Babbel vs Duolingo Max

A side-by-side look at scores, pricing and features — with RECATOOLS' ASEAN-aware verdict for each.

Babbel Structured language lessons in 14 languages, with AI speaking practice Visit Duolingo Max Duolingo's AI conversation tier, now being folded into Super Visit
RECATOOLS Score 7.2 / 10 7.8 / 10
Capability — 8
Value for money — 6.5
Ease of use — 9
ASEAN readiness — 7
API quality — 2
Pricing Subscription Subscription
Free tier Free registration; first lesson of every course plus some speaking practice and podcasts free —
Paid from $8.95/mo on 12-month plan ($107.40/yr), all 14 languages; Lifetime $299.99 Max price not published; Super Duolingo from $9.99 on the US App Store
Has API ✗ ✗
Open source ✗ ✗
Free to use ✗ ✗
Users 25M+ cumulative subscriptions sold Hundreds of millions of registered users; tens of millions of paid subscribers
Founded 2007 2023
Maker Independent (Babbel GmbH) Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ: DUOL)
Verdict

Babbel is one of the most structured language apps, with lessons that explain grammar rather than gamify it, and every plan now includes all 14 languages, which makes it better value than it used to be. Babbel Speak brin...

Max was the way to get Duolingo's best speaking practice: Video Call with Lily and scenario Roleplay on top of Super. That premium is disappearing. Video Call is moving into Super, new sign-ups have been offered only Sup...

Full review → Full review →
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Comparisons cover up to 4 tools. Scores are RECATOOLS editorial assessments; verify current pricing on each vendor's site.