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Head-to-head · Japanese Learning Apps

Duolingo vs Marugoto Japanese Online Course

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Duolingo #1 in Japanese Learning Apps 9.4/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Duolingo
Marugoto Japanese Online Course #3 in Japanese Learning Apps 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Marugoto

Duolingo leads on 0 checks, Marugoto Japanese Online Course 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 · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Duolingo

Duolingo scores higher on our rubric for japanese learning apps: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Duolingo is the better fit for learners wanting a free, all-around course. Marugoto Japanese Online Course is the better fit for learners who want tutor-supported Japanese.

  • Duolingo fits best

    Learners wanting a free, all-around course

  • Marugoto Japanese Online Course fits best

    Learners who want tutor-supported Japanese

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Side by side

Feature Duolingo 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Marugoto Japanese Online Course 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Japanese Learning Apps #3 in Japanese Learning Apps
Best for Learners wanting a free, all-around course Learners who want tutor-supported Japanese
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
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android Web
Support Email Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Duolingo 0/3 · Marugoto Japanese Online Course 0/3
Speaking practice Not checked yet Not checked yet
Writing practice Not checked yet Not checked yet
Offline access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Study focus Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening
  • Placement testing and personalized review guide study
  • Stories, DuoRadio, speech practice, and limited offline lessons
  • Combines interactive self-study with tutor-supported live lessons
  • Tutors correct assignments, with progress management and submission tools
  • Katsudoo and Rikai cover practical communication and language instruction
Cons
  • Free tier is supported by advertising
  • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content
  • AI-powered conversation features are in Duolingo Max
  • The course is available through the web platform
  • Tutor-support courses are paid, unlike the free self-study courses
  • The program is mainly intended for adult learners overseas
Our verdict

Duolingo offers short, interactive Japanese lessons through its website and mobile apps. Its course brings together speaking, writing, reading, and listening practice, making it a fit for learners who want broad core study in one free…

Read the review →

Marugoto Japanese Online Course is an online program on the Japan Foundation’s Minato platform, mainly intended for adult learners overseas. It combines interactive self-study with tutor-supported courses, so learners can choose…

Read the review →
  1. DuolingoJapanese Learning Apps 9.4Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. Marugoto Japanese Online CourseJapanese Learning Apps 9.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duolingo — where it wins

    • Free lessons cover speaking, writing, reading, and listening
    • Placement testing and personalized review guide study
    • Stories, DuoRadio, 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-powered conversation features are in Duolingo Max

  • Marugoto Japanese Online Course — where it wins

    • Combines interactive self-study with tutor-supported live lessons
    • Tutors correct assignments, with progress management and submission tools
    • Katsudoo and Rikai cover practical communication and language instruction

    Where it doesn't

    • The course is available through the web platform
    • Tutor-support courses are paid, unlike the free self-study courses
    • The program is mainly intended for adult learners overseas
  • Duolingo9.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad free Japanese course with placement, personalized review, stories, and mobile access.

    Visit DuolingoFull verdict →
  • Marugoto Japanese Online Course9.2/10 · Free plan

    Interactive Japanese self-study with tutor-supported courses, live lessons, and assignment correction.

    Visit MarugotoFull verdict →

More comparisons

All japanese learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update