Getting a Duolingo free trial is simple, but many are concerned about hidden costs. The 14-day trial lets you use all premium features. But, you’ll start getting charged unless you cancel. Some users got billed without clear warnings, even after Duolingo promised to alert them before the trial ended.
When you sign up, you need to add payment details. This connects your account to a Duolingo subscription. It costs $12.99/month or $59.99/year. In 2022, there was a promo with code DRACARYS for 30 days free, but billing rules applied after that.
Pricing changes by region, but the main issue is automatic renewal. This guide explains how trials work and how to avoid unwanted payments. It also compares plans, like the $119.99/year Family tier for up to six users. Find out how to manage your subscription.
What Is Duolingo and Its Free Trial Offer
Duolingo is a top language learning platform that makes learning fun. The Duolingo app uses games and rewards to teach over 40 languages. Millions enjoy free language learning with it, but some features need a subscription.
The Duolingo trial period lets you try premium benefits for free. For 14 days, you get:
- Ad-free lessons
- Offline access to courses
- Unlimited “hearts” for retrying exercises
- Progress tracking tools
This trial is a great way to see what premium features are like. The free version has limits, but the trial removes them. You can try it on iOS, Android, or the web, all for free. After the trial, you’ll go back to the free version unless you buy a subscription.
How the Duolingo Free Trial System Works
Getting started with Duolingo’s free trial is straightforward. The Duolingo trial length can be 3 to 14 days, based on promotions and where you are. During this time, you get to use premium features like unlimited lessons and no ads.
Trial Duration and Access Levels
The Duolingo Super trial offers 20 daily lessons and 80-90 XP per Legendary lesson. It also lets you freeze your streak. A 7-day streak gets you 3 days of free Super access, and a 100-day streak gives more streak freezes. The trial’s Duolingo trial length decides how long these benefits last before auto-renewal starts.
Automatic Enrollment Process
Trial enrollment asks for your payment details right away. If you don’t cancel before it ends, your subscription will renew. Many people accidentally pay the full year because they miss the cancellation deadline, as shown in Reddit threads. Duolingo charges your credit card unless you cancel it yourself through your account settings.
Trial Availability Across Platforms
The trial across devices works well on iOS, Android, and the web. But, canceling it varies by platform. For example, Apple App Store subscriptions need to be canceled in Apple’s settings. Web users can cancel directly in Duolingo. Knowing the rules for each platform is important for managing your trial.
Will Duolingo Charge Me After A Free Trial?
Yes, Duolingo uses Duolingo automatic billing to turn free trials into paid subscriptions if not canceled. This means users are charged for Duolingo payment after trial without needing to take action. Many users say they got unexpected trial expiration charges because they didn’t get reminders before being billed.
One user said they canceled three days before their trial ended but was charged £59.99 for an annual plan. Duolingo’s terms say users must cancel before the trial ends, even if they don’t get reminders.
Steps to avoid charges:
- Cancel your trial at least 24 hours before it ends via your account settings
- Check your payment methods linked to your account to see if you’re subscribed
- Regularly check your billing history to spot any unauthorized Duolingo payment after trial
If you’re charged by mistake, keep records of when the charge happened and contact support right away. Always take charge of tracking your trial period to avoid unexpected trial expiration charges. Being proactive is the best way to prevent Duolingo charges.
Duolingo Subscription Options and Pricing Tiers
Duollingo has three main subscription tiers to help with language learning. The Duollingo subscription plans include free, Super monthly, Super annual, and Family plans. Knowing Duollingo pricing helps users pick the best plan for their needs.
The monthly plan is $12.99/month. It gives full access to premium features like unlimited hearts and offline mode. This plan is good for short-term learners but doesn’t offer long-term savings.
The annual plan costs $59.99/year ($5/month). This saves over 60% compared to monthly payments. It also locks in rates for a year.
Family Plan is $9.99/month ($119.99/year) for up to six users. Split across six members, it’s just $1.67 per person monthly. It’s perfect for families.
Country Monthly Cost Annual Cost USA $12.99 $59.99 Turkey $1.79 $8.46 India $2.39 $11.42 Thailand $4.91 $22.05 India $2.39 $11.42 Brazil $6.16 $29.65
Prices for language app subscription cost vary by region. Users in emerging markets often pay much less. For example, Turkey’s annual plan is just $8.46, while Brazil’s is $29.65.
App Monthly Annual Duollingo Super $12.99 $59.99 Babbel $17.95 $215.40 Busuu $13.90 $166.80 Pimsleur $21.00 $252.00
Duollingo’s pricing is competitive compared to its competitors. The Family Plan offers a 90% savings per user compared to individual Super subscriptions.
Black Friday sales events like the 2022 DRACARYS promo offer even more discounts. Annual plans often keep rates the same, protecting users from price increases.
Free Duolingo vs. Paid Duolingo Super
When deciding between free and paid Duolingo, think about what you want to achieve. The free version gives you the basics but has Duolingo free limitations. These include limited practice attempts and ads. On the other hand, the paid version, Duolingo Super, offers Duolingo Super benefits like unlimited practice, offline lessons, and advanced tools.
Free Version Limitations
- Limited hearts mean you can’t practice as much after mistakes.
- Ads pop up in lessons unless you pay to upgrade.
- You can’t access lessons offline or see detailed progress reports.
Super Version Benefits
Premium features on Super include:
- Ad-free lessons and unlimited hearts.
- Offline access to all courses and podcasts.
- Customizable learning goals and monthly streak repair.
Super also has legendary levels and time challenges not found in the free version.
Is the Paid Version Worth It?
Deciding if Duolingo premium value is worth it depends on your needs. The Super plan costs $12.99/month or $59.99/year. This is less than competitors like Babbel ($6.95/month) or Memrise ($8.99/month).
How to Cancel Your Duolingo Trial Before Being Charged
Canceling your Duolingo trial early stops unwanted charges. Follow these steps to avoid unexpected fees and manage your subscription well.
- Cancel Before the Deadline Stop automatic billing by ending your trial at least 24–48 hours before it expires. This gives time for the system to process the request.
- Choose Your Platform Steps vary based on how you signed up:
| Platform | Steps to Cancel |
|---|---|
| iOS | Go to Settings → [Your Apple ID] → Subscriptions → Cancel Duolingo. |
| Android | Open Google Play Store → Account → Subscriptions → Manage → Cancel. |
| Web/Desktop | Log into Duolingo → Settings → Subscriptions → Cancel Subscription. |
After canceling, you’ll keep Super features until your trial ends but won’t be charged. Keep a copy of confirmation emails as proof if disputes arise. Note that Duolingo doesn’t offer refunds for used trial periods. If you’re charged accidentally, contact support promptly with payment records. Remember, the prevent Duolingo charges process differs by platform—double-check steps for your device. Acting early ensures peace of mind and avoids unexpected fees.
Duolingo Billing Practices and Payment Methods
Understanding Duolingo payments is key. Here’s a guide on how to pay, when you’ll be charged, and refund policies:
Accepted Payment Methods
Duolingo accepts Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Availability depends on your location and device. For example, mobile wallets work on iOS or Android but might not show on desktop. Always confirm options before purchasing.
Billing Cycles Explained
Monthly plans renew every 30 days. Annual subscriptions cost $199.99 upfront, with no refunds if canceled later. The billing cycle starts when you sign up, so track renewal dates to avoid extra charges.
Refund Policies
Duolingo’s refund policy requires contacting Apple or Google for app store purchases. Refunds must be requested within the billing cycle—usually 24-48 hours after purchase. Processing times:
- Credit cards: 3-5 days for approval and 5-7 days to return funds
- PayPal: 2-3 days processing, 3-5 days to return funds
Less than 5% of users resolve billing disputes via Duolingo’s email support, which lacks phone options. Refund requests for accidental sign-ups or technical errors are rarely approved. Annual plan payments are non-refundable after the trial period ends, even for dissatisfaction with service.
Common Billing Issues with Duolingo Subscriptions
Users sometimes run into subscription billing errors with Duolingo. A big issue is unexpected Duolingo charges, like the £59.99 annual fee some users get after trials end without warning. Not getting trial-end notifications is a common Duolingo billing problem. This surprises subscribers with automatic payments.
- Unresolved Duolingo payment issues include:
- Charges start again after subscriptions are canceled, often because of platform mismatches (e.g., canceling via app vs. Apple App Store)
- Currency conversion fees add unexpected costs for users outside of the UK
- Double billing happens when switching between mobile and web platforms
To fix problems, keep evidence: Save screenshots of cancellation confirmations, payment receipts, and support chat logs. If Duolingo can’t fix subscription billing errors, contact your bank or payment provider within 60-90 days of the charge. Refund times vary: credit cards take 3-5 days, PayPal 2-3 days. Missing deadlines or not providing all needed info can stop refunds.
When switching plans, check your account activity to avoid accidental renewals. Always confirm cancellation steps through Duolingo’s official help portal to avoid unexpected Duolingo charges.
Tips for Managing Your Duolingo Subscription
Learning how to manage your Duolingo subscription helps you only pay for what you use. Here are some easy steps to keep your account in check:
Setting Renewal Reminders
Here’s how to avoid auto-renewal surprises:
- Set a calendar alert 5 days before your subscription’s end date.
- Check your account’s Duolingo renewal reminders settings for updates.
- Review billing emails for renewal notices.
Switching Between Plans
Switching plans needs careful timing and planning:
Go to the Duolingo plan switching menu in your account settings. You can switch from monthly to annual plans after your current billing cycle ends. Use this table to compare plans and choose the best one:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Super Monthly | $12.99/month | Offline mode, no ads, unlimited hearts |
| Super Annual | $59.99/year (~$8.33/month) | All features + savings |
| Family Plan | $119.99/year | 6 accounts, shared progress tracking |
How to Pause Your Subscription
Even though Duolingo doesn’t have a pause button, you can stop payments temporarily:
- Cancel your subscription 24 hours before renewal.
- Keep using your account until the current period ends.
- Re-subscribe later when you need to.
For longer pauses, reach out to support for a manual hold. But this isn’t always possible.
How Duolingo’s Value Compares to Other Language Learning Apps
When picking between Duolingo and language app competitors, it’s important to look at features and prices. Duolingo’s free version gives 5 daily lessons and a $12.99/month Super plan. But, alternatives like Ouino offer lifetime access for a one-time payment. Ouino’s 4-for-1 deal lets users get 1-4 languages at a discount, avoiding monthly costs.
Language app comparison reveals Mosalingua offers bundled courses without extra fees for adding languages. Memrise has 50% off subscriptions. Babbel’s Live classes start at $99/month for group lessons, unlike Duolingo’s game-based approach. Pimsleur focuses on speaking skills with audio lessons, costing $19.95/month for one language.
Different teaching styles are used by each app. Duolingo uses games and streak challenges. But, competitors like Babbel focus on grammar with CEFR standards. Pimsleur focuses on speaking through repetition, without reading or writing. Busuu adds feedback from native speakers, while Rosetta Stone uses immersive methods at $15.99/month.
For those on a tight budget, Ouino’s lifetime plans or Duolingo’s free version might be ideal. Serious learners might prefer Babbel or Rosetta Stone for structured grammar. The language learning platform value depends on your goals. Casual learners save with Duolingo, while serious students might like Mosalingua’s bundles or Babbel Live’s live classes. Always check trial periods and cancellation policies before committing.
Conclusion
Knowing about the Duolingo trial summary helps you avoid surprises. After your trial ends, your card will be charged unless you cancel early. To manage your language app subscriptions well, set reminders, check your billing, and know how to cancel.
To avoid unexpected charges, remember Duolingo’s costs. Super Duolingo is $7–13 monthly, while Max starts at $30/month with AI features. Babbel’s annual plans are cheaper, but Duolingo’s gamified learning is unique. The free version offers 40+ languages, but with ads and limited tries.
When making Duolingo payment decisions, consider your needs and budget. Annual plans save money, but family plans like Duolingo Max’s $200/year for six users might be better for families. Always check prices in your region, as they can vary.
Whatever you decide, stay informed. Check Duolingo’s pricing pages before you commit and watch your account for renewal dates. Whether you’re using Max’s AI or the free lessons, matching your budget to your goals helps you learn without financial worries.
Answered Questions
Will I be charged automatically after my Duolingo free trial ends?
Yes, Duolingo will charge you automatically after your free trial ends. Make sure to cancel your subscription before then to avoid unexpected charges.
How long does the Duolingo free trial last?
Duolingo’s free trial can last from 3 to 14 days. This depends on any promotions and where you are.
How do I cancel my Duolingo subscription?
To cancel, it depends on where you subscribed. iOS users cancel through Apple’s Settings. Android users do it through Google Play. Web subscribers log into their account to manage settings.
Are there any restrictions on the free version of Duolingo?
Yes, the free version has some limits. You get fewer hearts, see more ads, and have limited access to some features and lessons.
What benefits does the Duolingo Super plan offer?
The Duolingo Super plan offers many perks. You get unlimited hearts, no ads, offline lessons, and tools to track your progress better.
If I cancel my trial, will I immediately lose access to premium features?
No, you’ll keep using premium features until your trial ends. Even after canceling, you won’t lose access right away.
What payment methods does Duolingo accept?
Duolingo takes major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. But, not all options are available on every platform.
What should I do if I experience unexpected charges from Duolingo?
If you get unexpected charges, document your cancellation attempts. Then, contact customer service. You might also need to talk to your payment provider.
What are the differences between the monthly and annual Duolingo subscriptions?
Monthly plan costs about $9.99-$12.99 USD per month. It’s flexible. The annual plan is around $59.99-$89.99 USD and saves you money.
Can I pause my Duolingo subscription?
Duolingo doesn’t offer a pause option. But, you can cancel and keep using it until your paid period ends. Then, you can resubscribe when you’re ready.
How does Duolingo’s pricing compare to other language learning platforms?
Duolingo mainly uses subscriptions. Other platforms like Ouino offer lifetime access for a one-time payment. Think about what’s best for your learning goals and budget.
