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Head-to-head · Apps For Kids

Duolingo vs Starfall

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Duolingo #3 in Apps For Kids 9.0/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Duolingo
Starfall #8 in Apps For Kids 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Starfall

Duolingo leads on 0 checks, Starfall 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 · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly Duolingo

Duolingo scores higher on our rubric for apps for kids: 9.0 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Duolingo is the better fit for kids focused on learning languages. Starfall is the better fit for families seeking structured early literacy practice.

  • Duolingo fits best

    Kids focused on learning languages

  • Starfall fits best

    Families seeking structured early literacy practice

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Side by side

Feature Duolingo 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Starfall 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.4
Ranking #3 in Apps For Kids #8 in Apps For Kids
Best for Kids focused on learning languages Families seeking structured early literacy practice
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan · 14-day trial $35/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, macOS, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email Email, Phone
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Duolingo 0/3 · Starfall 0/3
Offline use Not checked yet Not checked yet
Parent dashboard Not checked yet Not checked yet
Child profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Age range Not checked yet Not checked yet
Learning focus Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported languages Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Covers speaking, writing, reading, and listening in short lessons
  • Placement and personalized review help guide practice
  • Free plan, mobile apps, and limited offline lesson access
  • Free Learn-to-Read sequence introduces letter sounds and phonics
  • Reading activities cover fluency, comprehension, fiction, and nonfiction
  • Web and mobile access, with offline content in some apps
Cons
  • Focused on language learning rather than general kids activities
  • Free tier is supported by advertising
  • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content
  • Home Membership costs $35 per year for full activity access
  • Offline content is not available in the main Starfall App
  • School deployment with Mobile Device Management is limited to School Membership
Our verdict

Duolingo is a language-learning app and website for learners who want short, interactive practice across speaking, writing, reading, and listening. For kids focused on learning languages, its lessons, placement test, and personalized…

Read the review →

Starfall brings early reading practice together with games, books, songs, and creative activities for children from Pre-K through grade 5. Its free Learn-to-Read sequence introduces letter names and sounds, then progresses through phonics…

Read the review →
  1. DuolingoApps For Kids 9.0Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. StarfallApps For Kids 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Duolingo — where it wins

    • Covers speaking, writing, reading, and listening in short lessons
    • Placement and personalized review help guide practice
    • Free plan, mobile apps, and limited offline lesson access

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on language learning rather than general kids activities
    • Free tier is supported by advertising
    • Offline access is limited to downloaded lesson content

  • Starfall — where it wins

    • Free Learn-to-Read sequence introduces letter sounds and phonics
    • Reading activities cover fluency, comprehension, fiction, and nonfiction
    • Web and mobile access, with offline content in some apps

    Where it doesn't

    • Home Membership costs $35 per year for full activity access
    • Offline content is not available in the main Starfall App
    • School deployment with Mobile Device Management is limited to School Membership
  • Duolingo9.0/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A focused language-learning app with short lessons, review, and speaking practice.

    Visit DuolingoFull verdict →
  • Starfall8.4/10 · Free plan

    A free-to-start reading platform with structured phonics and broader learning activities.

    Visit StarfallFull verdict →

More comparisons

All apps for kids comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update