Duolingo vs KanjiLens: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Duolingo and KanjiLens 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Duolingo
Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Gamified language learning platform.
- • Offers bite-sized lessons for various languages.
KanjiLens
Unlock Japanese by learning kanji directly from manga and novels through an immersive browser extension.
Best for you if:
- • Learn Japanese kanji directly from manga and novels.
- • Instant kanji lookup and one-click image translation.
| At a Glance |  Duolingo |  KanjiLens |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Language Learning | Language Learning |
Rating | 86/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Duolingo | KanjiLens |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 88 |
| Categories | Language LearningOnline Course Platforms | Language LearningBrowser DevTools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Duolingo and KanjiLens solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Duolingo positions itself as "learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons." while KanjiLensfocuses on "unlock japanese by learning kanji directly from manga and novels through an immersive browser extension.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Duolingo
Duolingo makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose KanjiLens
KanjiLens is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Duolingo lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Duolingo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Duolingo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Duolingo
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Duolingo
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Duolingo, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Duolingo higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted KanjiLens more (88 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Duolingo Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider KanjiLens If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Duolingo (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Duolingo scores higher in our analysis, but KanjiLens might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duolingo or KanjiLens better?
Based on our analysis, Duolingo scores higher with 86/100. Duolingo isfreemium while KanjiLens is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Duolingo to KanjiLens easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Duolingo and KanjiLens offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Duolingo is freemium with a free tier.KanjiLens is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.