A useful match

This comparison is for you if…

  • You like having a course to follow, but you also want help with conversations the course could never predict.

  • Speaking matters to you and you want to know what each app really offers in your language and plan.

  • You keep learning useful words in real life and want somewhere to save and practise them.

Side by side

What actually feels different

What mattersLove Languages: Learn SoloDuolingo
Starting point

Start with a lesson if you want one—or start with the phrase, photo, voice exchange or real situation you actually need help with.

Sources: Love Languages

Duolingo organises learning around quick lessons in a course path across speaking, reading, listening and writing.

Sources: Apple App Store / Duolingo

Speaking and AI conversation

Gemini Live powers Conversation Practice and Live Voice across the full configured learning-language catalogue. Device, region, plan, provider access and usage limits can still affect a session.

Sources: Love Languages

Duolingo includes speaking exercises; Max adds AI Video Call and Roleplay for eligible courses and platforms. Its official Video Call page lists a changing set of supported languages.

Sources: Duolingo, Duolingo

Vocabulary from real life

Save the words and phrases your life gives you, then bring them back through practice. Today, the automatic prepared activity is a flashcard game made from recent saved words when there are enough of them.

Sources: Love Languages

Duolingo teaches and reviews vocabulary inside its course and practice system.

Sources: Apple App Store / Duolingo

Access model

You need a subscription. Eligible Apple subscriptions include a one-week introductory trial, with weekly and yearly Standard or Premium Plus options.

Sources: Love Languages

Duolingo says every course is available without payment, supported by ads and optional Super and Max subscriptions.

Sources: Duolingo

Language breadth

Choose from 112 learning and interface languages. Live Voice and Conversation Practice reach the configured learning-language catalogue; pronunciation, Listen Mode and game depth still differ.

Sources: Love Languages

Duolingo currently describes more than 40 languages and more than 100 courses; course depth and features vary.

Sources: Apple App Store / Duolingo

The honest verdict

So, which should you choose?

Choose Duolingo when…

you want a free course path, short game-like lessons and a strong built-in habit system, and the course you need is available.

Choose Love Languages: Learn Solo when…

you keep running into things you genuinely want to understand or say, and you want to save them and practise them in the way that works for you.

Use both when…

a structured course helps you build coverage while Love Languages: Learn Solo helps you rehearse the conversations and vocabulary that the course could never predict.

What you should know before deciding

  • We did not run a controlled study to prove that one app teaches better than the other.
  • Duolingo Max and Video Call availability can change by course, platform, region and plan.
  • Love Languages: Learn Solo voice sessions can still vary by device, region, plan, provider access and usage limits; other features have their own language gates.

Questions learners ask

Is Love Languages: Learn Solo a free Duolingo alternative?

No. Love Languages: Learn Solo requires a subscription, with a one-week introductory trial for eligible Apple subscriptions. Duolingo says its courses remain free, with paid tiers for extra features.

Does Duolingo have real AI conversation practice?

Yes, for eligible Max experiences. Duolingo documents Video Call and Roleplay; availability varies. It would be inaccurate to describe all Duolingo conversation as scripted.

Which app is better for speaking?

That depends on the plan and kind of practice you want. Duolingo offers speaking exercises and eligible Max conversations. Love Languages: Learn Solo uses Gemini Live for Live Voice and Conversation Practice across its configured learning-language catalogue, then connects those sessions with questions and personal Vocab.

Evidence, not guesswork

Sources and when we will check again

We last checked the changeable facts on 22 July 2026. If 90 days pass without another review, we stop treating this page as current.

  1. Love Languages: Learn Solo product and methodLove Languages · checked · recheck within 90 days
  2. Languages in Love Languages: Learn SoloLove Languages · checked · recheck within 90 days
  3. Love Languages: Learn Solo plans and introductory offerLove Languages · checked · recheck within 45 days
  4. Is Duolingo free for all learners?Duolingo · checked · recheck within 90 days
  5. How Duolingo teaches speaking skillsDuolingo · checked · recheck within 90 days
  6. Duolingo Video Call conversation practiceDuolingo · checked · recheck within 90 days
  7. Duolingo: Language LessonsApple App Store / Duolingo · checked · recheck within 45 days