kitio.aiDuolingo vs Busuu
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Busuu starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Bite-sized lessons
- Streaks and leagues
- AI Video Call
- Explain My Answer
- Maths and music courses
- CEFR-aligned courses
- Native speaker corrections
- AI conversation practice
- Personalised review
- Certificates
| Feature | Duolingo | Busuu |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan | Language courses with AI feedback and corrections from native speakers |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $12.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Duolingo | Chegg |
| Based in | United States | United Kingdom |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Busuu starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- All language courses
- Ads and limited hearts
Super
$12.99/mo
- No ads
- Unlimited hearts
- Personalized practice
Max
$29.99/mo
- Everything in Super
- AI-powered explanations
- Video Call and roleplay practice
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Duolingo
- Free plan covers full courses
- Motivating game mechanics
- Huge choice of languages
- Limited speaking practice without Max
- Hard to reach advanced fluency alone
Busuu
- Real people correct your work
- Clear CEFR levels
- Certificates available
- Free plan limited to basic lessons
- Fewer advanced courses
Which one should you choose?
Choose Duolingo if you want:
- Free plan covers full courses
- Motivating game mechanics
- Huge choice of languages
Watch out: limited speaking practice without max.
Choose Busuu if you want:
- Real people correct your work
- Clear CEFR levels
- Certificates available
Watch out: free plan limited to basic lessons.
Duolingo vs Busuu FAQ
What is the difference between Duolingo and Busuu?
Duolingo: Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan. Busuu: Language courses with AI feedback and corrections from native speakers. Both are education tools.
Is Duolingo or Busuu cheaper?
Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Busuu starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Duolingo and Busuu have free plans?
Duolingo: Yes. Busuu: Yes.
Who makes Duolingo?
Duolingo is made by Duolingo, based in United States.
Who makes Busuu?
Busuu is made by Chegg, based in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Duolingo or Busuu?
Choose Duolingo if you value free plan covers full courses and motivating game mechanics. Choose Busuu if you value real people correct your work and clear cefr levels.