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March 26, 2022 by J.A. García Homeschooling 0 comments

Babbel vs. Duolingo: An Honest Review

Two language-learning giants are set to take the ring: Babbel vs. Duolingo. 

Which do you think will win? 

In recent years, people have turned to phone apps to learn languages. Admittedly, many language learning apps are immersive, dynamic, and available to anyone with a smartphone. 

But which is better? Are you a Babbel fanatic or a fan of Duolingo? We’re here to compare these two popular apps and give you an honest review of them. 

Premium cost, variety of languages, variety of lessons, flexibility, additional content, the opportunity to reach fluency or become an advanced learner—we’ll take a look at all of these elements and more.

So, place your bets, and let’s get ready to rumble!


Table of Contents:

  • What is Babbel?
  • What is Duolingo?   
  • Language Learning Apps + Homeschool Spanish Academy = Fluency
  • So Which Is Better, Babbel or Duolingo?

What is Babbel?

Babbel is a language-learning app that teaches 14 languages. Released in 2008, Babbel was the first-ever language-learning app, and they claim that “the Babbel Method” is the shortest path to real-life conversations “in as little as three weeks.” 

You get 30 to 80 free lessons, depending on the language you select. But if you subscribe, you have access to hundreds of courses, levels, and all offered languages across multiple devices. 

babbel vs duolingo - Babbel was the first-ever language-learning app

This app offers easy-to-use, valuable, and challenging content for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. Exercises are only 15 minutes long. They include fill-in-the-blank questions, audio lectures, “choose the correct translation,” speaking exercises, practice chats. They’re not video game-like exercises but are fun and entertaining. 

Also, Babbel takes your native language and uses the grammatical concepts and words it shares with your target language to cut corners. These are all meant to help you improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Check out: Why Can I Understand More Spanish Than I Can Speak?

Unlike some apps that use text-to-speech software, Babbel uses recordings of native speakers to teach you how to pronounce words and phrases. It also uses a highly-effective and accurate speech recognition technology.

Babbel

The online Babbel Magazine and Babbel Podcast offer fascinating pieces, articles, and episodes about language learning and world cultures. Its website features additional reading material and courses. If you sign up for Babbel Live, you have access to 5, 10, or 20 live classes with experienced teachers, plus full access to the Babel App.

Ten million users around the world can’t be wrong, right?

See also: 50 Simple Spanish Questions to Ask in a Conversation (and How to Answer)

Babbel

What is Duolingo?   

Do you want to learn Klingon? Or perhaps Game of Throne’s Valyrian? Then Duolingo is the app for you! But with Duolingo, you can also learn 23 real-life languages.

Duolingo is mostly free if you can take the ads. Its daily lessons and exercises are set up like a game, so you earn points. With the app’s lessons, you can practice your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. 

The app’s cute animations are also fun and encouraging, and if friends are also playing—I mean, learning—you can compare your progress with theirs. Set goals and take as many courses as you want. 

Practice for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes a day; this app is perfect if you’re busy and only have a few minutes to spare every day. It’s motivating to see Duolingo’s pet owl cheering for you whenever you finish a lesson.

babbel vs duolingo - Duolingo is perfect if you're busy and only have a few minutes to spare every day

You should read: 21 Ways to Learn Spanish on Your Own at Home

Let’s go back to the basic skills for a sec: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. There are five levels for each skill. When you complete all five levels, they turn gold. If they crack, it means that the app has identified that you’re slipping and need to review past lessons.

Duolingo

Now, what do you get with Duolingo Plus? First, you remove all of the ads, so no more interruptions. You can use the app even if you’re not connected to a wi-fi network. You have access to get your mistakes reviewed and explained by the app. Finally, you can invite up to five other users to your plan.

Duolingo has additionally developed an app for kids called Duolingo Kids and produces a podcast in English, Spanish, and French.

Recommended reading: 20 Apps to Learn Spanish On Your Own in 2022

Duolingo

Language Learning Apps + Homeschool Spanish Academy = Fluency

To fully reach fluency and become a Spanish speaker, you might need help from experienced native-speaking teachers. We’re here to help! 

Sign up for a free class today and start your journey toward fluency! 

See also: What to Expect in Your Free Trial Spanish Class at HSA

Homeschool Spanish Academy has more than 10 years of experience, and our Guatemalan teachers have taught thousands of people to speak Spanish. In addition, we offer a wide variety of affordable programs, from preschool to adult, that will teach you how to speak Spanish in no time!

So Which Is Better, Babbel or Duolingo? [Infographic]

babbel vs duolingo infographic
babbel vs duolingo infographic
babbel vs duolingo infographic

Book Your Free Trial Spanish Class Today

Book a free Spanish class with us at Homeschool Spanish Academy today. You don’t need to make any payments or provide credit card details. Simply provide your name, email address, and phone number—and the HSA team will take care of the rest! Sign up here.

As you know, learning a second language has a lot of benefits, and Spanish is one of the most useful languages in the US, where 41 million native Spanish speakers live. There’s no reason to not give Homeschool Spanish Academy a try, especially when it has no cost for you and the process is as easy and streamlined as this one.

 You have literally nothing to lose and a lot to win!

Sign up for a free trial class with one of our certified, native Spanish-speaking teachers today. They teach over 24,000 actively enrolled students every month, offer flexible scheduling, and tailored Spanish programs. 

certified teachers
free Spanish class button

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

- Karie Ann, Parent of 3

“HSA offers very affordable, quality, one on one classes with a native speaker. My son has greatly benefited from taking classes. We have seen his confidence increase as well as his pronunciation improve, because he learns from a native Spanish speaker. HSA has quick, personal customer service. Our family has been very pleased with our experience so far!”

– Erica P. Parent of 1

- Melanie

“It’s great being able to interact with native speaking people and having a conversation with them not just doing all the work on paper. It’s also an amazing opportunity to speak with native Spanish-speaking people without having to travel to a native Spanish-speaking country.”

– Melanie

- Abby

“Getting to know wonderful teachers who care about me and my growth in language and education. Evelyn Gomez and Erick Cacao are two of the most extraordinary people I have ever met, and talking with them in Spanish at the beginning of classes is always so fulfilling and greatly contributes to my happiness, joy, and wellbeing.”

– Abby

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

  • Equipping Your Child for Fluency: 8 Tips for Teaching Spanish
  • Ways to Promote Internet Safety for Kids While Learning Online
  • 7 Spanish Reading Games for Kids: Boosting Literacy Skills
  • 6 Disadvantages of Homeschooling
  • How To Teach Sight Words in Spanish to Kids
  • 21 Unschooling Activities You Haven’t Tried Yet
  • Homeschooling, Unschooling, or Deschooling: Which Is Right for Your Family?
  • 20 Ways to Homeschool Spanish as a Non-Native Speaker
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
J.A. García
J.A. García
Freelance Writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy
I am a Guatemalan bilingual fiction writer, translator, and journalist. In my spare time I like to read, play video games, and do sports. I’m a fan of historical fiction, family sagas, and graphic novels. I’m left-handed, a failed drummer, an amateur goalkeeper, and I drive a 1988 Subaru J10.
J.A. García
Latest posts by J.A. García (see all)
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