Head to head
Duolingo vs Anki
Two popular ways to learn a language, side by side: how each teaches, where each is strong or weak, and who should pick which.
- Free forever plan
- No card needed
- 77 languages
Updated · by the 4ToSpeak team
Lesson preview
Step 4Estoy cansado.
I am tired.
- Order
- Translate
- Listen
- Speak
Say it out loud. Green landed, yellow was close.
Start freeDuolingo
Duolingo is a gamified app with short lessons, a streak system and many languages. Most exercises are tapping, matching and typing, with some speaking prompts.
Strengths
- Playful, habit-forming daily lessons.
- A real free tier.
- Many languages and plenty of variety.
Weaknesses
- Mostly tapping and typing, with limited speaking.
- Sentences can feel disconnected from real conversation.
- Progress can slow at intermediate level.
Best for: Building a daily habit and getting broad early exposure.
Cost model: Free with limits; paid tier removes limits and adds extras.
Anki
Anki is an open-source flashcard program that schedules reviews using spaced repetition. You build or download decks, so it is as strong as the cards you put in. It has no built-in speaking practice.
Strengths
- Powerful spaced repetition.
- Fully customisable and free on most platforms.
- Great for long-term vocabulary.
Weaknesses
- You build or find the decks yourself.
- No built-in speaking or lessons.
- A plain interface with a learning curve.
Best for: Self-directed learners who want to retain vocabulary.
Cost model: Free and open source on most platforms; some mobile versions are paid.
Which is better for what: Duolingo or Anki?
| If you want | Pick |
|---|---|
| speaking practice | Neither is a main strength |
| beginners | Duolingo |
| free learning | Both are good fits |
| grammar | Neither is a main strength |
| vocabulary | Both are good fits |
| Japanese, Korean and Chinese | Neither is a main strength |
| conversation | Neither is a main strength |
| intermediate learners | Anki |
| travel | Neither is a main strength |
| commuting and hands-free | Neither is a main strength |
Where 4ToSpeak fits
If speaking is the skill you want to build, 4ToSpeak adds what neither of these leads with: every sentence ends with you saying it out loud, with word-by-word feedback, on a free plan with no card. Many learners use Duolingo or Anki for what it does best and 4ToSpeak for daily speaking reps. 4ToSpeak vs Duolingo · 4ToSpeak vs Anki
Product names are trademarks of their owners and are not affiliated with 4ToSpeak. This page describes general, publicly known traits, and features and pricing can change, so check each product’s own site for the latest.
Is Duolingo better than Anki?
Neither is better for everyone. Duolingo is best for building a daily habit and getting broad early exposure. Anki is best for self-directed learners who want to retain vocabulary. Choose by what you want to improve.
Which is better for speaking, Duolingo or Anki?
Neither is mainly built around speaking. If speaking is your goal, a speaking-first app such as 4ToSpeak, or a tutor, will give you more practice than either.
Is Duolingo or Anki better for beginners?
Duolingo is the more beginner-friendly of the two. The other is better once you have the basics.
Can I use Duolingo and Anki together?
Yes. Many learners combine apps that cover different skills. Many learners use Duolingo for variety and light daily exposure, and 4ToSpeak for focused speaking practice on the sentences they need. A common pairing: Anki to retain vocabulary, 4ToSpeak to use that vocabulary in spoken sentences.
Free · no card · 77 languages
Want more speaking in your day?
Whichever you choose, add a daily speaking habit. Free to start, no card.