kitio.aiDuolingo vs ESAI
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Duolingo has the lower starting price: about $13 a month, against $50 for ESAI.
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
- Voice coach Brandi
- College and career tracks
- 25+ storytelling tools
- Essay support suite
- Common App integration
- Partner portal
| Feature | Duolingo | ESAI |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan | AI coach that helps students shape college and career stories |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | $12.99/mo | $50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No, 7-day trial |
| Made by | Duolingo | ESAI |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Duolingo has the lower starting price: about $13 a month, against $50 for ESAI.
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
3 plans
Weekly
$19/week
- One-week sprint
- Core storytelling tools
- One story project
- Limited AI tools
Monthly
$50/mo
- 25+ storytelling tools
- Unlimited story projects
- Common App integration
- Essay support suite
Annual
$41/mo billed yearly
- Billed $500 a year
- All ESAI tools
- Career pathway guidance
- Priority support
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
ESAI
- Voice-based coaching
- Covers college and career paths
- 7-day trial of core tools
- Aims to keep the student's own voice
- Monthly plan costs $50
- Weekly plan limits you to one project
- Not a replacement for a human counselor
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 ESAI if you want:
- Voice-based coaching
- Covers college and career paths
- 7-day trial of core tools
Watch out: monthly plan costs $50.
Duolingo vs ESAI FAQ
What is the difference between Duolingo and ESAI?
Duolingo: Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan. ESAI: AI coach that helps students shape college and career stories. Both are education tools.
Is Duolingo or ESAI cheaper?
Duolingo has the lower starting price: about $13 a month, against $50 for ESAI.
Do Duolingo and ESAI have free plans?
Duolingo: Yes. ESAI: No, 7-day trial.
Who makes Duolingo?
Duolingo is made by Duolingo, based in United States.
Who makes ESAI?
ESAI is made by ESAI.
Which should I choose, Duolingo or ESAI?
Choose Duolingo if you value free plan covers full courses and motivating game mechanics. Choose ESAI if you value voice-based coaching and covers college and career paths.