Duolingo: Best Language App for Learning English and More

When you start learning a new language, Duolingo, a gamified language-learning app that turns lessons into daily challenges. Also known as a mobile language tutor, it's one of the most downloaded tools for people trying to speak English, Spanish, French, or other languages without spending a dime. It’s not a classroom. It doesn’t force you to memorize verb tables all day. Instead, it gives you bite-sized lessons you can finish while waiting for coffee or riding the bus. Millions use it — and many stick with it because it feels like a game, not homework.

Duolingo works best when paired with real practice. You can get good at selecting the right word in a sentence, but speaking out loud? That’s where it falls short. That’s why users who combine Duolingo with English speaking apps, tools that connect you to real people or AI coaches for live conversation see faster results. It’s like learning to ride a bike using a training app — helpful for balance and basics, but you still need to hit the road to really learn. The app also links to online language courses, structured programs often offered by universities or certified teachers, letting you upgrade if you want deeper lessons. But for most beginners, Duolingo’s daily streaks and rewards keep them coming back — and that consistency is what actually builds fluency over time.

It’s not perfect. If you’re preparing for an exam like IELTS or need business vocabulary, you’ll need more than Duolingo. But if you’re starting from zero, want to build daily habits, or just need to get past the fear of saying something wrong — it’s one of the few tools that actually makes learning feel easy. You won’t become fluent in a month, but you’ll be surprised how much you pick up in 90 days if you open the app every morning. And that’s more than most paid courses achieve.

Below, you’ll find real reviews and comparisons from people who used Duolingo alongside other tools — some stuck with it for years, others quit after a week. We’ll show you what worked, what didn’t, and how to use it so it actually changes how you speak — not just how you tap on your phone.