Busuu vs Duolingo: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Both have a real free tier. Busuu is a structured course with native-speaker feedback, certificates and a 14-day refund on the first payment; Duolingo is a game-like daily habit with 100+ courses and a Family Plan for 6. Their AI speaking features — Busuu Premium Plus and Duolingo Max — cover only some languages.
Option A
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Busuu | Duolingo Super |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | Essential course with ads | Full course with ads |
| Courses | 14 languages | 100+ courses |
| Family | Individual only | Up to 6 |
| Certificates | Yes | Not listed |
| Refund | 14 days, first payment | Generally none |
Busuu feels like a course with checkpoints; Duolingo like a daily game. Both let you learn for free and pay to remove limits or add speaking tools.
If you don’t want to read further
Structure, certificates and human feedback — Busuu. Free daily practice, more courses and a family plan — Duolingo.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Free tier?
Busuu
The essential course, with a brief ad before each lesson.
Duolingo Super
The full course with ads and limited hearts.
Both are usable for free.
Courses?
Busuu
14 languages, following CEFR levels.
Duolingo Super
100+ courses, including math and chess.
For a rare language, check Duolingo’s list.
Family plan?
Busuu
Individual only.
Duolingo Super
Super Family for you and 5 others.
Households — Duolingo.
Certificates and feedback?
Busuu
Busuu certificates and native-speaker community feedback.
Duolingo Super
Streaks, leagues and Legendary challenges.
For proof of progress, Busuu.
Refunds?
Busuu
14 days, first payment only.
Duolingo Super
In-app purchases generally nonrefundable.
Busuu gives a short window to change your mind.
AI speaking practice?
Busuu
AI conversations on Premium Plus.
Duolingo Super
Roleplay and Video Call on Max.
Both charge extra for AI speaking.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
AI speaking in select languages
Busuu Premium Plus and Duolingo Max.
Ad-free paid plans
Both remove ads when you pay.
Apps and web
Both work in phone apps and in a browser.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You want certificates | Busuu | On Premium and Premium Plus. |
| A family learning together | Duolingo Super Family | Up to 6 accounts. |
| You want feedback from people | Busuu | Native-speaker community. |
| You want the most courses | Duolingo | 100+. |
| You want clear CEFR levels | Busuu | English, French, German and Spanish go up to C1. |
- Busuu refunds only the first payment, within 14 days.
- Duolingo’s trial charges on day 7 — cancel at least 24 hours before.
- Both AI speaking features are language-dependent.
- Duolingo Max can’t be bought on the web.
- Duolingo promo codes are redeemed in a browser at duolingo.com/redeem.
Where the facts come from
Sources: busuu.com and the Busuu Help Center, and duolingo.com with the Duolingo Help Center. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Busuu or Duolingo Super
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Online courses” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — sharing with family: Duolingo Super
Busuu Premium: sharing isn’t allowed (1,0/5) · Duolingo Super: family or group plan available (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — value of the certificate: Busuu Premium
Busuu Premium: recognized outside the platform (5,0/5) · Duolingo Super: no external recognition (2,0/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: