vs
Duolingo vs ELSA Speak
Duolingo scores higher overall (8.6 vs 7.4), but the right pick depends on what you need.
Choose Duolingo if…
Beginners and casual learners who want a free daily habit, with optional AI speaking practice
8.6/10★★★★★Full review →Choose ELSA Speak if…
English learners working on pronunciation, accent or speaking exams
7.4/10★★★★★Full review →Side by side
| Duolingo | ELSA Speak | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| Rank in category | #1 of 10 | #7 of 10 |
| Price | Freemium · from $9.99/month | Freemium · from $19.99/month |
| Free version | Full courses free with ads and limits on mistakes | A few lessons a day with basic feedback |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Made by | Duolingo, Inc. | ELSA, Corp. |
| Learning quality | 7.5 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 9.5 | 8 |
| Features | 8.5 | 6 |
| Value for money | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Platforms | 10 | 7 |
Duolingo: what the AI does
- Video Call with AI character Lily
- Roleplay conversation scenarios
- Explain My Answer (now free)
- AI-generated course content and Speaking Adventures
- Best free plan in the category
- Habit-forming streaks and game design
- Video Call remembers past conversations and leaves transcripts
- Works on web, iOS and Android
- The AI speaking features need the $29.99-a-month Max plan
- Max is limited to a subset of languages
- AI conversations can feel rigid for advanced learners
ELSA Speak: what the AI does
- Phoneme-level pronunciation scoring
- AI conversation practice
- Personalised drills for weak sounds
- IELTS and TOEFL speaking score prediction
- The most precise pronunciation feedback in an app
- Visual guides for mouth and tongue position
- Exam prep for IELTS and TOEFL
- English only
- Little grammar or writing teaching
- Users report unclear cancellation policies