What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is a gamified learning app that uses AI to personalize short lessons in languages, math, music and chess for learners of all levels. It is made by Duolingo, Inc., a public company based in Pittsburgh. In the second quarter of 2026 it reported about 58.7 million daily active users, and its chess course alone has drawn about 7 million daily users since launching in 2025.
Duolingo keeps people practising with streaks, leagues and bite-sized lessons, while AI adapts exercises to your mistakes and generates practice content. Paid tiers add AI conversation features such as Video Call with the character Lily and Roleplay scenarios, which Duolingo has been moving from its Max tier into Super during 2026. It is used for casual daily language practice, travel preparation, school support and keeping skills fresh.
Main Features
- Teaches dozens of languages through short, game-like lessons.
- Adapts practice sessions to the words and grammar you get wrong.
- Offers AI Video Call conversations and Roleplay scenarios on paid tiers.
- Explains why an answer is wrong with Explain My Answer, free for all users since 2026.
- Includes separate courses in math, music and chess.
- Tracks progress with streaks, XP and weekly leagues.
- Runs on iOS, Android and the web with synced progress.
How to Get Started with Duolingo
- Download Duolingo on iOS or Android, or open duolingo.com.
- Pick a course and take the placement test or start from scratch.
- Set a daily goal and complete your first lesson.
- Try Super if you want no ads, unlimited mistakes and AI conversation practice.
Duolingo Pricing
Duolingo is free to use with ads and a limited number of mistakes. Super Duolingo costs about $12.99 per month or $83.99 per year in the US and removes ads and adds unlimited practice, with AI Video Call rolling out to Super in 2026. Duolingo Max, the older top tier with AI features, is being phased out for new subscribers, and prices vary by country and app store.
Who Should Use It?
- Beginners who want a free, low-pressure way to start a language.
- Travellers preparing for a trip abroad.
- Students who want extra practice outside class.
- Adults who want a daily learning habit in a few minutes a day.
- Families looking for math, music or chess practice for kids.
Duolingo Alternatives
- Memrise: more focus on real-world vocabulary from native speakers
- Speak: better for speaking practice with an AI tutor
- ELSA Speak: focused on English pronunciation feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duolingo free?
Yes. All core lessons are free with ads. Super Duolingo is optional and costs about $12.99 per month in the US.
Does Duolingo use AI?
Yes. Duolingo uses AI to personalize lessons, generate practice content and run conversation features like Video Call and Roleplay. Explain My Answer became free for all users in 2026.
Can you become fluent with Duolingo?
Not on its own for most people. Duolingo builds vocabulary and grammar well, and Duolingo says its main courses now reach a high B2 level, but real conversation practice is still needed for fluency.
Duolingo vs Memrise: which is better?
Duolingo is better for a structured, game-like habit across many subjects. Memrise is better if you want vocabulary from native-speaker videos.