Softwr

Education · head to head

Duolingo vs Memrise

Duolingo logo

Duolingo

Education

Learn a language for free, forever

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Memrise logo

Memrise

Education

Vocabulary and spaced repetition language app built around video clips of native speakers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Duolingo free tier includes ads and energy-based hearts system limiting daily practice without paying; Memrise the free tier caps daily reviews tightly enough that consistent vocabulary building in practice requires the Pro subscription.
  • They diverge on capability: Duolingo covers 40+ languages, Memrise covers Spaced repetition flashcards.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Duolingo and Memrise actually diverge.

Attributes where Duolingo and Memrise differ
AttributeDuolingoMemrise
Pricing modelUnknownFree with a Pro subscription
Founded2011Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (iOS, Android, Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Education).

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 Memrise

  • Spaced repetition flashcards
  • Learn with Locals videos
  • Official courses
  • Speaking practice
  • Offline mode
  • Grammar bot

What people use each for

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

Duolingo

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

Memrise

  • A learner who wants vocabulary tied to real spoken usage through native speaker video rather than only text flashcardsnot Duolingo
  • Someone using a grammar-focused course elsewhere and wanting Memrise purely for vocabulary retentionnot Duolingo
  • A traveller wanting practical phrase recognition for a specific trip rather than formal fluencynot Duolingo
  • A learner comparing subscription convenience against building free custom decks in Ankinot 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

Memrise

  • The free tier caps daily reviews tightly enough that consistent vocabulary building in practice requires the Pro subscription.
  • Memrise phased out much of its earlier community-created course library in favour of official courses, so learners who relied on community decks for less common languages lost access to that content.
  • It teaches vocabulary and set phrases well but offers comparatively thin grammar instruction, so it works best as a companion to a grammar-focused course rather than a standalone method.
  • Language coverage for the flagship Learn with Locals video feature and speaking practice is uneven, concentrated in a handful of popular languages.
  • Unlike Anki, the spaced repetition algorithm and content are closed and cannot be customised or exported, so a learner cannot take their review data to another tool.

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$119.99/year
    • Up to 6 users
    • All Super features
    • Family group
  • Max$undefined/mo
    • All Super features
    • Video Call with Lily
    • Roleplay scenarios

Memrise

Free
  • Memrise Pro$8.99/month
    • Free tier allows basic vocabulary practice with daily limits and ads
    • Pro unlocks Learn with Locals videos, full official courses and offline mode
    • Annual Pro plans typically run $69.99 to $89.99, cheaper per month than monthly billing

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 Memrise if

  • You need spaced repetition flashcards.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want learn with locals videos.
Memrise review

Questions people ask

Is Duolingo or Memrise better?
Neither clearly leads. Duolingo starts at Free and Memrise at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Duolingo or Memrise?
Duolingo starts at Free and Memrise at Free.
Does Duolingo or Memrise run on more platforms?
Both run on iOS, Android, Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Duolingo for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Memrise is typically brought in for.
What can Duolingo do that Memrise cannot?
Duolingo covers 40+ languages, Gamification, Streaks, Leaderboards. Memrise covers Spaced repetition flashcards, Learn with Locals videos, Official courses, Speaking practice.

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
Memrise: Is Memrise free?

A limited amount of vocabulary practice is free with daily caps and ads. Learn with Locals videos, full courses and offline mode require Memrise Pro.

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
Memrise: What is Learn with Locals?

Short video clips of native speakers using vocabulary and phrases in real settings, intended to show how language is actually spoken rather than textbook delivery.

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
Memrise: Can I still use community-created courses?

Memrise moved away from most of its earlier community course library toward its own official courses, so availability of community content is now limited.

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
Share

Related pages

More on Duolingo

More on Memrise

Keep looking

Other head to heads