Language learning apps are revolutionizing the way we study foreign idioms. Among the most popular stand out Duoling And Babbeltwo applications that, despite having the same goal, adopt completely different approaches. But which of the two is really the best to learn a new language? Let’s see the analysis carried out by 60 Millions de Consommateurs
Comparison
Duolingthe American app symbolized by the famous Green Civetta, boasts impressive numbers: over 500 million downloads only on the Google Play Store since its launch in 2011. His promise is tempting: “The free method, fun and effective to learn a language.”
Babbelthe German application, despite having “only” 50 million downloads, stands out for a more academic and structured approach. But what are the real differences between these two platforms?
Variety of languages: who offers more?
Babbel makes available 13 languages For Italian users: German, English, Danish, Spanish, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish and Turkish. Surprisingly, very popular languages such as Japanese, Chinese or Arabic are missing.
Duoling offer 8 languages In the Italian version: German, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Portuguese. Travelers who know English can access about thirty additional idioms, including Arab, Greek and Finnish, as well as fantastic languages such as those of Game of Thrones.
Verdict: Substantially equal, with different advantages for each app.
Free versions: what is the most generous?
Babbel It offers only a free lesson of a few minutes, insufficient to really evaluate the method. After this taste, it is necessary to sign a paid subscription.
Duoling It proves to be much more generous: it allows access to all written and oral exercises for free, with the only counterpart of 1-2 advertising at the end of each lesson of 3 minutes. The “5 -lives” system can be frustrating: every mistake makes you lose a life, and when they run out you have to wait the next day or watch advertising to recover them.
Verdict: Wins Duoling for the generosity of the free version.
Prices
Babbel It offers three formulas to access all languages:
A subscription is also available for a single language for € 5.40/month (annual) or € 9/month (semi -annual). The live courses “babbel live” cost € 149/individual month or € 99/group month.
Duoling proposes:
Verdict: Babbel It is more convenient, except for the family offer of Duolingo.
Teaching methodology
Babbel is based on Common European framework of reference for languages (QCER)with six levels from A1 to C2. The exercises include memorization of the vocabulary, grammatical rules and texts with gaps to be completed. The app provides useful advice to understand linguistic nuances, such as the differences between formal and informal register.
The weak point? The not very precise vocal recognition that does not sufficiently correct the errors of pronunciation.
Duoling It focuses on the repetition, but often in an excessive way: it can happen to translate the same word four times into a lesson of ten exercises. Many users complain about the lack of solid grammatical bases, finding themselves memorizing phrases without understanding how to build new ones.
Verdict: Babbel It offers a more structured and complete pedagogical approach.
5. User interface
Babbel It has a clean interface with four main sections: learn, review, live and explore. The illustrations are sober and intuitive navigation, without excessive distractions.
Duoling It focuses on Gamification: trophies, rankings, streaks, gems and continuous animations. If on the one hand it can motivate, on the other it can distract from the actual learning. As André Tricot, professor of cognitive psychology explains: “The more distracted users, the less they learn.”
Verdict: Babbel For those looking for seriousness in learning.
Notifications
Both apps send frequent notifications to maintain study habit. “Train today” (Duolingo) and “Complete your activities today” (babbel) can become invasive. The solution? Disable notifications to study with their times.
Conclusions: Which one to choose?
Choose babbel if:
Choose Duolingo if:
The Council of the expert
As Stéphanie Roussel, Professor of Germanic Studies and Language Sciences at the University of Bordeaux recalls: “An application cannot replace neither a structured linguistic training nor conversations with real interlocutors. It can, however, constitute a valid complementary support.”
Our recommendation: if your goal is serious and progressive learning, Babbel It is the best choice. If you just want to enrich the vocabulary by having fun, Duoling It may be sufficient, always bearing in mind that for a true linguistic competence more complete methods and human interaction are needed.
