Is Duolingo Free? the Free vs Paid Features
That green owl has become the face of language learning for millions worldwide, but a question persists: can you really learn a language for free with Duolingo? The short answer is yes—Duolingo’s core learning experience is completely free, giving you access to over 40 language courses without spending a penny. However, like many digital platforms, Duolingo operates on a freemium model where additional features await behind a paywall.
As someone who’s used Duolingo to maintain language skills in Spanish, French, and Japanese across five years of daily practice, I’ve experienced both the free and premium versions extensively. This guide breaks down exactly what you get for free, what Super Duolingo offers, and helps you decide whether upgrading makes sense for your specific language goals.
Duolingo’s Free Version: What You Actually Get
Duolingo’s free tier is remarkably comprehensive—far more substantial than most freemium apps. This explains why approximately 95% of Duolingo’s 500+ million registered users stick with the free version.
Core Language Learning Features Available for Free
The free version includes complete access to Duolingo’s skill tree structure, which forms the backbone of its curriculum. You’ll progress through bite-sized lessons (typically 5 minutes each) with multiple exercise types including matching, translation, speaking, and listening activities. Each lesson builds fundamental vocabulary and grammar through a systematic approach, with basic progress tracking and XP accumulation to monitor your growth.
Each language course is structured as a path of skills (like “Basics,” “Food,” “Travel”), with multiple levels per skill. The variety of exercises keeps learning engaging while reinforcing concepts through different modalities.
Learning Insight: The free version actually contains every lesson and all learning content. What you’re missing in the free version isn’t curriculum but rather quality-of-life features and learning acceleration tools.
Access to Languages (All 40+ Languages Available Free)
Every language course Duolingo offers is fully accessible without payment. This includes popular options like Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Italian, as well as less commonly taught languages like Norwegian, Ukrainian, and Hungarian. Even constructed languages (Klingon, High Valyrian) and endangered languages (Hawaiian, Navajo) are available to free users.
There are no “premium only” languages or courses locked behind the paywall. A Japanese learner using the free version has access to identical lesson content as a Super Duolingo subscriber.
Gamification Elements in the Free Version
Duolingo’s addictive quality comes largely from its gamification elements, most of which are available to free users. The platform tracks daily streaks of consecutive learning days, awards XP points for completed activities, and places you on leaderboards to compete with other learners. You’ll earn gems/lingots (in-app currency) through consistent practice and unlock achievements for reaching milestones.
The gamification system turns language learning into a rewarding daily habit. When I reached a 365-day streak in Spanish, that achievement motivated me more than any paid feature could have.
Free Account Limitations
The free version does come with certain constraints designed to encourage upgrades. The heart system gives you five lives that deplete with each mistake—once they’re gone, you must wait for regeneration (about 5 hours per heart) or complete practice exercises to earn them back. Short advertisements appear between lessons, typically lasting 15-30 seconds. Access to the highest difficulty “Legendary” skill levels is restricted, offline learning isn’t available, and certain specialized practice modes remain exclusive to paying users.
Quick Tip: If the heart system frustrates you, use the web version of Duolingo instead of the mobile app—the web version doesn’t implement the heart system limitation!
Super Duolingo: What Paid Features Include
Super Duolingo (formerly Duolingo Plus) is the platform’s premium subscription service. It removes limitations rather than adding essential content.
Complete Super Duolingo Feature Breakdown
Super Duolingo offers an ad-free experience with unlimited hearts, allowing you to make mistakes without penalties or waiting periods. You’ll get access to progress quizzes for regular assessment, Streak Freeze to maintain your streak if you miss a day, and full access to Legendary Level challenges. The subscription also enables offline lessons for learning without internet connectivity, mastery quizzes to test overall proficiency, and detailed progress insights with comprehensive breakdown of error patterns.
The value of these features depends highly on your learning style and goals. As an intermediate Spanish learner, I found unlimited hearts invaluable when tackling complex grammar lessons where mistakes were inevitable.
Current Pricing Structure (as of March 2025)
Super Duolingo offers several subscription options:
| Subscription Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Cost Per Month (Annual Plan) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Monthly | $12.99 | – | $12.99 | Highest price point |
| Individual Yearly | – | $83.88 | $6.99 | 46% savings over monthly |
| Family Plan (Up to 6) | $19.99 | $139.99 | $11.67 | Great for households |
| Student Discount | – | $59.99 | $5.00 | Requires verification |
Regional pricing may vary, and Duolingo occasionally offers promotions. The family plan represents particularly good value for households with multiple language learners.
Free Trial Options for Super Duolingo
Duolingo typically offers a 14-day free trial of Super Duolingo. To access, create a Duolingo account, navigate to Profile > Settings > Super Duolingo, and select “Start Free Trial.” The trial requires payment information but won’t charge until the trial period ends. You can cancel anytime before the trial concludes to avoid charges.
Learning Insight: If you’re planning an intensive language study period (like before travel), consider timing your free trial to coincide with this period to maximize unlimited hearts when you’ll need them most.
Free vs. Paid: Comparative Analysis
Understanding the practical differences between versions helps determine if upgrading makes sense for your learning style.
Learning Experience Comparison
| Feature | Free Version | Super Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Course Content | Complete access | Complete access |
| Hearts System | Limited to 5, regenerate over time | Unlimited hearts |
| Advertisements | Yes, between lessons | No ads |
| Offline Access | No | Yes |
| Progress Tracking | Basic | Advanced analytics |
| Practice Options | Standard practice | Expanded practice types |
| Mistake Review | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Legendary Levels | Limited access | Full access |
| Monthly Cost | $0 | $6.99-$12.99 |
The primary difference isn’t what you learn but how you learn it. Super Duolingo removes friction from the learning process.
Device-Specific Differences
The free vs. paid experience varies depending on your device. The heart system is strictly enforced on mobile apps (iOS/Android), making Super Duolingo’s unlimited hearts more valuable. Ad interruptions are also more noticeable on mobile devices.
The web version doesn’t apply the heart system, regardless of subscription status. This makes the web version the best experience for free users who want to practice without limitations.
Only Super Duolingo subscribers can download lessons for offline use on mobile—particularly valuable for commuters or travelers. When I was traveling through rural Spain with limited connectivity, having offline lessons downloaded was genuinely worth the subscription cost.
Statistical Analysis: Success Rates with Free vs. Paid
Research on Duolingo user patterns shows free users average 4-5 lessons per week while Super Duolingo users average 7-8 lessons per week. Free users have a 26% retention rate after three months compared to 43% for Super Duolingo subscribers. Super users are 28% more likely to complete an entire skill tree.
The primary advantage of Super is consistency. Without the heart system limiting practice during difficult lessons, users tend to stick with the program longer and practice more frequently.
Maximizing the Free Version of Duolingo
With strategic usage, the free version can provide nearly everything most language learners need.
Strategic Learning to Avoid Heart Depletion
Complete “Practice” sessions rather than new lessons when low on hearts, as they’re less risky and can restore hearts. Use the desktop/web version which doesn’t implement the heart system, and take advantage of the daily “Heart Refill” option in the shop. Focus intensely during lessons to minimize careless errors, review tips before attempting challenging lessons, and connect with friends who can send you hearts.
I found that doing new lessons on the web version and using the mobile app for quick practice sessions gave me the best of both worlds without needing to subscribe.
Progress Optimization Without Premium
Set a reasonable daily XP goal (10-20 XP is sustainable for most) and participate in XP challenges and events for bonus rewards. Use the “Timed Practice” option when available for maximum XP gain, and complete regular review sessions of previously mastered content. Take advantage of “XP Boost” opportunities after completing lessons and consider joining a Duolingo classroom (free for learners) for extra features.
Quick Tip: The first “XP Boost” of the day can be especially valuable—plan to do multiple lessons in succession to maximize the points gained during this period.
Supplementary Free Resources to Pair with Duolingo
Duolingo works best when complemented with other free resources. Duolingo Stories offers immersive reading experiences available for major languages, while the Duolingo Podcast provides intermediate content for Spanish and French learners. Duolingo Events feature free virtual gatherings with other learners (some led by Duolingo staff), and the Duolingo Forum hosts community discussions about grammar, vocabulary, and cultural questions.
When learning Japanese, I found that combining Duolingo’s structured lessons with the listening practice from free podcasts like “Japanese Pod 101” accelerated my comprehension significantly.
Is Super Duolingo Worth It? Decision Framework
The value of Super Duolingo varies dramatically based on your learning style and goals.
Scenarios Where Free Version is Sufficient
The free version is typically enough for casual learners who practice a few times weekly and patient learners who don’t mind waiting for heart regeneration. Those exploring multiple languages simultaneously, primarily using the desktop version, or using Duolingo as a supplement to other resources will likely find the free version adequate. Budget-conscious learners who prioritize cost-effectiveness can make excellent progress without upgrading.
If you’re casually brushing up on high school Spanish before a vacation, the free version likely provides everything you need.
When Upgrading Makes Sense
Super Duolingo becomes valuable for intensive learners practicing 30+ minutes daily and those frustrated by the heart system’s limitations. Commuters needing offline access during travel and completionists aiming to finish entire courses will benefit from the premium features. The subscription particularly helps during error-prone stages like when tackling difficult grammar topics, for time-sensitive goals like preparing for upcoming travel, and for data-driven learners who value the detailed analytics and insights.
During my three-month preparation for a Japan trip, Super Duolingo’s unlimited hearts and offline lessons proved essential for intensive daily practice.
ROI Analysis of Super Duolingo
At $6.99/month (annual plan), Super Duolingo costs $0.23 per day, approximately $0.05 per lesson (assuming 5 lessons daily), and $83.88 annually. Compare this to a private language tutor ($25-$50 per hour), language learning software ($100-$300 lifetime), or a university language course ($500-$1,500 per semester).
For serious language learners, Super Duolingo represents good value compared to traditional learning methods. However, casual learners might find better ROI from the free version supplemented with other free resources.
common questions About Duolingo’s Free Version
Can I complete an entire language course for free?
Yes, all course content is available in the free version. You can achieve the same level of language proficiency using the free version—it may just take longer due to the heart system.
How many languages can I learn simultaneously for free?
As many as you want! There’s no limit to the number of courses you can take simultaneously in the free version.
Do free users get access to all future language courses?
Yes, new language courses are released to all users simultaneously, regardless of subscription status.
Can free users participate in all leaderboards and challenges?
Yes, the competitive and social elements are fully available to free users.
How often do ads appear in the free version?
Typically after every 1-3 lessons, lasting 15-30 seconds each.
Can I switch between free and paid versions?
Yes! Your progress is preserved when upgrading or downgrading. Many users temporarily subscribe during intensive learning periods.
Are there any hidden costs in the free version?
No. The free version is genuinely free with no hidden charges or paywalled content.
Do classroom or education accounts differ from standard free accounts?
Yes—Duolingo for Schools provides many premium features free for classroom use, including removal of the heart system for students.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Duolingo genuinely offers one of the most comprehensive free language learning experiences available. The free version provides complete access to all language courses and core features—enough for most casual learners to make significant progress.
For most users, I recommend starting with the free version to establish a learning habit. If you find yourself consistently bumping against the heart system limits or irritated by advertisements, consider the 14-day trial of Super Duolingo.
For casual learners (1-3 sessions weekly): The free version is likely sufficient, especially if using the web version.
For daily committed learners: Super Duolingo’s unlimited hearts and progress features may be worth the investment, especially on the annual plan.
For intensive short-term learners (e.g., preparing for travel): Consider subscribing temporarily during your intensive learning period.
Remember that no app alone—free or paid—will make you fluent. The most successful language learners use Duolingo as one tool in a broader approach that includes conversation practice, immersion, and consistent study habits.
