Duolingo vs Lingo Champion
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Lingo Champion has the lower starting price: about $8 a month, against $13 for Duolingo.
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
- Article simplification
- Tap-to-translate words
- Chrome extension
- iOS and Android apps
- 20+ languages
| Feature | Duolingo | Lingo Champion |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan | Learn languages by reading simplified real articles |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $12.99/mo | $7.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Duolingo | Lingo Champion |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Lingo Champion has the lower starting price: about $8 a month, against $13 for Duolingo.
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
2 plans
Free
Free
- Limited Chrome extension translations
- Basic reading tools
Premium
$7.99/mo
- 100,000 translated characters a month
- 3 months free on yearly plan
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
Lingo Champion
- Learn from articles you choose
- Works in the browser and on mobile
- Free tier available
- Aimed at intermediate learners
- Monthly translation character limits
- Limited speaking practice
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 Lingo Champion if you want:
- Learn from articles you choose
- Works in the browser and on mobile
- Free tier available
Watch out: aimed at intermediate learners.
Duolingo vs Lingo Champion FAQ
What is the difference between Duolingo and Lingo Champion?
Duolingo: Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan. Lingo Champion: Learn languages by reading simplified real articles. Both are education tools.
Is Duolingo or Lingo Champion cheaper?
Lingo Champion has the lower starting price: about $8 a month, against $13 for Duolingo.
Do Duolingo and Lingo Champion have free plans?
Duolingo: Yes. Lingo Champion: Yes.
Who makes Duolingo?
Duolingo is made by Duolingo, based in United States.
Who makes Lingo Champion?
Lingo Champion is made by Lingo Champion.
Which should I choose, Duolingo or Lingo Champion?
Choose Duolingo if you value free plan covers full courses and motivating game mechanics. Choose Lingo Champion if you value learn from articles you choose and works in the browser and on mobile.