Memrise vs Duolingo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Memrise 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:
Memrise
Learn languages with authentic content, native speakers, and AI-powered conversation practice.
Best for you if:
- • You need language learning features specifically
- • Teaches practical, real-world language through authentic content.
- • Utilizes spaced repetition, native speaker videos, and AI-powered conversation practice.
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 need online course platforms features specifically
- • Gamified language learning platform.
- • Offers bite-sized lessons for various languages.
| At a Glance |  Memrise |  Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Language Learning | Online Course Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Memrise | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Language LearningFlashcards & Spaced Repetition | Online Course PlatformsLanguage Learning |
How Memrise and Duolingo Compare
Memrise
Learn languages with authentic content, native speakers, and AI-powered conversation practice.
Free tier available
Duolingo
Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons.
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Memrise is a language learning tool. Duolingo is in online course platforms.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Memrise
Want the highest-rated option?
Duolingo scores 86/100. Memrise 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Memrise is a language learning 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
Memrise
- Better fit for language learning
The Bottom Line
Duolingo (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memrise or Duolingo better?
Duolingo scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Memrise and Duolingo used for?
Memrise: Learn languages with authentic content, native speakers, and AI-powered conversation practice.. Duolingo: Learn a new language with fun, bite-sized lessons..
What does Memrise cost vs Duolingo?
Memrise is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Duolingo is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.