We know you're looking for an app with the best study plan for learning English from home. Busuu and Duolingo are two interesting options to consider, but do they really work?
You can also find an alternative called Papora, which we'll discuss in this article.
Both apps offer similar services and were created to promote the teaching of languages such as German, French, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, and, of course, English. Before choosing one of them, or ruling them out completely, you need to know their most relevant features.
Comparison table between Busuu, Duolingo, and Papora
| School | Method | Levels | Costs |
| Busuu | Short lessons focused on everyday topics | Over 80 lessons to practice | Premium Plan at $13.95 USD/month | Duolingo | Focused on teaching vocabulary using repetition | Over 150 sections to practice | Premium package for $12.99 USD/month |
| Papora | Focused on teaching all areas of the language in a dynamic way | 5 levels leading to C1 | from $13.00 USD per month |
Discover the best alternative to Busuu and Duolingo for learning
Papora offers fun and dynamic classes that you can take as often as you like. Study at your own pace and on your own schedule.
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Detailed comparison between both courses
The best courses combine engaging lessons with flexible schedules, letting you learn at your own pace without pressure. They provide practical, useful content while still covering essential grammar.
A quality course also offers certification to validate your English level—all at an affordable price.
Busuu:
Officially launched in 2008, the Busuu app is available for Android and iOS, and the course can also be accessed via the website. It currently offers courses in 13 languages and has users all over the world.
- The program includes 80 English lessons centered on everyday situations.
- It claims to provide teacher-led classes, 24/7 support, and a personalized learning plan. But does it really deliver?
Teaching Methods for English
Its methodology is based on offering short lessons, designed by its group of experts to promote the development of all language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
Each lesson covers everyday topics, with activities to help you memorize grammatical structures. In this sense, the app uses artificial intelligence to determine, based on your goals and progress, which topics you should study and when.
Prices and plans
Firstly, the content offered by Busuu is free. Just download and install the app to access some lessons aimed at learning basic English. However, to access the best content, the course recommends upgrading your plan.
- The Premium Plan: $13.95 USD per month, which allows you to receive classes and advice from native teachers. In addition, this plan includes the use of artificial intelligence.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Accessibility: All you need is your phone or tablet to learn from anywhere. |
Basic content: Several lessons are too simple and focused only on beginners. |
| Classes with teachers: Your paid plan includes access to guided classes to accelerate your progress. |
Lack of grammar: It does not offer clear explanations on important grammatical issues. |
Duolingo:
Now, let’s take a look at what Duolingo offers. Launched in 2011, this app has grown to become one of the most popular language-learning tools, though it hasn’t always received glowing reviews. It currently supports 41 languages.
The content is organized into lessons with 10 to 15 simple exercises, designed to be completed quickly. Each lesson covers common themes such as travel, education, family, sports, and more, helping users learn vocabulary in context.
Teaching Methods for English
Its teaching methodology is based on a very simple principle: repetition. Duolingo levels tend to repeat vocabulary through numerous activities that ensure you will remember new words.
This is a proven method that works, but it does not always apply to more complex grammatical structures. The most interesting thing about the app is that it promises you will be able to learn English with lessons of only 10 minutes a day.
Prices and plans
You can download the Duolingo app completely free and learn about basic topics such as the tenses of the verb “to be,” numbers in English, the English alphabet, etc. However, the free version has limitations in terms of content access and the number of lives, and you will have to watch advertisements.
- Your Premium Plan (Super Duolingo): $12.99 USD and gives you unlimited “lives” so you can view each lesson without fear of making mistakes.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Vocabulary expansion: Ideal for learning lots of words thanks to its repetition method |
Superficial content: Does not delve into complex English grammatical structures |
| Offline access: With Super Duolingo, you can study without an internet connection |
Artificial audio: All audio is computer-generated, which makes it difficult to become familiar with the actual sound of the language |
| Language diversity: If you would like to learn more than English |
Annoying notifications: Many users complain about constant notifications on their cell phones and email |
Papora is the comprehensive platform recommended by experts.
Beyond basic apps, Papora gives you what you need: certified native-level teachers, unlimited classes, and over 500 structured lessons.
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What do users think of Busuu, Duolingo, and Papora?
Let's now take a look at what users think of the apps to find out how both courses really work. We'll start with Busuu, noting that although it has very good content, the user experience could be improved.
“Busuu is the best app I know: it has feedback and the option to review difficult words, plus you get to meet people. The only problem is that to improve the experience and as students, it's very complicated.”
There are also users who claim that their method is very simple and does not really help you improve your English pronunciation.
“It's a good method for learning isolated phrases and automatic responses, but it's not a good method for truly learning English. In fact, I'm enrolled for this year, 2022, because I couldn't cancel my registration; it was impossible for me. Please, I want to know how to do it so I don't have to pay the registration fee for 2023.”
Duolingo, on the other hand, has mixed reviews. Some users consider its system to be efficient for learning new words.
“Duolingo is excellent, and the competitive dynamics and streaks to keep you motivated make this platform unique. It also has discussion areas where you can get lots of tips to improve the language you are studying.”
However, many users point out that the updates do not always improve their learning experience or deliver effective results.
“The new version is boring, you earn fewer points, you have to pass no less than eight level exams, and it doesn't let you advance. It's sad that after a 330-day streak, you've taken away my excitement. I think it's to force us to upgrade to the paid version.”
There are other alternatives, such as Papora, which allow you to study English in a flexible, dynamic, and entertaining way, ensuring that you learn everything you need to learn.
“I was never able to learn English with other programs. I tried Papora once more and I'm really learning in a very progressive way.”
Conclusion
We have already seen the main features of Busuu and Duolingo, as well as user reviews. The first option is based on offering a personalized study plan, while the second uses repetition as a method to increase your English vocabulary.
✅ If you want to supplement your learning, Duolingo could be a great help.
✅ If your goal is to learn more about grammar, Busuu is superior in this area.
❌ The problem is that neither option will help you reach the advanced level you want in the language.
Hey! We've saved the best option for last: Papora
Not convinced by any of the above options? We know how important it is to learn English in today's hyperconnected society. That's why we want to recommend an online course with unique content created by native-level teachers.
Papora is the perfect platform for learning English from scratch or practicing until you reach an advanced level.
✅ All areas of the language are covered by native-level teachers
✅ You speak from day one with unlimited live classes
✅ You get access to a course with over 500 lessons from A1 to C1
✅ You certify each level to improve your professional profile
✅ Dynamic and interactive methodology so you never lose motivation
From beginner to C1 level without repetitive lessons
Papora guides you from beginner to C1 level while keeping learning enjoyable—more than just repetition, it’s real progress.
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Frequently asked questions about Busuu and Duolingo
There are many strategies for learning English today. Your priority should be to learn new words and grammatical structures that you can use in your everyday environment. You can learn a lot by watching movies, listening to music, and taking courses such as Papora so that you can have fun while you study.
Enrolling in a face-to-face course allows you to connect with teachers and classmates to speak English. However, the virtual option gives you much more freedom in choosing your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace and without pressure, as well as being more economical.
