Software · head to head
Khan Academy vs Duolingo
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Khan Academy the Internet Archive's capture of Khan Academy's homepage on 1 January 2021 stated it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and that its full library of practice and lessons 'is all free for learners and teachers', funded by donations rather than subscriptions.; Duolingo free tier includes ads and energy-based hearts system limiting daily practice without paying
- They diverge on capability: Khan Academy covers Video lessons, Duolingo covers 40+ languages.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Khan Academy and Duolingo actually diverge.
| Attribute | Khan Academy | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web, IOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2008 | 2011 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Khan Academy
- Video lessons
- Practice exercises
- Mastery system
- Progress tracking
- Personalized learning
- Teacher tools
- Parent dashboard
- Test prep
Only in Duolingo
- 40+ languages
- Gamification
- Streaks
- Leaderboards
- Stories
- Podcasts
- Speaking exercises
- AI tutor
Both cover
- Google Classroom
- Web support
- IOS support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Khan Academy
- Free self paced learning across maths, science and humanitiesnot Duolingo
- Assigning practice and tracking student progress in a classroomnot Duolingo
Duolingo
- Language learningnot Khan Academy
- Travel preparationnot Khan Academy
- Career developmentnot Khan Academy
- Cultural explorationnot Khan Academy
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Khan Academy
- The Internet Archive's capture of Khan Academy's homepage on 1 January 2021 stated it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and that its full library of practice and lessons 'is all free for learners and teachers', funded by donations rather than subscriptions.
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
Pricing, plan by plan
Khan Academy
Free- FreeFree
- Video lessons
- Practice exercises
- Progress tracking
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
Which should you pick?
Choose Khan Academy if
- You need video lessons.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, IOS, Android.
- You also want practice exercises.
Choose Duolingo if
- You need 40+ languages.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web.
- You also want gamification.
Questions people ask
- Is Khan Academy or Duolingo better?
- Neither clearly leads. Khan Academy starts at Free and Duolingo at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Khan Academy or Duolingo?
- Khan Academy starts at Free and Duolingo at Free.
- Does Khan Academy or Duolingo run on more platforms?
- Khan Academy runs on Web, IOS, Android. Duolingo runs on iOS, Android, Web.
- Can I use Khan Academy for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Khan Academy best used for?
- Khan Academy is most often used for free self paced learning across maths, science and humanities, assigning practice and tracking student progress in a classroom. Of those, free self paced learning across maths, science and humanities and assigning practice and tracking student progress in a classroom are not what Duolingo is typically brought in for.
- What can Khan Academy do that Duolingo cannot?
- Khan Academy covers Video lessons, Practice exercises, Mastery system, Progress tracking. Duolingo covers 40+ languages, Gamification, Streaks, Leaderboards. Both handle Google Classroom, 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.
SourceDuolingo: 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.
SourceDuolingo: 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.
SourceDuolingo: 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