Stuck deciding between Duolingo and Rosetta Stone? You’re not alone. Both are giants in language learning, but which one will actually help you speak confidently? In this guide, I’ll put them head-to-head to help you choose. Whether you’re building vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, or aiming for fluency without a speaking partner, both apps have their strengths. But which one fits your learning style and goals? Let’s break it down, so you can stop scrolling and start speaking your target language with confidence. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in!
Language options available
For Duolingo, there are 34 languages available to choose from. Along with the mainstream ones like English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese and more, Duolingo provides you with a variety of languages like Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Hawaiian, Hebrew, and more.
Now, for Rosetta Stone, the count is a bit low even though the quality of the languages is good enough for different languages. Rosetta Stone offers 25 language programs for you to choose from. Some uncommon languages on the platform are Greek, Hebrew, Swedish, Tagalog, Latin, Turkish, Polish, Irish, Persian, and more.
Comparing the Duolingo and Rosetta Stone language teaching techniques
Rosetta Stone was developed on the basis of intuition-based learning. The platform is designed to follow the immersion technique for the learners to learn naturally. The quasi-natural process of exposure enables learners to adapt and get used to the language visually also.
However, due to the lack of proper explanation of grammar, it can be daunting for learners to continue learning. Throughout the course, you will not find explicit grammar instructions and, for most users, this method does not bring out the best results. But if you enjoy immersing yourself, you will enjoy the comprehension work and the repetitive exercises will polish your language skills.
Now, for Duolingo, the free version might seem very attractive. But it makes you the product. Duolingo is the opposite of comprehensive teaching techniques. With its reward techniques, it makes you think you are making progress, but in reality you might not be. The streaks help those who self-study, but if not, it is futile.
With a variety of translation materials, Duolingo is good only for practice after you know your way around your target language. However, Duolingo developed on reward gratification and gamification, which keeps the learners hooked for a long time. So, if you enjoy such features, Duolingo is for you.
Usability
When it comes to the outlook, both Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are impressive. However, with my review and testing, I would hold Rosetta Stone better than Duolingo in terms of program. The gamification program development of Duolingo would be ideal for young learners, whereas Rosetta Stone is simply more comprehensive and effective.
Duolingo is a free app used by many users, but the curriculum of Rosetta Stone contains well researched solutions and programs. Both have apps and websites. You can explore more of their features once you pay a subscription.
Comparison of pricing
Firstly, you need to know that both Duolingo and Rosetta Stone allow the learners to test their programs before subscribing. Duolingo offers users a 14-day free trial period for the Plus subscription. For Rosetta Stone, they offer a 3-day free trial period and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
Now, for Duolingo, you might already know that it can be used for free. You can access materials and practice exercise. However, because of the annoying constant ads and feature drawbacks, you might opt for a subscription. By upgrading to the Plus plan, you can remove all ads, enjoy unlimited test attempts and get personalized lessons for $12.99 per month or $80 per year.
With Rosetta Stone, you have three subscription plans. You need to pay $35.97 for a three-month plan, $170 for an annual plan and $299 for a lifetime plan. Only the lifetime subscription allows you to access all the language courses.
Benefits:
Rosetta Stone
- It motivates the readers to develop speaking and conversational skills
- The voice recognition technology of Rosetta Stone is better than Duolingo’s
- Lesson drills on integration of grammar is beneficial for learners to learn accurately
- High quality supplementary resources like videos, stories and phrasebooks
Duolingo
- The gamification of Duolingo makes it exciting and fun to use
- The free version, which Rosetta Stone lacks, is a great one
- A wide range of variety in drills and exercises in the lessons
Lackings
Rosetta Stone
- Lesson drills and exercises are a little repetitive, so they can start to be annoying
- As they follow the immersion method, less use of English while using the platform, which can be quite frustrating
Duolingo
- Lacks comprehensive lessons and materials, unlike Rosetta’s
- Ads of the free version makes it frustrating to use
- No focused grammar lessons available
My conclusion
Before I answer, which is better, Duolingo or Rosetta Stone? You should know that these two are not remotely similar. With their techniques, target languages and features, they are very different from each other.
Long story short, for those who do not want to spend a penny, Duolingo is surely the choice. But, if you truly want to learn a language, you have to opt for Rosetta Stone. It is more effective and comprehensive than Duolingo. The gamification of Duolingo won’t get you far, but Rosetta Stone can ensure that you surely learn a language.
