ELSA Speak vs Duolingo Max
A side-by-side look at scores, pricing and features — with RECATOOLS' ASEAN-aware verdict for each.
ELSA Speak
AI coach that scores English pronunciation sound by sound
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| RECATOOLS Score | 7.8 / 10 | 7.8 / 10 |
| Capability | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Ease of use | ||
| ASEAN readiness | ||
| API quality | ||
| Pricing | Freemium | Subscription |
| Free tier | Free app download and free AI speaking assessment; full lessons need Pro or Premium after a 7-day trial | — |
| Paid from | $89.99/year (ELSA Pro, pronunciation only), Premium $99.99/year | Max price not published; Super Duolingo from $9.99 on the US App Store |
| Has API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Open source | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free to use | ✓ | ✗ |
| Users | 90M+ downloads globally as of January 2026; 195 countries | Hundreds of millions of registered users; tens of millions of paid subscribers |
| Founded | 2016 | 2023 |
| Maker | ELSA, Corp. | Duolingo, Inc. (NASDAQ: DUOL) |
| Verdict | ELSA Speak is one of the most focused pronunciation tools available: sound-by-sound scoring, a learning path built from your weak spots, and a choice of American, British or Australian targets. It suits ASEAN learners wh... |
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.