In today’s comparison review we have got two interesting language apps. We will be learning more about them. Language apps are gaining importance in our ever-changing world of ours. Today, you know the market is very volatile.
You need to keep updating and refreshing your language skills. It is common to see professionals who are in their 40s or 50s wanting to learn new languages. There be a professional reason for it, or it could be just for a hobby’s sake.
Though joining an online language course may not guarantee you with a promotion at work or some kind of appraisal, it sure does have many benefits attached to it. According to market research, several founders, CEOs, and CTOs have insisted on learning several languages.
It has helped them gain more insight into the life and make career changes as well effortlessly. This is true, especially for those of you in the entertainment, real estate, law, and also in hotel business.
Importance of learning new languages
Moreover, you could be somebody who is freelancing as well. It pays to know several languages because you never know when it might come to your rescue. Though the initial transition may be difficult in several ways, it can provide satisfying results at the end of the day.
Many CEOs and CTOs insist on learning new languages from language apps like Babbel and Duolingo. Taking these courses can provide you with several new clients and job prospects. Besides, it comes in immensely handy for those of you planning to relocate to another part of the world.
We are not telling you to learn many languages, but at least you can take an effort to learn a few languages. The basics of them are English, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. You never know when these languages may come of use to you, both personally & professionally.
So, what is stopping many of us from doing so? Maybe we don’t have the time. Some of us feel that learning a new language is not really necessary to advance in our careers. While the rest of us would prefer watching a movie or hanging out with our friends on the weekends, to downloading the language app and learning something new.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Babble | Duolingo |
| PROS | PROS |
| The lessons are true life. A good audio quality. Lessons are taught professionally. Users can learn efficiently online. The language app is affordable. | There are more than 37 different languages. You can learn more than one language. The lessons are taught interestingly. Regular recording exercises are provided here. Everything is free on the app. |
| CONS | CONS |
| Sadly, it provides you with only 14 languages. | Too many bugs in the app. |
Babble vs Duolingo – Introduction
The good news for you is that online learning courses like Babbel and Duolingo break that jinx and provide you with the ability to learn new languages at an affordable price. To help you make the right decision, we will be comparing these two language apps.
We will look at some of the features, differences, pros & cons, and their pricing before giving our verdict at the end of the post.
| Features | Babbel | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | Very Good | Very Good |
| Ease of Use | Very Good | Good |
| Languages Offered | 14 | 37 |
| Pricing | 13.95/month | $6.99/month |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Lifetime Plan | $249 | No |
| Methodology | Focuses on Grammar | Focuses on Vocabulary |
| User-Friendliness | Excellent | Very Good |
You can learn both these languages from scratch using their apps. However, we may want you to be dedicated to learning the languages that you want to. Doing that enables you to grasp the languages that you want.
It is not surprising that these apps are gaining popularity among users worldwide. We can say that based on the number of downloads, which has gone past millions. They have provided you with a niche platform where you can learn several languages through online courses.
In-class courses though recommendable can cause tremendous inconveniences in today’s fast-paced world. You cannot always be present at these classes in person, and moreover, they cost you time, gas, and more money.
Instead, all you need to do is download the language app of your choice, and get started. That is what we hope to do by the end of this guide. Now without further delay, let us read through the language apps and find out, which app can suit your learning ability.
Babbel vs Duolingo – Similarities and differences
Below are some of the similarities and differences between these two language apps.
Similarities
Language apps can provide you with information in short intervals. They are ideal for you to recall them back once you are done with the online course or the particular chapter. We feel that it is an essential feature for any language app.
It is known as spaced repetition. You can also download the apps on your smartphone, laptop, and tablet if you want and begin. That means you can take it with you wherever you want to go to.
Their lessons are not more than 10 minutes or a maximum are of 15 minutes. It provides you with an engaging learning experience. There is also a schedule that they work with. So, you know how much more of your online course is left for you to learn and do.
Both the language apps provide you with intense fundamentals before they move into the complex parts of the course. This is a good way to learn for beginners. When you are new to a language, then you can learn it efficiently.
Differences
Now we will read about their difference. We noticed that the Babbel language app comes with a simple interface. The design is easy to go through and learn. Even newcomers to the technology world will be able to understand the design effectively.
The UI we felt was for serious learners, and not kids. So, if you are an adult or a serious learner, then Babbel will help you achieve your learning goals better. Duolingo on the other hand comes with a colorful interface for kids and youngsters.
There are no advertisements found on the Babbel app. We liked that, unlike Duolingo, which is free but comes with several advertisements. This can be off-putting for any serious learners. Though kids and youngsters might be okay with the advertisements, we are not sure if serious learners might entertain them.
It is like a distraction. Besides, we found that the Babbel language app provides you with a wide range of vocabulary and arrangements of words. You can also learn several tips on grammar, which will be useful.
Moreover, you can also find out the usage of regional differences. On the contrary, Duolingo does not provide you with these kinds of advanced grammatical sessions that can help you immensely.
Babbel vs Duolingo – Interface
Without a proper interface, no language app can really get to the top of the race. The same can be said here.
Babbel
Babbel has a nice, clean, and professional interface. That is a good thing considering the fact that it is a paid package The layout and the navigation are not that good. We felt that they could have been some improvement there.
Some users felt that it can be challenging in choosing the right lesion many times. This is something that you may want to know before proceeding. However, the answers were good enough and up to our satisfaction.
The visuals are just about alright and could have been somewhat attractive. But that is alright. Like we said this language app is meant for serious learners, and not kids. As it is a paid app, they should have ensured that it comes infused with style too.
Duolingo
Duolingo is simple to use and navigate. Like we said before, this app is meant for kids and youngsters who are looking to spend some time learning the basics of languages. You should not find issues operating the language app.
You can touch the answers or even type them if you want. This is somewhat more interactive than causing chaos there when doing the lesson activities. You can effortlessly learn a language without having to strain yourself on this language app.
Unfortunately, as you go ahead, you can find it difficult when doing some translation activities. That is because, when you have placed a word in the wrong area, then you need to start from the beginning itself.
Babbel vs Duolingo – Languages
Babbel offers 14 language options. On the other hand, Duolingo provides you with the ability to learn 37 languages. A few of them include Russian, Spanish, Dutch, German, Portuguese, and many more.
Duolingo teaches you more than these languages, which is a good thing. Some of them include Arabic, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Greek, Welsh, Hawaiian, Latin, Hebrew, and Scottish Gaelic. At the moment, they are working on designing the Finnish, Hungarian, and Navajo languages, which is good to know.
Babbel vs Duolingo – Devices
The good news is that both language apps can be used on any device of your convenience. You can work them on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and even your PC if you want. They can run properly without issues.
The apps can be used on your iOS and your Android devices as well. However, Babbel, can’t work them on rooted devices having a custom ROM. The Duolingo app can work on any device and OS of your liking.
The pricing structures of Babbel and Duolingo
Before we find out the results of our comparison review, we may want to read and know the pricing pattern of the language apps. The good news is that both language apps come with several subscription models for you.
Babbel provides you with 4 different models, which include access to one selected language. You can choose from 15 different languages. There is a monthly plan that cost $14/month. You can also make use of a 3-month plan, which costs $10/month.
Moreover, you have a 6-month plan that costs $8.50/per month, and a 12-month plan that will cost you around $7/month. Using Duolingo, you can make use of the free package. Besides, they provide you with a subscription package known as Duolingo Plus.
It comes to around $84/year or translates to $7/month. Though you can find all you want on the free package itself, the Plus package removes those unwanted advertisements, and you have unlimited test-out attempts.
There are other features that you can find useful in your pursuit of learning languages. When both the language app pricing is compared, it is almost the same. The good thing about these apps is that they provide you with a chance to test the program before you commit to it.
Babbel provides you with a 20-day money-back guarantee, where if you are not happy with it, then you can get your entire money back. Likewise, Duolingo provides you with a 14-day free trial period, where you can easily test the Plus subscription package, and then decide on it.
Advantages of learning a new language
Although, you do not have to be somebody who has a high-profile job or work in a profession that requires you to work with international clients, learning a new language can immensely benefit you in many ways.
Knowing a new language can come in handy in many ways you can effectively communicate with people during your travels, at your workplace, and even relocating to a new country in the near future.
We have summed up some of the main benefits below, they are-:
Better scores in international tests
It helps you apply and score higher on international tests. As you may know, several countries like the US, the UK, and some European countries have mandatory tests. Those wanting to apply for a permanent visa or reside there, need to be affluent with the language.
This is very true in the case of learning English. You can refer to the American Council On The Teaching of Foreign Languages for more details. So, you may want to be good in areas like grammar, spelling, and comprehension.
Sharpens your decisions
A new language tends to give you the ability to take proper decisions. Since you are not dependent on somebody for translating it for you anymore, you understand & know the consequences of your decisions.
This is crucial, especially for those wanting to reside in countries like Spain, Brazil, and France. Knowing the local dialect can immensely help you take proper decisions and save yourself from any embarrassment.
How learning a new language helps your career?
Learning a new language helps your career because you can work in several countries like Germany, France, and the UK. You can also settle in Portuguese-speaking countries if you know how to speak Portuguese.
You would be astounded to know that the demand for language-speaking teachers is very high in several European and Asian countries. They are known as ESL or English as a Second Language.
According to the National Education Center for Statistics, more than 30% of schools providing ESL positions were not able to fill those positions. Besides, you do not have to reside in that country to apply for the job position, as remote positions are also being offered.
You may get better pay. Though we cannot assure you of this, it pays to know several languages because you never know who might refer or recommend your name for a job role. As you know, in today’s volatile market, nothing is permanent.
But some languages may help you stand above the crowd. Besides, it may make you extremely competitive as well. You could end up as a product manager, field researcher, business liaison officer, content creator, and such.
Conclusion – Which one is better in 2023?
We have concluded our discussion on Babbel vs Duolingo. We hope that you found our comparison review helpful for your cause. It is heartening to note that today, we have several online learning courses and languages.
Moreover, they are immensely improving their quality and trends. Developers are more focused on providing users with easy-to-grasp languages. Babbel may seem difficult initially, but it comes with tremendous potential.
We have noted that users love the conversational feature in it. However, Duolingo is somewhat difficult throughout and its mass-sourced library takes time to learn. Though English language courses can be gotten by users from all language backgrounds, Babbel can prove to be useful.
That is because it enables you to choose the profession or the occupation. Then it makes you learn the language accordingly. In the above comparison review, we have covered everything that you need to know.
So, which software tool are you going to make use of for your language learning requirement? If you have any queries about the tools, then write to us. Do let us know in the comments section that is given below.
FAQs
Babbel is better than Duolingo. We tested both software tools and found that Babbel was more efficient and engaging than other apps that teach you languages. Besides, it came pretty useful from a career point of view.
Having said that, Duolingo too was a good software tool. We found it to have some exceptional features and there is still demand for software engineers who are proficient in the language. Sadly, it comes with several faults that the developers might want to rectify on it.
Yes, Babbel does work more efficiently than Duolingo as we found it to be kind more effective, engaging, and providing us with immense guidance as well. Though Duolingo comes for free and does not have any other advantage over Babbel.
We will not say that Babbel is harder to learn than Duolingo. All language apps come with certain features that are difficult to understand in the beginning. However, when you spend some time on it, work with it, and try out some live projects, then things become clearer.
We felt that Babbel pushes you to aspire to achieve more than Duolingo as well. This was something that most language apps do not do. It has a more conversational approach, almost being able to teach you like having a conversation.
You can become fluent in any language app that you want to be provided if you are dedicated and organized in learning it. Most language apps come with tremendous potential and career benefits if you push harder.
Hence, we suggest that you learn a language with the help of the app so that you can grasp it much better. There is no need to get annoyed, frustrated, or angry with yourself when things seem challenging in the beginning, because that is how it is always.
When taking the test, you need to be seated alone, inside a well-lit room, and your ears should have no headset or device on them. Your face needs to be visible, and you must not refer to materials or use your smartphones, tablets, and your notebooks.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.