Duolingo vs Chat University
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Chat University 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
- Real offers database
- Personal statement builder
- AI statement review
- Admissions test prep
- Grade tracker
| Feature | Duolingo | Chat University |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan | UCAS application dashboard with AI personal statement feedback |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $12.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Duolingo | Chat University |
| 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 Chat University 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
Chat University
- Free to get started
- Combines data, writing and test prep
- Human review option alongside AI
- Only useful for UK UCAS applicants
- AI is one part of a wider toolkit
- Pricing not shown on the homepage
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 Chat University if you want:
- Free to get started
- Combines data, writing and test prep
- Human review option alongside AI
Watch out: only useful for uk ucas applicants.
Duolingo vs Chat University FAQ
What is the difference between Duolingo and Chat University?
Duolingo: Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan. Chat University: UCAS application dashboard with AI personal statement feedback. Both are education tools.
Is Duolingo or Chat University cheaper?
Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Chat University starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Duolingo and Chat University have free plans?
Duolingo: Yes. Chat University: Yes.
Who makes Duolingo?
Duolingo is made by Duolingo, based in United States.
Who makes Chat University?
Chat University is made by Chat University, based in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Duolingo or Chat University?
Choose Duolingo if you value free plan covers full courses and motivating game mechanics. Choose Chat University if you value free to get started and combines data, writing and test prep.