The Best Duolingo Alternatives to Try in 2025

Note: Prices are in USD. App pricing and features change frequently. All prices mentioned in this article were verified in November 2025.

Duolingo is great for building a daily habit, but if you've been using it for months and still freeze up when trying to actually speak French, you're not alone.

The problem? Most gamified apps (including Duolingo) teach you vocabulary like "I am a cat" but don't give you the pronunciation feedback or conversation practice you need to speak confidently in real situations.

The solution? Apps designed specifically for conversation practice:not just completing lessons.

Below, I've tested 7 Duolingo alternatives to find which ones actually help you speak French, not just memorize random phrases. Each has different strengths, so you can choose what fits your learning style.

Quick Navigation:

• French Together - Best for conversation practice with AI pronunciation scoring
• Ling - Best for Asian languages + pronunciation checker
• Drops - Best for visual vocabulary building
• LingoDeer - Best for grammar explanations
• Lingo Legend - Best for gamers
• Busuu - Best for community feedback
• Memrise - Best for native speaker videos
• Mondly - Best for broad language selection

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French Together

Full disclosure: This is my app (Benjamin Houy, founder of French Together), so I'm obviously biased. But I built it specifically because I was frustrated with how other apps:including Duolingo:teach French conversation skills.

The core difference: French Together uses the LSR Method (Listen, Speak, Repeat), designed to get you speaking in real conversations, not just completing gamified lessons.

What makes French Together different from Duolingo

While Duolingo focuses on vocabulary building through gamification, French Together focuses exclusively on conversation skills and pronunciation:

• 90 interactive lessons covering everyday situations from A1 to A2 level (ordering coffee, asking directions, making plans:not "I am a cat")
• AI Speaking Partner with 100 messages per day for unlimited conversation practice
• Instant AI pronunciation feedback with 0-100% scoring so you can track improvement from day one (vs. Duolingo's basic "you said something" recognition)
• Slow and normal speed audio with native French speakers from different regions
• Speech-to-text transcription so you can see exactly what you said
• 5 practice modes per lesson: Reading, listening, pronunciation, translation, and live practice:attack each conversation from every angle until it sticks
• Smart spaced repetition to ensure you never forget what you've learned

Each lesson takes about 15 minutes and focuses on practical, real-world French that you'll actually use in conversations.

What's good about French Together

• The AI pronunciation checker accurately scores your pronunciation (0-100%) and offers specific feedback to improve it:not just "try again." Most students go from 60% to 90%+ pronunciation in 30 days
• Dialogues can be listened to at the speed real French people speak, as well as slowed down for practice
• Features native French speakers of different origins, so you're exposed to various accents (not just Parisian French)
• You can see lines of dialogue in written form, helpful for visual learners and understanding French spelling vs. pronunciation
• Grammar and vocabulary windows pop up with context, but you can skip them if you prefer learning through practice
• No random vocabulary like "I am a cat" or "This is my first cow":everything is practical and conversational
• Hands-free mode: Review flashcards while commuting, cooking, or walking. Audio plays automatically. Perfect for busy people
• Progress tracking: See your vocabulary grow. Track your streak. Watch your pronunciation scores improve. Motivation through visible progress

Real results from French Together users:

"I live in Paris, and since I started using French Together, people I interact with regularly have been commenting on how much my French has improved." - Stephanie A.

"Passed B1 oral with 92% pass rate. No way would have achieved that without this course." - Chris H., Switzerland

"This course has given me more confidence in my pronunciation... I really only had about 2 months with your program and already felt more comfortable." - Rebecca S., United States

Who French Together ISN'T for

Being honest here:French Together is specifically designed for learners who want to speak French in real-life situations. That means it's NOT ideal if you:

• Need comprehensive grammar textbooks. We teach grammar contextually through conversations, not through extensive written explanations
• Prioritize reading and writing over speaking. 90% of the app focuses on listening and speaking practice
• Learn better from varied exercise types. Our method is focused and repetitive by design (LSR: Listen, Speak, Repeat) rather than gamified variety
• Want to learn multiple languages. We only offer French (we believe in doing one thing extremely well)

Fair warning: As the creator, I'm obviously biased. That's why we offer a 7-day free trial (cancel anytime) and 30-day money-back guarantee so you can judge for yourself with zero risk.

How much does French Together cost?

French Together costs $174 per year (which works out to $14.50/month when paid annually) or $29/month if you choose the month-to-month plan.

Check your local version of French Together's pricing page for prices in your currency.

Compare to other options

Here's how French Together stacks up against other ways to practice speaking French:

	French Together	Private Tutor	Other Apps
Monthly cost for daily practice	$14.50-$29/mo	$900+	$7-30/mo
Practice speaking daily	✅	Too expensive	❌
Get pronunciation feedback	✅	✅	Very limited
Learn from real conversations	✅	✅	❌
Available 24/7	✅	❌	✅

💰 Price vs. Value: French Together costs more than some apps, but here's why users tell us it's worth it:

• Faster results: Focused method gets you speaking in weeks, not months
• No wasted time: Every lesson builds conversation skills (vs. learning "I am a cat")
• Real feedback: 0-100% pronunciation scoring vs. basic "you said something" recognition

Think about it this way: If French Together helps you have confident conversations 3 months sooner than Duolingo, is $43.50 worth it? (That's the cost difference for 3 months vs. Duolingo's free version.)

Let's address the elephant in the room

"Do I really need to pay for this? Can't I just use free apps?"

You can. And in 2 years you'll still be learning that "the apple is red." Free apps make money by keeping you addicted, not by teaching you French. We make money when you actually learn to speak. Big difference.

"What if I sign up and then don't use it?"

That's why we send daily reminders (that you can turn off). But honestly? When you see yourself going from 60% to 85% pronunciation in a week, you'll want to practice. Progress is addictive.

"Is the 7-day trial really free?"

Yes, but we do ask for payment info upfront (like Netflix). Why? We're a small team and this helps prevent fraud and abuse:it keeps the app running smoothly for serious learners like you. You can cancel in literally one click from your account settings if it's not for you. No phone calls needed.

"What's your refund policy?"

30-day money-back guarantee. No questions, no "please tell us why you're leaving" surveys. Just email us, we'll refund you. We only want happy, speaking students.

French Together offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it completely risk-free.

→ Start your 7-day free trial now (cancel anytime during trial)

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Quick Comparison: Which App Is Right For You?

App	Best For	Pronunciation Feedback	AI Conversation	Annual Price	Languages
French Together	Speaking confidently	✅ 0-100% scoring	✅ 100 msg/day	$174	French only
Ling	Asian languages	✅ Voice checker	❌	$80	60+
Drops	Visual vocabulary	❌	❌	$70	50+
LingoDeer	Grammar focus	⚠️ Basic	❌	$96	16
Lingo Legend	Gamers	❌	❌	$90-120	10
Busuu	Community feedback	⚠️ Basic	❌	$73	14
Memrise	Native videos	❌	⚠️ MemBot	$62	30+
Mondly	Many languages	⚠️ Inconsistent	⚠️ Limited	$155	40+

✅ = Excellent | ⚠️ = Limited/Basic | ❌ = Not available

If your goal is to speak French confidently, French Together is the only app on this list with both precise pronunciation feedback (0-100% scoring) and unlimited AI conversation practice (100 messages/day).

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Ling

Ling is one of those language learning apps that feels super approachable and fun, but also really effective. I first tried it out when I was looking for something that could give me more variety than Duolingo. What I love about Ling is how it blends gamification with practical, bite-sized lessons.

PROS:

Wide Language Selection: I love that Ling offers a huge variety of languages to choose from, so I can easily switch between different languages or even try out something new.

Voice Recording & Pronunciation Checker: The app features a speaking activity that allows users to record their voice while following the audio, and it evaluates pronunciation.

Tips and Explanations: Ling provides helpful tips and explanations throughout the lessons.

CONS:

Limited Deep Dive into Grammar: While the app does introduce basic grammar concepts, it doesn't always go in-depth.

No Full Alphabet Lessons: Ling doesn't offer a separate, dedicated activity to fully learn the alphabet, especially for languages with unique scripts.

Microphone Issue: I had an issue with the speaking activity where it stopped detecting my voice and required relaunching.

Languages: 60+ languages. Has more Asian languages compared to other apps.
Cost: Monthly $14.99, Quarterly $29.99, Annual $79.99 (includes 7-day free trial). 30-day money-back guarantee. No free version.

Writing: 4/5 - Grammar: 3/5 - Reading: 3/5 - Listening: 3/5 - Speaking & Pronunciation: 4/5 - Cultural Insights: 3/5

Bottom line: Ling is solid for Asian languages with pronunciation feedback, but for French specifically with 0-100% scoring and daily AI conversations, French Together is purpose-built for conversation practice.

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Drops

Drops is an incredibly user-friendly language learning app that's all about making vocabulary acquisition fun and engaging. It uses picture-based exercises to help you associate words with images, making learning feel like a game.

PROS:

Translation Available When You Need It: You can reveal the translation anytime you need it, adding challenge and encouraging active thinking.

Free Version is Pretty Good: You can use the app for free with limited daily time.

CONS:

Spelling Activity is Weird Sometimes: The syllable breakdown can be confusing.

Images Don't Always Match the Words: Some visual representations don't accurately capture word meanings.

Languages: 50+ languages.
Cost: Free version available with limited access. Premium: Monthly $12.99, Annual $69.99 (includes 7-day free trial), Lifetime $159.99. 14-day money-back guarantee for website purchases.

Writing: 3/5 - Grammar: 2/5 - Reading: 1/5 - Listening: 4/5 - Speaking & Pronunciation: 1/5 - Cultural Insights: 2/5

Bottom line: Drops excels at visual vocabulary building, but if you need speaking practice with pronunciation feedback, French Together focuses on conversation skills.

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LingoDeer

LingoDeer is a comprehensive language learning app that provides users with a structured and curriculum-based approach. The app is available in two versions, each requiring a separate subscription: LingoDeer and LingoDeer Plus.

PROS:

Well-Structured Lessons: The lessons build on each other gradually, starting with basics and moving to complex structures.

Grammar Focus: Places big emphasis on grammar, going deep into sentence structure, conjugations, and grammatical rules.

Offline Mode: Offers offline access to mobile apps for practice without internet.

CONS:

Two Subscriptions: Need to subscribe to two separate services for full experience.

Focused on Asian Languages: Real strength lies in Asian languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

Languages: 16 languages
Cost: Free version available with limited activities (Alphabet, Unit One, Test Outs, Travel Phrasebook, first Beginner lessons). Premium: Monthly $14.99, Quarterly $39.99, Annual $95.99, Lifetime $199.99. Check website for promos and discounts.

Writing: 4/5 - Grammar: 5/5 - Reading: 4/5 - Listening: 4/5 - Speaking & Pronunciation: 3/5 - Cultural Insights: 3/5

Bottom line: LingoDeer excels at grammar explanations, especially for Asian languages, but lacks pronunciation feedback. For French with detailed pronunciation scoring, try French Together.

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Lingo Legend

Lingo Legend is a language-learning app that merges adventure game elements with educational content, making it especially appealing to anyone who enjoys gaming or story-driven experiences.

PROS:

Engaging Gamification: The app turns language learning into an adventure game, complete with battles and missions.

Vocabulary Building: Emphasizes vocabulary acquisition with repetition through gameplay.

CONS:

Limited Language Selection: Only offers 10 languages.

Not Available on Web and in All Regions: Regional availability issues.

Languages: 10 languages
Cost: Free version available. Premium: Lifetime $89.99, Monthly $9.99, Quarterly $19.99

Writing: 3.5/5 - Grammar: 3/5 - Reading: 3/5 - Listening: 4/5 - Speaking/Pronunciation: 2/5 - Cultural Insights: 3/5

Bottom line: Lingo Legend is highly engaging for gamers, but lacks speaking practice. For conversation-focused learning, French Together provides structured practice.

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Busuu

Busuu offers a blend of structured lessons and a unique social component, allowing users to connect with native or fluent speakers for valuable feedback.

PROS:

Engaging AI-Generated Videos: Videos allow you to watch someone speaking the words and phrases.

Supportive Learning Community: Share exercises and get feedback from native speakers.

Well-Organized Lessons: Courses designed with clear progression and align with CEFR standards.

CONS:

Limited Speaking Opportunities: More emphasis on structured lessons than real-life conversations.

Varied Course Quality: Quality varies by language, with less common ones feeling less comprehensive.

Languages: 14 languages
Price: Free version available with limited access to basic lessons and community feedback. Premium: Monthly $12.99, 6-Month $55.99 ($9.33/month), Annual $72.99 ($6.08/month). Premium unlocks all course content, offline mode, personalized study plans, grammar lessons, AI-powered reviews, and official McGraw Hill certificates. 14-day money-back guarantee. Student discounts available (30% off with ISIC).

Writing: 4/5 - Grammar: 3/5 - Reading: 4/5 - Listening: 4/5 - Speaking & Pronunciation: 4/5 - Cultural Insights: 3/5

Bottom line: Busuu is comprehensive with community feedback, but if you want instant AI pronunciation feedback, French Together offers 0-100% scoring.

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Memrise

Memrise is a language learning app designed to make mastering a new language engaging and effective. It combines gamified lessons, spaced repetition, and multimedia tools.

PROS:

Community-Created Lessons: Create your own lessons and learn from user-generated content.

Native Speaker Videos: Lessons include videos of native speakers for authentic learning.

CONS:

Limited Grammar Focus: Focuses heavily on vocabulary but doesn't go deep into grammar.

Not Ideal for Advanced Learners: Content becomes too basic at advanced levels.

Languages: 30+ languages
Cost: Free plan available with basic lessons, AI conversation, and pronunciation practice. Pro: Monthly $39.99, Annual $61.99 (~$5.17/month), Lifetime $329.99. Pro unlocks all vocabulary lessons, removes ads, adds grammar lessons, verb conjugation drills, unlimited AI conversations, extra role-play sessions, and cultural tips.

Writing: 3/5 - Grammar: 2/5 - Reading: 4/5 - Listening: 4/5 - Speaking & Pronunciation: 4/5 - Cultural Insights: 3/5

Bottom line: Memrise offers MemBot for speaking practice and native videos, but lacks pronunciation scoring. For precise feedback, French Together provides detailed scoring.

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Mondly

Mondly consists of short, bite-sized lessons designed to touch on essential skills:speaking, listening, and writing. It also has voice recognition.

PROS:

Speech Recognition: Feels like having a real conversation, making you more comfortable speaking.

Broad Language Selection: Over 40 languages from popular to niche options.

Engaging Activities: Mix of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, spelling, and sentence-building.

CONS:

Response Limitation: Chatbot provides suggested responses rather than free-form conversation.

Limited Translations: Doesn't translate your responses, only what the chatbot says.

Languages: 40+ languages
Cost: Free version with limited lessons (introductory content, daily lesson, basic vocabulary builder). Premium: Monthly ~$52, Annual ~$155, Lifetime $299.95 (one-time for all 41 languages). Premium unlocks 250+ lessons, advanced AI conversations, 36 vocabulary builders, and lifetime access. Frequent promotional discounts available (Black Friday, etc.).

Writing: 3/5 - Grammar: 4/5 - Reading: 4/5 - Listening: 4/5 - Speaking & Pronunciation: 4/5 - Cultural Insights: 3/5

Bottom line: Mondly offers speech recognition and chatbot practice, but for free-form AI conversations with pronunciation scoring, French Together provides more flexibility.

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The Verdict: Which Duolingo Alternative Should You Choose?

Each of these apps brings something unique to language learning. Here's how they compare:

Best for Specific Skills

• Best for Grammar: LingoDeer (5/5) - Most thorough grammar explanations
• Best for Pronunciation: French Together (5/5) - Only app with 0-100% AI scoring
• Best for Speaking Practice: French Together (5/5) - 100 daily AI conversation messages
• Best for Writing: Busuu & Ling (4/5) - Strong practice with community feedback
• Highly Engaging: Lingo Legend (5/5) - Transforms learning into adventure
• Best for Listening: Drops, Busuu, Mondly, Memrise (4/5) - Quality audio integration
• Best for Reading: LingoDeer (4/5) - Excellent story-based practice
• Best for Cultural Insights: French Together (5/5) - Best cultural context

The Honest Truth

Gamified language learning apps like Duolingo and these alternatives can definitely make studying feel fun, which is awesome for staying motivated.

But here's what I've learned testing all these apps: If your actual goal is to speak French confidently in real conversations (not just complete lessons), you need an app specifically designed for that.

That's why I built French Together. It's focused entirely on real conversations and practical language use. You'll feel way more confident when actually speaking, not just memorizing words or phrases.

Your Next Step: Test Before You Commit

My recommendation? Don't just take my word (or anyone's word) for it. Actually test 2-3 apps to find what works for your learning style.

Start with your primary goal:

→ "I want to speak French confidently"
Try French Together free for 7 days (0-100% pronunciation scoring, 100 daily AI messages, cancel anytime) + 30-day money-back guarantee

→ "I want fun, gamified practice"
Try Duolingo (free) or Lingo Legend (adventure-game style)

→ "I want thorough grammar explanations"
Try LingoDeer (especially good for Asian languages)

→ "I want community feedback"
Try Busuu (native speakers provide corrections)

30 days from now, you could be speaking French. Or scrolling through another pricing page.

1,031 students made their choice. They're chatting in French while others are still "thinking about it."

Why French Together? We're the only app that combines:

• ✅ 0-100% AI pronunciation scoring (track improvement daily)
• ✅ 100 AI conversation messages per day (unlimited practice)
• ✅ Slow + normal speed audio from native speakers
• ✅ 5 practice modes per lesson (reading, listening, pronunciation, translation, live practice)
• ✅ Hands-free mode for practicing while commuting or cooking
• ✅ Progress tracking so you see your pronunciation improve day by day
• ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee (literally zero risk)

Most French Together users see their pronunciation score improve 15-20 points in their first month. Want to see your score by next week?

→ Start your free trial now (7 days free, then $14.50/month when paid annually - cancel anytime with no charge)

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Your experience might not match mine, so the best choice depends on which features you value most and how you prefer to learn.

Good luck with your French learning journey!

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Last updated: November 11, 2025

This article contains honest comparisons of 7 Duolingo alternatives based on real testing. Prices verified November 2025.