Coursera vs Duolingo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Coursera and Duolingo comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Coursera
Online learning platform
Best for you if:
- • You need learning & training features specifically
- • Coursera is an online learning platform offering courses from top universities and companies
- • It provides certificates, degrees, and professional development in technology, business, and more
Duolingo
Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Gamified language learning platform.
- • Offers bite-sized lessons for various languages.
| At a Glance |  Coursera |  Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Learning & Training | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | 79/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Coursera | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Learning & TrainingOnline Course Platforms | Online Course PlatformsLanguage Learning |
How Coursera and Duolingo Compare
Coursera
Online learning platform
Free tier available · 79/100 score
Duolingo
Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons.
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Coursera is a learning & training tool. Duolingo is in online course platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Coursera
Want the highest-rated option?
Coursera: 79/100. Duolingo: 86/100.
Go with: Duolingo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Duolingo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Coursera is a learning & training tool. Duolingo is in online course platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Duolingo scores higher: 86/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
Duolingo
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 79
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Coursera
- Better fit for learning & training
The Bottom Line
Duolingo (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coursera or Duolingo better?
Duolingo scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Coursera and Duolingo used for?
Coursera: Online learning platform. Duolingo: Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons..
What does Coursera cost vs Duolingo?
Coursera is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Duolingo is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.