DuolingoChinese Learning Apps 9.1Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. LingChinese Learning Apps 8.4Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duolingo — where it wins

    • Short lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening
    • Personalized review responds to progress and mistakes
    • Stories, DuoRadio, and speech exercises add practice variety

    Where it doesn't

    • The free tier is supported by advertising
    • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content
    • AI conversation features are available in Duolingo Max

  • Ling — where it wins

    • Courses span 80 languages, including lesser-taught options.
    • Lessons cover vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading and writing.
    • Native-speaker audio, dialogue practice and cultural notes add context.

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan offers only limited lessons.
    • Full access requires a paid subscription.
    • The 12-month plan is billed annually at $89.99.
  • Duolingo9.1/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A free, game-like routine for Chinese learners who want short, varied lessons.

    Visit DuolingoFull verdict →
  • Ling8.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad language catalog pairs interactive practice with native-speaker audio and cultural notes.

    Visit LingFull verdict →

More comparisons

All chinese learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update