Duolingo Max review

What Duolingo Max is

Duolingo is the world’s most popular language-learning app, built on short, gamified lessons, streaks and leaderboards. Duolingo Max is its top subscription tier. It launched as one of the first consumer products built on OpenAI’s GPT-4, adding AI features on top of Super Duolingo: Explain My Answer (why your answer was right or wrong), Roleplay (practice conversations in realistic scenarios) and later Video Call with Lily, a spoken conversation with one of Duolingo’s characters.

In 2026, things changed. According to Class Central’s report on Duolingo’s Q2 2026 earnings call, the cost of a Video Call dropped from about 30 cents to under a cent after Duolingo switched to open-source models, so the company moved Video Call into the cheaper Super plan. CEO Luis von Ahn said openly that he didn’t yet know what Max would be for, listing options from limiting calls on Super to adding new Max features or sunsetting Max.

Key features

Video Call with Lily

Real-time speaking practice that adapts to your level. Now included in Super for most new subscribers, with plans to extend it to existing ones.

Roleplay

Practice conversations, such as ordering at a café or planning a trip, and get feedback afterward.

Explain My Answer

A short explanation of the grammar or vocabulary behind a correction, so you learn from mistakes instead of just repeating them.

Core Duolingo experience

Lessons in dozens of languages, streaks, leagues and practice reviews. Paid plans remove ads and give unlimited Energy.

Pricing breakdown

Duolingo doesn’t list prices on its website; they vary by country, app store and promotions. The figures below are what Class Central observed in a US account during 2026 and are a guide only.

Plan	What it includes	Observed price
Free	Core lessons with ads and Energy limits	$0
Lite (testing)	Ads, double Energy that refills faster	$35.99/yr
Super / Individual	No ads, unlimited Energy, Video Call for most new subscribers	$119.99/yr
Super Family	Up to 6 accounts	$119.99/yr
Max	Super plus AI features; not offered in Class Central’s test account	Varies

Best use cases

• Speaking confidence: a traveler uses Video Call for five minutes a day before a trip to Spain.
• Habit building: a busy parent keeps a daily streak with 10-minute lessons.
• Understanding errors: a learner reviews explanations for repeated grammar mistakes.

How to get started

1. Download Duolingo free and take the placement test.
2. Set a realistic daily goal (5–15 minutes).
3. Open the upgrade screen to see which plans and prices your account is offered.
4. Check whether Super already includes Video Call before considering Max.
5. Use a free trial if offered, and set a reminder before it renews.

Tips and tricks

• Speak out loud during lessons, even when not required.
• Use Video Call after lessons to apply new vocabulary.
• Pair Duolingo with input like podcasts or TV in your target language.
• Compare platform prices; app-store pricing can differ from web.

Pros and cons

👍 Pros

• AI speaking practice inside a habit-forming app
• Free core app with dozens of languages
• Feedback that explains why an answer is wrong
• Short, game-like lessons suit busy schedules

👎 Cons

• Max's future is uncertain and its key feature has moved to Super
• Plan names and prices vary by platform and account
• Less depth than a human tutor for advanced learners
• Prices aren't published on Duolingo's website

Who should (and shouldn't) use Duolingo Max

✅ A good fit if you…

• Want a low-pressure daily routine for a new language
• Need speaking practice but feel shy talking to people
• Already use Duolingo and want fewer interruptions

⛔ Look elsewhere if you…

• Need structured speaking practice with detailed pronunciation coaching (consider Speak)
• Are preparing for a formal exam on a deadline
• Want to pay for Max specifically without confirming what it adds over Super

Duolingo Max alternatives

• Speak — Learn to speak a new language through AI conversation practice and real-time feedback. (from Varies by plan and region (see in app))
• Quizlet — Flashcards, practice tests, Learn mode and AI study guides for students and teachers. (from See quizlet.com/upgrade (price not confirmed))
• Khanmigo — Khan Academy's AI tutor for learners and free AI teaching assistant for teachers, with tools for families and districts. (from $4/mo or $44/yr (learners and families))
• ChatGPT — OpenAI's AI assistant for chat, research, writing, coding, images, voice and agentic work. (from $8/mo (Go); Plus $20; Pro $100–$500)

FAQ

Is Duolingo Max still available?

It depends on your account. In 2026 Class Central reported that Max wasn't offered in its test account, and Duolingo's CEO said the company may restructure or sunset Max.

What's the difference between Duolingo Super and Max?

Max was the only plan with Video Call, plus Roleplay. In 2026 Duolingo moved Video Call into Super for most new subscribers and said it expected to extend it to existing Super subscribers.

How much does Duolingo cost?

Duolingo doesn't publish prices on its website, and prices vary by region, platform and promotions. In one 2026 US test, Class Central saw Super/Individual and Family at $119.99 per year and Lite at $35.99 per year.

Is Duolingo free?

Yes. The core app is free with ads. Paid plans remove ads, add unlimited Energy and include AI features depending on the tier.

What is Video Call with Lily?

It's Duolingo's AI conversation practice, where you talk with the character Lily. Duolingo said its cost fell from about 30 cents to under a cent per call after switching to open-source models.

Sources

This is an editorial review based on research of official Duolingo Max pages and documentation, not hands-on benchmark testing. Prices are in USD and were checked on October 16, 2026; vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official pricing page before buying.

1. Duolingo Help Center: What is Duolingo Max?
2. Class Central: Duolingo Q2 2026 report (plan changes, Video Call, Max's future)