How to Use This Guide
We’ve organized the alternatives by target language and proficiency level. This way, you can jump straight to the section that fits your needs – for example, skip to Intermediate Spanish if you already know the basics of Spanish, or Advanced Japanese if you’re approaching fluency in Japanese.
Quick Navigation by Language
Click on your target language to jump directly to that section:
- Learning English – Apps for ESL learners: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
- Learning French – French learning alternatives: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
- Learning Spanish – Spanish study resources: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
- Learning Japanese – Japanese learning tools: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
- Learning Korean – Korean study apps: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
- Learning Chinese – Mandarin learning resources: Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced
Understanding Proficiency Levels
Not sure which level you are? Here’s a quick guide:
Beginner – You’re starting from scratch or know very basic phrases. You need foundational grammar, essential vocabulary, and pronunciation guidance. Apps at this level focus on structured learning with clear explanations.
Intermediate – You can handle basic conversations and understand simple texts. You’re ready to expand vocabulary, tackle more complex grammar, and start consuming native content with support. Apps at this level emphasize immersion and real-world practice.
Advanced – You’re approaching fluency and can understand most native content. You need specialized vocabulary, nuanced grammar refinement, and authentic communication practice. Resources at this level focus on native materials and human interaction.
Each language section below covers popular free and premium apps, their pricing, platform availability, and what makes them suitable for each level. Recommendations include insights from learners and language learning experts.
What is Duolingo Max?
Duolingo Max is the premium tier of Duolingo, offering AI-powered features like Explain My Answer and Roleplay (with GPT-4) on top of the standard lessons. It gives personalized answer feedback and lets you practice conversations with AI characters, making language learning more interactive.
However, Duolingo Max comes at a hefty price (~$30/month) and it only supports a handful of courses (English speakers learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and recently Japanese). It’s also only available on mobile apps in certain countries.
If you’re studying a language not covered by Max (like Mandarin Chinese or Korean) or you want different features, there are plenty of alternative apps – both free and paid – that can provide a similar or even better learning experience. For a broader look at AI-first apps, check our Best AI Language Learning Apps comparison.
- Explain My Answer: Get personalized explanations for why your answer was right or wrong, with the ability to ask follow-up questions about grammar rules
- Roleplay: Practice conversations with AI characters in realistic scenarios, receiving feedback on your responses
These features aim to bridge the gap between Duolingo’s gamified lessons and real-world language use. However, at approximately $30/month (significantly more expensive than most alternatives), and with limited language support, many learners seek alternatives that offer better value, more comprehensive features, or support for their target language.
Duolingo Max Alternative for English
Learning English as a second language often requires strong speaking and listening practice, which Duolingo’s gamified exercises alone may not fully provide. Here are some top alternatives for English learners, from beginner to advanced.
Beginner English Learners
If you’re starting English from scratch, look for apps that provide structured lessons, clear explanations (including grammar), and plenty of basic vocabulary and phrases:
Babbel
(varies by plan)
Grammar Focus
Practical Dialogues
Download Babbel: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Offers comprehensive English courses with a focus on practical dialogues and grammar explanations. Babbel’s lessons are created by linguists and cover everyday situations (introductions, ordering food, etc.), which helps beginners start speaking in real contexts. It requires a subscription (~$7/month on an annual plan) and is available on iOS, Android, and web. Babbel’s more in-depth approach to grammar and cultural notes is often praised for English learning.
Mango
$20/month
Pronunciation
Culture Notes
Download Mango: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
A conversation-focused app with audio-driven lessons. Mango’s English courses (available for various native languages) emphasize phrases and pronunciation; it even provides culture and grammar notes (for example, explaining formal vs. informal greetings). The interface is straightforward and not overly gamified, which many adult learners appreciate. Pricing: free via many public libraries, or around $11.99–19.99/month for a personal subscription. Accessible on mobile and web.
Memrise
Pro: $50/month
Native Videos
SRS
Download Memrise: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Great for building basic English vocabulary and phrases through short videos of native speakers and gamified quizzes. Memrise’s official English courses include useful everyday terms and sentences, with an option to hear real locals speak them. Beginners benefit from the authentic audio and the spaced repetition system for memorization. The core content is free; an optional Pro plan (~$8/month billed annually) unlocks extra features like an AI chatbot for practice. Works on web, Android, iOS.
Intermediate English Learners
At the intermediate level, you should expand your listening, speaking, and grammar knowledge. Consider apps that provide interactive practice and real-world content:
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
Kippy is a conversation-focused app that excels at helping intermediate learners build speaking confidence through natural dialogues with an AI companion. Kippy provides instant feedback on both grammar and pronunciation while you speak, making it perfect for learners who already know basic vocabulary and want to practice forming sentences naturally. With 30+ real-life scenarios (like ordering at restaurants, job interviews, or travel situations), intermediate learners can practice practical English in contexts they’ll actually use. The app’s supportive, low-pressure environment encourages you to speak freely without fear of judgment. Pair it with Kippy’s Fluency Assessment to see measurable growth, the Pronunciation Checker for targeted sound fixes, and Guided Conversations when you want structured speaking prompts.
Pimsleur
(all languages)
Pronunciation
Speaking Fluency
Download Pimsleur: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
An audio-based program famous for improving speaking skills and pronunciation. Pimsleur’s English courses use 30-minute guided lessons that prompt you to listen and respond aloud, building conversation ability step by step. It’s research-backed and used by institutions (even FBI linguists) for language training. The app is available on mobile (with offline mode), and a subscription is about $20/month (all languages access). Intermediate learners benefit from Pimsleur’s focus on spoken fluency and accent reduction.
Busuu
Premium: $7/month
Native Feedback
Offline Mode
Download Busuu: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
A full-course app that shines for intermediate learners due to its grammar breaks and community feedback. Busuu’s English pathway includes dialogues and quizzes, and it inserts clear grammar explanations at intervals to solidify your understanding. Uniquely, Busuu lets you submit spoken or written exercises which native speakers (the Busuu community) can correct and comment on – a valuable feature to get real feedback. The app has a free tier (with ads/limitations); Premium (full access including offline mode and all lessons) is around $6–7/month on a yearly plan. Available on web and mobile.
HelloTalk
VIP: $7/month
Native Speakers
Real Conversations
Download HelloTalk: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
At intermediate level, language exchange apps become incredibly useful. HelloTalk connects you with native English speakers so you can practice texting or even voice calls. It’s free (with optional paid features) and works like a social media/language exchange hybrid. Learners often post in English and get corrections from natives (and vice versa). Using an app like this alongside your lessons can boost your real-life communication skills and cultural knowledge.
Advanced English Learners
Advanced learners should focus on refining fluency, idiomatic usage, and pronunciation. At this stage, immersive and specialized tools help the most:
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
For advanced English learners, Kippy offers a convenient way to maintain daily speaking practice and work on subtle pronunciation improvements. While the conversation topics might feel somewhat limited at advanced levels, the app’s real-time corrections and contextual feedback help polish your accent and natural expression. Use it for daily warm-ups or to practice specific scenarios before important meetings or presentations. The adaptive AI remembers your recurring mistakes and focuses on helping you eliminate them. Tap into the progressive fluency scoring tool for detailed speech metrics, combine it with the accent coach to smooth pronunciation issues, and review your Progress Tracking reports to decide what to practice next. Best used alongside native content consumption and human conversation partners.
Yabla
Listening Practice
Interactive Subtitles
Download Yabla: Mobile apps
An app/website that provides authentic English videos (news clips, interviews, music videos) with interactive subtitles and transcripts. Yabla is excellent for advanced listening practice: you can slow down audio, click words for definitions, and take quizzes on what you watched. It’s a paid service (around $12-15/month) but highly regarded for transitioning from textbook English to real-world comprehension.
ELSA Speak
Pro: $20/month
Accent Training
American English
Download ELSA: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐) · 🤖 Android (4.7⭐)
A specialized AI-driven app for English pronunciation. ELSA listens to your speech and pinpoints pronunciation errors using its speech recognition and compares it to native pronunciation. It’s like having a personal accent coach in your pocket. For advanced learners aiming for clearer speech or a more neutral accent, ELSA’s targeted feedback is invaluable. There’s a free version with limited daily exercises, and premium plans for more content (monthly ~$11 or annual ~$90).
italki
(varies by tutor)
Real Conversation
Personalized Lessons
Download italki: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
While not a self-study “app” like Duolingo, using platforms like italki or Preply to take one-on-one lessons with real English tutors can be considered an alternative path at advanced level. Duolingo Max’s Roleplay is still AI-based, but by advanced stages, interacting with real humans is gold. Italki’s app lets you find native English teachers for as low as ~$10/hour for conversation or advanced grammar coaching.
LingQ
Premium: $130/year
Vocabulary Tracking
Import Content
Download LingQ: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
At advanced level, you might use authentic content with helper tools. LingQ lets you read English articles and look up words on the fly, tracking your known vocabulary as you read real content. You can import YouTube videos or articles and turn them into interactive reading lessons – great for advanced vocab acquisition.
Duolingo Max Alternative for French
French is a popular language on Duolingo, but some learners find Duolingo’s French course lacking in speaking practice or grammar depth. Here are alternatives broken down for beginner, intermediate, and advanced French learners. You can also browse our focused breakdown in Best Apps to Learn French .
Beginner French Learners
French beginners need a foundation in pronunciation, basic grammar (genders, articles), and everyday phrases. The following apps can help kickstart French with more guidance than Duolingo’s basic drills:
Babbel
(varies by plan)
Grammar Focus
Practical Dialogues
Download Babbel: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Babbel’s French course is often recommended for beginners because it balances conversation practice with explicit grammar. Each lesson introduces a realistic dialogue (ordering a coffee, introducing yourself) and then breaks down the grammar and vocabulary used. For example, Babbel will explain why “je suis étudiant” uses suis (to be) rather than another verb – something Duolingo might not clarify. The first lesson of each course is free; full access requires a subscription (~$6.95 to $12.95 per month depending on plan). Available on web, Android, iOS.
LingoDeer
Asian Languages
Structured Lessons
Download LingoDeer: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Originally known for Asian languages, LingoDeer also offers a comprehensive French course. It’s particularly strong in teaching grammar systematically and even has a “Learning Tips” section for each unit. For beginners, LingoDeer covers basics like verb conjugation and noun gender clearly, with practice exercises that reinforce those rules. The app isn’t free (after the trial, it’s ~$80/year), but many learners find it worth it for the structured approach.
Mango Languages
$20/month
Pronunciation
Culture Notes
Download Mango: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Mango’s French course is highly practical for beginners. It teaches polite greetings, travel phrases, and basic conversation through listen-and-repeat style lessons. Mango’s strength is explaining things like tu vs. vous (formal vs. informal “you”) or cultural notes (e.g. how French people greet with cheek kisses) alongside the language. Mango’s audio is crystal clear, and it even visualizes your voice vs. the native speaker’s voice for pronunciation feedback.
Busuu
Premium: $7/month
Native Feedback
Offline Mode
Download Busuu: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Busuu’s French A1-A2 courses guide beginners through thematic units (like “At a restaurant” or “Introducing yourself”). It integrates grammar points in between practice exercises. A key benefit: you can record a simple self-introduction or short sentences in French and get feedback from native French users on the platform. This early feedback can fix pronunciation mistakes from day one.
Drops
Premium: $23/month
Visual Learning
Quick Sessions
Download Drops: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
If you’re starting French and find grammar intimidating, Drops is an app that makes vocabulary acquisition a game. It uses picture games and swipe-based exercises for 5 minutes a day to teach thematic word lists (colors, food, travel, etc.). However, because it lacks grammar, use Drops alongside a structured course like those above.
Intermediate French Learners
Intermediate (B1–B2) French learners should start expanding beyond canned phrases into more natural language:
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
Kippy shines for intermediate French learners who want to practice speaking without the pressure of talking to a real person. The app’s French conversations cover daily topics and practical scenarios, giving you opportunities to use the grammar and vocabulary you’ve learned in context. Kippy’s instant corrections help you notice patterns in your mistakes (like forgetting gender agreements or mixing up past tenses), and the AI adapts to remember your weak spots. Practice discussing hobbies, travel plans, or everyday situations in French while receiving gentle feedback on pronunciation and grammar. The supportive environment builds confidence before you tackle conversations with native speakers. Explore the speaking scorecard for tailored grading, lean on Kippy’s pronunciation feedback tool for nasal vowels and liaison practice, and use Instant Translation when you need quick clarifications mid-dialogue.
InnerFrench
App: $5/month
Comprehensible Input
Authentic Content
Visit InnerFrench: 🌐 Web · 📺 YouTube · 🎧 Podcasts
As you move into intermediate, it’s crucial to start hearing and reading real French content at your level. InnerFrench (podcast and YouTube channel) and Français Authentique offer slow-spoken French podcasts with transcripts. The InnerFrench app provides intermediate articles and audio, with key vocabulary explained in simple French. These are mostly free; some have paid courses, but the free podcast episodes themselves are excellent practice.
Lingvist
Unlimited: $80/year
AI-Powered
Context Sentences
Download Lingvist: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
A powerful app for intermediate vocabulary expansion. Lingvist uses fill-in-the-blank flashcards drawn from real French sentences, tailored to your level. It uses AI to focus on the most common words you haven’t learned yet. It’s free for a limited number of cards per day, with a subscription (~$79/year) for unlimited use.
Clozemaster
Pro: $13/month
Cloze Tests
Vocabulary
Download Clozemaster: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Another excellent tool once you’ve mastered Duolingo’s French tree. Clozemaster turns language practice into a game of completing sentences. It throws you into real French sentences with one word missing – you choose the correct word from context. The app supports French and is free (Premium for extra features is optional).
Kwiziq
$17/month
AI Assessment
Personalized Learning
Visit Kwiziq: 🌐 Web
An AI-powered French grammar assistant: you take a placement test and it gives you personalized grammar lessons and quizzes. It’s like having a grammar coach that identifies your weak points (e.g. “uses of the subjunctive mood”) and drills you on them. Kwiziq is a premium web app (with a free trial) that many serious learners swear by.
Advanced French Learners
Advanced learners (C1–C2) should immerse in native-level content and fine-tune nuances:
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
For advanced French learners, Kippy serves as a valuable maintenance tool for daily speaking practice and pronunciation refinement. While the conversational topics may not challenge you intellectually at this level, regular practice helps maintain fluency and catch subtle pronunciation errors. Use it for warm-ups before important French conversations or to practice specific scenarios. The instant feedback helps polish your accent and natural expression. Combine the fluency score reports with detailed Vocabulary Reports and the speech analyzer to target lingering accent marks or grammar slips. Best used as a supplement to native content consumption and human conversation partners.
Immersion via News & Literature
Transition to reading French news, books, and watching films without relying on English. Apps like Le Monde (news app) or TV5Monde (which has a learning section for news with exercises) are perfect. You can also use LingQ to import French ebooks or articles and look up words as you go.
At an advanced stage, working with a tutor or language partner is invaluable. Platforms like italki, Preply, or local Alliance Française conversation meetups are great for this. Apps like ChatGPT with a French prompt can also simulate conversations at an advanced level when human partners aren’t available.
Anki
iOS: $24.99
Custom Flashcards
Vocabulary
Download Anki: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
By now, you probably have personal weak spots in French. Anki (the spaced repetition flashcard app) is a powerful tool to tackle these. Collect sentences or phrases you struggled with and turn them into Anki cards. Anki is free on computer (and Android; the iOS app is paid).
Duolingo Max Alternative for Spanish
Spanish is one of Duolingo’s flagship courses and one of the languages supported by Duolingo Max’s AI features. Even so, learners often complement or switch from Duolingo to reach fluency. Here are alternatives for Spanish learners at different levels. If you want a curated shortlist, see our Best Apps to Learn Spanish guide.
Beginner Spanish Learners
For beginners in Spanish, it’s important to get clear pronunciation, basic sentence structure, and useful travel or daily life phrases:
Fluencia
Grammar
Structured Lessons
Visit Fluencia: 🌐 Web
A Spanish-specific learning platform created by SpanishDict. Many learners find Fluencia to be similar to Duolingo but with more advanced topics and more detailed explanations. It’s a structured course from beginner up to intermediate, with each lesson introducing vocab with audio by native speakers and providing grammar notes. Fluencia is a premium product (subscription-based, often around $10/month).
Babbel
(varies by plan)
Grammar Focus
Practical Dialogues
Download Babbel: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Babbel’s Spanish course is highly regarded for beginners. It covers European and Latin American Spanish variations and places strong emphasis on dialogues from real-life scenarios. Babbel introduces grammar gradually with clear explanations. It’s subscription-based (~$7-13 per month depending on plan) and available on web and mobile.
Busuu
Premium: $7/month
Native Feedback
Offline Mode
Download Busuu: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Busuu’s Spanish course starts from zero (A1 level) and includes lots of audio dialogues and quizzes. What makes Busuu nice for beginners is the community correction feature: you’ll be prompted to write a simple sentence or record yourself, and native Spanish speakers on the platform can give you feedback. Premium costs about $6-7/month (annual).
LingoDeer
Asian Languages
Structured Lessons
Download LingoDeer: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
LingoDeer provides a Spanish course with clear grammar explanations. If Duolingo’s approach of “learn by doing” left you confused about grammar rules, LingoDeer will explicitly teach you those points with short notes and quizzes.
SpanishPod101
(varies by tier)
Podcasts
Dialogues
Visit SpanishPod101: 🌐 Web
A podcast-style course for beginners with a web interface that guides you through a pathway of audio lessons. Each lesson is a short conversation in Spanish (very basic and slow for beginners), followed by English explanations about the vocabulary and grammar used.
Intermediate Spanish Learners
Intermediate Spanish (around B1–B2) is where you move beyond textbook phrases and aim to understand native materials:
Dreaming Spanish
Site: $8/month
Videos
Immersion
Visit Dreaming Spanish: 🌐 Web · 📺 YouTube
A hugely popular resource for intermediate learners using a comprehensible input approach. It’s a library of free Spanish videos (also on YouTube) categorized by difficulty. The idea is you “acquire” Spanish by listening to content you mostly understand. At intermediate level, you can watch videos that use simple language but speak at a more natural pace. The platform has a free website and a paid app option, but the core content is free.
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
Perfect for intermediate Spanish learners who need consistent speaking practice. Kippy’s conversational approach helps bridge the gap between knowing Spanish grammar and actually using it in real time. The app features 30+ realistic scenarios (ordering tapas, booking hotels, casual conversations) where you can practice intermediate-level Spanish in context. Kippy’s AI provides immediate corrections on both grammar (like subjunctive mood or preterite vs. imperfect) and pronunciation, helping you sound more natural. The adaptive technology remembers which verb conjugations or expressions you struggle with and gives you more practice in those areas. Great for daily speaking warm-ups to complement your listening practice from resources like Dreaming Spanish. Dive into Real-Life Scenarios for travel-ready practice, run regular speaking check-ins , and rely on the phonetics coach to nail tricky rolled Rs.
Clozemaster
Pro: $13/month
Cloze Tests
Vocabulary
Download Clozemaster: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Clozemaster remains a fantastic tool in intermediate Spanish. It will drill you on sentences that include more advanced grammar (past tenses, subjunctive, etc.) and less common vocab. It’s essentially gamified fill-in-the-blanks for thousands of Spanish sentences.
HelloTalk
VIP: $7/month
Native Speakers
Real Conversations
Download HelloTalk: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Intermediate is a great time to start chatting with native speakers. HelloTalk is a language exchange app where you can find Spanish native speakers who are learning English and chat via text, voice messages, or calls. You can write a journal entry in Spanish and native speakers can correct it.
Language Transfer
A free audio course that’s highly praised for explaining Spanish grammar in an intuitive way. The Complete Spanish course walks you through constructing sentences and understanding why things work the way they do. It’s particularly effective for intermediate learners who want to solidify their grammar understanding.
Download Language Transfer: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Advanced Spanish Learners
Advanced Spanish (C1+) requires immersion in native content and specialized practice:
Native Spanish Media – Watch Spanish-language TV shows, movies, and YouTube channels (without subtitles when possible). Popular options include Spanish Netflix series, news channels like BBC Mundo, or YouTubers from your target dialect region.
Podcasts for Advanced Learners – Try authentic Spanish podcasts on topics you’re interested in: Radio Ambulante for storytelling, news podcasts like El País, or topic-specific podcasts about history, science, or culture.
Literature and News – Read Spanish novels, newspapers (El País, La Nación), and magazines. Use tools like LingQ or Language Reactor to help with unfamiliar vocabulary while maintaining flow.
Speaking Practice – Work with tutors on italki or Preply to discuss complex topics, work on reducing accent, and get feedback on subtle mistakes. At this level, conversation practice with real humans becomes essential.
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
While advanced Spanish learners should prioritize human conversation partners, Kippy serves as a valuable supplementary tool for daily speaking maintenance and accent refinement. Use it to practice specific scenarios before real-life situations (like job interviews or presentations in Spanish), or to work on eliminating persistent pronunciation issues. The AI’s instant feedback helps you catch and correct subtle errors in real-time. Some advanced learners find Kippy’s conversational depth limited, but it’s useful for consistent daily practice when native speakers aren’t available. Think of it as your always-available speaking partner for quick practice sessions. Track progress with recurring fluency snapshots , skim the lexical summary for gaps, and fine-tune sounds inside the real-time accent checker .
Duolingo Max Alternative for Japanese
Japanese presents unique challenges with three writing systems (hiragana, katakana, kanji) and distinct grammar. Duolingo’s Japanese course covers basics but often leaves learners wanting more depth. Here are alternatives by level.
Beginner Japanese Learners
Beginners need to master hiragana and katakana, learn basic kanji, understand fundamental grammar, and build essential vocabulary:
LingoDeer
Asian Languages
Structured Lessons
Download LingoDeer: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Widely considered the best app for beginners learning Japanese. LingoDeer teaches hiragana and katakana first, then gradually introduces kanji while providing excellent grammar explanations. It covers particles, verb conjugations, and sentence structure clearly. The app requires a subscription (~$80/year) but offers comprehensive beginner to intermediate content.
Busuu
Premium: $7/month
Native Feedback
Offline Mode
Download Busuu: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Busuu’s Japanese course provides structured A1-A2 level content with community feedback. You can practice writing hiragana/katakana and get corrections from native speakers. It integrates grammar explanations naturally and offers both reading and listening practice.
JapanesePod101
(varies by tier)
Podcasts
Cultural Notes
Visit JapanesePod101: 🌐 Web
An extensive audio-based learning platform with lessons from absolute beginner to advanced. Each lesson includes dialogue, cultural notes, and grammar breakdowns. It’s subscription-based but offers lots of free content.
WaniKani
Subscription varies
2000+ Characters
Mnemonics
Visit WaniKani: 🌐 Web
Specifically for learning kanji and vocabulary, WaniKani uses mnemonics and spaced repetition to help you master 2,000+ kanji and 6,000+ vocabulary words. It teaches kanji by radicals (building blocks) which makes them easier to remember. Free for the first three levels, then requires subscription.
Drops
Premium: $23/month
Visual Learning
Quick Sessions
Download Drops: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Excellent for building basic Japanese vocabulary through visual, gamified exercises. While it doesn’t teach grammar or writing systems deeply, it’s great for memorizing words quickly. Free version offers 5 minutes/day; premium removes time limits.
Intermediate Japanese Learners
At intermediate level (JLPT N4-N3), focus on expanding vocabulary, mastering more complex grammar, increasing reading speed, and improving listening comprehension:
Bunpro
JLPT Prep
SRS System
Visit Bunpro: 🌐 Web
A grammar-focused SRS (spaced repetition system) app that teaches Japanese grammar points in order of complexity. Each grammar point comes with clear explanations, example sentences, and practice exercises. It’s organized by JLPT level making it perfect for exam preparation. Subscription required (~$5/month).
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
For intermediate Japanese learners (around N4-N3 level), Kippy provides valuable speaking practice to complement your reading and grammar study. The app offers conversations in Japanese covering everyday topics and practical scenarios, helping you practice forming sentences with the grammar patterns you’ve learned. Kippy’s real-time corrections help with common intermediate challenges like particle usage (は vs. が, に vs. で), verb conjugations, and proper politeness levels. The AI provides instant feedback on pronunciation, helping you work on tricky sounds and pitch accent. While it won’t replace native conversation practice, it’s excellent for building confidence and fluency before talking to real Japanese speakers. Try the coached dialogues for politeness drills, run the speaking diagnostics after each study sprint, and let the pronunciation analyzer flag pitch-accent slips.
Satori Reader
$10/month
Graded Stories
Furigana Support
Download Satori Reader: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Provides Japanese stories and articles written at various difficulty levels, with the ability to adjust how much kanji, furigana, and translations you see. Great for developing reading skills with native-level sentence structures at a manageable pace.
NHK World Japan – Offers free news articles and audio specifically for Japanese learners, with options to read/listen at different speeds. The News Web Easy section provides simplified news stories perfect for intermediate learners.
Anki
iOS: $24.99
Custom Flashcards
Vocabulary
Download Anki: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Use pre-made decks like “Core 2k/6k/10k” to systematically learn the most common Japanese words, or create your own cards from content you encounter. Anki’s spaced repetition ensures long-term retention. Essential for building vocabulary beyond what apps provide.
Tandem
Pro: $7/month
Text/Voice/Video Chat
Native Speakers
Download Tandem: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Start exchanging with native Japanese speakers. Text chat helps with reading and writing, while voice chat improves listening and speaking. Native speakers often correct your Japanese and appreciate helping learners. Great for practicing what you’ve learned in real conversations.
Advanced Japanese Learners
Advanced learners (JLPT N2-N1) should immerse in native content and specialize in areas of interest:
Native Content – Consume Japanese media extensively: read novels, manga, news websites (Asahi Shimbun, NHK), watch Japanese TV shows and movies without subtitles, listen to podcasts on topics you enjoy.
JLPT Preparation Materials – If pursuing JLPT N2 or N1 certification, use official practice tests and apps like JLPT Sensei or Japanese Test 4 You which provide targeted practice for grammar, reading, and listening.
Advanced Grammar Resources – A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar (the final book in the series) covers complex structures used in formal writing and sophisticated speech.
Specialized Vocabulary – Build vocabulary in your field of interest (business Japanese, medical terminology, technical language) through specialized textbooks or industry-specific materials.
Conversation Practice – Engage with native speakers regularly through language exchange, tutors, or local Japanese communities. Discuss complex topics, work on keigo (honorific language), and refine your natural expression.
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
At advanced levels (N2-N1), Kippy’s usefulness is more limited but still has value for specific practice. Use it for pronunciation refinement, maintaining daily speaking habits when you can’t meet with language partners, or practicing specific scenarios (like business Japanese or formal situations). The app can help you work on reducing your accent and catching persistent errors. However, advanced learners will likely find the conversational topics somewhat basic and should primarily rely on native content and human conversation partners. Best used as a supplement for quick daily speaking warm-ups. Focus on the fluency dashboard to keep tabs on speaking stamina and review the progress tracker to spot which scenarios still need work.
Duolingo Max Alternative for Korean
Korean has its own unique writing system (Hangul), honorific levels, and grammar structure. Duolingo’s Korean course provides a basic introduction but lacks depth. Here are better alternatives for different levels.
Beginner Korean Learners
Beginners should focus on mastering Hangul, learning basic grammar patterns, building core vocabulary, and understanding politeness levels:
LingoDeer
Asian Languages
Structured Lessons
Download LingoDeer: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Excellent for Korean beginners with systematic grammar instruction and clear explanations of Hangul. It teaches reading and writing from the ground up and gradually introduces more complex grammar. Subscription required but highly rated for Korean.
Korean From Zero!
Free online lessons
Structured Learning
Beginner Friendly
Visit Korean From Zero: 🌐 Web
Both a book series and online lessons that teach Hangul progressively while introducing grammar and vocabulary. The methodology is beginner-friendly and systematic. The first book is widely praised for making Hangul easy to learn.
Talk To Me In Korean
Books: $15-25
Levels 1-9
Structured Learning
Visit Talk To Me In Korean: 🌐 Web
An incredibly popular free resource with lessons, podcasts, and books. TTMIK offers structured lessons from absolute beginner (Level 1) to advanced (Level 9), with clear audio, transcripts, and cultural notes. While you can buy their workbooks, most content is free online.
Drops
Premium: $23/month
Visual Learning
Quick Sessions
Download Drops: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Great for learning Korean vocabulary through visual games. Helps beginners memorize Hangul characters and basic words quickly. The gamified approach keeps learning engaging.
Pimsleur
(all languages)
Pronunciation
Speaking Fluency
Download Pimsleur: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Audio-based lessons that emphasize speaking and listening from day one. Particularly good for learning proper pronunciation and conversational patterns. Subscription required.
Intermediate Korean Learners
At intermediate level, expand vocabulary, master more complex grammar, develop reading fluency, and practice real conversation:
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
Kippy is particularly valuable for intermediate Korean learners who understand grammar but struggle to speak spontaneously. The app provides a safe space to practice Korean conversation without the intimidation factor of speaking to native speakers. Practice using honorific levels (formal, polite, casual) in appropriate contexts through various scenarios. Kippy’s instant corrections help with common intermediate challenges like choosing the right particles, conjugating verbs properly, and using appropriate sentence endings (요 vs. 습니다 forms). The AI adapts to your level and remembers your mistakes, giving you targeted practice. Daily conversations build the fluency and confidence you need before engaging with real Korean speakers. Use it alongside K-dramas and TTMIK lessons for well-rounded learning. Mix in Daily Conversation Topics for new prompts, audit yourself with the in-app fluency audit , and work vowels/consonants inside the pronunciation lab .
Talk To Me In Korean (Levels 3-6)
Books: $15-25
Levels 1-9
Structured Learning
Visit Talk To Me In Korean: 🌐 Web
Continue with TTMIK’s structured curriculum which covers intermediate grammar thoroughly. Their books and workbooks provide additional practice exercises.
Korean Grammar in Use (Intermediate)
An excellent textbook that explains intermediate grammar points clearly with many examples. Widely used by self-learners and in classrooms.
Get Korean Grammar in Use: 🛒 Amazon
Anki
iOS: $24.99
Custom Flashcards
Vocabulary
Download Anki: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Use Anki decks focused on TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) vocabulary for intermediate levels. This helps systematically build the vocabulary needed for the exams and real-world use. Essential for memorizing vocabulary systematically.
Tandem
Pro: $7/month
Text/Voice/Video Chat
Native Speakers
Download Tandem: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
At intermediate, start using your Korean with natives. Text in Korean using what you’ve learned, get corrections, and practice casual language that textbooks don’t teach. Voice messaging helps with pronunciation. Connect with native speakers for real conversation practice.
Korean Media with Subtitles – Watch K-dramas on platforms like Viki or Netflix with Korean subtitles. You’ll start recognizing familiar grammar and learning new words in context. Read webtoons on Naver Webtoon which have casual dialogue.
Memrise
Pro: $50/month
Native Videos
SRS
Download Memrise: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Continue using Memrise for intermediate Korean content with native speaker videos and spaced repetition. While it has more limited advanced material for Korean compared to more common languages, it’s still useful for vocabulary building at this level.
Mango
$20/month
Pronunciation
Culture Notes
Download Mango: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Continue using Mango Languages for intermediate Korean conversation practice. Though it has limited advanced material for Korean compared to more common languages, the intermediate content focuses on practical phrases and cultural notes that complement your other studies.
Advanced Korean Learners
Advanced learners (TOPIK 5-6) should focus on native content immersion and specialization:
Immersion in Native Content – Watch Korean YouTube channels, news programs (KBS, MBC), movies without subtitles, read Korean novels and newspapers (Naver News, Daum). Try to consume Korean media the way native speakers do.
Hanja Study – Learning the Chinese characters (Hanja) underlying many Korean words can help expand vocabulary and understand word meanings more deeply. There are specialized resources and Memrise courses for four-character idioms (사자성어).
TOPIK Preparation – If seeking certification or academic/professional validation, prepare for TOPIK II (levels 3-6) using past exam papers and specialized prep materials. This includes practicing formal writing and essay composition.
Advanced Conversation – Find conversation partners or tutors to discuss complex topics in Korean. Work on using different speech levels appropriately (formal, informal, honorific) and mastering colloquial expressions.
Historical Dramas and Literature – Challenge yourself with traditional Korean content like sageuk (historical dramas) which use antiquated speech, or read Korean literature by contemporary authors.
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
For advanced Korean learners (TOPIK 5-6), Kippy serves as a maintenance tool rather than a primary learning resource. Use it to keep your speaking skills sharp with daily practice sessions, work on pronunciation refinement, or practice specific scenarios before important events. While the conversations may not challenge you intellectually at this level, the consistent speaking practice helps maintain fluency and catch any lingering pronunciation issues. Best used as one tool among many, alongside native content consumption and regular conversation with Korean native speakers. Schedule periodic fluency tune-ups , export a vocab snapshot to see which phrases slip, and keep the accent feedback panel handy for accent polish.
Duolingo Max Alternative for Chinese
Mandarin Chinese presents unique challenges with tones, characters (hanzi), and context-dependent grammar. Duolingo’s Chinese course is often considered inadequate as it doesn’t thoroughly teach writing or explain grammar well. Here are specialized alternatives.
Beginner Chinese Learners
Beginners should prioritize learning pinyin (romanization for pronunciation), mastering the four tones, learning basic characters, and acquiring everyday phrases:
HelloChinese
Premium varies
Tone Practice
Character Writing
Download HelloChinese: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Often called “the Duolingo for Chinese, but better.” Specifically designed for Mandarin learners with clear audio (including slow mode), tone color coding, grammar explanations, and character writing practice. It covers everything Duolingo lacks: grammar tips, pronunciation feedback, and writing. Free for basic content (covering roughly a year of study), with subscription for advanced features. Available on Android and iOS.
ChineseSkill
Premium: $10/month
Character Writing
Gamified Lessons
Download ChineseSkill: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Similar to HelloChinese with gamified lessons covering pinyin, basic vocab, sentence patterns, and character writing. Features cute panda themes and a clear curriculum. Free with ads, with premium version available. Many learners use both HelloChinese and ChineseSkill for reinforcement.
Pimsleur
(all languages)
Pronunciation
Speaking Fluency
Download Pimsleur: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Excellent for pronunciation and conversational ability. The 30-minute audio lessons focus on speaking and listening with heavy emphasis on getting tones right. While it won’t teach reading/writing, it builds a solid speaking foundation. Subscription-based (~$15-20/month).
Pleco
Add-ons: $10-60
Handwriting
Flashcards
Download Pleco: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
The essential Chinese dictionary app (free, with paid add-ons). Look up words by pinyin or handwriting, create flashcards, see example sentences, and hear audio. While not a teaching app, it’s indispensable from beginner onward for looking up words and understanding characters.
Mango Languages
$20/month
Pronunciation
Culture Notes
Download Mango: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Mango’s Chinese course emphasizes pronunciation and tonal accuracy, with pitch diagrams showing your voice vs. native speakers. Good for developing an ear for tones early on. Free via many libraries or by subscription.
Intermediate Chinese Learners
At intermediate level (HSK 3-5), greatly expand vocabulary, learn to read longer texts, handle faster speech, and master more complex grammar:
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
Excellent for intermediate Mandarin learners who need regular speaking practice to complement their reading and listening study. Kippy helps you practice Chinese pronunciation (including those tricky tones!) with instant feedback and corrections. The app’s conversational scenarios let you practice using grammar structures and vocabulary in context—like ordering food, discussing hobbies, or making travel arrangements. Kippy’s AI provides real-time corrections on tone accuracy, grammar, and natural expression, helping you sound more like a native speaker. The adaptive system remembers which tones or grammar patterns you struggle with and focuses practice on those areas. Use it daily to maintain speaking momentum and build confidence before conversations with real Chinese speakers. Particularly valuable for learners without easy access to Chinese language exchange partners. Run the tone trainer to drill tones, keep tabs with each fluency pulse check , and save useful phrases inside your Personal Phrasebook .
Du Chinese
Premium: $10/month
Graded Content
Audio Support
Download Du Chinese: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Apps specifically for graded reading practice. Du Chinese provides short stories and articles labeled from Beginner to Advanced, with pinyin, translations, and native audio. Tap any word to see its meaning. The Chairman’s Bao focuses on news stories graded by HSK level. Both are subscription-based with some free content.
Mandarin Companion Graded Readers
Simplified books at various levels (150-word vocabulary, 300-word, etc.) including adapted classics and original stories. Excellent for building reading fluency without constant dictionary use.
Skritter
Stroke Order
Handwriting Practice
Download Skritter: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Specifically for learning to write Chinese characters by hand using spaced repetition. Teaches stroke order and helps with retention. Supports both simplified and traditional characters. Essential for mastering character writing. Subscription-based.
Tandem
Pro: $7/month
Text/Voice/Video Chat
Native Speakers
Download Tandem: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Use language exchange apps to find native Chinese speakers for speaking practice. Converting passive knowledge to active use through conversation is crucial at this stage. Text, voice, and video chat available.
Chinese Grammar Wiki
An incredible free resource explaining Chinese grammar points categorized by level (A1-C1). Clear explanations with multiple example sentences for tricky structures like 了, 过, 着, and 把/被 constructions.
Visit Chinese Grammar Wiki: 🌐 Web
Anki
iOS: $24.99
Custom Flashcards
Vocabulary
Download Anki: 📱 iOS · 🤖 Android
Use pre-made decks like “Spoonfed Chinese” or “HSK 1-6” to systematically learn common words and characters through spaced repetition. Essential for vocabulary building and character retention.
Advanced Chinese Learners
Advanced learners (HSK 6 and beyond) should immerse in native-level content and specialize in areas of interest:
Native Media & Literature – Read Chinese novels (Lu Xun, Mo Yan), watch Chinese movies and TV without subtitles, follow Chinese social media (Weibo, WeChat official accounts, Bilibili). Read Chinese news daily from sources like People’s Daily or modern journalism.
Chengyu (成语) and Idioms – Master four-character idioms derived from classical sources. Each chengyu has a story behind it and appears frequently in written and formal contexts. There are specialized dictionaries and Anki decks for learning them.
Classical Chinese (文言文) – Some advanced learners study literary Chinese to appreciate pre-20th century texts, poetry, and understand the roots of modern idioms. Resources include classical character dictionaries and online courses.
Specialized Vocabulary – Focus on fields of interest: business Chinese, legal Chinese, medical Chinese. Seek out glossaries, textbooks, or courses targeted to these specialized areas.
Maintain and Create – At this level, maintain skills by consuming content regularly and creating your own (writing essays or blog posts in Chinese, participating in Chinese forums or discussions).
Kippy
Premium: $13/month
Pronunciation
Roleplay Scenarios
Download Kippy: 📱 iOS (4.8⭐)
For advanced Chinese learners (HSK 6+), Kippy functions primarily as a convenient tool for daily speaking maintenance and tone refinement. While the conversation topics may not provide the intellectual depth you need at this level, the app remains useful for warming up before important conversations, practicing specific scenarios, or maintaining speaking fluency when you don’t have access to native speakers. Use it to work on subtle pronunciation improvements or to practice explaining complex topics clearly in Chinese. The instant feedback helps catch and correct persistent tone errors or unnatural phrasing. Log regular fluency logs , skim the vocabulary dashboard for technical terms to revisit, and let the tone monitor flag lingering tone drift. Best used as a supplement to authentic Chinese content and human conversation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re learning English, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese, there’s a world of apps and resources beyond Duolingo and Duolingo Max. Some are free, some premium, and many offer unique features – from community feedback and detailed grammar instruction to AI-powered conversations and specialized reading tools.
The key is to match your learning stage with the right tools:
- Beginners benefit from structured, user-friendly apps (like Babbel for French or HelloChinese for Mandarin)
- Intermediate learners thrive with immersion tools (like Dreaming Spanish videos or Kippy for speaking practice)
- Advanced learners rely on authentic native content, specialized apps, and conversation with people or AI apps like Kippy
The most effective approach often involves combining multiple resources – one app for structured lessons, another for conversation practice, and native content for immersion. The ultimate goal is using the language confidently in the real world.
Remember, the best app is the one that keeps you coming back consistently. So try out a few of these Duolingo Max alternatives and find what combination makes you excited to learn each day.
¡Buena suerte! Bonne chance! 加油! 화이팅! Good luck, and happy language learning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duolingo Max worth the price?
Duolingo Max costs around $30/month and offers AI-powered features like GPT-4 Explain My Answer and Roleplay conversations. However, it only supports a handful of languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese) and is limited to mobile apps in certain countries. Many learners find better value in specialized alternatives like Kippy ($13/month) or free options like HelloChinese for Mandarin.
What are the limitations of Duolingo Max?
Duolingo Max’s AI features are currently limited to select major languages (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese). If you’re learning Chinese, Korean, or other languages, you won’t have access to these premium features. Additionally, many users report that Duolingo’s drill-based approach isn’t sufficient for developing natural conversation skills.
Which app is best for conversation practice?
For conversation practice, apps like Kippy, Praktika, and Speak excel at providing natural AI-driven dialogues with instant feedback. HelloTalk and Tandem offer real human language exchange for free. The best choice depends on your target language and whether you prefer AI or human interaction.
Can I learn a language completely free?
Yes! Many excellent free options exist: HelloChinese for Mandarin (substantial free content), Duolingo’s free tier, Memrise (freemium model), HelloTalk and Tandem for language exchange, and free resources like Dreaming Spanish videos. While premium features often enhance learning, dedicated learners can achieve fluency using primarily free resources.
How do I choose between multiple language learning apps?
Consider your learning goals (conversation vs. grammar), target language support, learning style (gamified vs. structured), budget, and time commitment. The most effective approach often involves combining multiple resources – for example, using one app for structured lessons, another for conversation practice, and native content for immersion.
