Memrise vs duolingo - Pick the right app for your goal

1. Memrise vs Duolingo

The Memrise vs Duolingo choice depends on your learning goals and budget. Duolingo suits complete beginners who want free, structured lessons covering grammar and sentence building. If you prioritise vocabulary retention and want to hear real native speakers instead of computer-generated audio, Memrise suits you best.

Both platforms have millions of users. In this comparison, I cover teaching methods, features, pricing, and user experience to help you choose the right app for your needs.

2. Teaching approach

The core difference between these apps lies in their teaching philosophies. Duolingo teaches language holistically through exercises and gamification; Memrise applies memory science to help vocabulary stick through native speaker videos and spaced repetition.

2.1 Lesson structure

Duolingo lessons typically last 5 to 10 minutes and consist of quick-hit drills spanning listening, reading, writing, and speaking. These include fill-in-the-blanks, matching pairs, sentence puzzles, and translating sentences. 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. Memrise also allows you to customise session length (from 5 to 50 new words per session), giving you more control over your learning pace.

2.2 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 practising written and spoken conversations.

2.3 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 prioritises vocabulary acquisition and phrase memorisation 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 matters to you, Duolingo has the advantage here.

2.4 Vocabulary building

Memrise was built around the science of memory and vocabulary retention. The platform 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 learnt and which ones need review.

Duolingo introduces words 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 memorisation exercises. Duolingo does not provide explicit word counts or vocabulary lists in the same way Memrise does.

2.5 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. You can also access a "Difficult Words" section to practise 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 "Personalised Practice" that targets your weak areas, but this feature is not available to free users.

3. Feature comparison

Below is a breakdown of specific features each app offers, highlighting where each platform excels.

3.1 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.

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 matters to you, Memrise has a significant advantage.

3.2 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 practise without an internet connection. Neither free version supports offline learning.

3.3 Progress tracking and goals

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

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.

3.4 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. 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.

3.5 AI features and chatbots

Memrise Pro includes an AI chatbot (called "MemBot" or "AI Buddy") that simulates conversations in your target language. You can practise 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.

4. Languages available

Duolingo offers over 40 languages for English speakers as of 2025, including all major world languages plus unique offerings like High Valyrian, Klingon, Navajo, Hawaiian, Scottish Gaelic, and Zulu. Memrise offers official courses in approximately 20 to 25 languages, with additional user-generated content for hundreds of languages through its community platform (though quality varies).

5. Memrise vs Duolingo cost comparison

Both platforms offer free versions with optional premium upgrades. Memrise Pro typically costs $22.99 to $27.99 per month (monthly billing), $71.99 to $130.99 per year, or $99.99 to $199.99 for lifetime access. Super Duolingo costs $12.99 per month, $59.99 to $84 per year, or $119.99 per year for the Family Plan (up to 6 users). Duolingo Max, with AI features, costs approximately $29.99 per month or $167.99 per year.

6. Subscription comparison

Understanding exactly what you get with each subscription tier is essential for making an informed decision.

6.1 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).

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 pushes you toward upgrading more aggressively than Duolingo does. If budget is a primary concern, Duolingo offers more value at zero cost.

6.2 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, personalised 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.

6.3 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.

6.4 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.

6.5 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. Memrise often offers a 7-day free trial for Pro subscriptions. Both platforms recommend cancelling subscriptions at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid unwanted charges.

7. Platforms and compatibility

Both apps offer excellent cross-platform availability with nearly identical support.

Both apps sync progress across devices seamlessly. 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.

8. User reviews and ratings

Both platforms receive generally positive reviews, though with notable differences in user feedback.

Duolingo's Trustpilot reviews often complain about excessive advertisements, aggressive push notifications, the hearts system, and customer support. Memrise users sometimes complain about recent platform changes and price increases. However, app store ratings are strong for both, with users praising Duolingo's accessibility and Memrise's native speaker videos.

9. Customer support comparison

Both platforms offer support primarily through help centres and email, with no phone support or live chat for consumer users. Duolingo provides an extensive Help Centre with articles covering common issues; Memrise offers email support at [email protected]. Response times vary for both, typically ranging from hours to days.

Both are well-established companies with reliable platforms that rarely experience major outages. However, if immediate support matters to you, both apps may fall short of expectations.

10. Which app fits your needs?

Choose Memrise if: vocabulary acquisition is your primary goal, you want to hear real native speakers, spaced repetition appeals to you, you prefer a calmer experience, you want lifetime access, or you are an intermediate learner expanding vocabulary.

Choose Duolingo if: you want free access to complete courses, gamification motivates you, grammar and sentence structure matter, you want access to more languages (including fictional ones), you have a family interested in learning together, or you are a complete beginner starting from zero.

11. Real-world scenarios

Travel in 30 days: Memrise may suit you better for rapid vocabulary acquisition. You will learn practical phrases quickly and hear how native speakers actually pronounce them. 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. Duolingo's structured approach covers these skills more comprehensively.

Improve pronunciation: Memrise wins with its extensive native speaker video library. You hear real accents, observe mouth movements, and learn natural pronunciation. Duolingo's text-to-speech audio 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.

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.

12. Final verdict

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 excels for learners who prioritise 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.

For beginners with no language experience, start 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.