Duolingo vs Busuu: which is better in 2026
Short answer: pick Duolingo for a free daily habit, with short game-like lessons that cover speaking, reading, listening and writing in more than 40 languages, plus chess, math and music, in an app with a Ukrainian interface. Pick Busuu for a more structured course: lessons built by language experts in 14 languages, feedback from a community of native speakers, a personal Study Plan, Smart Review for grammar and vocabulary, and certificates. Busuu’s App Store listing is not in Ukrainian.
How we compare: what each maker says about its app in its own UA App Store description, lesson style, languages, speaking practice, review and the interface language. Then the current place of both in the Censuus ranking.
| Duolingo | Busuu | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | a fun daily habit | a structured course with feedback |
| Lessons | short, game-like, with characters | bite-sized lessons by language experts |
| Languages | more than 40, plus chess, math and music | 14 complete courses |
| Practice | speaking inside lessons | feedback from native speakers, video flashcards |
| Planning and review | daily streaks | Study Plan, Smart Review, certificates |
| Ukrainian interface | yes | no |
How you learn
Duolingo uses short, game-like lessons with characters to build speaking, reading, listening and writing, so a few minutes a day add up. Busuu builds step-by-step courses with bite-sized lessons designed by language experts, plenty of practice, regular progress tests and cultural tips.
Real people and speaking
Busuu connects you with a community of native speakers who give feedback and tips on your exercises, and you can help other learners in return, with video flashcards featuring real people. Duolingo includes speaking practice inside its lessons to prepare you for real conversations.
Planning, review and extras
Busuu builds a personal Study Plan from when and how long you want to study and sends reminders, keeps grammar and vocabulary in Smart Review, issues Busuu language certificates and adds specialised courses such as pronunciation or travel phrases. Duolingo teaches more than 40 languages and adds chess, math and music courses in the same app.
Verdict
Pick Duolingo for a free, playful daily habit and a Ukrainian interface. Pick Busuu for structured courses, native speaker feedback, a study plan and certificates. Duolingo is also compared in Duolingo vs Babbel and Duolingo vs Memrise, and more apps are in our guide to language learning apps.
Frequently asked questions
Is Duolingo or Busuu better?
Neither outright. Duolingo is better for a fun daily habit across many languages, Busuu is better for structured courses with native speaker feedback and a study plan.
Does Busuu give certificates?
Yes. Busuu says its language certificates give you proof of your language level.
Are Duolingo and Busuu in Ukrainian?
In the UA App Store Duolingo lists a Ukrainian interface. Busuu does not.