Duolingo vs JapanesePod101
Duolingo
duolingo.comJapanesePod101
japanesepod101.comSide by side
| Figure | Duolingo | JapanesePod101 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Language learning apps | 9.0 (#12) | 9.1 (#9) |
| Founded | 2011 | 2005 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | Tokyo, Japan |
| Lesson format | Quick, bite-sized lessons | Lessons teach real conversations in 3-15 minute bite-sized audio and video sessions. |
| Mobile apps | Yes | Yes |
| Offline lessons | Yes | Yes |
| Personalized review | Yes | Yes |
| Placement test | Yes | Yes |
| Speech practice | Yes | Yes |
Plans
JapanesePod101
- FreeFree
- Basic$4 a month
- Premium$106 a month
- Premium PLUS$2,313.73 a month
In their own words
Duolingo
Duolingo offers learning in languages, chess and math through short lessons that adapt to a learner’s level and pace. Language practice covers reading, writing, listening and speaking, with speech exercises, personalized review, offline lessons and a placement test among the listed tools. Challenges, reminders and game-like features provide ways to structure practice. Duolingo says its teaching methods are research-backed and aimed at real-world communication skills. It lists 40 languages and is available on Android, iOS, macOS and the web. The pricing note includes a free plan and a 14-day trial. Other listed products include the Duolingo English Test, Duolingo for Business, Duolingo for Schools, Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max. The English Test is described as AI-enabled and intended to be taken wherever and whenever users perform best. FAQs and service status information are available. Duolingo was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101 teaches Japanese through short audio and video lessons designed to help learners speak from their first lesson. Sessions run 3 to 15 minutes and cover levels from Absolute Beginner through Advanced, with new lessons each week. The materials include pronunciation, listening comprehension, grammar explanations, reading notes, and cultural information approved through a certified Japanese teacher. Study tools include spaced-repetition flashcards, vocabulary and phrase lists, voice recording, translations, read-along notes, and daily lessons. The service has Android and iOS apps as well as a website; learners can download lessons for offline study and sync progress between the app and website. iCloud syncing is available on iOS but not Android. Premium PLUS adds access to a personal Japanese teacher, a personalized program, feedback, corrections, and private messaging. The free plan includes selected lessons and a seven-day Premium trial. Paid plans start at $4/mo (annual); plan prices are also listed in USD based on a 24-month subscription cost.