vs
Duolingo vs Speak
Duolingo scores higher overall (8.6 vs 7.9), 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 Speak if…
Learners whose main goal is speaking confidently in a major language
7.9/10★★★★★Full review →Side by side
| Duolingo | Speak | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Rank in category | #1 of 10 | #2 of 10 |
| Price | Freemium · from $9.99/month | Free trial · from $17.99/month |
| Free version | Full courses free with ads and limits on mistakes | — |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Made by | Duolingo, Inc. | Speakeasy Labs, Inc. |
| Learning quality | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| Ease of use | 9.5 | 9 |
| Features | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Value for money | 8.5 | 6.5 |
| 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
Speak: what the AI does
- Speak Tutor two-way AI conversation
- Situational roleplays and Free Talk
- Real-time pronunciation feedback
- Personalised lessons from your mistakes (Premium Plus)
- Accurate speech recognition and natural voices
- Well-produced, structured speaking curriculum
- Highly rated on both app stores
- Only six languages for English speakers
- Feedback can be brief at higher levels
- No real free plan, and Premium vs Premium Plus limits aren't clear at signup