italki vs Duolingo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between italki 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
italki
Become fluent in any language with personalized 1-on-1 lessons and a global learning community.
Best for you if:
- • You need tutoring platforms features specifically
- • Offers customizable 1-on-1 language lessons with certified teachers.
- • Provides a global community for free practice and interaction.
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)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need online course platforms features specifically
- • Gamified language learning platform.
- • Offers bite-sized lessons for various languages.
| At a Glance |  italki |  Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Tutoring Platforms | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | italki | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Tutoring PlatformsLanguage Learning | Online Course PlatformsLanguage Learning |
How italki and Duolingo Compare
italki
Become fluent in any language with personalized 1-on-1 lessons and a global learning community.
Paid
Duolingo
Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons.
Free tier available · 86/100 score
italki is a tutoring platforms tool. Duolingo is in online course platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Duolingo has a free tier. italki is paid only.
Go with: Duolingo
Want the highest-rated option?
Duolingo scores 86/100. italki is unrated.
Go with: Duolingo
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Duolingo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
italki is paid. Duolingo is freemium. Duolingo lets you start free.
What's your use case?
italki is a tutoring platforms tool. Duolingo is in online course platforms. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Duolingo
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
italki
- Better fit for tutoring platforms
The Bottom Line
Duolingo (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is italki or Duolingo better?
Duolingo scores 86/100 in our evaluation. italki is paid and Duolingo is freemium.
What are italki and Duolingo used for?
italki: Become fluent in any language with personalized 1-on-1 lessons and a global learning community.. Duolingo: Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons..
What does italki cost vs Duolingo?
italki is a paid tool. Duolingo is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.