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Duolingo vs Memrise: which should you pick?
Both let you start for free. Both also have an AI side, on a paid tier.
At a glance
| Feature | Duolingoduolingo.com | Memrisememrise.com |
|---|---|---|
| Type | App | App |
| Cost model | Free with ads; optional Super and Max plans | Free path; paid Pro tier |
| Free to try | Yes, the courses themselves are free | Yes, a recommended learning path |
| How you learn | Short, game-like lessons; a Practice Hub for reviewing mistakes | Vocabulary and phrases, plus an AI conversation partner (MemBot) |
| Languages (as each service states) | See Duolingo’s course list | Memrise’s pages give different numbers; see its site |
Checked on 30 October 2026 against each product’s own website. Prices, plans and features change often: confirm on the official sites.
How they differ
- Cost: Duolingo’s courses are free; Super and Max are optional. Memrise offers a free recommended path; Pro lets you build a custom one.
- AI: Duolingo’s Max tier adds generative-AI features. Memrise’s AI partner, MemBot, lets you practise speaking and gives corrections.
- Focus: Duolingo teaches through short lessons. Memrise centres on vocabulary and phrases.
Which one for you?
Choose Duolingo if…
- You want free courses and a habit-building routine.
Choose Memrise if…
- You want vocabulary and phrases with an AI speaking partner.
These suggestions are our opinion. The comparison table is from the sources listed.
Where our apps fit
We build four small language apps, so we are not neutral here. You can try each one without signing up.