Best Duolingo Alternatives

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.

12 alternativesEducationUpvote the ones you rate — the list re-ranks by votes.
1
#1

Babbel

Subscription

A subscription app focused on practical conversation skills and real-life dialogue.

WebiOSAndroid
2
#2

Memrise

Freemium

A vocabulary-focused app using spaced repetition and real-world video clips.

WebiOSAndroid
3
#3

Busuu

Freemium

A language platform combining lessons with feedback from native speakers.

WebiOSAndroid
#4

Rosetta Stone

Subscription

Immersive language learning using an all-target-language method.

WindowsmacOSWebiOSAndroid
#5

Pimsleur

Subscription

An audio-based language course emphasizing listening and speaking recall.

WebiOSAndroid
#6

Anki

Open Source

A powerful open-source flashcard app using spaced repetition for memorization.

WindowsmacOSLinuxWebiOSAndroid
#7

Mondly

Freemium

Language learning app with bite-size lessons, chatbots, and AR features.

WebiOSAndroid
#8

italki

Paid

A marketplace connecting learners with professional tutors for one-on-one lessons.

WebiOSAndroid
#9

Drops

Freemium

A visual vocabulary app teaching words through quick, game-like sessions.

WebiOSAndroid
#10

LingQ

Freemium

Learn languages through reading and listening to real content.

WebiOSAndroid
#11

Mango Languages

Subscription

A language-learning service offering courses in many languages, often via libraries.

WebiOSAndroid
#12

Clozemaster

Freemium

Learn vocabulary in context through gamified sentence exercises.

WebiOSAndroid

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