Memrise vs duolingo - Pick the right app for your goal

1. Memrise vs Duolingo

Duolingo is better for complete beginners who want free, structured lessons covering grammar and sentence building. Memrise is better for learners who prioritise vocabulary retention and want to hear real native speakers instead of computer-generated audio.

When I started learning Japanese last year, I tested both platforms for several months to understand which one would actually help me progress faster. In this comprehensive Memrise vs Duolingo comparison, I will share my firsthand experience along with thorough research to help you choose the right app. Whether you want to prepare for travel, boost your career, or simply challenge yourself intellectually, understanding the key differences between these platforms is essential.

2. What is Memrise?

Memrise is a language learning platform founded in 2010 by Ed Cooke (a memory grandmaster), Ben Whately (who studied experimental psychology at Oxford), and Greg Detre (a Princeton neuroscientist specializing in memory). The company is headquartered in London and has grown to serve over 50 million users worldwide.

The platform's name cleverly combines "memorize" with "rise"; it was designed from the ground up to help learners remember vocabulary using scientifically-backed techniques. Memrise uses spaced repetition, mnemonic devices (called "Mems"), and short video clips of native speakers to help transfer words from short-term to long-term memory.

Memrise currently offers official courses in over 20 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, and several less common languages like Icelandic, Mongolian, and Yoruba. The platform also hosts user-generated courses on a separate community site, giving access to content for virtually any language or topic imaginable.

3. What is Duolingo?

Duolingo is the world's most downloaded education app, founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn (the inventor of reCAPTCHA) and Severin Hacker. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and went public on NASDAQ in 2021. Duolingo now serves over 500 million registered users and more than 100 million monthly active users.

Duolingo's original promise was "no ads, always free"; while the platform has evolved to include premium subscriptions and advertisements, its core courses remain accessible without payment. The app is famous for its green owl mascot (Duo) and highly gamified approach that makes learning feel like playing a video game.

As of 2025, Duolingo offers over 40 languages for English speakers, including popular choices like Spanish, French, and German, as well as unique options like High Valyrian (from Game of Thrones), Klingon (from Star Trek), Navajo, Hawaiian, and Zulu. The platform recently launched 148 new course combinations, making it the largest expansion in company history.

4. Teaching approach

The fundamental difference between these apps lies in their teaching philosophies. Understanding these approaches will help you determine which one aligns with your learning style.

4.1 Lesson structure

Duolingo lessons are typically 5 to 10 minutes long and consist of quick-hit drills and exercises spanning listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These drills include fill-in-the-blanks, matching pairs, sentence puzzles, translating sentences, and completing mock conversations. The structure is linear; you progress through a predefined path of skills and units.

Memrise lessons are similar in length but begin differently. Each lesson typically starts with short video clips of native speakers introducing new words and phrases. You then complete various exercises to reinforce what you learned. Memrise also allows you to customize session length (from 5 to 50 new words per session), giving you more control over your learning pace.

4.2 Speaking practice

Duolingo includes speaking exercises with voice recognition technology. You listen to a phrase and repeat it; the app evaluates your pronunciation and provides feedback. However, these exercises are limited in the free version and work best for popular languages like Spanish and French.

Memrise approaches speaking differently. Rather than speech recognition, the platform focuses on listening comprehension through native speaker videos. You hear real people (not computer-generated voices) speaking at natural speeds with authentic accents. Memrise Pro also includes an AI chatbot feature for practicing written and spoken conversations.

4.3 Grammar instruction

Duolingo teaches grammar through context and repetition. You learn sentence patterns by translating phrases and completing exercises. For major languages like Spanish and French, Duolingo includes "Tips" sections that explain grammar rules before each unit. The platform has also added a Stories feature for select languages, providing additional grammar practice through narrative contexts.

Memrise does not focus heavily on grammar instruction. The platform prioritizes vocabulary acquisition and phrase memorization over grammatical explanations. While Memrise Pro includes a "grammarbot" feature that sends grammar lessons and tests comprehension, overall grammar coverage is minimal compared to Duolingo. If understanding grammatical structures is important to you, Duolingo has the advantage here.

4.4 Vocabulary building

This is where Memrise truly shines. The entire platform was built around the science of memory and vocabulary retention. Memrise uses multiple techniques to help words stick: spaced repetition (reviewing words at optimal intervals), native speaker videos (visual and auditory reinforcement), and mnemonic devices (memory associations). You can track exactly how many words you have learned and which ones need review.

Duolingo also builds vocabulary but through a different approach. Words are introduced within sentence contexts rather than in isolation. While this helps you understand how to use words, some learners find that vocabulary does not stick as well without dedicated memorization exercises. Duolingo does not provide explicit word counts or vocabulary lists in the same way Memrise does.

4.5 Review tools and spaced repetition

Memrise uses a sophisticated spaced repetition system (SRS) that tracks every word you learn. Words you struggle with appear more frequently; words you have mastered are spaced out over longer intervals. This algorithm ensures efficient long-term retention. You can also access a "Difficult Words" section to practice specifically the vocabulary giving you trouble.

Duolingo also uses spaced repetition but implements it differently. Skills and lessons "decay" over time and need refreshing. The platform's "Practice" feature allows you to review previous material. Super Duolingo (the premium plan) includes "Personalized Practice" that targets your weak areas, but this feature is not available to free users.

5. Feature breakdown

Let me compare the specific features each app offers so you can understand what you get with each platform.

5.1 Native speaker videos

Memrise includes thousands of short video clips featuring real native speakers. You see and hear locals pronouncing words and phrases in natural contexts. This helps you understand different accents, observe body language and facial expressions, and learn how the language sounds in real life (rather than through computer-generated audio). These videos are one of Memrise's most distinctive features.

Duolingo does not incorporate video content from native speakers. Audio comes from text-to-speech technology or recorded phrases. While Duolingo's audio quality has improved significantly, it lacks the visual component and authenticity that native speaker videos provide. If hearing "real" language is important to you, Memrise has a significant advantage.

5.2 Offline access

Both platforms offer offline access for premium subscribers. Memrise Pro allows you to download courses for offline use; Duolingo Super lets you download lessons to practice without an internet connection. Neither free version supports offline learning. This feature is particularly useful for travelers or learners with unreliable internet access.

5.3 Progress tracking and goals

Memrise tracks your vocabulary acquisition precisely. You can see exactly how many words you have learned, how many are "growing" (being reinforced), and how many need review. The app also shows detailed statistics about your learning sessions and time spent practicing.

Duolingo tracks progress through Experience Points (XP), crowns, and unit completion. You earn XP for completing lessons and maintaining streaks. The platform includes leaderboards where you compete against other learners in weekly leagues. Both apps allow you to set daily goals, but Duolingo's gamification is more prominent and competitive.

5.4 Gamification and streaks

Duolingo is famous for its gamification. The app awards XP for correct answers, tracks daily streaks (consecutive days of practice), places users in competitive leagues, and uses "hearts" as lives that deplete when you make mistakes. You earn virtual currency (gems or lingots) to spend on power-ups and cosmetic items for Duo the owl. This game-like experience keeps many learners highly engaged.

Memrise also includes gamification but in a subtler way. The platform uses a "garden" metaphor where words are "seeds" that you "plant" and grow into "flowers" through practice. There are streaks and points, but Memrise feels less competitive and more focused on personal progress. If you find Duolingo's aggressive notifications and leaderboards overwhelming, Memrise offers a calmer experience.

5.5 AI features and chatbots

Memrise Pro includes an AI chatbot (called "MemBot" or "AI Buddy") that simulates conversations in your target language. You can practice scenarios like ordering coffee, meeting someone, or asking for directions. The chatbot provides a safe space to make mistakes and build confidence before real conversations.

Duolingo has introduced AI features through its "Duolingo Max" subscription tier. This includes "Roleplay" (AI-powered conversation practice) and "Explain My Answer" (AI explanations for incorrect answers). However, Duolingo Max is significantly more expensive than other plans and currently available only for Spanish and French courses in select countries.

6. Languages available

The number and variety of available languages is an important consideration when choosing between these platforms.

Duolingo offers over 40 languages for English speakers as of 2025. This includes all major world languages (Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, Hindi) plus unique offerings like High Valyrian, Klingon, Navajo, Hawaiian, Scottish Gaelic, and Zulu. Duolingo also offers courses for non-English speakers; the platform supports 28 different user interface languages.

Memrise offers official courses in approximately 20 to 25 languages. The selection includes major languages like Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Arabic, plus some less common options like Icelandic, Mongolian, Slovenian, and Yoruba. Additionally, Memrise's community course platform hosts user-generated content for hundreds of additional languages and topics (though quality varies significantly).

7. Cost breakdown

Both platforms offer free versions with optional premium upgrades. Here is how the pricing compares:

Memrise Pro unlocks all lessons, native speaker videos, unlimited speaking practice, and removes advertisements. Pricing varies by region and promotional offers, but typical costs are: $22.99 to $27.99 per month (monthly billing), $71.99 to $130.99 per year (annual billing; roughly $6 to $11 per month), or $99.99 to $199.99 for lifetime access. Memrise frequently runs sales that can reduce the lifetime price to under $100.

Super Duolingo removes ads, provides unlimited hearts (mistakes), enables offline access, and includes personalized practice. Pricing as of 2025: $12.99 per month (monthly billing), $59.99 to $84 per year (annual billing; roughly $5 to $7 per month), or $119.99 per year for the Family Plan (up to 6 users). There is no lifetime Duolingo option.

Duolingo Max includes everything in Super plus AI-powered features (Roleplay and Explain My Answer). Pricing is approximately $29.99 per month or $167.99 per year. Currently available only for Spanish and French in select countries.

8. Subscription details

Understanding exactly what you get (and do not get) with each subscription tier is essential for making an informed decision.

8.1 Free options

Duolingo's free version is remarkably generous. You can access all language courses from beginning to end without paying. The main limitations are advertisements after lessons and the "hearts" system (you get 5 hearts that deplete with mistakes; when empty, you must wait for them to regenerate or watch ads to refill). Despite these limitations, many learners complete entire courses without paying.

Memrise's free version is more restrictive. You have access to all language courses but only limited lessons and videos. Advertisements appear after each session. The free tier provides a taste of the platform but pushes you toward upgrading more aggressively than Duolingo does. If budget is a primary concern, Duolingo offers more value at zero cost.

8.2 Premium features

Memrise Pro unlocks: all vocabulary lessons, all native speaker video clips, unlimited speaking practice with the AI chatbot, ad-free experience, and offline download capability. The Pro subscription feels essential for serious learners because so much content is locked in the free version.

Super Duolingo unlocks: unlimited hearts (no waiting after mistakes), ad-free experience, offline lessons, personalized practice sessions, unlimited attempts at "Legendary" challenges, and progress quizzes. Unlike Memrise, the core learning content is accessible for free; Super primarily adds convenience features.

8.3 Family plans

Duolingo offers a Super Family Plan at $119.99 per year that allows up to 6 users to share a subscription. This works out to approximately $1.67 per person per month; it is an excellent value for households with multiple language learners.

Memrise does not currently offer a family plan. Each learner needs their own individual subscription. If you have multiple family members interested in language learning, Duolingo provides significantly better value.

8.4 Lifetime access

Memrise offers a lifetime subscription option, typically priced between $99.99 and $199.99 (frequently discounted during sales). This one-time payment gives you permanent Pro access. For committed long-term learners, lifetime access can provide excellent value over several years of use.

Duolingo does not offer lifetime access. You must continue paying monthly or annually to maintain Super status. If you want to own your language learning platform outright, Memrise is the only option between these two.

8.5 Refund policy

Duolingo offers a 14-day free trial for Super subscriptions. If you are not satisfied within the first two weeks, you can request a full refund. After the trial period, refunds depend on when and how you subscribed (direct through Duolingo.com or through app stores).

Memrise often offers a 7-day free trial for Pro subscriptions. Refund policies vary by how you purchased (website vs app store). Both platforms recommend canceling subscriptions at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid unwanted charges.

9. Platforms and compatibility

Both apps offer excellent cross-platform availability:

Both apps sync progress across devices seamlessly. You can start a lesson on your phone during your commute and continue on your computer at home. Neither platform offers a dedicated desktop application; you use web browsers on Mac and Windows. The mobile apps for both platforms are well-designed and highly rated on app stores.

10. User reviews and ratings

Both platforms receive generally positive reviews, though with notable criticisms:

Duolingo has a mixed reputation on Trustpilot (approximately 1.6 out of 5 stars based on over 7,000 reviews). Many negative reviews complain about excessive advertisements in the free version, aggressive push notifications, the hearts system limiting practice, and poor customer support. However, app store ratings are much higher (4.7 stars on both iOS and Android), and Duolingo has over 500 million downloads. Users praise its accessibility, gamification, and the fact that core content is free.

Memrise has a moderate reputation on Trustpilot (approximately 3.1 out of 5 stars based on around 120 reviews). Some users complain about recent changes to the platform (removing community course features, increasing prices), while others praise the native speaker videos and effective vocabulary learning. App store ratings are strong (4.6 to 4.8 stars), with over 10 million downloads on Google Play alone. Users particularly appreciate the authentic video content and spaced repetition system.

11. Customer support and reliability

Both platforms offer support primarily through help centers and email:

Duolingo provides an extensive Help Center with articles covering common issues. Support is available through email, with response times varying from hours to days. The platform is highly reliable with minimal downtime. One common complaint is that subscription cancellation can be confusing if you subscribed through app stores rather than directly through Duolingo.

Memrise offers email support at [email protected] and maintains a help center. Response times vary. Some users have reported issues with lost progress or subscription problems, though the company generally responds and attempts to resolve issues. The platform underwent significant changes in 2024 (separating community courses to a different site), which frustrated some long-term users.

Neither platform offers phone support or live chat for consumer users. If immediate support is important to you, both apps may fall short of expectations. That said, both are well-established companies with reliable platforms that rarely experience major outages.

12. Which app fits your needs?

The best choice depends on your learning priorities and style. Here is a quick decision guide:

Pick Memrise if:

• Vocabulary acquisition is your primary goal
• You want to hear real native speakers (not computer voices)
• Spaced repetition and memory science appeal to you
• You prefer a calmer, less competitive experience
• You want lifetime access without ongoing subscriptions
• You are an intermediate learner expanding vocabulary

Pick Duolingo if:

• You want free access to complete courses
• Gamification and competition motivate you
• Grammar and sentence structure matter to you
• You want access to more languages (including fictional ones)
• You have a family interested in learning together
• You are a complete beginner starting from zero

13. Real-world scenarios

Let me illustrate which app works better in specific situations:

Travel in 30 days: Memrise may be better for rapid vocabulary acquisition. You will learn practical phrases quickly and hear how native speakers actually pronounce them. The video content helps you understand real-world speech patterns. Duolingo's sentence-building approach takes longer to yield conversational results.

Pass a language exam: Duolingo is likely better because exams typically test grammar, reading comprehension, and writing (not just vocabulary). Duolingo's structured approach covers these skills more comprehensively. However, you will probably need additional resources beyond either app for serious exam preparation.

Improve pronunciation: Memrise wins here with its extensive native speaker video library. You hear real accents, observe mouth movements, and learn natural pronunciation. Duolingo's text-to-speech audio, while improved, cannot match authentic human recordings.

Build a daily habit: Duolingo excels at habit formation through its streak system, leaderboards, and gamification. The fear of losing a streak keeps many learners coming back daily. Memrise has streaks too, but the social pressure and competitive elements are less prominent.

Learn on a budget: Duolingo's free version is significantly more generous. You can complete entire courses without paying. Memrise's free version feels restrictive and pushes you toward Pro. If money is tight, Duolingo provides more value at zero cost.

14. Final verdict

After extensive testing and research, here is my weighted scorecard comparing both platforms:

Overall: Neither app is objectively "better"; they serve different purposes. Duolingo is the superior choice for complete beginners who want a free, gamified, structured introduction to a new language. Memrise is great if you need more vocabulary retention, want authentic native speaker content, and are willing to pay for a premium experience.

Many successful language learners use both apps together. Duolingo provides the grammatical foundation and sentence structure; Memrise expands vocabulary and improves listening comprehension. Using them in tandem addresses both platforms' weaknesses.

15. Conclusion

Both Memrise and Duolingo are legitimate, effective tools for language learning. They represent different philosophies: Duolingo gamifies the learning process and teaches language holistically through exercises; Memrise applies memory science to help vocabulary stick through native speaker videos and spaced repetition.

For beginners with no language experience, I recommend starting with Duolingo. Its free access, structured lessons, and gamification make it easy to build momentum. Once you have a foundation, consider adding Memrise to accelerate vocabulary acquisition and exposure to authentic native speech.

For intermediate learners looking to expand vocabulary, Memrise Pro is worth the investment. The native speaker videos and sophisticated spaced repetition system help you move beyond textbook language toward real-world fluency.

Remember that neither app alone will make you fluent. Both are excellent starting points and ongoing practice tools, but serious language learners eventually need real human interaction (conversation partners, tutors, immersion experiences) to reach advanced proficiency. Use these apps as part of a broader learning strategy, and you will see meaningful progress.

My recommendation? Download both apps (they are free to start) and try them for a week each. Your personal experience will reveal which approach resonates with your learning style. Good luck on your language learning journey!