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Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone

Duolingo logo

Duolingo

Software

Learn a language for free, forever

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rosetta Stone logo

Rosetta Stone

Software

Learn languages through immersion

From
$13.25/month
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; Rosetta Stone monthly plan is 19.99 USD/month; annual plan is 159.00 USD/year (13.25 USD/month equivalent)
  • They diverge on capability: Duolingo covers 40+ languages, Rosetta Stone covers Immersive learning.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Duolingo and Rosetta Stone actually diverge.

Attributes where Duolingo and Rosetta Stone differ
AttributeDuolingoRosetta Stone
Starting priceFree$13.25/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsiOS, Android, WebWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20111992

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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
  • Podcasts
  • Speaking exercises
  • AI tutor
  • Google Classroom

Only in Rosetta Stone

  • Immersive learning
  • Speech recognition
  • TruAccent
  • Live tutoring
  • Phrasebook
  • Audio companion
  • Mobile apps
  • Enterprise SSO

Both cover

  • Stories
  • 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 Rosetta Stone
  • Travel preparationnot Rosetta Stone
  • Career developmentnot Rosetta Stone
  • Cultural explorationnot Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone

  • Language learning across 25+ languages with immersive methodnot Duolingo
  • Speech recognition practice via TruAccent toolnot Duolingo
  • Conversational fluency building through Chat Missionsnot Duolingo
  • Custom learning materials creation with Sapphire Studionot Duolingo
  • Professional and personal development language acquisitionnot 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

Rosetta Stone

  • Monthly plan is 19.99 USD/month; annual plan is 159.00 USD/year (13.25 USD/month equivalent)

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

Rosetta Stone

$13.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the Rosetta Stone 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 Rosetta Stone if

  • You need immersive learning.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want speech recognition.
Rosetta Stone review

Questions people ask

Is Duolingo or Rosetta Stone better?
Neither clearly leads. Duolingo starts at Free and Rosetta Stone at $13.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Duolingo or Rosetta Stone?
Duolingo has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Duolingo and $13.25/month for Rosetta Stone.
Does Duolingo or Rosetta Stone run on more platforms?
Duolingo runs on iOS, Android, Web. Rosetta Stone runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Duolingo for free?
Yes. Duolingo has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Rosetta Stone starts at $13.25/month.
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 Rosetta Stone is typically brought in for.
What can Duolingo do that Rosetta Stone cannot?
Duolingo covers 40+ languages, Gamification, Streaks, Leaderboards. Rosetta Stone covers Immersive learning, Speech recognition, TruAccent, Live tutoring. Both handle Stories, 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
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