Is Duolingo free?

Is Duolingo free?

Yes, Duolingo's courses are completely accessible without any cost. Whether you choose to enroll in one language course or multiple, you can study various subjects like music or math without spending a dime. So, how does Duolingo maintain this free access?

The platform generates revenue through in-app advertisements and subscription services—Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max. A small segment of users pays for these subscriptions, which helps subsidize the free courses available to learners globally. For those who prefer an ad-free experience or seek advanced features powered by AI, Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max offer enhanced flexibility in their learning journey while ensuring that the core courses remain free for everyone.

Free features

The beauty of Duolingo lies in its comprehensive free offerings, which include:

Complete language courses: Access to all levels and units.

Stories: Available for select courses.

Challenges and quests: Engaging activities to enhance learning.

Weekly leagues: Competitive elements to motivate users.

Friends feature: Connect and learn with others.

Guidebooks: Helpful resources for language learning.

Streak rewards: Incentives for consistent practice.

And more: Additional features that enrich the learning experience.

These elements encompass nearly everything you need to maximize your use of Duolingo effectively.

Why is Duolingo free?

World-class education has traditionally been a privilege reserved for those who can afford it, but Duolingo is changing that by removing financial barriers entirely.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enhance their careers, academic opportunities, and overall lives through education. Our dedication to keeping Duolingo free stems from our mission to democratize education while ensuring that the learning process remains enjoyable and engaging for all!

Over 1.2 billion people worldwide are currently learning a new language, with approximately 800 million of them focusing on English. Many of these learners come from low-income backgrounds and are motivated by the need to secure better employment opportunities, rather than simply preparing for a vacation in Paris. The majority seek to learn English to qualify for jobs, such as positions in call centers.

This presents a significant challenge: while there is a vast demand for English language education, traditional methods often require financial investment. Many learners can only access language education through middle or high schools that offer foreign languages—typically available to wealthier students—or through costly college courses and software like Rosetta Stone or Open English, which can cost upwards of $1,000.

As a result, a large segment of potential language learners remains underserved due to the lack of affordable options. Recognizing this gap, Duolingo aimed to provide high-quality language education for free. Our goal is not just to offer free resources but to ensure that learners receive the best possible education without any financial burden.

How Much Does Super Duolingo Cost?

Duolingo began as a free app with a commitment to remain free indefinitely. The company has upheld this promise by incorporating advertisements and offering a paid membership known as Super Duolingo (previously called Duolingo Plus). Users can enjoy the app without paying for Super; simply sign up with an email address and password to access unlimited language learning.

The Super Duolingo subscription costs $7.99 per month, with an annual payment option available for $47.99, which provides a discount. Additionally, there is a family plan that accommodates up to six users for $71.99 per year. Notably, the prices for these paid plans have decreased since the last review by PCMag.

What benefits does Super Duolingo offer? It eliminates advertisements and allows users to fully utilize the mobile app without interruptions. Free users must pause the app after making too many mistakes in a short time. Super members can also review their mistakes, access unlimited special Legendary levels, mastery quizzes, and unlimited Test Outs.

When compared to other language learning applications, the annual fee of $47.99 is competitive, and the monthly rate is relatively low. Similar programs typically charge between $100 and $200 for yearly access, while traditional software that you purchase outright falls within the same price range.

Should You Pay for Super Duolingo?

You might want to consider subscribing to **Super Duolingo** if you enjoy using the app and wish to support its creators, or if you predominantly use the mobile app instead of the web version. While both platforms are nearly identical, there is one significant difference: the **hearts system**.

In the Duolingo mobile app, users start with five hearts. Each time you answer a question incorrectly, you lose a heart. Once you run out of hearts, you cannot complete any more exercises until you replenish them. You can refill hearts by waiting (five hours per heart) or by spending 350 gems, which you earn through app usage. With a Super membership, you won’t have to worry about hearts at all. On the other hand, the web app does not have a hearts system, allowing unlimited practice without any costs as long as you log in through that platform. Therefore, if you're using Duolingo for free, it's advisable to utilize the web version to avoid the limitations imposed by the hearts system.

While there are times when using the mobile app is convenient—especially when you're on the go—free users should maximize their experience on the web app to fully benefit from Duolingo's offerings without the constraints of hearts.

Duolingo's Structure

Learners often take structure for granted; when it's present, it goes unnoticed, but its absence can make learning feel disorganized and frustrating. Questions like "What exercises should I do next?" or "Am I ready to learn new words?" can arise without a clear framework. Duolingo addresses this need for structure effectively.

### Structured Learning Path in Duolingo

Duolingo is designed with a highly organized framework. The app's home screen features a sequential list of modules, each focusing on specific topics—be they grammatical (like Reflexives or the Imperfect tense) or thematic (such as Arts or Sports). Each module consists of multiple lessons, and you must complete a certain number of lessons to unlock subsequent modules. Typically, each lesson takes around **three to four minutes** to finish.

While you generally progress in chronological order, you can revisit previously completed lessons at any time. As you advance, earlier words and concepts resurface, with new vocabulary highlighted for emphasis. After covering a substantial amount of introductory material, you can assess your knowledge through practice tests, identifiable by the dumbbell icon.

### Levels and Progression

Each module is divided into levels. For instance, completing level one of a module on the preterite tense allows you to mark it as complete and unlock further content. If a module contains multiple levels, you can choose to complete them to continue practicing that skill. Once all levels in a module are finished, the icon transforms into a gold coin. If you don't practice for an extended period, the coin icon appears broken, which you can repair by revisiting the module and completing some levels again.

### Variability in Content

It's worth noting that not all languages have the same amount of content; some may feature only one level per module. However, Duolingo's structured approach ensures that learners have a clear path to follow, reinforcing previous knowledge while introducing new concepts systematically.

In summary, Duolingo's organized structure not only facilitates effective learning but also helps learners navigate their educational journey with confidence and clarity.