Best Duolingo Alternatives
The top-ranked Duolingo alternative is Babbel (Subscription). The best free option is Anki (open source).
Duolingo makes language learning gamified and free, but heavy ads, repetitive lessons, and shallow grammar coverage push learners to alternatives. Others want real conversation practice, human tutors, or deeper structured courses.
1Babbel
SubscriptionA subscription app focused on practical conversation skills and real-life dialogue.
2Memrise
FreemiumA vocabulary-focused app using spaced repetition and real-world video clips.
3Busuu
FreemiumA language platform combining lessons with feedback from native speakers.
Immersive language learning using an all-target-language method.
Pimsleur
SubscriptionAn audio-based language course emphasizing listening and speaking recall.
A powerful open-source flashcard app using spaced repetition for memorization.
Mondly
FreemiumLanguage learning app with bite-size lessons, chatbots, and AR features.
italki
PaidA marketplace connecting learners with professional tutors for one-on-one lessons.
Drops
FreemiumA visual vocabulary app teaching words through quick, game-like sessions.
LingQ
FreemiumLearn languages through reading and listening to real content.
Mango Languages
SubscriptionA language-learning service offering courses in many languages, often via libraries.
Clozemaster
FreemiumLearn vocabulary in context through gamified sentence exercises.
Duolingo alternatives: FAQ
What is the best alternative to Duolingo?
Babbel is ranked first on this list (Subscription). The ranking combines our base score with readers' votes, so it can change.
What is the best free alternative to Duolingo?
The highest-ranked free or open-source options here are Anki.
Which Duolingo alternatives work on Mac?
Rosetta Stone and Anki run on macOS.
Which Duolingo alternatives work on Linux?
Anki run on Linux.
Are there Duolingo alternatives for Android?
Yes: Babbel, Memrise, Busuu and Rosetta Stone have Android apps.
Know a Duolingo alternative we missed? Suggest it — we review submissions before they go live.