Duolingo is genuinely good at what it does, with 40+ languages and a well-known free tier. Here are real alternatives for learners who want something different — no microphone, a different price model, or a language Duolingo doesn't teach.
Try Lumi Lingo Free →Duolingo is the most recognized language app in the world for good reason — its 40+ language catalog and ad-supported free tier are hard to match. Most people looking for alternatives are dealing with one of a few things: they don't want to use microphone-based speaking exercises, they want an app built for a whole household rather than one account per person, they want to learn American Sign Language (which Duolingo doesn't offer), or they simply want to compare pricing models before committing to a subscription.
Lumi Lingo covers Spanish, French, and ASL. Every exercise is answered by tapping or typing — answer choices are read aloud, and the learner is never asked to speak into a microphone. One subscription covers up to 8 people, and a real placement quiz (or self-selected beginner/intermediate/expert level) gets each learner started at the right point. It's a newer app with far fewer languages than Duolingo, so it's the right fit specifically for households that want Spanish, French, or ASL without speaking practice.
Babbel covers 14 languages with courses built around real-life conversation and speech-recognition speaking exercises. It's single-user (no native family plan) but its annual plan is one of the more affordable single-user options in the category. A solid pick if you want broader language choice and don't mind speaking practice.
Rosetta Stone offers one of the widest language catalogs in the category (25 languages) and its TruAccent feature scores pronunciation against native speakers. It has also offered lifetime access on sale for learners who prefer a one-time cost. Single-user per subscription.
Busuu pairs self-paced lessons with feedback from native speakers and AI-based review, plus a genuine ongoing free tier (not just a time-limited trial). Single-user, but one of the more affordable annual plans in the category for a solo learner.
The best alternative depends on what's driving the search. If you want to avoid microphone-based speaking exercises, Lumi Lingo (Spanish, French, ASL) is built specifically around tap/type answers. If you want more languages with a similar app-based approach, Babbel or Rosetta Stone are established options. If you want community feedback from native speakers, Busuu is worth a look.
Yes. Lumi Lingo never requires the learner to speak into a microphone — every exercise is answered by tapping or typing, with answer choices read aloud. Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Busuu all include speech-recognition or microphone-based speaking exercises as part of their courses.
Lumi Lingo is the option on this list that includes American Sign Language alongside spoken languages. Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone, and Busuu do not currently offer an ASL course.
It depends on the plan. Duolingo's free tier costs nothing but has ads and a daily lesson limit. Ad-free Super Duolingo is about $12.99/month for one person. Busuu's annual plan (~$5.83/month effective) and Babbel's annual plan (~$6.95/month effective) are both cheaper than Super Duolingo for a single learner. Lumi Lingo is $11.99/month but covers up to 8 people, so for households with more than one learner it's typically the lowest cost per person among the paid options.
Spanish, French, and ASL. No microphone required. Up to 8 people on one account. Free 72-hour trial, no card required.
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