Megan Ellis / Android Authority
After Duolingo introduced its controversial new energy system for free users of the app, I decided it was finally time to quit Duolingo once and for all. I had been dissatisfied with the app for a while, despite racking up a long streak and getting stuck on a specific genre of lessons.
I’ve spent a long time trying out alternatives to the language-learning app, with my efforts intensifying after I left it behind. After trying out plenty of options, here are the five best Duolingo alternatives that stand out from the rest.
Do you use a language-learning app besides Duolingo? 45 votes No, I still use Duolingo. 64 % Drops. 2 % Busuu. 7 % Memrise. 7 % Babbel. 7 % Lingodeer. 7 % Another app (Let us know in the comments!). 7 %
1. Drops
Megan Ellis / Android Authority
Drops is one of the free apps I use to learn something new each day. It focuses on vocabulary, so it’s a great tool if you have foundational knowledge of a language but want to expand it. The app supports dozens of languages, making it a great choice for widely spoken ones. However, I do wish it had a few more African languages.
I have been using it for Mandarin. You can select lessons focused on specific topics, rather than the app forcing you to learn along a certain path. For example, when selecting a lesson for cat owners, I was able to learn certain words and phrases related to the topic. This included words and phrases like “cat”, “catnip”, “pet carrier”, “I feed”, and “I stroke”.
If you're focused on expanding your vocabulary, Drops is a great, free solution.
The app also includes challenges linked to monthly themes. Currently, it is running a Halloween-themed event. Even when these events change, you still have access to the topics.
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