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AI toolsDuolingo

BEGINNER GUIDE

Duolingo

✓ Official links checked

by Duolingo

Try Duolingo

A highly approachable daily course for building beginner vocabulary, reading, listening and speaking habits in short lessons.

Study & learningFree coursesLanguages

OUR TAKEThe easiest language habit-builder in this batch, but it works best beside real conversation, longer listening and language used outside the app.

D
Best forDaily language practice
✓
Ease of useVery easy
◈
Starting costFree
♬
PracticeReading, listening and speech

QUICK FACTS

Company
Duolingo
Category
Study & learning
Free version
Core courses
Devices
Web, Android and iPhone

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

  1. 1Choose one useful courseBegin with the language you can practise outside the app as well.
  2. 2Study for ten minutesComplete a short lesson daily and speak every answer aloud when possible.
  3. 3Use the language for realAdd a podcast, conversation partner or simple reading to the app routine.
TRY THIS FIRST PROMPT

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?

文VocabularyBuild words through repetition
✎ReadingComplete short contextual exercises
♬ListeningRecognise sounds and sentences
◌SpeakingPractise microphone exercises
↻Practice HubReview weak skills and mistakes
◇AI conversationUse selected Max roleplays or calls

PLANS

Free or paid?

FREE$0

Core language, maths and music courses with ads and the normal free experience.

Best for starting a daily language habit.
SUPERLive price*

An ad-free experience with extra convenience and practice benefits under the current offer.

Best for regular learners who value fewer interruptions.
MAXLive price*

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.

View official plans

*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

✓
Use the microphone deliberately

Speech exercises require voice processing; turn microphone access off when you are not practising.

◇
Check the live offer

Trials, family plans, Max tools and prices vary by country, device, language and account.

!
Do not confuse a streak with fluency

Add real listening, writing and conversation so game progress becomes usable language.

Official data controls guide

STILL CHOOSING?See the important differences side by side.

Compare Duolingo with ELSA Speak

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