Duolingo vs Babbel: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Duolingo teaches the whole course for free and sells Super to remove ads and limits; Babbel gives you one free lesson per course and sells a structured, ad-free course with explained grammar — including a one-time Lifetime plan. Both have a plan for up to 6 people.
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 | Duolingo Super | Babbel |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | Full course with ads | First lesson of each course |
| One-time purchase | Not listed | Lifetime |
| Family or group | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| AI speaking | Max (select courses) | Babbel Speak (beta) |
| Billing | Renews until canceled | Whole period up front |
The most-searched language-app comparison in the US. Duolingo is a game-like daily habit; Babbel is closer to a classroom course you work through.
If you don’t want to read further
Free, fun daily practice — Duolingo. Grammar explained, a structured path and a one-time Lifetime option — Babbel.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
What’s free?
Duolingo Super
The full course — Super removes ads and adds Unlimited Hearts.
Babbel
The first lesson of every course.
To learn without paying, Duolingo.
How do you pay?
Duolingo Super
A subscription that renews until canceled; prices shown in the app or at checkout.
Babbel
The whole period up front, or Lifetime as a one-time payment.
To never pay again, Babbel Lifetime.
Teaching style?
Duolingo Super
Short game-like lessons, streaks, leagues, Legendary challenges.
Babbel
Structured lessons with grammar explained, review and podcasts.
Motivation — Duolingo; explanations — Babbel.
AI speaking practice?
Duolingo Super
Duolingo Max: Roleplay and Video Call with Lily — mobile only, select courses.
Babbel
Babbel Speak — a beta AI conversation partner in the mobile app.
Both limit AI speaking to the apps.
Refunds?
Duolingo Super
In-app purchases are generally nonrefundable.
Babbel
Not described for subscriptions in Babbel’s Help Center; cancel auto-renewal before the renewal date.
On both, cancel before the next charge rather than counting on a refund.
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.
Plans for six
Duolingo Super Family and Babbel’s Group Plan both cover up to 6 people.
Deleting isn’t canceling
On both, removing the app doesn’t stop the subscription.
Apps and web
Both work on phones and in a browser, with progress synced.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You want to learn for free | Duolingo | The whole course with ads. |
| You want grammar explained | Babbel | Structured lessons. |
| You’ll study for years | Babbel Lifetime | One payment. |
| You need motivation | Duolingo | Streaks and leagues. |
- Duolingo’s 1-week trial charges on day 7 — cancel at least 24 hours before.
- Babbel charges the whole period up front.
- Duolingo Max’s AI features cover only some courses.
- Babbel certificates aren’t formally recognized.
Where the facts come from
Sources: duolingo.com and the Duolingo Help Center, and babbel.com with the Babbel Help Center. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Duolingo Super or Babbel
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Online courses” category.
Comparison text updated: