Softwr

Education & E-Learning · head to head

Duolingo vs edX

Duolingo logo

Duolingo

Education & E-Learning

Learn a language for free, forever

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
edX logo

edX

Learning Management

Online courses from the world's top universities

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Duolingo has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Duolingo free tier includes ads and energy-based hearts system limiting daily practice without paying; edX individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view
  • They diverge on capability: Duolingo covers 40+ languages, edX covers Video lectures.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Duolingo and edX actually diverge.

Attributes where Duolingo and edX differ
AttributeDuolingoedX
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWeb, iOS, Android
CategoryEducation & E-LearningLearning Management
Founded20112012

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Duolingo

  • 40+ languages
  • Gamification
  • Streaks
  • Leaderboards
  • Stories
  • Podcasts
  • Speaking exercises
  • AI tutor

Only in edX

  • Video lectures
  • Interactive exercises
  • Discussion forums
  • Certificates
  • MicroMasters
  • Professional certificates
  • Degrees
  • Mobile learning

Both cover

  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Duolingo

  • Language learningnot edX
  • Travel preparationnot edX
  • Career developmentnot edX
  • Cultural explorationnot edX

edX

  • Learners seeking university-level credentials from elite institutions (MIT, Harvard, Cambridge)not Duolingo
  • Career changers pursuing MicroMasters or professional certificatesnot Duolingo
  • Individuals in regions with limited access to higher educationnot Duolingo

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Duolingo

  • Free tier includes ads and energy-based hearts system limiting daily practice without paying
  • Gamification focus may appeal to casual learners but lacks depth for serious language study beyond conversational basics
  • Limited to short, bite-sized lessons without extensive grammar explanations or cultural context

edX

  • Individual course costs not displayed; pricing requires enrollment to view

Pricing, plan by plan

Duolingo

Free
  • FreeFree
    • All language courses
    • Ad-supported
    • Limited hearts (5-heart system)
  • Super$12.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Unlimited hearts
    • Extra practice tools
  • Super Family$119.99/year
    • Up to 6 users
    • All Super features
    • Family group
  • Max$null/mo
    • All Super features
    • Video Call with Lily
    • Roleplay scenarios

edX

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the edX review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Duolingo if

  • You need 40+ languages.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want gamification.
Duolingo review

Choose edX if

  • You need video lectures.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want interactive exercises.
edX review

Questions people ask

Is Duolingo or edX better?
Neither clearly leads. Duolingo starts at Free and edX at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Duolingo or edX?
Duolingo has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Duolingo and On request for edX.
Does Duolingo or edX run on more platforms?
Duolingo runs on iOS, Android, Web. edX runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Duolingo for free?
Yes. Duolingo has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. edX starts at On request.
What is Duolingo best used for?
Duolingo is most often used for language learning, travel preparation, career development, cultural exploration. Of those, language learning and travel preparation are not what edX is typically brought in for.
What can Duolingo do that edX cannot?
Duolingo covers 40+ languages, Gamification, Streaks, Leaderboards. edX covers Video lectures, Interactive exercises, Discussion forums, Certificates. Both handle Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Duolingo: What is Duolingo's pricing model?

Duolingo offers free tier with ads and limited features, Super Duolingo at $12.99/month (ad-free, unlimited hearts, extra practice), Super Family at ~$119.99/year for up to 6 users, and Duolingo Max with AI features like Video Call and Roleplay.

Source
Duolingo: Is Duolingo effective for language learning?

Duolingo has 135+ million monthly active users as of Q3 2025, making it the world's most widely used language-learning app. Its gamified approach and free tier have driven massive adoption.

Source
Duolingo: What AI features does Duolingo Max include?

Duolingo Max includes Video Call for conversation practice with AI character Lily and Roleplay for scenario-based speaking practice. As of January 2026, Explain My Answer became free for all users.

Source
Duolingo: Does Duolingo work offline?

Duolingo is primarily online, though it may offer limited offline lesson downloads on some platforms. Full features require internet connection.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Duolingo

More on edX

Keep looking

Other head to heads