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!

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Table of Contents:

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

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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. 

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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]

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. 

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

Want more Spanish resources? Check these out!

• How One-on-One Spanish Lessons Unlock Your Preschooler’s Natural Language Skills
• Fun Ways to Practice Spanish with Family (Even If Everyone’s at Different Levels)
• Can I Help My Child Learn Spanish If I Don’t Speak It? (Yes—Here’s How!)
• Why High School Spanish Credit Gives Students an Edge in College Spanish
• Want Kids to Learn Spanish Naturally? Focus on Friendships and Connection, Not Flashcards
• What to Expect in Your Preschooler’s First Spanish Class
• The 7 Most Common Mistakes Homeschool Parents Make When Teaching Spanish
• Beginner Spanish for High Schoolers: How to Start from Scratch and Succeed