Top 20 Duolingo Alternatives to Learn Language 2021

Sometimes, Duolingo just might not cater to your learning style. Or it might be too easy for you. Perhaps you’re a lover of languages and want to perfect your fluency. Maybe you’ve always struggled with learning languages and you simply can’t progress any further. If you are already using Duolingo and looking for similar sites or software then this list is for you.  Check the 20 Duolingo alternative to use in this year.

Best Duolingo Alternatives to Learn Language in 2021

Whatever your skill level, here are our top 20 picks for the best language learning apps. Most of these are available on both iOS and Android.

Mem Rise

memrise

Google Play Awards’ ‘Best App of 2017’, Memrise is the best Duolingo alternatives  that helps users improve confidence in pronunciation and cadence. It is best suited for casual conversation and listening skills, and users learn phrases and words based on the ubiquity in the language.

  • Smart learning engine adapts to learning style.
  • Full immersion with real-world situational classes and the Learn with Locals feature on specific courses.
  • Does not focus too much on grammar rules and strives to improve conversational speed.
  • Classic Review options allow users to review words from previous classes.
  • Quarter, Annual, and Lifetime subscription plans available.
  • Not many languages to choose from.

Busuu

Busuu

Busuu is used by companies such as Puma and DHL and is trusted by a user base of 100 million. The teaching method is developed using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which is an internationally recognized standard and tests are certified by McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Learning advances through 4 levels; from A1, which is for a basic conversation to B2, which is expert fluency, with a full understanding of the nuances and technicalities of the language.
  • Improves listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
  • Busuu provides language resources for businesses and is freemium based.
  • Does not offer too many language courses.

Babbel

Babbel

Loved by publications such as Forbes and The New York Times, Babbel uses didacticism as a method of teaching. Most lessons are only 15 minutes and Babbel builds on grammatical concepts shared with the user’s mother tongue. The application itself is versatile and caters to different learning styles.

  • Enlists cognitivism, behaviorism, and constructivism for progressive learnings.
  • Utilities such as speech recognition allows user to perfect pronunciation and tone.
  • Babbel uses the memory technique of spaced repetition for retaining lessons.
  • Does not offer East-Asian, South-Asian, or Middle-Eastern language courses.
  • Babbel offers a free demo and later users can purchase appropriate plans.

Mondly

Mondly

An Edtechdevelopment, Mondly was named the ‘Best New App’ by Apple in 2016 and simulates classroom learning.

  • 33 language courses available.
  • Cutting edge technology combined with neural science research for effective learning.
  • Reminders and progress bar features.
  • Works on a freemium basis.
  • Syncs across all devices, but not very seamless on PC.
  • Immersive experience using augmented reality.

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone

Best Android and iPhone app in Education for two years straight and trusted by organizations such as Twitter and Ikea, Rosetta Stone goes beyond memorization and conventional techniques. Real-time pronunciation feedback is provided by TruAccent technology and you can have to local expressions with the RS phrasebook.

  • Flexible schedule for online or offline usage.
  • Dynamic Immersion method aids for contextual learning.
  • Perfect listening by using the Audio Companion lessons.
  • Learning progression is synchronized across all devices.
  • Different plans based on the time period and the number of languages to be learned.

Drops

Drops

Named ‘The Best Google App’ of 2018, take 5 minutes out of your day to learn a new language with Drops. It uses striking, mnemonic illustrations to aid learning and has a simplistic interface, with 11 sections dedicated solely to travel and tourism.

  • More than 35 languages to choose from.
  • Primarily teaches vocabulary and commonly used phrases.
  • For learning languages longer than five minutes, users must pay according to the plans listed.
  • Uses rapid swipes and gestures, rather than typing.
  • Fully immersive and runs like a mobile game.
  • Developed a companion app called Droplets, for kids.

Clozemaster

Clozemaster

A gamified language learning application, Clozemaster is a great post-Duolingo app that uses contextual based teaching method. The grammar rules are taught by reinforcing natural scenarios, rather than stringent textbook learning and it is retro gaming themed.

  • Over 100 languages provided, with new ones regularly being added.
  • Grouped by difficulty.
  • Fluency Fast Track available for popular languages and you can check pronunciation using the speaking practice tool.
  • Best way to grow vocabulary and is suitable for intermediate speakers.
  • Consists of a free plan and a paid plan.
  • No real progression and similar learning exercises.

Rype

Rype

Rype works on a mentorship basis in that every user has their personal teacher and is one million users strong. Every teacher is certified for quality, experience, and teaching style.

  • Option to learn in a classroom setting with commuting, amongst groups of 15 people, with an established curriculum.
  • Additional option to have one on one classes within the comforts of your home and a teacher attuned to your learning style.
  • The cost of learning is hourly and is ideal for corporate institutions.
  • Teaches the nine most common languages.

LingoDeer

Lingodeer

10 million users and counting, LingoDeer teaches languages up to the intermediate level with the help of flashcards. Practise conversation with the use of cultural stories and LingoDeer provides detailed grammar notes as well as quizzes to test essential knowledge.

  • Users must purchase monthly, quarterly, yearly or lifetime plans to learn languages.
  • Learning can happen offline and progress synchronizes across various devices.
  • Customize the voice of the narrator, theme or the type of script.
  • Flashcard features have proven to be extremely useful tools that help retain information.
  • Users can set the frequency of reminders.
  • Does not offer too many languages.

Lingvist

Lingvist

Declared the winner of the 2017 EdTechX Europe award, Lingvist is speedy and for students who are willing to put in the time to learn new languages. Research has shown that users can learn languages 10 times faster with the Lingvist method.

  • The algorithm directs users to learn core words and phrases that are used in 80% of daily situations.
  • As your skills advance, you can personalize your learning experience.
  • In just 20 minutes, users can learn up to 30 words a day.
  • A limited selection of languages and you must purchase a monthly, yearly or lifetime plan to learn.
  • Save time and improve fluency with the voice input feature.

Mango Languages

MangoLanguage

EdTech Cool Tool Winner of 2019, Mango Languages builds comprehension and familiarity with the culture. It adapts to the user’s unique learning styles and boosts cultural IQ.

  • Uses critical thinking and memory-building exercises.
  • Supplemental language resources to advanced learners and uses a simplified interface, with streamlined navigation.
  • Personalized review utility for analyzing progress and linguistic color mapping.
  • Conversation based and intuitive language construction.
  • Practice pronunciation and compare native voices.
  • Variety of languages to choose from, including derivatives.
  • Paid plans, including courses for enterprises.

Hellotalk

HelloTalk

An international team based in Hong Kong, Hellotalk teaches languages to 25 million users through communication. Learn languages by communicating with native speakers and chat with partners through voice calls, texts, video calls, and even drawings, with integrated support for translation, transliteration, and pronunciation.

  • Hellotalk is backed by a large and active community.
  • Interact with speakers one on one or join a group chat for a collaborative experience.
  • Supports over 150 languages and has no ads.
  • Find language partners based on location and gender.
  • Works without third-party software and is free of cost.

Readlang

Readlang

Learn semantics with Readlang, by reading webpages and watching video clips. With over 40 languages to choose from, Readlang emphasizes the story and the content, rather than learning in a textbook manner.

  • Has decluttered interface and words are prioritized by their usefulness.
  • Vocabulary manager to review translated words and customizable pop-up dictionary.
  • Flashcard feature in collaboration with Anki to retain information.
  • Limited phrase translations in the free plan, but unlimited flashcards and word translations are included.
  • Suitable for intermediate and advanced learners.

Elevate

Elevate

Elevate provides an educational experience in the guise of a mobile game and is ideal for users who get bored easily. It is only compatible with iOS products.

  • 6 different mini-games and 50 levels to liven up the learning process.
  • Adapts to your learning style to optimize memorization and focus.
  • Audio clips of native speakers to familiarize tone and pronunciation.
  • For English speakers, there are 6 languages and 7 languages for non-English speakers.
  • Has an SAT vocabulary app.
  • The price for all 50 levels is $5.

Tandem

Tandem

With community-based teaching processes, Tandem is a great way to learn the subtleties of language that you can never learn through traditional methods. It typically works on a language exchange basis.

  • Users can interact with native speakers who are, in turn, looking to learn the other language.
  • Every application is reviewed carefully before admission into the community.
  • Only for people over 14 years of age.
  • Tandem has a variety of languages to choose from, including the obscure ones.

TripLingo

TripLingo TripLingo is perfect for globetrotters and helps travelers keep safe and cognizant. It will also make sure users will avoid cultural faux pas and are well-versed in ethnic etiquette.

  • Has a voice translator feature that allows you to easily communicate with locals.
  • The TripLingo Phrasebook has over 2000 phrases per language and will allow travelers to build rapport with locals.
  • Intelligent quizzes and audio recordings will help travelers learn on the go and TripLingo’s use of flashcards ensures that users will retain linguistic information.

iTalki

italki

Working on a mentorship basis, iTalki serves to teach languages in a manner that is personalized to the user. Five million people currently use iTalki and it is endorsed by companies such as The Huffington Post and Business Insider.

  • Select from over 10,000 teachers to be your language mentor.
  • Pay per lesson plan and different budgets will be accommodated by iTalki.
  • Take your lesson at any time you desire and learn in a way that benefits you.

HiNative

HiNative

HiNative is an extensive global forum where users can interact between themselves to answer and ask questions. It aims to create a worldwide community where everyone can help each other out.

  • Ask and answer queries in your own free time.
  • HiNative is free to use.
  • Appropriate for linguists who want to check pronunciation and sentence structures, or for users who studying for language proficiency examinations.
  • Templates and voice notes make it easier for beginners to articulate doubts.

MosaLingua

MosaLingua

The Mosa Method relies on active recall and the Pareto principle, which explains that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. MosaLingua wants to increase motivation and has understood learner psychology. There are currently 7 million people using MosaLingua to study languages and it is featured in Cosmopolitan and Financial Times.

  • Along with the Pareto principle, MosaLingua also uses spaced repetition and metacognition for information preservation.
  • It is recommended for all skill levels.
  • The cost is $3 per month.
  • Offers various courses depending on skill level and what needs strengthening.

Flowlingo

Flowlingo

A revolutionary method of teaching, Flowlingo is an application for intermediate students who need extra stimulation. It uses the spaced repetition method to actively enforce knowledge retention and offers 23 languages.

  • Review words using flashcards.
  • While watching or reading, tap on phrases to get the meaning, and automatically a flashcard is created.
  • Read the books you know and love in a different translation, and really understand the nuances of the language with the help of Flowlingo.
  • Understand cultural differences as well as learn languages with the help of images and memes.
  • Free and premium plans.

List of Top 20 Duolingo Alternatives

Sl. No.NameSystem SupportsFile SizeWebsite
1MemriseWeb, Android, iPhone32 Mb (Android)https://www.memrise.com/
2BusuuWeb, Android, iPhone36 Mb (Android)https://www.busuu.com/
3BabbelAndroid, iPhone97 Mb (Android)https://www.babbel.com/
4MondlyWeb, Android, iPhoneVaries with devicehttps://www.mondly.com/
5Rosetta StoneAndroid, iPhone153 Mb (Android)https://www.rosettastone.com/
6DropsAndroid, iPhone150 Mb (iPhone), 35 Mb (Android)https://languagedrops.com/
7ClozemasterAndroid, iPhone30 Mb (Android)https://www.clozemaster.com/
8RypeWebhttps://www.rypeapp.com/
9LingoDeerAndroid, iPhone48 Mb (Android)https://www.lingodeer.com/
10LingvistWeb, Android, iPhone16 Mb (Android)https://lingvist.com/
11Mango LanguagesAndroid, iPhone19 Mb (Android)https://mangolanguages.com/
12HellotalkAndroid, iPhone94 Mb (Android)http://www.hellotalk.com/
13ReadlangWebhttp://readlang.com/
14ElevateAndroid, iPhoneVaries with devicehttps://elevateapp.com/
15TandemAndroid, iPhone54 Mb (Android)https://www.tandem.net/
16TripLingoAndroid, iPhone88 Mb (Android)http://www.triplingo.com/
17iTalkiAndroid, iPhone46 Mb (Android)https://www.italki.com/
18HiNativeAndroid, iPhone54 Mb (Android)https://hinative.com/en-US
19MosaLinguaAndroid, iPhoneVaries with devicehttps://www.mosalingua.com/en/
20FlowlingoWeb, Android, iPhone9.8 Mb (Android)https://www.getflowlingo.com/
nv-author-image

Ankita

Founder and Writer @ WinOSBite. Future plan is to make this platform open to community to resolve and discuss various issues, usage related to Operating System.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *