Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Toucan VS Duolingo

Compare Toucan VS Duolingo and see what are their differences

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Toucan logo Toucan

Learn a new language without even trying

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.
  • Toucan Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-07

Toucan helps you learn a new language by immersing you in it while you browse the web. When you visit a webpage, Toucan quickly translates a set of words and phrases into the language you’re trying to learn. So you’ll increase your vocabulary by seeing translated words within the context of a language you already know. Learning a new skill is one of the most challenging things we can do. It’s also one of the most fun. Toucan uses experts in the science of habit formation, learning and human behavior to create the best possible environment for you to learn!

  • Duolingo Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-19

Duolingo

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

Toucan features and specs

  • In-Browser Learning
    Toucan integrates directly into your web browsing experience, allowing you to learn a new language in context while you browse, which can enhance understanding and retention.
  • Convenience
    Since Toucan doesn't require dedicated study time or a separate app, it seamlessly fits into your daily routine, making language acquisition more natural and less time-consuming.
  • Passive Learning
    By replacing words on the websites you visit, Toucan provides an opportunity for micro-learning sessions without needing a structured lesson or dedicated effort.
  • Variety of Languages
    Toucan offers a wide range of languages, giving users the flexibility to choose which language they want to learn or practice.

Possible disadvantages of Toucan

  • Limited Depth
    Because its primary function is substituting words in text, Toucan may not provide the comprehensive language learning experience that more robust platforms like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone offer.
  • Dependency on Browsing
    The learning potential is limited by the time you spend browsing, meaning less screen time could equate to fewer learning opportunities.
  • Contextual Misinterpretations
    Toying with the language on websites may sometimes lead to misunderstandings or misconceptions if the replaced words don't match the context accurately.
  • Learning Curve
    Users might experience a slight learning curve in adjusting to having words replaced while reading, which can be distracting or confusing in the beginning.

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.

Toucan videos

Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera Review - Unboxing, Features, Setup, Settings, Video & Audio Quality

More videos:

  • Review - Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex Boots Review at SpeedAddicts.com
  • Review - Why Toucan kinda sucks (language learning extension for Chrome)

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 Toucan and Duolingo)
Languages
100 100%
0% 0
Education
0 0%
100% 100
Language Learning
1 1%
99% 99
Spaced Repetition
2 2%
98% 98

User comments

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Reviews

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

Toucan Reviews

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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

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Duolingo, Memrise, LingoDeer, Busuu, and Babbel are popular choices. Duolingo makes learning fun with games. Babbel designs its interface for each language.
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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 should be more popular than Toucan. 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.

Toucan mentions (10)

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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 Toucan and Duolingo, you can also consider the following products

Fluent - Fluent is a people-based marketing platform that uses real-time, one-to-one interaction to create custom audiences and serve personalized ads that drive performance at scale.

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

Anki - Anki is a program which makes remembering things easy. Because it's a lot more efficient than traditional study methods, you can either greatly decrease your time spent studying, or greatly increase the amount you learn.

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 .

RiseTranslate - Ditch Google Translate & opt for human-powered translations.

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.