Babbel or Duolingo? I tested both language learning apps and found a clear personal favorite. Here you can find out who comes out on top and why!
Vacation at last! Suitcases packed, destinations checked, language skills up to scratch? Wait a minute, Language skills? They are either rusty or non-existent. This makes it difficult to communicate with the locals.🫠
Don't panic! Fortunately, in the age of smartphones and apps, learning languages - or at least brushing up on the most important basics - is child's play. But which app is the right one? Babbel or Duolingo? Two giants in the field of language learning apps, both of which are very popular.
But which method leads more quickly to Success? Which concept is more motivating and more suitable for everyday use? And which app best suits your Learning type and your individual needs?🤯
I have both Learning apps for my (little to non-existent) Italian and Portuguese skills tested and tell you which of the two really won me over!
Table of contents
What is Babbel*?
Babbel* is one of the most popular language learning apps on the market. The company, based in Berlin was 2007 and has since set itself the goal of helping people learn new languages in an efficient and fun way.😁
The app offers courses for 13 different languages*including Indonesian and Danish in addition to the classics English and French. The courses are divided into different Learning levels so that both beginners and advanced players will find what they are looking for.
What sets Babbel apart from other language learning apps is its focus on real Conversational skills. In addition to the courses, Babbel also offers additional learning materials, but more on that later. Besides a paid version you can also test Babbel.📖
The company attaches great importance to the quality of its courses. All lessons are taught by experienced Language learning experts developed and constantly updated.
Babbel is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn a new language or refresh or relearn their language skills. The app is easy to use, effective and offers a Large selection courses and learning materials.🗣️
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo was founded in Pennsylvania (USA) in 2011 by two computer science graduates. The app is free and offers courses for over 40 different languagesincluding English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Arabic - but the range is limited depending on your native language (more on this in a moment).
The courses in Duolingo are playful built up and in short lessons which can be completed in just a few minutes. Users learn the language through various tasks, such as multiple-choice questions, translation exercises and cloze tests.😁
Duolingo is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn a new (or rusty) language on playful and uncomplicated want to learn the right way. The app is free and easy to use, and you can learn anytime, anywhere.
The advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Before I tell you detailed about what the two language learning apps have to offer, I want to give you a quick Overview about the advantages and disadvantages of both apps.
These are not just my Experience, but also collected with other users, to give you a better picture (if possible) of how learners find the apps.😊
How users find Babbel
First of all, I have used my own experience and that of others for Babbel summarized. Here you will find a Overview about what learners like about the language app good and bad find:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Clear user interface | Rising prices | |
| Good vocabulary trainer | Features have been deleted | |
| Advertising free | Not all courses are equally detailed | |
| High-quality additional content | Little attention is paid to difficulties | |
| Also teaches grammar | Classical learning approach | |
| Content also available offline | No free version | |
| Lessons are short but intensive | Mandarin is not offered | |
| Learn when you want (with reminder) | You can't search for exercises | |
| Web version available | ||
| Good build-up of the level of difficulty | ||
| Money-back guarantee | ||
| Varied exercises |
What learners say about Duolingo
Just like Babbel, the Duolingo to one of the most popular language learning apps, that is available on the market. That's why many people have already tested the platform here (yes, including me) and reported on what they like about Duolingo good and in need of improvement find:
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple operation | Many didactic shortcomings | |
| Attractive comic design | Grammar is not explained | |
| Lots of motivation & gamification | Many "unnecessary" tasks | |
| Numerous free functions | Lots of advertising | |
| "Rewards" for progress | Acts like a game app | |
| Well suited as a refresher | Learning success is useless for many | |
| Exercises are simple | Selection for German-speaking users is inadequate | |
| Lessons are short (5 min) | Language level only up to A2 | |
| Well suited for basics | ||
| Several languages at the same time |
The language selection
When you choose a language learning app, you have a goal in mind. Perhaps you want to use the Language skills from their school days and refresh or at least the Basics have on it for your next vacation.🧳
It is therefore important that you the perfect learning app offers what you are really looking for. With the Language selection and offers the two providers differ. Find out what I mean by that now!
You can learn these languages with Babbel
When German yours Mother tongue offers you the Lernapp a really large number* of possible languages.📖
You can choose between the following languages, click on it and start today:
- English*
- Spanish*
- Italian*
- French*
- Portuguese*
- Swedish*
- Turkish*
- Dutch*
- Polish*
- Indonesian*
- Norwegian*
- Danish*
- Russian*
Each of the languages is used from a A1 level (i.e. for beginners). Most courses go up to a language level of B2. You can also learn English up to C1 learn.🌏
You can choose between these languages at Duolingo
While Babbel's selection for German speakers is enormous, it has Duolingo its Offer has only been expanded by one language in recent years and is very low.
In the app, you can choose between the following if you are a German native speaker:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
I have read several reviews online and many of them say that it is not possible to get beyond an A2 language level with the free version of the popular app.
Costs and packages
For many who have a Language learn or refresh pricing plays an important role. For some, it is important that Basics free of charge are, while others deeper into the Bag to really get a higher language level to be able to achieve this.🗣️🌏
In the Offered the Packages and the Pricing the two language learning apps differ enormously. So let's take a closer look now.
This is how much you pay for Babbel
At Babbel, you can decide in advance whether you would like the Lessons in the App* is enough or whether you are also part of a Online lessons want to be.
If you are only interested in the app offer, you can choose between a subscription of 3, 6 or 12 monthsand a Lifetime model decide. As with many other subscription models, the pricing is designed so that you pay less per month if you commit to a longer term.☝🏼💵
So if you want to learn a language via the app over a longer period of time, you can land yourself a good deal here! With the Combination app + online lessons there is no lifetime model, but you can apply for one here. 1-month variant for €99.00 (in addition to the 3, 6 or 12 months).
In online lessons* take Maximum 6 learners The content is internalized by a Babbel teacher. You can so many lessons book how you want (and when you want).😊
The "teacher" then gives you a Language practice and Feedback offered.
What's more Babbel the option of securing the account with a second person at share All in all, the shared account is of course cheaper than having two separate ones.
| App | App + online lessons | |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 12,99€ | 54,45€ |
| 6 months | 9,99€ | 44,55€ |
| 12 months | 6,99€ | 34,65€ |
| Lifetime | 239,99€ | ✘ |
| Money-back guarantee | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple payment methods | ✓ | ✓ |
| Several persons | ✓ | ✘ |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
The prizes were awarded in the March 2024 researched. We at We Go Wild can not promise, that pricing will remain the same in the future.
Duolingo offers these packages
The principle of Duolingo is as follows: Learn yours Language free of charge. This means that the app is basically free of charge. That's why you'll also see advertising here (you have to earn money somewhere).
You can use the learning platform free of charge on your computer and the app for your smartphone. However, there are now also packages that offer ad-free access with offline courses.
The offer runs under the name "Super Duolingo" and can be tested for 2 weeks until you are asked to pay. The offer includes the absence of advertising, unlimited hearts, exercises and king challenges and a Family package, which is suitable for up to 6 people.👨🏽👩🏼👧🏼👦🏻
| Super Duolingo | Family package | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 14,99€ | ✘ |
| 6 months | 9,99€ | 9,99€ |
| 12 months | 6,49€ | 6,49€ |
| Can be canceled at any time | ✓ | ✓ |
| Several persons | ✘ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
The prizes were awarded in the March 2024 researched. We at We Go Wild can not promise, that pricing will remain the same in the future.
Functions and extras in comparison
Both Babbel and Duolingo use interactive exercises to teach vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. You can use your Progress in both apps track, which is a great motivation. They are designed to integrate learning into your everyday life without it feeling like a burden.😊
The most striking difference between Babbel and Duolingo lies in their Teaching approach. Duolingo uses a playful Concept with points, levels and rewards to keep you motivated. It's like a game where you progress with every lesson you complete.
This method is "addictive" and keeps you engaged as you want to keep coming back to improve your Score to improve and new levels unlock.💪🏼
Babbel on the other hand, takes a somewhat structured approach on. The courses are designed to build on the previous ones, with a stronger focus on Conversational skills. Babbel also offers language courses that are specifically tailored to work or everyday life, making it ideal for those who want to use their new language skills in specific contexts.
By the way Babbel also other contentsfor example, cultural topics, podcasts or the online lessons mentioned above.
My experience with the learning apps
At the beginning of the year, I decided to a) create a new language and b) to learn my really bad to brush up on your Italian. I actually wanted to test both apps for both cases - but as you now know, Duolingo doesn't offer a Portuguese course (if German is the native language).🙁
That's why I could only use the Refresh of my Italian skills compare. With both apps, you are asked in advance how you would like your Assess language level would. I told both of them that I had already learned Italian and therefore didn't have to start from mi chiamo ("my name is").
Duolingo threw me straight in at the deep end and started a higher level of Italian with me. And to be honest? I am horrible.💩
I didn't realize how much I had forgotten - well, as of 2024, I've been out of school for 7 years and apart from a few orders and simple items, I've never had a chance to learn anything new. No points of contact more with the language. But I didn't realize that so much was gone.
That's exactly why I found it a bit heavier, the Learning content from Duolingo to follow. In hindsight, I should have opted for the beginners' course.
In order to be able to really test it right away, I have of course also Babbel indicated that I was already practiced in Italian* am. This learning app also gave me vocabulary and phrases that I couldn't identify with the best will in the world.
In contrast to Duolingo, however, Babbel has recognized the problem of Unit interrupted and me in the Beginners course promoted. I personally thought that was great, as you don't have to struggle through the 15-minute unit that you don't understand.
I found and still find the Design and the playful experience from Duolingo better, but the learning (and what you learn) is better with Babbel another level. You simply feel at home there. much better off and you get the feeling that you can really make active progress with the language.
Since January I now use Babbel as well, Portuguese to learn*. And I could actually post simple videos and comments on Instagram and TikTok (yes ok, they're not dissertations). read and Understand - and honestly? That's what I want to achieve with it!
What's more, I find the Learning scope (including "grammar lessons") real super. I wouldn't know how to teach myself.
My conclusion
Babbel or Duolingothat is the question that comes not from Shakespeare, but from you and me. And my answer? Babbel!💪🏼😊
Who serious is interested in using existing Linguistic knowledge or to learn a new language is in much better hands with Babbel. The offers are varied and the Progress noticeable.
Although Duolingo is very popular due to its cute design (and active social media presence) and collects a large number of users, but personally I find the implementation and learning success inadequate.
That's why (if you ask me) I think a subscription to Babbel* definitely worth it! But you shouldn't rely solely on the app to learn (or relearn) a language. You should also jump in at the deep end yourself and try to converse with others.🗣️🌏
It can also be helpful to add Listen to audiobooks or simple books to read. A subscription to a streaming service for audio books could also be worthwhile. I myself have BookBeat and can tell you that it is top as an add-on: "Try Bookbeat free for 60 days today!“
Whichever language learning app you choose: I wish you lots of fun and success!
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