The Best Duolingo Alternatives — Language Learning Apps In 2026

If you're looking for Duolingo alternatives in 2026, there's no shortage of options. You have more structured lessons like those offered by Babbel, conversation-focused practice like HelloTalk, vocabulary drilling apps like Drops, and many more. There's no one perfect app for everyone, though, so it's best to explore what's out there and see which language learning tools and resources will be best for you.

Jump To:

• List of Duolingo alternatives

• Quick comparison table

• What to consider when choosing an app

• Why learners love Babbel

An overview of the top language apps

• Babbel is the best choice if you’re looking for a clear, structured course that helps most learners build practical skills step by step.

• Busuu offers the best choice if you’re looking for structured lessons with options for feedback and extra practice.

• Mondly is great if you’re looking for bite-sized practice with a visual-first, modern feel.

• Memrise is solid if you’re looking for lots of vocabulary exposure and quick review sessions.

• Drops could be your best choice if you’re looking for fast vocabulary drills that feel game-like and easy to fit in.

• Pimsleur is the way to go if you’re looking for audio-led speaking practice you can do while you’re on the go.

• HelloTalk is best if you’re looking for real conversations and language exchange with other people.

The 6 best alternatives to Duolingo

Babbel

Babbel is a strong option for anyone who wants to learn a language because it focuses on a clear lesson flow and a structured path you can follow. Babbel may suit you if you like learning in a step-by-step course that explains and reinforces what you are learning. There's also AI-powered pronunciation feedback and conversation practice. Learn more about how Babbel works.

Pros:

• Clear, structured lesson flow that feels like a course.

• Practical, everyday language focus that can feel purpose-driven.

• Good fit if you prefer learning with guidance, not just drills.

Cons:

• Less game-like than Duolingo, which some learners may miss (especially if streaks are your main motivator).

• A more structured pace can feel a bit “study-like” compared with quick tap-through practice.

Who it’s for: People who want practical lessons with a steady pace and a plan.

Busuu

If you like Duolingo but want something that can feel more course-like, Busuu is a solid consideration because it aims for structured lessons and may offer ways to practice writing or speaking and get feedback, depending on the language and plan.

Pros:

• More guided and course-like than purely game-driven practice.

• Combines quick gamified practice with structured lessons.

Cons:

• Feedback/community benefits can depend on how actively you use them.

• If you want maximum gamification, Duolingo may feel more motivating.

Mondly

Mondly can be appealing if you enjoy Duolingo’s quick, approachable practice but want a different style that feels more visual and varied. Mondly may work well as a lighter practice app that you can use alongside a structured course.

Pros:

• Visual-first and varied, which can keep practice feeling fresh.

• Bite-sized sessions that fit well into a daily routine.

• Can work nicely as a supplement alongside a structured course.

Cons:

• May feel lighter on deep, step-by-step progression.

• Some learners may prefer more speaking-focused practice.

Who it’s for: People who want bite-sized practice with a modern feel.

Memrise

Memrise is used by learners who want more vocabulary exposure and quick review, especially when paired with another app. It uses video clips with native speakers that allow you to see how the language is really used.

Pros:

• Helpful for vocabulary exposure and quick review.

• Good for building recognition and recall through repetition.

Cons:

• Often works best as a companion tool rather than your only “main course.”

• Speaking practice may be more limited than in speaking-first tools.

Who it’s for: People who want vocabulary-focused study that’s easy to dip into.

Pimsleur

Pimsleur is a good option if your main goal is speaking confidence and you prefer learning through listening and repeating out loud. Pimsleur is often chosen by learners who want an audio-first routine they can do while commuting or walking.

Pros:

• Strong audio-led routine that encourages you to respond out loud.

• Great fit for commuting, walking, or screen-free practice.

• Can boost speaking confidence through repeated prompts.

Cons:

• If you prefer reading and tapping exercises, it may feel repetitive.

• Best results often come when paired with extra reading or structured study.

Who it’s for: People who want an audio-led speaking habit and less screen time.

HelloTalk

HelloTalk focuses on connecting with other people for language exchange, which can be useful if you want real conversations (and also offers the widest variety of target languages). Many learners use HelloTalk as a place to apply what they study elsewhere, because it is very much about communication, rather than step-by-step grammar or vocabulary instruction.

Pros:

• Real conversation practice with other speakers from around the world.

• Great for applying what you learn elsewhere.

Cons:

• Not a structured course, so you may want a learning plan from another app.

• Can take more time and effort than quick, guided lessons.

Who it’s for: People who learn best by chatting, voice messages, and real interaction.

A quick comparison of language apps

What to consider when you’re choosing an app

• Start with your goal: Are you learning for a quick trip? Are you moving abroad? Are you plotting a career change? Certain apps may be good for short-term goals but not long-term, and vice versa.

• Decide how much time you can spend learning daily: many apps offer bite-sized lessons, though others require more of a time commitment.

• Choose a learning style you will actually use: structured courses (Babbel), gamified practice (Duolingo), or immersion and conversation (HelloTalk).

• Think about speaking needs: if speaking is your priority, add dedicated speaking and listening practice, not only repetitive exercises.

• Consider teaching style: if you like explanations and clear rules, structured lessons may feel easier to follow. Other apps focus skip grammar tips to try to teach you through pratice alone.

• Set a budget you can sustain: a paid plan can be worth it if it helps you stay consistent and progress steadily.

Duolingo vs. Babbel: Why learners like Babbel

Many learners like Babbel because it feels straightforward and organized. Instead of relying mainly on gamification like Duolingo, Babbel tends to focus on a structured course path and clear learning steps, which can help adults feel steady progress over time. Babbel lessons often aim to be practical and useful, and many learners appreciate having a consistent lesson experience. The app uses many science-backed approaches to learning, such as building spaced repetition into its Review feature.

Babbel also offers language learners speaking practice options such as Babbel Speak, which is designed around preset scenarios where you can practice using phrases in context. If you want to pair a structured plan with extra speaking repetition, that combination can be useful. Babbel Podcasts and other listening content can also be a helpful add-on for learners who want more exposure beyond the core lessons.