Mondly vs Duolingo: We Tested Both—Here’s the Winner

Learning a new language sounds exciting… until you actually start. It is essential whether you are going for a job in other country or for education.

You download an app, stay motivated for a week, then slowly stop opening it.
We’ve all been there.

So when people ask “Is Mondly better than Duolingo?”, the real question behind it is:

Which app will actually help me stick with language learning and make real progress?

To answer that honestly, we tested Mondly and Duolingo side by side—daily lessons, conversations, reminders, and long-term usability.

This article breaks down the real differences, without hype or exaggeration.

Quick Summary

• Best for beginners & casual learners: Duolingo
• Best for real-world speaking & faster fluency: Mondly
• Best for learning from your native language: Mondly
• Best free option: Duolingo
• Best premium value: Mondly

Overall Winner: Mondly by Pearson 🎯

Why Compare Mondly vs Duolingo?

Both apps are extremely popular.
Both promise fast, fun language learning.

But they are built for very different types of learners.

• One focuses heavily on gamification
• The other focuses on real-life conversations
• One is great for free learning
• The other shines when fluency is your goal

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right app before you waste months on the wrong one.

What Is Duolingo?

Duolingo is one of the most well-known language learning apps in the world.

It’s famous for:

• Streaks and XP points
• Cartoon-style lessons
• Short daily exercises
• A strong free plan

Duolingo feels like a game first—and a language app second.

For many people, that’s exactly why it works.

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Duolingo Key Features

• Learn 40+ languages
• Gamified, bite-sized lessons
• Vocabulary and translation-based exercises
• Free plan with ads
• Optional Super Duolingo subscription

Duolingo is designed to make learning feel easy and non-intimidating.

What Is Mondly by Pearson?

Mondly is a language learning platform backed by Pearson, one of the world’s most trusted education companies.

Instead of focusing only on games, Mondly focuses on practical communication.

It’s designed to help you speak confidently, not just recognize words.

Mondly Key Features

• Learn 41 languages
• Over 1000 language combinations
• 50 practical topics (travel, work, daily life)
• 41 real-life conversations
• Daily 5-minute lessons
• Advanced speech recognition
• Grammar explanations and conjugation tables
• Hands-free learning mode
• Works on web, Android, and iOS
• Professional and business-specific content
• Optional Mondly VR experience

Mondly feels more like a personal language coach than a casual app.

Lesson Style: Gamified vs Practical

Duolingo Lesson Experience

Duolingo lessons are:

• Very short
• Highly repetitive
• Mostly translation-based

This is great for:

• Absolute beginners
• Casual learners
• Building a daily habit

Limitations:

• Limited speaking practice
• Less focus on real conversations
• More recognition than production

Mondly Lesson Experience

Mondly lessons are:

• Context-based
• Built around real-world situations
• Focused on speaking and listening

You practice things like:

• Ordering food
• Traveling abroad
• Workplace conversations
• Everyday dialogue

If your goal is to actually use the language, Mondly feels more effective.

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Speaking & Pronunciation Practice

This is one of the biggest differences between Mondly vs Duolingo.

Duolingo

• Basic pronunciation exercises
• Short speaking prompts
• Speaking feels optional

Good for exposure, but not confidence.

Mondly

Mondly pushes you to speak out loud.

• Advanced speech recognition
• Real conversations with fluent speakers
• Chatbot-based dialogue practice
• Hands-free mode for learning on the go

If speaking fluently matters to you, Mondly clearly has the edge.

Learning From Your Native Language

Duolingo

• Mostly English-based learning
• Limited options if English isn’t your first language

This can be a barrier for many learners.

Mondly

• Learn 41 languages
• Over 1000 language combinations
• Learn directly from your native language

This makes Mondly far more accessible for global learners.

Motivation & Gamification

Duolingo

• Streaks
• Leaderboards
• XP points
• Cartoon animations

Very motivating, but sometimes feels more like a game than real learning.

Mondly

• Daily lessons
• Progress tracking
• Walk of Fame rankings
• Achievement-based motivation

Less flashy, but more goal-oriented.

Mondly vs Duolingo: Feature Comparison

Pricing & Value

Duolingo Pricing

• Free plan with ads
• Super Duolingo removes ads and adds extras

Great if you want zero cost learning.

Mondly Pricing

• Free plan with limited access
• Premium unlocks:
  • All languages
  • Full conversations
  • Grammar tools
  • Hands-free learning
  • Professional content

For serious learners, Mondly offers better long-term value.

Real-World Use Cases

Duolingo Is Best If You:

• Are a complete beginner
• Want a free language app
• Enjoy game-like learning
• Just want basic vocabulary

Mondly Is Best If You:

• Want to speak confidently
• Travel or work internationally
• Learn from your native language
• Prefer practical lessons
• Want faster real-world results

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Pros and Cons

Mondly Pros

• Strong speaking focus
• Real-life conversations
• Learn from native language
• Hands-free learning
• Business and professional content

Mondly Cons

• Premium required for full access
• Less “gamey” than Duolingo

Duolingo Pros

• Excellent free plan
• Very beginner-friendly
• Fun and motivating

Duolingo Cons

• Limited speaking practice
• Less real-world usage
• English-centric

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mondly better than Duolingo?

Mondly is better for speaking and real-life communication. Duolingo is better for free casual learning.

Can I use Mondly for free?

Yes, but the free version is limited. Premium unlocks most features.

Which app is better for beginners?

Duolingo is easier at the start. Mondly becomes more useful as you progress.

Does Mondly really help with speaking?

Yes. Its speech recognition and conversation features are very effective.

Is Mondly good for professionals?

Yes. Mondly by Pearson includes business and profession-specific content.

Which app helps achieve fluency faster?

Mondly, due to its focus on practical usage and conversation.

Final Verdict: The Winner

Both apps are good—but they serve different goals.

• Duolingo helps you start
• Mondly helps you speak

If your goal is real communication, travel, or work-related language skills, Mondly by Pearson is the better choice.