Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Rosetta Stone VS Duolingo

Compare Rosetta Stone VS Duolingo and see what are their differences

Rosetta Stone logo Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is the world's most popular software for learning languages. It is offered at a cost of just $169 when purchased outright, but it is also possible to purchase language programs in a subscription format that offers ongoing support.

Duolingo logo Duolingo

Duolingo is a free language learning app for iOS, Windows and Android devices. The app makes learning a new language fun by breaking learning into small lessons where you can earn points and move up through the levels. Read more about Duolingo.
  • Rosetta Stone Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19
  • Duolingo Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

Duolingo

Pricing URL
-
Release Date
2011 January
Startup details
Country
United States
State
Pennsylvania
City
Pittsburgh
Founder(s)
Luis von Ahn
Employees
500 - 999

Rosetta Stone features and specs

  • Immersive Learning
    Rosetta Stone uses an immersive approach where users are surrounded by their target language almost entirely from the start, helping them to think and understand the language in context rather than through translation.
  • Speech Recognition
    The software includes advanced speech recognition technology to help users with pronunciation, providing immediate feedback and helping improve speaking skills.
  • Multi-Device Availability
    Rosetta Stone can be accessed on various devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers, which facilitates consistent learning on the go.
  • Structured Curriculum
    Courses on Rosetta Stone are well-structured and progress in a logical manner, making it easier for users to follow and consistently build on their knowledge.
  • Wide Range of Languages
    The platform offers courses in many languages, providing extensive options for users looking to learn less commonly taught languages.

Possible disadvantages of Rosetta Stone

  • High Cost
    Compared to many other language learning apps and resources, Rosetta Stone is relatively expensive, which might be prohibitive for some users.
  • Limited Cultural Context
    The immersive method focuses heavily on the language itself, which can sometimes lead to a lack of cultural context and usage nuances.
  • Repetitiveness
    Some users might find the repetitive nature of the exercises tedious, which can potentially lead to decreased motivation over time.
  • Lack of Grammar Explanations
    While the focus is on immersion, this method can sometimes leave users confused about grammar rules, as there are minimal explicit explanations.
  • Internet Dependency
    Although there are features for offline use, many of Rosetta Stone's functionalities require an internet connection, which may be a limitation for some users with sporadic access.

Duolingo features and specs

  • Gamification
    Duolingo uses game-like features such as points, levels, and streaks to motivate learners to practice regularly.
  • Accessibility
    Duolingo is available on multiple platforms, including web browsers, iOS, and Android, making it easy to use anywhere, anytime.
  • Free Tier
    The app offers a substantial amount of content for free, making language learning accessible to users without financial commitment.
  • Variety of Languages
    Duolingo offers courses in numerous languages, providing learners with a wide range of options to choose from.
  • Interactive Learning
    The app includes various exercises that require active participation, such as typing translations, listening, and speaking practice.
  • Regular Updates
    Duolingo frequently updates its content and adds new features, ensuring that the learning experience remains fresh and current.
  • Community and Social Features
    Includes forums and social media-style interactions where learners can connect, share experiences, and motivate each other.

Possible disadvantages of Duolingo

  • Lack of Depth
    The app often focuses on vocabulary and simple sentences, which may not be sufficient for advanced learners looking for in-depth language skills.
  • Ad Interruptions
    Free users experience frequent ads between lessons, which can be disruptive and annoying.
  • Limited Practice for Conversations
    While Duolingo offers some speaking exercises, the app lacks the ability to simulate real-life conversation scenarios fully.
  • Accuracy of Content
    There are occasional errors in translations or exercises, which can be confusing for users.
  • Repetitive Exercises
    The types of exercises available can become repetitive over time, potentially leading to decreased engagement.
  • Gaps in Grammar Coverage
    The app does not always provide comprehensive grammar explanations, which may leave users with gaps in their understanding.
  • In-App Purchases
    While the free tier is generous, some advanced features and ad-free experience are locked behind a subscription paywall.

Analysis of Duolingo

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Duolingo is generally considered a good platform for beginners and intermediate learners to start learning a new language due to its engaging format, variety of language options, and cost-effectiveness.

Why this product is good

  • Engaging and Interactive: Duolingo uses gamification to make language learning fun and addictive, which helps keep users motivated.
  • Free to Use: The app offers a substantial amount of content for free, making language learning accessible to a broad audience.
  • Variety of Languages: Duolingo offers a wide range of languages, including popular ones like Spanish and French, as well as less common options like Welsh or Hawaiian.
  • Flexible Learning: Users can learn at their own pace and fit lessons into their own schedules, whether they want to practice for five minutes or an hour each day.
  • Community and Support: Duolingo has a large community of users who contribute to discussions, language tips, and support, enhancing the learning experience.

Recommended for

  • Beginners: Those new to a language can find Duolingo's structured approach helpful in building foundational skills.
  • Casual Learners: Individuals looking for a light, informal way to learn a language without significant time or financial commitments.
  • Learners of Multiple Languages: Users interested in exploring or maintaining multiple languages can benefit from the platform's diverse offerings.

Rosetta Stone videos

Rosetta Stone Review from someone who actually completed it

More videos:

  • Review - Rosetta Stone Review (in 5 minutes!)
  • Review - Rosetta Stone Quick Review 2020 - Has it improved?

Duolingo videos

Duolingo Review: Does it really work?

More videos:

  • Review - ONE THOUSAND (1000) days of Duolingo 🔥 - Was it worth it? (+FULL REVIEW)
  • Review - DUOLINGO Review - What is Duolingo and what do I think about it?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Rosetta Stone and Duolingo)
Language Learning
29 29%
71% 71
Education
25 25%
75% 75
Studying
33 33%
67% 67
Spaced Repetition
25 25%
75% 75

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Rosetta Stone and Duolingo

Rosetta Stone Reviews

15 Language Learning Apps Compared - Personally Tested
Part of learning in the programme is pronouncing the words you learn. Rosetta Stone was an early developer of speech recognition software, which gives learners feedback on their pronunciation. For more details about the app, see my reviews “Babbel vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Stands Out?” and “Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone: Which Language App Stands Out?“.
Source: www.krioda.com
Apps Similar To Duolingo: Best Language Learning Alternatives
Interactive features have changed the game in language learning. Apps like Mondly ($14.99/month) use chatbots, quizzes, challenges, and leaderboards. Rosetta Stone ($15.99/month) offers online tutoring for real-time conversations and feedback.
10 Best Babbel Alternatives in 2024
The list of the best Babbel alternatives is incomplete without mentioning Rosetta Stone. It is an efficient program for learning a language that introduces you to new words and grammar, like conjunction and agreement.
14 Best Duolingo Alternatives to Learn New Languages
If you’re looking for something more immersive, Rosetta Stone’s interactive and contextual lessons have you covered.
Mondly vs Rosetta Stone Comparison
Mondly and Rosetta Stone may have a 20-year gap, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t both excellent language learning platforms. While Rosetta Stone – the pioneer – has been steadily improving its features over the years, Mondly released some neat apps right off the bat. The language learning platforms are quite different, though. Not only do they have distinct teaching...
Source: bestreviews.net

Duolingo Reviews

  1. A review

    It's incredibly easy to use and the regular reminder from the app about practicing more keep you consistent. Besides,in my opinion,it also can be not only a tool for learning languages,but a good entertainment for kids too. I've been practicing here almost every day throughout the year and i highly recommend Duolingo:))

    👍 Pros:    I added everything i want to be mentioned above
    👎 Cons:    Perhaps the design may look "too childish" for some adults,but it's only the matter of taste
  2. Pretty good

    Duolingo is a quite nice language learning app for the begginers and for those who want to know a certain language on a pretty good medium level(It's like something between A2-B1,i suppose). Moreover, I'd like to admit it's can be useful for kids as well because the app has cute design and playable interactions , challenges and its own little app - shop where you can buy different bonuses for you ,and in my opinion,children could like an idea of learning languages in a playable form. Though, Duolingo can be rather annoying, when you miss one or two days of studying ,so it'd be really awesome if my brother,for example, who uses this app ,could make his own studying schedule here.

  3. Best Language Learning App
    👍 Pros:    Supports multiple languages|Variety of languages|Tasks|Daily routines

Best Memrise Alternatives (February 2025) – UPDATED
Our team of dedicated writers and language enthusiasts is committed to bringing you insightful content and expert advice to enhance your Duolingo experience. From language-learning tips to in-depth analyses of Duolingo courses, we're here to guide you on your journey to linguistic mastery. Join us as we explore the exciting world of languages together and unlock the doors to...
Source: lingoly.io
15 Language Learning Apps Compared - Personally Tested
Language learning apps such as Duolingo, Babbel and others have millions of registered users worldwide. Duolingo alone has over 300 million registered users.
Source: www.krioda.com
Apps Similar To Duolingo: Best Language Learning Alternatives
Duolingo, Memrise, LingoDeer, Busuu, and Babbel are popular choices. Duolingo makes learning fun with games. Babbel designs its interface for each language.
10 Best Babbel Alternatives in 2024
Having tested dozens of language learning apps, Duolingo is our top pick. There is no better free program to learn a new language than Duolingo, as it provides a seamless experience with no ads, a special mode for practicing your mistakes and other perks. The best part is it makes the process easier by offering learners strong content.
14 Best Duolingo Alternatives to Learn New Languages
Considering that constructed languages such as High Valyrian and Klingon have made it to Duolingo, it’s a bit frustrating that the above languages are still not in the app. And with the now-defunct Duolingo Incubator, you can’t even see if Duolingo plans to add your desired language to their courses.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Duolingo seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 70 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Rosetta Stone mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Rosetta Stone yet. Tracking of Rosetta Stone recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Duolingo mentions (70)

  • how gamifying my life helped me build better habits and achieve my goals
    Duolingo: a language-learning app that uses points, levels, and rewards to keep you motivated. This is the most effective when you do it with your friends or a group of people who share your learning goals. I got really addicted to checking my leaderboard rankings everyday. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Brushing up on Spanish
    Hi! I wish I'd seen a post like this a few months ago. I would have been interested then. By now it's a little late for me. I just signed up for the 2 week free trial since that's about all the time I have left before I leave. If you can, use a desktop computer/laptop to do duolingo.com and it will have no ads and unlimited hearts! Not as convenient as the app on a phone but saves tons of time and you can do it... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • What is the best method to learn Japanese?
    If you want a guided course try Memrise or Duolingo. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • This is where you can change your avatar to a custom profilephoto!
    I appreciate the energy to help, but if there are 5 posts in a day all on the same topic with the answer 'use duolingo.com' I don't expect anyone who has the "I'll just create a reddit post" idea to find this post and read it, they didn't read any of the others. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • [OC] Started learning French over again but this time from Spanish, was curious how different the vocabulary was
    Source: duolingo.com for my vocabulary lists. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Rosetta Stone and Duolingo, you can also consider the following products

Memrise - Learn a new language with games, humorous chatbots and over 30,000 native speaker videos.

Busuu - Join the global language learning community, take language courses to practice reading, writing, listening and speaking and learn a new language. Learn English with busuu's .

Babbel - Babbel is a paid language learning service that aims to strike a balance between thoroughness and cost efficiency.

Drops - Visual language learning.

Lingvist - Lingvist helps you take your foreign language skills to the next level with a broad selection of exercises and lessons.

Clozemaster - Learn a language through mass exposure to useful vocabulary in context.