Duolingo offers both free and paid options for language learning in 2024. The free version gives you full access to all language courses with ads and some limits. The paid Super version removes ads and adds offline lessons, unlimited hearts, and practice features for $5-13 monthly.
Take a closer look at how these versions stack up against each other before spending any money.
Quick Overview: Free vs Paid Features
Core Features in Free Duolingo
The free version packs quite a punch with essential learning tools. You’ll get:
- Full access to all 40+ language courses
- Basic lessons and exercises
- Progress tracking
- Leaderboards and achievements
- Five hearts (lives) system
- Ad-supported learning
Extra Features in Paid Duolingo Super
The Super version adds several premium perks:
- Zero advertisements
- Unlimited hearts
- Offline lessons
- Mistake-focused practice
- Progress quizzes
- Legendary level access
- Monthly streak repair
Free Duolingo Experience
Available Languages & Courses
The free version doesn’t skimp on learning options. You get access to:
- Popular languages like Spanish, French, and German
- Less common options like Welsh and Hawaiian
- Same quality lessons as paid users
- Full course content without restrictions
Daily Learning Limits
Free users face some daily restrictions:
- Five hearts (lives) limit
- Hearts restore one per day
- Practice sessions earn extra hearts
- Wait times between lessons after mistakes
Ad Experience
Free users see ads, but they’re not overwhelming:
- Short video ads between lessons
- Banner ads in the app
- Most ads promote Duolingo Super
- No mid-lesson interruptions
Heart System Explained
The free version uses hearts to manage mistakes:
- Start with five hearts
- Lose one heart per mistake
- Earn hearts through practice
- Hearts refresh daily
- Run out? Wait or practice more
Paid Duolingo Super Benefits
Ad-Free Learning Experience
Super removes all advertisements:
- No video ads between lessons
- No banner ads
- Smoother learning flow
- Less distraction
Unlimited Hearts System
Super users get unlimited attempts:
- No heart restrictions
- Try difficult lessons repeatedly
- Learn from mistakes freely
- No waiting periods
Offline Learning Mode
Download lessons for offline use:
- Learn without internet
- Perfect for travel
- Save mobile data
- Access full course content
Personalized Practice Sessions
Targeted learning based on mistakes:
- Review trouble areas
- Custom practice exercises
- Track improvement
- Focus on weak points
Progress Tracking Tools
Enhanced progress monitoring:
- Detailed statistics
- Learning patterns
- Weakness identification
- Achievement tracking
Duolingo Super Family Plan
Multi-User Benefits
Share premium features:
- Up to 6 separate profiles
- Individual progress tracking
- Shared payment plan
- Family leaderboard
Cost Per User
Family plan savings:
- $9.99 monthly per family
- About $1.67 per user
- Annual payment required
- Cheaper than individual plans
Family Account Management
Easy family setup:
- Central account control
- Individual learning paths
- Progress monitoring
- Simple member addition
Cost Breakdown
Monthly vs Annual Pricing
Super pricing options:
- Monthly: $12.99
- Annual: $59.99 ($5/month)
- Family Annual: $119.99
- Save 60% with yearly plans
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by country:
- India: $2.39 monthly
- Brazil: $6.16 monthly
- Turkey: $1.79 monthly
- US/UK: $12.99 monthly
Student & Special Discounts
Ways to save:
- Student discounts available
- Holiday season sales
- Free trial periods
- Special promotions
Real User Experiences
Free Version User Reviews
Common free user feedback:
- Sufficient for casual learning
- Ad interruptions manageable
- Heart system frustrating
- Good basic features
Paid Version User Feedback
Super user opinions:
- Worth it for serious learners
- Ad-free experience valued
- Unlimited hearts helpful
- Offline mode convenient
Common User Complaints
Frequent concerns:
- Recent path changes
- Limited speaking practice
- Grammar explanation gaps
- Exercise repetition
Money-Saving Tips
Free Trial Strategy
Smart trial use:
- 7-day free Super trial
- 14-day annual plan trial
- Calendar reminder to cancel
- Test all premium features
Best Time to Upgrade
Strategic timing helps:
- December holiday sales
- Special promotion periods
- Annual plan savings
- Student discount timing
Alternative Learning Options
Free alternatives:
- Browser version (unlimited hearts)
- Duolingo classroom
- Library language resources
- Language exchange apps
Final Comparison
Who Should Use Free Version
Free works best for:
- Casual learners
- Beginners testing waters
- Patient learners
- Budget-conscious users
When to Choose Paid Version
Super suits these users:
- Daily dedicated learners
- Offline learners
- Multiple family members
- Ad-sensitive people
Value for Money Analysis
Return on investment:
- Free: Great for basics
- Super: Worth it for daily users
- Family: Best value for groups
- Monthly vs Annual: Annual saves 60%
The choice between Duolingo’s free and paid versions comes down to your learning style and goals. Free users get complete course access with some limitations, while Super removes restrictions and adds helpful features. For frequent users, the paid version’s convenience might justify the cost. Casual learners can achieve their goals with the free version.