Learning a new language is a valuable skill for travel, business, and personal growth. Whether you’re a tourist embarking on a cruise, a long-term resident, or a snowbird seeking a change of scenery, the ability to communicate in another language opens up new doors and opportunities.
With so many language learning platforms available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. Two of the most popular options are Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, both of which have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two platforms and help you decide which one is right for your language learning journey.
Duolingo v Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced learner, Duolingo and Rosetta Stone have something to offer. Duolingo is a free, gamified language learning platform that’s easy to use and accessible on a variety of devices.
Rosetta Stone, on the other hand, is a more traditional language learning platform that’s designed to immerse you in the language you’re trying to learn.
Both Duolingo and Rosetta Stone have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your own learning style and goals when deciding between the two. If you are looking to learn enough to get by for a short trip – Duolingo is probably going to be just fine but if you want to get truly conversational Rosetta Stone is going to give you more bang for your buck!
In the following sections, we’ll dive into the details of each platform, comparing their features, prices, and teaching methods.
Looking for more Duolingo alternatives? Check out our Top 7 Duolingo Alternatives for 2023!
Duolingo: A Gamified Approach to Language Learning
Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning platforms in the world boasting over 50 million active users, and for good reason. Launched in 2011, Duolingo has evolved over the years to become one of the most accessible and user-friendly language learning platforms available. With a gamified approach to language learning, Duolingo makes learning a new language fun and engaging.
One of the standout features of Duolingo is its wide range of supported languages. Whether you’re moving down here to Mexico and interested in learning Spanish, French, German, or any of the other dozens of languages available on the platform, Duolingo has you covered. With both web and mobile platforms available, Duolingo is accessible no matter where you are or what device you have on hand.
Another key feature of Duolingo is its gamified approach to language learning. Instead of boring lessons and repetitive drills, Duolingo presents language learning as a series of fun and engaging challenges.
*Gamified: apply typical elements of playing a game
You’ll earn points, compete with friends, and receive instant feedback as you progress through the lessons. This makes learning a new language feel less like work and more like play.
Duolingo is free to use, but there are some additional costs associated with the platform. For example, some languages require a paid subscription to access all of the lessons and features.
Additionally, you can purchase Duolingo Super, which removes ads and provides additional features, such as unlimited skill testing and offline access.
But, despite its low cost, Duolingo has helped countless people to learn a new language. Whether you’re a busy college student looking to study abroad, or a retiree looking to keep your mind sharp, Duolingo has something to offer.
Why we like Duolingo
- Duolingo offers a gamified approach to language learning, making it fun and engaging
- Duolingo supports a wide range of languages, and is accessible through both web and mobile platforms
- Duolingo is free to use, with some additional costs for certain languages and features
- Despite its low cost, Duolingo has helped countless people to learn a new language, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to learn a new language
Price: Duolingo offers a free plan but you can remove ads and get unlimited use if you opt for the super plan at $7/mo.
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Our Pick for Best Pick For an Online Course: Synergy Spanish
In our opinion, this is a fantastic program for those who are interested in learning how to speak Spanish, not fluently, but pretty darn well at the beginner level. This course has a lot of great things going for it and we think you’ll have a fantastic experience using Synergy Spanish – it does what it says it’s going to do.
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Rosetta Stone Overview
Rosetta Stone is a well-established name in the world of language learning, with a rich history that spans over 30 years. The company was founded in 1992 with the goal of revolutionizing language education, and it has been a leading provider of language learning software ever since.
One of the key features of Rosetta Stone is its immersive approach to language learning. Unlike other platforms that focus on grammar and vocabulary, Rosetta Stone is designed to help learners develop real-life conversational skills by placing them in simulated scenarios. With a focus on listening and speaking, Rosetta Stone helps learners build confidence and fluency in their new language.
Another key feature of Rosetta Stone is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. Whether you are a desktop learner or on the go with a mobile device, Rosetta Stone is accessible wherever you are. This makes it easy to fit language learning into your schedule.
The pricing model for Rosetta Stone is similar to many other language learning platforms, with a monthly or yearly subscription that gives you access to all of the features and lessons. The most popular option is to buy the lifetime subscription for $299.
Despite its relatively high cost, Rosetta Stone has been highly effective for many people in helping them to learn a new language. From students and professionals looking to expand their career opportunities, to families and retirees looking to travel or simply enjoy a new culture, Rosetta Stone has been a valuable resource for many language learners.
Why we like Rosetta Stone
- Immersive approach to language learning
- Focus on real-life conversational skills
- Compatible with desktop and mobile devices
- Monthly or yearly subscription with access to all features and lessons
- Additional costs may include purchasing a headset
- Highly effective for many people in helping them learn a new language
- Suitable for students, professionals, families, and retirees looking to expand their language skills.
Price: Free Trial | 3 months Subscription @ $12/mo or 12 months @ $8/mo.
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Our #1 Overall Alternative to Rosetta Stone: Rocket Languages
Rocket Languages is a great choice for those who want an easy and effective way to learn and become fluent. With high-quality audio lessons, interactive exercises, and cultural content, it’s designed to help you learn Spanish in a fun and engaging way.
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Duolingo or Rosetta Stone – Side by Side
Here’s a quick comparison. In our opinion, for most of our readers looking at a quick way to learn a few key words Duolingo will be sufficient but if you want a higher grasp on the language you want to go with Rosetta Stone or our #1 Language learning course: Rocket Language
Duolingo v Rosetta Stone – Key Differences
| Duolingo | Rosetta Stone |
|---|---|
| Gamified approach to language learning | Immersive approach to language learning |
| Wide range of supported languages | Focus on conversational skills |
| Accessible through web and mobile platforms | Compatibility with desktop and mobile devices |
| FREE version is ad supported – $7/mo Premium | Free trial – Starting at $8/mo |
Duolingo Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun and engaging | Limited emphasis on conversation and pronunciation |
| Wide range of languages available | Some users find the gamified approach to be repetitive |
| Free version offers enough content for basic learners | Free version is ad-supported |
Rosetta Stone Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immersive learning experience | Can be expensive depending on budget |
| Strong emphasis on conversation and pronunciation | Limited use of real-life scenarios and context |
| Wide range of languages available | Some users find it to be less engaging than other platforms |
Our #1 Language Course ????
That being said looking at Duolingo v Rosetta Stone….. both have their strengths and weaknesses and it’s worth taking some time to explore each platform before making a decision. Ultimately, the best language learning platform for you will depend on your learning style, budget, and goals.
Duolingo v Rosetta Stone: A Cost Comparison
When it comes to choosing the right language learning platform, cost is often a key factor. So, let’s compare the costs of Duolingo and Rosetta Stone to help you make an informed decision.
Duolingo offers a free version of their platform, which is a great option for those who are just starting out with learning a new language. If you want to upgrade your experience and get rid of the ads, Duolingo also offers a paid subscription plan called Super Duolingo.
This plan costs $84 per year, or $7 per month, and removes ads, includes unlimited hearts, unlimited test out attempts, and adds personalized lessons to review your mistakes, among other things.
Rosetta Stone, on the other hand, offers 3 different subscription plans: a 3-month plan, a 12-month plan, and a lifetime plan. The 3-month subscription costs approximately $36 (or $12 per month), the 12-month subscription costs around $96 (or $8 per month), and the lifetime subscription costs around $299, though it can often be found on sale.
If you opt for the lifetime subscription, you’ll have access to ALL languages, not just Spanish.
When it comes to cost, you’re looking at around $7 to $12 per month for Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Whether you opt for the free version of Duolingo or go for the lifetime subscription with Rosetta Stone, both options are cost-effective and provide great value for your money.
The Final Verdict: Do you recommend Duolingo or Rosetta Stone?
Sooo…. Duolingo v Rosetta Stone – who wins?
Duolingo and Rosetta Stone are both great resources for language learning. Duolingo is perfect for beginners who just want to learn the basics and get a feel for the language, while Rosetta Stone is better suited for those who are looking to gain a deeper understanding and functional application of the language.
With Duolingo, you get a fun and interactive experience, with a wide range of languages to choose from, all for free.
On the other hand, Rosetta Stone provides a more structured and comprehensive approach to language learning, with a wide range of language options, interactive speech recognition technology, and personalized feedback, all at a reasonable price.
Ultimately, the choice between Duolingo and Rosetta Stone comes down to personal preference, goals, and learning style. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned language learner, either platform is a great place to start your language learning journey but still not the best in our opinion….
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FAQs Duolingo or Rosetta Stone…
Duolingo is a gamified language-learning platform that offers courses in over 35 languages, while Rosetta Stone is a more traditional language-learning platform that uses immersive language immersion to teach new languages.
Yes. Duolingo offers a free version of their platform, as well as a paid version with additional features.
Yes, Rosetta Stone offers a free trial for their platform.
Many users have reported success in learning a new language with Duolingo. However, the effectiveness may vary for each individual and most will not become fluent or even conversational. That is why we recommend a program like Rocket Language!
Yes, Rosetta Stone offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android.
While Duolingo can help with the basics, becoming fluent in a language requires more in-depth study and practice. Duolingo can be a helpful tool in your language-learning journey but should not be relied upon solely.
Yes, Rosetta Stone offers courses in over 30 languages.
Yes, you can use Duolingo on your desktop computer by accessing the website.
Yes, Rosetta Stone offers a money-back guarantee on all their courses.
Duolingo offers a free version of their platform, as well as a paid version starting at $6.99/month. Rosetta Stone starts at $11.99/month for a 3-month subscription.
Ready to Put Your Spanish to Use? Let’s find your perfect home in Mazatlan!
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