The Best Duolingo Alternatives to Try in 2026

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Note: App pricing, offers, and features change frequently. The factual details below were checked against official sources in August 2026. Where prices vary by platform, region, or promotion, I say so.

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? In my experience, gamified apps can make practice easy to return to, but they do not always give speaking and pronunciation the depth I want. Duolingo now includes speaking and listening practice, while its pricier Max tier includes AI Video Call and Roleplay. In 2026, Duolingo also started expanding Video Call to some Super subscribers. I still wanted alternatives built more directly around conversation, feedback, grammar, or a different learning style.

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

Below are seven alternatives I tested, plus Copycat Cafe, our own speaking-focused option. The hands-on opinions and scores are mine; current product facts and prices were checked separately against official sources. Each app has different strengths, so you can choose what fits your learning style.

First, which language are you learning? It changes which alternative makes sense:

• French: My hands-on testing focused on the French courses, especially speaking practice. That gives the comparison its strongest footing in French, though many of the broader strengths and drawbacks are relevant across languages.
• Spanish: The broader comparisons can still help, but course depth and specific features may vary by language. For Spanish-focused recommendations, start with our roundup of the best apps to learn Spanish, or see how Duolingo holds up for Spanish.
• Another language: Copycat Cafe only teaches French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, and German, so skip our pitch and jump to Ling (60+ languages) or LingoDeer (grammar focus).

💬 I live in Paris, and since I started using Copycat Cafe, people I interact with regularly have been commenting on how much my French has improved.

- Stephanie A.

Our pick for conversation practice: Copycat Cafe combines 0 to 100 pronunciation scores with up to 1,000 AI conversation messages per day. See how it works →

Copycat Cafe

Founder’s note: Benjamin Houy built Copycat Cafe with Nur after becoming frustrated with language apps that made him good at completing exercises but did not give him enough room to speak. He is obviously biased, and his opinion is simple: if conversation is your goal, conversation should be the center of practice.

The core difference: Copycat Cafe follows Watch → Copy → Chat. You first listen to and rebuild a practical dialogue line, then copy it aloud in chunks with a score and focused pronunciation feedback, then use what you learned in a low-pressure AI conversation.

What makes Copycat Cafe different from Duolingo

• 200 structured lessons per course, covering practical situations from A1 to B2.
• Slow and normal-speed audio, so you can hear a line clearly before copying it.
• Pronunciation practice scored from 0 to 100, with focused feedback on the line or chunk you recorded.
• Speech transcription, which shows what the system heard and helps you spot where a sound or word went wrong.
• AI conversation practice, with up to 1,000 messages per day.
• Five courses in one subscription: French, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Italian, and German.

What Benjamin likes about this approach is its focus. There is less gamified variety and more repetition of useful dialogue. That will suit learners who want to rehearse speaking, but it will not suit everyone.

What’s good about Copycat Cafe

• The listen, copy, and chat progression keeps every activity tied to a conversation.
• Slow audio, normal-speed audio, a written line, transcription, and pronunciation feedback let you approach the same sentence from several angles.
• The AI conversation gives you room to respond in your own words instead of choosing only from suggested replies.
• Lessons use practical situations rather than disconnected novelty phrases. That focus is one of Benjamin’s strongest opinions about how speaking practice should feel.

What learners told us:

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

“Had to take a FIDE test here in Switzerland to renew my resident permit and passed B1 oral A1 written with 92 and 95 percent pass rates. 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 Copycat Cafe ISN’T for

Copycat Cafe is a focused choice, not a complete language-learning universe. It is probably not the best fit if you:

• want textbook-style grammar explanations and lots of written exercises;
• prefer broad gamified variety to deliberate repetition;
• mainly want reading and writing practice; or
• want a language outside French, Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Spain), Italian, and German.

How much does Copycat Cafe cost?

Copycat Cafe costs $174 per year, equivalent to $14.50 per month when paid annually, or $29 per month. One subscription includes all five courses. Check the pricing page for your local currency.

Both plans begin with a 7-day trial. The first payment is also covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you time to decide whether the focused method works for you.

Benjamin’s view is that the app is worth paying for when speaking practice is the part you keep postponing. My advice is less dramatic: compare it with two or three options below and keep the one you actually want to open.

Quick Comparison: Which App Is Right For You?

These are not identical products, so the table separates what each one actually offers instead of treating every microphone icon as the same kind of speaking practice.

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: Ling currently advertises 60+ language courses, with a particularly broad selection of Asian languages.

Cost: Ling’s standard USD help page currently lists $16.99 monthly, $42.99 for three months, $64.99 for six months, $89.99 annually, and $219.99 lifetime. When checked, its current web offer showed $79.99 annually. The annual plan includes a 7-day trial. Promotions and app-store prices can differ. Ling’s current refund guidance says eligible web and Google Play purchases can be refunded within 30 days, while Apple handles App Store refunds.

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, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, and German, Copycat Cafe is purpose-built for conversation practice with detailed pronunciation scores and daily AI conversations.

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: Drops currently advertises 55+ languages.

Cost: The free plan gives you five minutes of study every ten hours. Premium is sold monthly, annually, or as a lifetime purchase, but the price and trial shown can vary by platform, country, and promotion. Eligible offers may include a 7-day trial that converts to an annual plan.

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

Bottom line: Drops makes vocabulary building visual and fun. For French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, and German pronunciation scoring and daily conversation practice, check out what Copycat Cafe offers.

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: 19 languages across 20 courses, because Spanish from Spain and Latin American Spanish are separate courses.

Cost: Free activities include the alphabet, Unit One, selected test-outs, the Travel Phrasebook, and introductory Fluent material. LingoDeer’s public pricing page currently lists $14.99 monthly, $39.99 quarterly, a promotional $95.99 annual plan, plus one-time three-year and six-year plans. It does not currently list a lifetime plan.

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

Bottom line: LingoDeer is excellent for grammar, especially Asian languages. For deeper French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, and German conversation practice where you’re not limited to suggested responses, Copycat Cafe lets you speak freely with AI feedback.

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: A limited free version is available. Lingo Legend’s public website currently lists $9.99 monthly, $44.99 for six months, $69.99 annually, and $129.99 lifetime. Apple’s in-app purchase list differs, including a $19.99 three-month option and other lifetime prices, so check the platform you plan to use.

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 turns learning into an adventure. When you’re ready to move from gaming to actually speaking French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, or German, Copycat Cafe’s AI partner gives you 1,000 daily messages to practice with.

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:

Native-Speaker Videos: Videos let you watch real native and fluent speakers say 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: Busuu currently has Free, Premium, and Premium Plus tiers. Premium Plus adds AI Conversations, pronunciation feedback, and exclusive courses where those features are supported. Subscription length and price vary by platform, location, and offer, so check the current checkout instead of relying on one universal monthly figure.

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

Bottom line: Busuu’s community feedback from native speakers is unique. For instant AI feedback on every sentence instead, Copycat Cafe scores your pronunciation automatically.

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:

AI Conversation Practice: Practice speaking with MemBot, Memrise’s AI chatbot, alongside spaced-repetition vocabulary review.

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: Memrise says its current catalog spans 149 languages. Course depth and feature availability differ by language, and some do not include AI Conversations.

Cost: Memrise’s public payment page currently shows $24.99 monthly, a promotional $61.99 annual plan, and a promotional $99 lifetime plan. Pro includes the full official vocabulary content, no ads, grammar and verb practice, and AI conversation features where supported. Promotional prices can change.

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

Bottom line: Memrise’s native speaker videos are great for training your ear. For the speaking practice it doesn’t cover well, Copycat Cafe gives you structured conversation lessons with pronunciation feedback.

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: 41 languages.

Cost: A limited free version is available. Mondly’s current US App Store listing includes $15.90 monthly and $74.90 annual purchases among several offers. Premium includes 200+ lessons, AI Conversations, 38 vocabulary builders, and 50+ conversation lessons. I could not verify one stable current lifetime price across Mondly’s official public pages, so check the offer shown in your region.

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

Bottom line: Mondly covers many languages with speech recognition. For deeper French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, and German conversation practice where you’re not limited to suggested responses, Copycat Cafe lets you speak freely with AI feedback.

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: Copycat Cafe (5/5) - Gives 0 to 100 scores and line-level feedback

• Best for Speaking Practice: Copycat Cafe (5/5) - 1,000 daily AI conversation messages

• Best for Writing: Busuu & Ling (4/5) - Busuu adds community feedback, while Ling scored well in the reviewer’s writing exercises

• 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: Copycat Cafe (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, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, or German confidently in real conversations (not just complete lessons), you need an app specifically designed for that.

That founder opinion is why Benjamin built Copycat Cafe. It is focused on practical dialogue, pronunciation practice, and AI conversation rather than trying to cover every learning style.

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, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, or German confidently” Start Copycat Cafe’s 7-day free trial (0 to 100 pronunciation scoring, up to 1,000 daily AI messages, cancel during the trial), or compare plans first. 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)

→ “I’m learning a language other than French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, or German” Try Ling (60+ languages, strongest for Asian languages) or Mondly (40+ languages). Copycat Cafe only teaches French, Latin American Spanish, Castilian Spanish, Italian, and German, so for other languages those are a better home for your time.

Several apps on this list offer a free tier, trial, or refund window, but the terms vary by platform and offer. Check the current checkout before you commit. Good luck with your language learning journey!

Writing about Duolingo and its alternatives? Here’s our honest guide to language learning affiliate programs , which of these apps actually pay creators, and how the commissions compare.