The Duolingo Era Is Over: What Resources to Use for Language Learning

Until recently, Duolingo was one of the most popular language learning apps. But the rules that should ideally motivate you to study are often annoying and distracting, creating unnecessary difficulties. The publication explains what can replace Duolingo how to geek.

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Recently, for example, Duolingo replaced its “hearts” system (lives you lose when you make a mistake on a task) with a diminishing energy pool that can limit your access to lessons even if you don’t make mistakes. Worse, you can buy more energy by watching ads, but the points you earn won’t be enough to complete a lesson, even if you get the answers right. If this is the last straw for you and you’re ready to part ways with the app, here are some free alternatives to Duolingo.

Busuu

If you miss the good old Duolingo before all the changes, try Busuu. This app offers a similar format with short lessons of a few questions.
You can use Busuu for free with ads, although the app will regularly prompt you to upgrade to a paid, ad-free version, just like Duolingo. However, the free version is quite convenient, especially if you are used to Duolingo's ads.

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The main difference from Duolingo is the absence of restrictions like “lives” or energy. If you make a mistake, Busuu does not block lessons, but offers to repeat incorrect questions until you answer correctly. The app motivates through lesson series, points and stars, without punishing for mistakes. Unlike Duolingo, which uses both carrot and stick, Busuu is only carrot.

Language Transfer

Language Transfer is a simple audio course with no written assignments or gamification like Duolingo, and no ads at all.
Language Transfer teaches you words you already know in your native language. For example, when learning Spanish, you learn that many English words ending in “-al” (animal, central, criminal, formal, local, musical) sound the same in Spanish, but with the stress on the second syllable. This trick gives you a vocabulary of thousands of words instantly.
Courses are available for Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, German, Greek, Italian, Swahili and French through the free app, allowing you to quickly learn how to have simple conversations.

Mango Languages

Duolingo has become popular for its free learning with ads and constant offers for paid subscriptions. Mango Languages ​​is another great language learning app, but it is paid. So why is it on the list of free alternatives?
Many public libraries have subscriptions to Mango Languages, allowing you to use the service for free with your library card. Once you sign up for an account, you can access over 70 languages ​​and dialects, with reading and listening activities to help you master the language in writing and speaking. The Mango Languages ​​website has a search function to find a library near you with free access.

YouTube

YouTube is an endless source of free language content paid for by advertising. If you don't mind the occasional commercial break, you can learn almost any language.
Some channels take a traditional approach, while others take an immersive approach. For example, Dreaming Spanish teaches Spanish from scratch using only Spanish, but with icons and pictures so you understand the context. Easy Languages ​​features street interviews with native speakers with English subtitles, demonstrating how the language sounds in real life.
Once you have the basics down, YouTube can help you practice: watch videos in the language you are learning to improve your comprehension. If you find it difficult, turn on English subtitles.

Chatbots with AI

The hardest part of learning a language is speaking practice. It's easier to write answers in an app because you have time to think. But when talking to a native speaker, pauses are inappropriate, and mistakes can be embarrassing.
AI chatbots like Gemini or ChatGPT solve this problem. They have a voice mode that allows you to communicate in real time. You can ask the bot to speak the language you want and practice without the fear of making mistakes.
This is a great way to gain confidence before talking to a native speaker.

Streaming services

This option isn't entirely free, as services like Netflix require a subscription. But if you're already subscribed, they're a useful language learning tool.
Watch movies with subtitles to get used to the sound of the language and reading. Once you feel more confident, try watching a familiar series in a new language without subtitles.
The Language Reactor extension helps: it shows subtitles in two languages ​​at the same time. For example, when watching an Italian show, you see Italian and English subtitles, which allows you to notice new words, their spelling, and translation.

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Duolingo, like many tech services, has deteriorated over time to the point of being almost unusable. It was also originally only good for first-time language learning. The good news is, there are plenty of free alternatives. If you want to learn a new language or improve the one you already know, it’s time to ditch your precious Duolingo series and give these options a try.

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