Want to learn a new language? It’s never been easier. You can practice Spanish during your commute, brush up on French before your vacation, or even dive into fun languages like Klingon—all from your phone. In 2025, two apps stand out from the crowd: Promova and Duolingo. They both help you learn languages, but in very different ways. Let’s break down which one might work better for you.
Promova vs Duolingo TL;DR
- Pick Promova if you want guided speaking practice, live tutors / group classes, and inclusive features like Dyslexia Mode and White Noise to help you focus. Great for learners who want real-life conversation and human feedback, not just streaks.
- Pick Duolingo if you want maximum language choice, a highly gamified experience, and optional AI features (Roleplay, Explain My Answer, Video Call with Lily) in the Max tier. Also the right choice if you need the Duolingo English Test for visas or university admissions.
| Category | Promova | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Languages | 12 courses incl. ASL, plus English/Spanish variants | ~43 languages + some constructed (e.g., Klingon) |
| Core style | Real-life, context-based lessons; AI role-play; 1-on-1 tutoring + group classes; free conversation club | Short, gamified lessons (streaks, hearts, leaderboards) |
| Speaking | AI speaking + human tutors; small-group practice | AI Roleplay + Video Call with Lily in Max |
| Accessibility | Dyslexia Mode 2.0 (special font, visual tweaks) + White Noise | Standard accessibility |
| Certifications | — | Duolingo English Test accepted by thousands of institutions |
| Free vs Paid | Freemium; premium unlocks all lessons; separate class pricing | Freemium with ads; Super (ad-free) and Max (adds AI features) |
| Scale | 20M+ downloads; app + web | ~130M MAUs; ~10.9M paying subs (Q2’25) |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, web | iOS, Android, web |
| Pricing | From $8.33 | From $12.99 |
Promova in a Nutshell
Promova is the newer kid on the block, launched in 2019 (it used to be called “Ten Words”). While it doesn’t have Duolingo’s massive user base yet, it takes a more personal and inclusive approach to helping you learn.
The app covers 12 languages, including popular ones like Spanish, French, German, and Chinese, plus American Sign Language (ASL). What makes Promova special is its focus on real conversations and speaking practice. You get a mix of AI chat partners, one-on-one tutoring, and group conversation clubs where you can practice with others.
I love that Promova really cares about accessibility. Features like Dyslexia Mode and a White Noise option help people who might struggle with traditional learning methods. It’s a thoughtful touch that really sets them apart.
Duolingo in a Nutshell
Around since 2011, Duolingo has become the poster child for gamified learning. With over 130 million people using it every month, it’s the most popular language app out there. Its biggest strength? Variety. You can learn around 43 different languages, from common ones to rare gems like Navajo and Welsh, and even fun fictional languages like Klingon and High Valyrian.
Duolingo is famous for turning learning into a game—quick, bite-sized lessons with streaks, points, and leaderboards that make you want to come back day after day. For many of us, this game-like approach is just what we need to stick with it.
Recently, Duolingo has gone big on AI features. Their premium Duolingo Max plan offers Roleplay scenarios where you can practice conversations, an Explain My Answer tool that helps when you make mistakes, and even Video Call with Lily, which lets you practice speaking with a virtual tutor.
Duolingo vs Promova: Our Experience
Our team conducted a two-week language learning challenge to compare how Promova and Duolingo feel in daily use. The results were quite revealing!
The apps created distinctly different experiences. Promova’s clean, calming interface and thoughtfully designed lessons offered engaging activities like contextual conversations and cultural insights. Learning felt less like studying and more like preparing for actual travel, with a focus on practicing language in meaningful contexts.
Duolingo, on the other hand, excelled at creating habit-forming patterns. The gamification elements—hearts, gems, leaderboards, and streaks—created a powerful motivation loop that kept users coming back consistently, even during busy days. The notifications and achievement system proved remarkably effective at building daily learning habits.
The verdict? Your ideal app depends entirely on what keeps you motivated. Some users connect more with Promova’s immersive, contextual approach, while others thrive on Duolingo’s streak-building gamification. Understanding your personal learning style and motivation triggers will help you choose the right tool for your language journey.
How They Teach Differently
- Promova: Focuses on real-life situations you’ll actually encounter. You don’t just memorize random words—you learn how to use them in everyday conversations. With real tutors and group classes available, Promova feels more like having a personal coach who helps build your confidence in actually speaking the language.
- Duolingo: All about building a daily habit. The short, game-like lessons and fun rewards keep you coming back every day. It’s perfect if you’re a casual learner or want to try several languages without feeling pressured.
Speaking Practice Comparison
One of the biggest differences is how these apps help you actually speak the language.
- Promova gives you AI conversation partners to practice with, but also offers real human interaction through tutoring and conversation clubs. There’s something incredibly valuable about getting feedback from a real teacher who can correct your pronunciation and help you sound more natural.
- Duolingo relies mostly on AI in its Max subscription. The Roleplay feature lets you chat with an AI tutor, and Video Call with Lily simulates a conversation with guidance. These are fun and helpful, but they can’t quite match the experience of talking with real people.
Accessibility Features
Promova really shines here. Their Dyslexia Mode uses special fonts and spacing that make reading much easier, and the White Noise feature helps you block out distractions while you study. Duolingo has a friendly, easy-to-use design, but doesn’t offer these kinds of specialized tools for different learning needs.
Certificates and Testing
Need official proof of your language skills? Duolingo wins this round. Their Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted by thousands of universities and immigration offices worldwide. Promova doesn’t offer any certification options yet
Pricing Comparison
Both apps let you start for free, but their paid options are quite different.
- Promova: The free version includes access to conversation clubs, while premium subscriptions unlock all lessons. If you want tutoring or group classes, those are sold separately as monthly packages.
- Duolingo: The free version has ads and limits how much you can learn in one day. Super Duolingo removes ads and gives you perks like unlimited mistakes. The premium Duolingo Max adds all the cool AI features for more interactive practice.
Promova
- App Premium: ~$30/month; ~$50 for 12 weeks; annual ~$100.
- Discounted Offers: $14.99/month or $49.99 for 6 months (~$8.33/month).
- Lifetime Access: $49.99 one-time.
- Tutoring & Group Lessons: $39.99–$95.99/month depending on package (as low as $5.99/lesson).
Best for learners who want flexible plans, live tutors, and speaking practice.
Duolingo
- Super Duolingo: $12.99/month or $59.99/year (~$5/month).
- Duolingo Max (with AI features): $29.99/month or $168/year (~$14/month).
- Family Plans: Up to 6 users for ~$239.99/year.
Best for learners who want affordable self-study, gamification, and optional AI features.
Do They Actually Work?
Studies on Duolingo show that dedicated learners can develop reading and listening skills comparable to about four college semesters—though results vary depending on which language you’re learning and how much effort you put in. Promova doesn’t have the same research backing it up yet, but its combination of AI practice and human teaching follows what language experts recommend for developing actual speaking skills.
Which One Is Right For You?
- You’ll love Promova if:
- You want to practice with real tutors and join group conversations.
- You need accessibility features like Dyslexia Mode or White Noise.
- You prefer focusing deeply on one language with emphasis on cultural understanding and speaking skills.
- You’ll love Duolingo if:
- You want access to the biggest selection of languages, including rare or fictional ones.
- You enjoy game-like features and daily streaks to keep you motivated.
- You need an official language certificate like the Duolingo English Test for school applications or visas.
Bottom Line
Both Promova and Duolingo are fantastic apps—they just serve different needs.
- Promova is your best bet if you want a personalized learning experience with real teacher support and inclusive features.
- Duolingo is perfect if you crave variety, fun gamification, and widely recognized credentials.
It really comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re serious about becoming conversational and comfortable speaking, Promova might be your better match. If you value variety, convenience, and official recognition, Duolingo is tough to beat.
Leave a Reply