kitio.aiDuolingo vs Memrise
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Memrise 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
- Native speaker videos
- Spaced repetition
- MemBot AI chat
- Pronunciation checks
- Offline mode
| Feature | Duolingo | Memrise |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan | Language app with native-speaker videos and an AI chat partner |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $12.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Duolingo | Memrise |
| 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 Memrise 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
Memrise
- Authentic native-speaker audio
- Good for vocabulary
- AI chat for practice
- Grammar coverage is light
- Best features need Pro
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 Memrise if you want:
- Authentic native-speaker audio
- Good for vocabulary
- AI chat for practice
Watch out: grammar coverage is light.
Duolingo vs Memrise FAQ
What is the difference between Duolingo and Memrise?
Duolingo: Gamified language app with AI conversation practice on its Max plan. Memrise: Language app with native-speaker videos and an AI chat partner. Both are education tools.
Is Duolingo or Memrise cheaper?
Duolingo starts at $12.99/mo and Memrise starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Duolingo and Memrise have free plans?
Duolingo: Yes. Memrise: Yes.
Who makes Duolingo?
Duolingo is made by Duolingo, based in United States.
Who makes Memrise?
Memrise is made by Memrise, based in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Duolingo or Memrise?
Choose Duolingo if you value free plan covers full courses and motivating game mechanics. Choose Memrise if you value authentic native-speaker audio and good for vocabulary.