Shortlist by what you need
Start here if you know why you are leaving Duolingo Max.
Want the closest match?
BabbelMost similar to Duolingo Max in what it does, its category and its price.
Visit (opens Babbel in a new tab)Need a free plan?
BrainlyHas a free plan, rated 4.0 out of 5.
Visit (opens Brainly in a new tab)Want to pay less than Duolingo Max?
LingooFrom $9.99/mo, against from $14/mo for Duolingo Max.
Visit (opens Lingoo in a new tab)Want the best rated?
LooraRated 4.2 out of 5 in our review, against 4.6 for Duolingo Max.
Visit (opens Loora in a new tab)
At a glance
Green means better than Duolingo Max, red means worse. Prices are starting prices per month.
| Tool | Our rating | Starts at | Free plan | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Duolingo MaxBaseline | 4.6 | $14/mo | Yes | The premium AI tier inside the category's most recognized app | |
| Babbel | 4.4−0.2 | $8/mo$6 less | Yes | Curriculum built by real linguists, not gamification-first | vs Duolingo Max |
| Brainly | 4.0−0.6 | Free | Yes | A student Q&A community since 2009, now with AI layered in | vs Duolingo Max |
 SpeakPal | 3.8−0.8 | Free | Yes | Real-world conversation practice across 30+ languages with pronunciation coaching and a Teen Safety Mode with parental controls. | vs Duolingo Max |
 Quazel | 3.7−0.9 | Free | Yes | Conversational language practice where you can talk about anything, not fixed lessons. | vs Duolingo Max |
 Mindsmith | 3.6−1.0 | Free | Yes | AI-native eLearning authoring - builds courses, converts video into lessons and translates them, without a traditional authoring tool. | vs Duolingo Max |
| Loora | 4.2−0.4 | Not listed | No | Practices real conversation scenarios, not isolated pronunciation drills | vs Duolingo Max |
 Yoodli | 4.0−0.6 | Not listed | No | Roleplay practice with multi-persona panels, private and without an audience. | vs Duolingo Max |
| Lingoo | 3.8−0.8 | $9.99/mo$4.01 less | No | Teaches real Hinglish code-switching phrases, not textbook grammar - $9.99 lifetime, no streaks, no subscription, native-speaker-reviewed. | vs Duolingo Max |
The alternatives in detail
In order of how closely each one matches Duolingo Max.
Babbel
4.4$8/mo
vs Duolingo Max$6 less−0.2
Curriculum built by real linguists, not gamification-first.
- Curriculum designed by professional linguists and teachers
- Practical, real-world conversation scenario structure
- AI-powered conversation practice
Structured, teacher-designed curriculum focused on real conversation
Full course library requires a paid subscription
Brainly
4.0Free
vs Duolingo Max−0.6
A student Q&A community since 2009, now with AI layered in.
- Large community-generated library of solved homework questions
- AI-generated step-by-step explanations
- Peer and expert answers alongside AI responses
Massive existing library of real, community-solved problems
Community-sourced content quality can vary across different subjects
SpeakPal
3.8Free
vs Duolingo Max−0.8
Real-world conversation practice across 30+ languages with pronunciation coaching and a Teen Safety Mode with parental controls.
- AI conversation practice across 30+ languages
- Real-time pronunciation and accent coaching
- Instant grammar correction during conversation
Explicit Teen Safety Mode with parental controls, unusual for this category
Certificates are informal, not a substitute for recognized language credentials
Quazel
3.7Free
vs Duolingo Max−0.9
Conversational language practice where you can talk about anything, not fixed lessons.
- Open-ended conversation rather than scripted dialogues
- Unlimited speaking practice without scheduling a partner
- Learner chooses the topic, creating unique conversations
Targets speaking, the gap most language apps leave open
Now operating under the name Univerbal, which can cause confusion
Mindsmith
3.6Free
vs Duolingo Max−1.0
AI-native eLearning authoring - builds courses, converts video into lessons and translates them, without a traditional authoring tool.
- AI course creation from a brief
- Existing video converted into structured lessons
- Conversational learning experiences
Video conversion unlocks training archives already paid for
Generated courses default to information delivery, not practice
Loora
4.2Not listed
vs Duolingo Max−0.4
Practices real conversation scenarios, not isolated pronunciation drills.
- Realistic conversation scenario practice (interviews, meetings)
- Combined feedback on grammar, phrasing, and accent
- Judgment-free design aimed at reducing speaking anxiety
Genuine scenario-based practice beyond isolated pronunciation drills
Less precise than a dedicated pronunciation-scoring tool for accent-specific work
Yoodli
4.0Not listed
vs Duolingo Max−0.6
Roleplay practice with multi-persona panels, private and without an audience.
- Scenario-based roleplay with an AI conversation partner
- Multi-persona panels and group simulations
- Real-time feedback on pacing and conciseness
Multi-persona panels train the hard version, not the easy one
No published pricing
Lingoo
3.8$9.99/mo
vs Duolingo Max$4.01 less−0.8
Teaches real Hinglish code-switching phrases, not textbook grammar - $9.99 lifetime, no streaks, no subscription, native-speaker-reviewed.
- Interactive practice games: Tap the Match, Word Scramble, Quick Match
- Focus on real Hinglish code-switching phrases
- Native-speaker-reviewed content with cultural context
Teaches real conversational code-switching, not just formal textbook language
Lighter on structured grammar instruction than a traditional course
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is Duolingo Max free?
Duolingo Max has a free plan, and paid plans start from $14/mo.
What is the best free alternative to Duolingo Max?
Babbel is the highest-rated alternative here with a free plan (4.4 out of 5). Other free options: Brainly, SpeakPal, Quazel.
What is the cheapest alternative to Duolingo Max?
Among paid plans, Babbel has the lowest starting price (from $8/mo). If you need it free, start with Babbel.
How did you pick these alternatives?
We match tools on what they do, their category and their price, using the details in our directory. Ratings come from our reviews and reader reviews.