Education comparison
Duolingo vs Babbel
Our pick: Duolingo scores 8.8/10 against 8.0/10 for Babbel. Here's how they differ and which one fits your needs.
VS
At a glance
| Duolingo | Babbel | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Best for | Language learners, Beginners | Adult learners, Travellers |
| Type | Language learning | Language learning |
| Pricing | Free plan | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | See website |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Launched | 2011 | 2008 |
Key features
Duolingo
- 40+ languages
- Gamified lessons
- AI Video Call (Max)
- Explain My Answer
- Duolingo English Test
Babbel
- Expert-designed lessons
- Speech recognition
- Babbel Live classes
- AI conversation practice
- Podcasts
Duolingo: pros and cons
Pros
- Fun and habit-forming
- Huge language selection
- Strong free version
Cons
- Limited conversational depth
- AI features require top tier
Babbel: pros and cons
Pros
- Well-structured lessons
- Focus on practical language
- Live classes available
Cons
- Fewer languages than Duolingo
- No full free plan
Verdict: Duolingo or Babbel?
Choose Duolingo if you're language learners or beginners and value fun and habit-forming.
Choose Babbel if you're adult learners or travellers and value well-structured lessons.
Overall we rate Duolingo slightly higher. Both are worth trying, and at least one has a free plan or trial. See all Education tools for more options.
We may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page. How we make money.