THE SIMPLE VERSION
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo teaches languages through short, game-like lessons that repeat vocabulary, grammar, listening and speaking. Core courses are free. Practice Hub and Explain My Answer provide extra review without requiring Max, while Super removes ads and adds convenience. Max adds selected AI conversation tools such as Roleplay and Video Call, with availability varying by course, language, account and platform.
✓ A good fit if you want to…
- Need a simple daily learning habit
- Are starting or restarting a language
- Want lessons on web and mobile
– Choose another tool if you…
- Need advanced free conversation practice
- Want one complete path to professional fluency
- Prefer a teacher-led course with live feedback
YOUR FIRST 10 MINUTES
Start in three steps
- 1Choose one useful courseBegin with the language you can practise outside the app as well.
- 2Study for ten minutesComplete a short lesson daily and speak every answer aloud when possible.
- 3Use the language for realAdd a podcast, conversation partner or simple reading to the app routine.
I am learning [language] at [level]. Give me a five-minute speaking practice about [topic], one sentence at a time, and correct me gently.
POPULAR USES
What can it help with?
PLANS
Free or paid?
Core language, maths and music courses with ads and the normal free experience.
Best for starting a daily language habit.An ad-free experience with extra convenience and practice benefits under the current offer.
Best for regular learners who value fewer interruptions.Super benefits plus selected AI features such as Roleplay and Video Call where available.
Best after confirming your course supports the AI tools you want.✓Free is enough if…the free course motivates consistent practice and advertisements or normal limits do not interrupt your learning.
+Consider paid if…you study frequently and have verified that Super convenience or Max conversation features are available in your exact course.
*Plan prices, trials, family offers and Max availability are localised by country, store, account, course and platform. Structure checked on 24 August 2026; this guide does not guess one worldwide price.
GOOD TO KNOW
Safety and privacy
Speech exercises require voice processing; turn microphone access off when you are not practising.
Trials, family plans, Max tools and prices vary by country, device, language and account.
Add real listening, writing and conversation so game progress becomes usable language.
STILL CHOOSING?See the important differences side by side.
OFFICIAL EVIDENCE
Sources and freshness
We use official product and help pages for plan, access and privacy claims.
- Free courses, practice and selected AI conversation
- Free, Super and Max localisation
- Voice practice, trial and learning safeguards