Busuu vs Duolingo
November 04, 2025
Busuu and Duolingo are both online language learning platforms. They offer free mobile apps with basic exercises and paid advanced levels/features. Both allow users to practice various language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Both use gamification elements to motivate users.
But Busuu (founded in 2008) is a Spanish service that offers more structured courses designed to develop all language skills simultaneously. Busuu is known for its native language communities, allowing users to immerse themselves in the language environment. The content is created in-house rather than via crowdsourcing. Busuu also offers business-specific courses.
Duolingo (2011) is an American app that primarily focuses on short daily lessons and allows users to learn a language like playing a game: scoring points, earning badges and rankings, getting rewards for daily streaks. Upon completion of the course, you can take a certification test (Duolingo English Test). Duolingo is a market leader, known for its recognizable mascot (the "Duo" owl).
But Busuu (founded in 2008) is a Spanish service that offers more structured courses designed to develop all language skills simultaneously. Busuu is known for its native language communities, allowing users to immerse themselves in the language environment. The content is created in-house rather than via crowdsourcing. Busuu also offers business-specific courses.
Duolingo (2011) is an American app that primarily focuses on short daily lessons and allows users to learn a language like playing a game: scoring points, earning badges and rankings, getting rewards for daily streaks. Upon completion of the course, you can take a certification test (Duolingo English Test). Duolingo is a market leader, known for its recognizable mascot (the "Duo" owl).
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