Busuu vs Duolingo

Speexx

ELSA Speak

Duolingo

Duolingo is a learning management system that helps schools offer bite-sized learning modules to teach speaking and reading different languages including Spanish, French, Italian, German, French, and English. The platform offers gamified lessons, which enable trainees to learn and incorporate grammar and vocabulary skills.

Speexx, a Time Magazine Top EdTech company, provides workplace development through coaching, language and intercultural training, mentoring, and skills assessment. 

The world-leading mobile solution that helps businesses upskill English communication and get ready for the global working environment. Get instant feedback from proprietary AI technology, engage in fun and real-life practicing conversations and live keep track of learner's progress.

Busuu is a learning management system (LMS) designed to help schools, universities, and corporate businesses create, launch, and manage language training programs for students and employees. The platform enables educators to manage multiple language courses and interact with native speakers.

Academic/Education

Asynchronous Learning

Blended Learning

Built-in Course Authoring

Certification Tracking

Compliance Management

Corporate/Business

Course Management

Course Tracking

Gamification

Learner Portal

Learning Management

Learning Paths/Tracks

Mobile Learning

Multi-Language

Offline Access

Progress Reports

Progress Tracking

Reporting & Statistics

Single Sign On

Social Learning

Speech Recognition

Synchronous Learning

Tests/Assessments

Training Management

Busuu

iPhone

iPad

Web-based

Android

Basic

Mid-size Business

Small Business

Large Enterprises

Rosetta Stone Enterprise

Rosetta Stone Enterprise is a learning management software that helps businesses in construction, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and other industries set-up online courses to learn foreign languages, such as Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, and Russian.

Activity Dashboard

Reminders

Reviews for Duolingo come from a wide variety of industries, including education management (9% of reviewers), marketing and advertising (5%), and computer software (4%). The most frequent use case for Duolingo cited by reviewers is language learning (97% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

Reviewers appreciate Duolingo’s robust free version and say its core features are sufficient for casual use. Some users report that premium benefits feel minor, and they find the paid plan’s cost high or unsuitable for all budgets.

Value for money

Duolingo is a language learning tool offering key features such as structured learning paths, progress tracking, assessments, support for multiple languages, and learning management, among others.

Plus

Unreliable audio and voice recognition

Diretor

The only bad thing about the application is that sometimes it does not recognize your voice when you have a speaking task and you have to keep repeating it several times

Attorney

Sometimes the app doesn't recognize that you gave the correct voice answer.

49% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s audio and voice features. Users report frequent issues with the app not recognizing their spoken answers or microphone problems that hinder progress in speaking exercises. They say some audio prompts are hard to understand, and the synthetic voices lack naturalness. Reviewers mention that sound effects and noises can be distracting, and technical glitches sometimes prevent completion of listening or speaking tasks. Many feel these issues disrupt their learning and reduce the effectiveness of practice.

Intrusive and frequent advertisements

Artist

The ads after every lesson are very distracting and feel like they disrupt my focus.

Brand ambassador and affiliate marketer

I think learning should not be limited to strong internet connection. If there is a way that the software can be adjusted just a bit to accommodate learners who have poor internet connection, that would be wonderful so that learning goals can be reached faster. When it comes to the ads, there are some ads that are displayed that make me feel uncomfortable even as an adult.

85% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s ads. Users report that frequent and sometimes lengthy advertisements disrupt their learning flow and focus, especially in the free version. They say ads appear after nearly every lesson, causing frustration and annoyance. Reviewers mention that some ads are uncomfortable or inappropriate for public use, and the constant push for premium upgrades is distracting. Many feel the volume and frequency of ads diminish the overall experience, making it harder to stay engaged and motivated.

Monotonous and repetitive exercises

Words reviews continually repeats the same words with little advancement.

Senior Software Engineer

Some sections in this app can be a bit repetitive, mostly because they often use the same vocabulary throughout the section.

57% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s repetitive content. Users say lessons and exercises often repeat the same words and phrases, leading to boredom and loss of interest. They mention that excessive repetition can make progress feel slow and sometimes causes them to memorize answers without understanding. Reviewers indicate that the lack of variety in tasks and vocabulary reduces engagement, and some feel that repeating stages or quizzes is demotivating. Many express a desire for more diverse and challenging content.

Insufficient grammar explanations

At this point, the disjointed lessons have no bearing on life or real world conversations and offer no explanations to grammar or syntax.   While I already knew some words and phrases, Duolingo's paid version has done nothing to get me from a basic understanding to an intermediate level.  

Marketing Manager

As a language lover, I think it needs lessons more focused on grammar and not only daily vocabulary, for people who are not familiar with grammar it can be confusing since they don't get an explanation or knowledge how words conjugate.

56% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s grammar instruction. Users report that the app lacks clear explanations of grammar rules, verb conjugations, and sentence structure. They say lessons focus more on vocabulary and translation than on teaching underlying grammar concepts, making it difficult to progress beyond basic understanding. Reviewers mention that the absence of grammar tables or reference materials leads to confusion, especially for advanced learners. Many feel the platform does not adequately support those seeking deeper language proficiency.

Lack of responsive customer support

Practice manager

Great until the glitch that has disabled any progress past level 6 and support failing to respond to my emails to resolve the issue.

Professor

Customer service is horrible, or to bemore accurate, it does not exist. Once you have a problem and email them they do not get back to you.

61% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s phone support and customer service. Reviewers indicate that support is largely unresponsive, with emails often going unanswered and no live assistance available. They say technical issues, such as app crashes or account problems, are difficult to resolve due to the absence of effective support channels. Users mention frustration with bugs, glitches, and lack of clear guidance for troubleshooting. Many feel that the inability to contact staff directly leaves them without help when problems arise.

Practical for travel preparation

Circ Supervisor

I was able to pick up words and sentences and communicate efficiently with words and phrases on my trip.

Campus Minister

I used it to learn some words in Portuguese before traveling to Brazil and it really helped.

96% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s usefulness for travel. Users report that the app’s focus on travel-related vocabulary and real-life scenarios helps them communicate effectively during trips. They appreciate being able to study anywhere, especially during commutes or while abroad, and mention that learning basics before traveling boosts their confidence. Reviewers indicate the app’s mobility and offline accessibility are important for frequent travelers, and many say it helped them handle common situations like reading menus, asking directions, or conversing with locals.

Engaging and friendly interface

Dentist

Perhaps the most important for me is its fun interface, ease of handling, attractive colors, and fun games while learning!

None

It has a user-friendly interface and makes the learning process super fun!

86% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s user interface. Reviewers find the colorful, interactive design appealing and easy to navigate. They say the clean layout, intuitive controls, and playful graphics make the learning process enjoyable and accessible for all ages. Users highlight that the interface’s simplicity helps them focus on lessons without distractions, and they appreciate how the app’s game-like appearance adds to the overall fun. Many mention that the interface’s friendliness encourages regular use and supports a positive learning environment.

Motivating gamified learning

Digitial Support Products Officer

The gamification works really well to motivate me and I feel that I'm learning the basics of the language.

Founder

The gamification of language learning is what makes Duolingo stand out!

96% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s gamification. Reviewers appreciate the app’s game-like structure, which includes points, levels, streaks, and rewards that keep them engaged and motivated. They say the competitive elements, such as leaderboards and leagues, encourage consistent practice and make language learning feel less like a chore. Users note that the bite-sized lessons and frequent feedback help them track progress and maintain interest. Many feel the gamified approach makes learning fun, addictive, and suitable for all ages.

Accessible and intuitive experience

Administrative Support

It's free, it's fun, it's beautifully designed and easy to use. Plus, it has helped my kids work through issues they've had.

ICT Specialist

Duolingo is very easy to use and has nice activities that you play through the different levels up.

97% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the platform is accessible and intuitive for all ages, making navigation simple and enjoyable. They appreciate the playful design, engaging animations, and user-friendly layout, which help them stay motivated and comfortable while learning. Users say the interactive elements and clear structure make it easy to start lessons and progress. They also value being able to use the app across devices, noting that the straightforward interface supports both individual and group learning without confusion or frustration.

Flexible and gradual learning path

construction manager

One of the standout features is the platform's adaptive learning algorithm, which personalizes the learning experience by adjusting the difficulty of lessons based on users' performance.

Associate Software Engineer

Daily challenges, leaderboards, progress reports, reminders, the app's relaxing theme - everything suits my passive learning style. As the lessons are short in length, I usually get into a lesson without dedicating a long session for it.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s training and learning curve. Users indicate the app’s step-by-step lessons, adaptive difficulty, and interactive exercises allow them to learn at their own pace. They value the variety of activities—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—that support different learning styles. Reviewers say the short, manageable lessons fit easily into busy schedules, and they appreciate the reminders and progress tracking. Many mention that the platform’s flexibility and self-managed approach help them stay consistent and motivated without feeling overwhelmed.

Student

It has a wide coverage of all languages that I can choose from and on other hand it has other things that you can learn like math and chess.

HR and Operations Analyst

I downloaded it recently, so I can broaden my language skills and be able to speak with certain employees.

Graphic Designer

In the past I have used language learning apps were either you have a short trial before you are told you need to subscribe or you can only have a lesson a day.

Head AP, Fleet Manager

The free version plays like many pay to play games where you can only accomplish so much before you either have to make a purchase to move forward or wait a set amount of time.  

Duolingo allows me to learn easily and enjoyably, giving me the opportunity to further develop my English and learn new languages.

Owner

I've used it to learn Spanish, Math, Chess, and Music and had a good and fun experience with all three subjects.

Pilates transformation expert

Fun to participate and play their games to trick myself into using the app on a daily basis, but in the end, I didn’t have any fluency on my trip to Spain.

Graduate Student

I enjoyed that it had different sections such as clothing, foods, travel, etc. to help you learn specific information you would be using for whatever you are learning a new language for.

I felt like I had zero fluency — the speed that real people talk is far different than what you experience in the app.

Director

The motivation mechanics that initially helped now feel forced and don't add real value to the learning experience.

I don't like how it sends me progress email updates and how it regularly pushes you to upgrade to the higher paid plans.

Billing representative

I like the characters, the condensed lessons, the reminders, and the ability to connect with others.

Vice President

It's a very intuitive and amusing way to exercise your brain, all while immersing yourself in a new language and culture.

Optician

Overall I have had an amazing and exciting experience with Duolingo, it was the easiest way for me to learn a second language and it comes in handy all the time.

I also find as a beginner to learning Spanish, some of the explanations or lack of don't help me understand where I went wrong as naturally I will make mistakes.

Principal Consultant

Overall, I am using it to learn words and phrases but I do not feel I will learn the language, but rather bits and pieces.

Director de proyectos

I don't like that it uses translation into the native language.

I do dislike how they try to hard advertise the premium version of it so much.

Short lessons that fit into a busy schedule make it easy to practice daily.

Intern

Duolingo tracks your according to CEFR, which is helpful for gauging readiness for language proficiency tests.

The problem is with syntax and grammar, there is no explanation or way to get help when the app forces you to complete a lesson.  

Junior Translator

In my opinion it teaches different languages in a basic level, sometimes the sentences are to standard, it would be better if it has some more “colloquial” teaching.

Developer

there better tools to learn in depth new languages.

I received angry notifications if I did not complete Spanish that day, as well as some creepy/weird notifications such as "what's wrong babe?"

Learning and Development Operations Specialist

Having a point system where you can customize the owl or unlock lessons is motivating.

Technology Administrator

The range of languages seems limited compared to other apps, with resources being dedicated to fictional languages over real, existing ones!

I have improved my conversational skills to get by on a trip

Software Engineer

The exercises this app provides help you retain the information easily.

I know it's meant to encourage users, but they could send fewer notifications.

Pharmacist

But notifications explode all day, push me hard to open the app and drown real phone alerts.

Quality assurance tester

Duolingo offers the opportunity to create a strong foundation when learning a new language, by offering some theoretical information, through practical exercises (dialogues, grammatical exercises, short stories, etc.).

I love the variety of personal challenges, friendly competitions, benchmarks and rewards.  

QA Analyst

To spur your language development they set up ranking lists, you can also view your progress.

Extra hearts and stories hide behind a paid wall, offline mode also fails to load lessons now and then.

Whilst suitable for myself, I imagine this can be insufficient for those that can speak the language to a higher level.

Content Creator

I've been working on learning Japanese which has pretty much 3 alphabets and duolingo has made this fun and in a way I retain the information

Musician

It doesn't quite show the grammar explanations of words and tenses, you just memorize them.

Executive Director

I consistently earned 95 - 100% grades but it would not advance me into a more difficult category

I like the exercises and I like the timed exercises as they push you to think fast.

Being free is a massive bonus as I imagine many will want to learn second languages and beyond.

Making friends in the app is no help since you can not talk with them and the Lilly "AI" bot is highly limited.  

individual

That doesn't test my knowledge of the language I am learning, it tests how fast my eyes go from one column to the other column.   And then the right column doesn't even have the right words in it at the same time as the left column.       

Assistant

I aslo like that I can switch up on my languages and I can also play games to help me.

Professor of Latin

It started with “no thanks” options, progressed to pop up ads with a loud voice that disrupted concentration, and finally a three day trial button from which, if you accidentally clicked, there was no way out.

Writer

I've been using Duoling for 9 years now and appreciate how I can easily retain the lessons about foreign languages I thought would be hard to learn.

It isn't convenient to use if you aren't subscribed to a premium plan with Duolingo.

I have learned more language in 4 months with Duolingo that I did with a year of a personal tutor.

The more lessons I complete, I can move forward in different divisions competing with other learners and friends.

Training and Learning Curve

Grammar

Conversation

Rewards and Motivation

Users report that Duolingo’s Progress Tracking offers clear visualization of their learning journey, with streaks, points, and badges motivating continued use. Reviewers appreciate Duolingo’s reminders, daily goals, and the ability to see strengths and weaknesses in real time. They say Duolingo’s analytics, graphs, and notifications help them stay accountable and understand where improvement is needed. Some users feel that over time, Duolingo’s Progress Tracking can become less useful or even annoying due to persistent notifications and scoring systems. Of the 112 Duolingo users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Progress Tracking, 96% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Busuu vs Duolingo Comparison (2026)

Busuu

Duolingo

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives