Duolingo
Duolingo is a free, game-style app with short lessons in 40+ languages, plus math, music and chess courses. Every course is free with ads; Super Duolingo removes ads and limits. Families use it for daily language practice from about second or third grade up.
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is the most downloaded education app in the world, according to its App Store listing. It teaches languages through quick, game-like lessons with streaks, leagues and cheerful characters. Duolingo is based in Pittsburgh and launched publicly in 2012.
As of October 2026, it offers 40+ languages, and the same app now includes math, music and chess. Every course is free. A paid tier, Super Duolingo, removes ads and limits.
How it works
Your child picks a language, then takes a placement quiz or starts from scratch. Each lesson takes a few minutes:
- Match words to pictures, translate short sentences and listen to audio.
- Type or tap answers, and sometimes speak them.
- Earn points, keep a daily streak and climb weekly leagues.
- Review mistakes in practice sessions.
The free version uses an energy system, so too many mistakes pause lessons. Kids who read well can use Duolingo alone. For younger children, sit nearby, since the app has ads and in-app gem purchases.
What it covers
| Course area | What kids get |
|---|---|
| Languages | 40+ courses, from Spanish and French to Japanese, Hawaiian and Navajo |
| Math | Standards-aligned lessons from elementary through high school |
| Music | Reading music and playing songs on an on-screen keyboard |
| Chess | Lessons, puzzles and matches |
Language lessons are strongest on vocabulary, reading and listening. Speaking and real conversation are lighter, and grammar is mostly learned by example.
Who it's best for
Duolingo fits kids who can read on their own and like games. It's a great free way to try a language, practice every day, or keep up skills over the summer. Parents often learn alongside their kids.
It isn't a full course. Teens who need a credit-bearing class should look at live lessons from Homeschool Spanish Academy. Pre-readers do better with Duolingo ABC for reading, or Dinolingo for a second language.
Pricing at a glance
Duolingo is free with ads. Super Duolingo has a 14-day free trial. As of October 2026, US App Store prices for Super range from $9.99 to $119.99 depending on the term and plan, so check the price in the app.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
The free version needs no funding. If you need more structure, a full curriculum or a tutor is more likely to be an allowed expense in ESA programs such as Arizona's ESA, and each program decides. Save the programs you're weighing to your wishlist and apply once on Edulist.
How it compares
- Rosetta Stone is paid and more immersive, with stronger pronunciation feedback.
- Babbel is a paid app for ages 13 and up that explains more grammar and builds real conversations.
- Busuu has a free version, levels from A1 to C1 and feedback from native speakers, for ages 13 and up.
- Dinolingo is built for kids ages 2 to 14 and teaches 50 languages with no reading needed at first.
- Lingokids suits preschoolers who want games and songs.
Browse more language programs, Spanish programs and learning apps.
Who Duolingo is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Free daily practice for confident readers
- Families who want kids and parents learning together
- Kids motivated by streaks and games
- Trying a language before buying a full course
Look elsewhere if
- Pre-readers (use Duolingo ABC instead)
- Students who need a credit-bearing course with a teacher
- Families who want no ads or reward loops
Duolingo pros and cons
Pros
- Every course is free
- Huge language choice, including less common languages
- Short lessons that fit any day
- Placement quiz lets kids skip what they know
- Also offers math, music and chess
Cons
- Free version has ads and an energy limit
- Little speaking or real conversation practice
- Gamification can push speed over learning
- No parent dashboard or lesson plans for homeschool records
What’s included
- Free courses in 40+ languages
- Bite-sized lessons with streaks, leagues and rewards
- Placement quiz or start from scratch
- Standards-aligned math lessons from elementary through high school
- Music lessons on an on-screen keyboard, and chess lessons and puzzles
- Super Duolingo removes ads and adds unlimited energy
How much does Duolingo cost?
Every Duolingo course is free, supported by ads and an energy system that limits mistakes. Super Duolingo removes ads and adds unlimited energy and monthly streak repair. Duolingo Max adds AI features such as Roleplay and Video Call. As of October 2026, the US App Store lists Super Duolingo purchases at $9.99, $12.99, $79.99, $83.99, $95.99 and $119.99 without naming the term for each, so check the price shown in the app.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Monthly | Free |
Free trial: Super Duolingo offers a 14-day free trial.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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View wishlistWhat parents say
A summary of public parent feedback we read on forums, app stores and review sites. It is not a set of Edulist family reviews.
As of October 2026, Duolingo holds 4.7 stars from about 5.5 million US App Store ratings and is an Apple Editors' Choice. Reviewers say it is fun enough to keep them practicing longer than planned and that kids use it on their own for languages, math and chess. The main caveat reviewers raise is that real fluency still takes speaking with people and other resources.
Common praise
- Fun and habit-forming
- Kids can use it independently
- Different character voices help listening
Common complaints
- Progress beyond basics takes real effort and other resources
- Users want more live speaking practice
Sources: apps.apple.com · id570060128
Duolingo family reviews
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Duolingo FAQs
Is Duolingo good for kids?
For kids who read well, yes. It's free, short and motivating, and the App Store rates it 4+. Younger kids need a parent nearby, and pre-readers do better with Duolingo ABC.
Is Duolingo free?
Yes. Every course is free, with ads and an energy system. Super Duolingo removes ads and adds unlimited energy, with a 14-day free trial.
Can Duolingo count as a homeschool foreign language?
Many homeschoolers use it as a starting point or supplement. On its own it lacks graded writing, grammar explanation and conversation, so for high school credit pair it with a textbook, a tutor or live classes and keep a record of hours.
What age should a child start Duolingo?
Most kids are ready once they can read short sentences on their own, often around second or third grade. Before that, Duolingo ABC teaches early English reading for ages 3 to 8.
Does Duolingo have ads?
The free version does. The App Store notes it contains advertising. Super Duolingo and Max remove ads.
What are the best Duolingo alternatives?
For teens and parents, Babbel explains more grammar, Rosetta Stone teaches by immersion with 25 languages in one plan, Busuu adds native-speaker feedback and has a free version, and Pimsleur builds speaking through audio lessons. Babbel and Busuu require users to be 13 or older, and Pimsleur is aimed at ages 16 and up. For younger kids, apps like Dinolingo and Lingokids are built for children.
What else can kids learn on Duolingo besides languages?
The app also includes math courses aligned to standards from elementary through high school, music lessons on an on-screen keyboard and chess lessons and puzzles.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources: