Direct answer
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is an education platform that delivers bite-sized, gamified lessons across dozens of languages, chess, and math, using AI to adapt content to learner performance.
Duolingo provides structured, bite-sized lessons designed to teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills across dozens of world languages, as well as math and chess. The platform uses gamification elements, including streaks, XP points, leaderboards, and mascot reminders, to promote daily learning habits. By combining language science with artificial intelligence, lessons adapt to focus on areas where learners struggle. Premium offerings such as Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max introduce additional AI capabilities, including spoken Video Calls with Duolingo characters and conversational chat companions powered by third-party AI models.
Combines bite-sized gamification loops with personalized AI adaptations, covering extensive language catalogs alongside math and chess on mobile and web.
Product capabilities
Key features
Bite-Sized Gamified Lessons
Short lessons using points, challenges, and levels designed to teach reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
AI-Driven Personalization
Tailors lesson content dynamically based on user activity to target words and concepts the learner struggles with.
AI Video Call & Chat Companions
Enables spoken and conversational language practice with animated Duolingo characters using underlying AI models from providers like OpenAI and Google.
Multi-Subject Learning
Includes courses beyond languages, such as dedicated learning paths for math and chess.
Duolingo English Test Integration
Connects to an on-demand proficiency assessment utilizing assessment science and AI to certify English language skills.
Practical fit
Who should use Duolingo?
Daily Language Practice
Building a consistent study habit through quick 5-to-10 minute lessons and daily streak tracking.
Conversational Speaking Practice
Practicing spoken dialogues in a simulated environment using AI-powered video calls and speech recognition.
Classroom Progress Tracking
Assisting teachers and schools in tracking student XP targets and assignment completion through Duolingo for Schools.
Editorial assessment
Pros and limitations
Where it is strong
- Core learning lessons are completely accessible without paying
- Gamified streaks and challenges encourage daily learning consistency
- Wide selection of languages available, including less commonly taught languages
- Speech recognition and conversational AI characters enable interactive speaking practice
Where to be careful
- Free version is supported by third-party advertising and behavioral tracking
- Specific subscription costs for Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max are not stated on the main pages
- Audio and text submitted during conversational AI features are shared with third-party model providers
Commercial context
Duolingo pricing
At the review date of 2026-09-08, Duolingo offers free access to core learning supported by ads, alongside a 1-week free trial for premium tiers (Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max). Exact pricing and tier details are not listed on the homepage and must be verified on the official site.
Pricing, limits, taxes, model access, and regional availability can change. Verify the purchase-critical details on the official pricing page linked under Sources.
Transparent ranking
Why Duolingo scores 73.8
Each factor is scored on a 100-point scale, then combined using the public ToolsRank weights. Engagement and momentum stay at a neutral baseline until measured signals exist, so no tool can gain or lose position from numbers nobody recorded.
Compatibility
Languages, platforms, and integrations
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Portuguese
Platforms
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Integrations & surfaces
- Apple
- OpenAI
- Amazon Web Services
- Stripe
- Zendesk
Community
Reviews and questions
No approved member reviews yet. Editorial factors above are the only rating on this page.
Reviews and questions come from Google-signed members and are checked by an editor before they appear.
Frequently asked
Duolingo FAQ
Is Duolingo free?+
Yes, Duolingo provides free access to its courses supported by advertising. Optional paid subscriptions, including Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max, provide ad-free learning and additional features.
What subjects are available on Duolingo?+
Duolingo offers dozens of languages (including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Arabic), as well as courses in math and chess.
How does Duolingo use artificial intelligence?+
Duolingo combines AI with language science to tailor lesson difficulty to learner activity, power AI video call conversations with characters, and conduct English proficiency testing via the Duolingo English Test.
Are voice recordings saved during speaking activities?+
Audio may be sent to third-party speech recognition providers such as Apple, Google, or AWS. Duolingo may also analyze speech data for product improvement, though users can skip speaking exercises or opt out of audio sharing in app settings.
