Duolingo vs HowNow

Speexx

ELSA Speak

Rosetta Stone Enterprise

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.

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.

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.

Academic/Education

Activity Dashboard

Asynchronous Learning

Blended Learning

Course Management

Course Tracking

Gamification

Learner Portal

Learning Management

Learning Paths/Tracks

Mobile Learning

Multi-Language

Progress Tracking

Reminders

Tests/Assessments

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.

Duolingo

Web-based

Android

iPhone

iPad

Busuu

Basic

Plus

Intrusive and distracting 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.

83% 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. Reviewers say ads appear after nearly every lesson, making the experience less comfortable and occasionally frustrating. Some users mention that certain ads are inappropriate or embarrassing in public settings. Many feel the volume and frequency of ads detract from the overall usability, prompting some to consider switching to the paid version or using alternative platforms.

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.

51% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s audio and voice features. Users report frequent issues with the app not recognizing spoken responses or accurately detecting pronunciation, which can hinder lesson completion. Reviewers mention that some audio prompts are difficult to understand, and technical glitches with microphones or sound disrupt the learning process. Many users find the app’s sound effects distracting or annoying, and some express frustration at being unable to progress due to unresponsive voice recognition.

Excessive repetition reduces engagement

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.

56% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s repetitive content. Users find that lessons and exercises often repeat the same words and phrases, leading to boredom and reduced interest over time. Reviewers mention that the lack of variety in practice can make progress feel slow and monotonous. Some users say repetition sometimes shifts focus from true learning to rote memorization, and that repeated quizzes or stages can become tiresome. Many wish for more diverse and dynamic lesson content to maintain engagement.

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.

55% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s approach to grammar. Users report that the app lacks clear explanations of grammar rules, verb conjugations, and sentence structure, making it difficult to understand language mechanics. Reviewers say lessons focus heavily on vocabulary and translation without providing context or in-depth instruction for more advanced learners. Many users express frustration at the absence of grammar tips, limited customization, and the challenge of progressing beyond basic proficiency without additional resources.

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.

60% of reviewers feel negative about Duolingo’s phone support and customer service. Users indicate that support is largely unresponsive, with emails often going unanswered and no live assistance available. Reviewers express frustration over unresolved technical issues, glitches, and difficulties accessing features or accounts. They say there is no clear way to report problems or receive timely help, and some mention that changes in app versions or updates can create inconsistencies. Many users feel unsupported when encountering bugs or needing guidance.

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 travel-focused vocabulary and situational lessons help them communicate effectively during trips. Reviewers appreciate being able to study on the go, whether commuting or preparing for an upcoming journey. They say Duolingo helps them feel more comfortable reading menus, conversing with locals, and handling real-life scenarios abroad. Many users mention the convenience of learning anywhere and the benefit of refreshing language skills before traveling.

Engaging gamified learning experience

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. Users think the app’s game-like structure, including levels, streaks, and competitive leaderboards, makes language learning enjoyable and motivating. Reviewers highlight how the gamified approach encourages regular practice, provides instant feedback, and keeps them coming back for more. They appreciate the sense of progress and achievement, noting that the playful environment helps reduce the pressure often associated with traditional study methods. Many users say gamification is key to maintaining their interest and commitment.

Continuous motivation through rewards

Head AP, Fleet Manager

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

Freelance Designer

I like that it makes it feel more like a game and you progress and get achievements, it helps motivate me!

90% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s rewards and motivation system. Users appreciate earning points, badges, and achievements for completing lessons, which helps them stay engaged and committed. Reviewers mention that daily reminders, progress tracking, and friendly competitions with others boost their motivation. They find the game-like elements, such as levels and rankings, foster a sense of accomplishment and encourage consistent practice. Many users say the reward system makes learning feel fun and addictive, supporting long-term language study.

Intuitive and engaging design

IT Consultant

My experience has been great before this I was using the Pimsleur approach but just was not getting it, with DuoLingo it is very interactive and makes it easier to use.

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. Users say the app’s intuitive interface, playful graphics, and simple navigation make it accessible for all ages. Reviewers appreciate how the design encourages frequent use, with clear levels, fun animations, and straightforward mechanics. They find the platform easy to integrate into daily routines and business activities, and mention that the user experience is comfortable, dynamic, and visually appealing. Many users highlight the app’s accessibility across devices and its suitability for both individual and group learning.

Flexible, adaptive learning paths

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.

consultant

Duolingo is a user-friendly and accessible language learning tool that allows autonomy and adapts to the learner's pace and availability.

93% of reviewers feel positive about Duolingo’s training and learning curve. Users think the app’s bite-sized lessons, adaptive algorithms, and interactive exercises make it easy to fit language study into busy schedules. Reviewers appreciate the ability to learn at their own pace, access a wide range of languages, and track progress with reminders and reports. They say the platform’s step-by-step structure, visual aids, and variety of content support gradual improvement, while gamified features and daily challenges help maintain motivation and engagement throughout the learning journey.

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

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.

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.  

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.

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

Billing representative

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

Pharmacist

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

Vice President

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

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

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.

Duilingo disappointed me by constantly sending notifications.

Technology Administrator

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

EFL Teacher

I had to delete it because it kept on making my phone freeze.

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.

Improve language skills for employment and career purposes,Facilitate communication with co-workers, customers and suppliers in other countriesGain a competitive advantage in international business negotiationsIncrease confidence and the ability to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

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.).

QA Analyst

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

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.       

Lecturer

It really builds the first pillars and thus develop your speaking, listening and writing. Though it doesn't look at your pronunciation abilities, it enriches your vocabulary in few days.

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.

Training and Learning Curve

Grammar

Conversation

Notifications

Exercises

Rewards and Motivation

Users report Duolingo’s Progress Tracking keeps them motivated by providing clear visualizations, streaks, and daily goals. Reviewers indicate Duolingo tracks progress through analytics, charts, and reminders, helping them see strengths and areas needing improvement. They find the system easy to navigate and appreciate capabilities like badges and trophies. Some reviewers feel Duolingo’s Progress Tracking can become less useful over time or overly focused on gamification, but most value the transparency and encouragement it brings to their language learning journey. Of the 104 Duolingo users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Progress Tracking, 95% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Pricing

Travel

Vocabulary

Freelancers

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Moodle

With hundreds of millions of users around the globe and translated into over 100 languages, more organisations choose Moodle to support their education and training needs than any other system in the world.

Canvas

Canvas is a modern, cloud-based LMS that helps organizations of all sizes deliver impactful learning. Whether you're teaching students, onboarding new hires, or running a training program, Canvas makes it simple to build, manage, and scale engaging learning experiences.

Paylocity

One unified platform for HR, Finance, and IT. Connect people, processes, and data. Automate tasks and drive business growth. 

Create, manage, and track learning in one place. AI-powered, content-rich, and trusted by teams like TomTom and Investec.

Duolingo vs HowNow Comparison (2026)

Duolingo

HowNow

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives