Best Language Learning · head-to-head
Busuu vs Duolingo
A sourced, side-by-side comparison for language learning. Busuu has the lower entry price. Every figure links to the vendor's own page and the date we captured it.
At a glance
- Price: Busuu $0/mo vs Duolingo $0/mo — Busuu is cheaper to start.
- Free tier: Busuu Yes; Duolingo Yes.
- HIPAA: Busuu —; Duolingo —.
Side by side
| Busuu | Duolingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $0/mo (Free) | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA (BAA) | — | — |
| SOC 2 | — | — |
| GDPR | — | — |
| Best for | Learners who want human community feedback on their output | Casual daily habit learners |
Sources — Busuu: busuu.com (verified 2026-06-14). Duolingo: duoplanet.com (verified 2026-06-14).
Key features
Busuu: 14 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, Portuguese, Polish, Korean); Native-speaker community feedback on written and spoken exercises; CEFR-aligned certificates upon level completion (Premium only); AI Conversations for real-life scenario practice (Premium Plus tier); Pronunciation coaching with feedback (Premium Plus tier); Offline mode (Premium only); Specialty topic-based courses (Premium Plus tier); Mistake Repair for personalized grammar drills (Premium Plus tier); 120 million+ registered users; trusted by 600+ organizations including Puma and L'Oréal
Duolingo: Nearly 40 languages available; Gamified streak and XP system with leagues; Hearts system paces free learners; unlimited hearts on Super+; AI Roleplay (text-based conversation scenarios) — Max only; AI Video Call with animated character Lily — Max only; Explain My Answer AI feedback — Max only; Stories and Quests available on free tier; Duolingo also offers Math and Music courses