The Duolingo app has been known for its constant updates to adapt to the needs of its users.

This idea led to the creation of Duolingo Max, a new premium package that enhances English and other language lessons using artificial intelligence.

Our experts took on the task of evaluating what this new offering consists of, how it works, its advantages, disadvantages, and prices. Let's get started!

logo of duolingo max

What is Duolingo Max?

Currently, there are three ways to learn English with Duolingo: free lessons with ads, a basic subscription called Super Duolingo, and now a premium package called Duolingo Max.

This plan includes the same features as Super Duolingo, i.e., lessons with unlimited lives and no ads. However, it now includes the use of artificial intelligence powered by OpenIA's GPT-4 text model.

In this way, Duolingo aims to personalize its service and offer much faster responses tailored to your goals, while adding some conversation topics.

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Duolingo Max: key features

When you sign up for the plan, you'll get access to three new features for practicing English:

  • Explain my answer
  • Roleplay
  • Video call with Lilly

All of these tools are powered by artificial intelligence. According to their developers, they are designed to give students a more realistic experience.

📌 However, accessing this new service means that you have to pay a more expensive subscription compared to Super Duolingo, which may be inconvenient for many users.

Differences between Duolingo Plus and the Free Plan

✅ Duolingo Plus is now known as Super Duolingo, and the subscription continues to offer unlimited lessons, no ads, and personalized reviews through the Practice Center.

❌None of these features are available in the free version, but they are available in Duolingo Max.

☝️Although the service and classes are the same with this subscription, you get the added bonus of learning English with AI.

Difference between Duolingo plus and Duolingo Max

Duolingo Max prices

Now that you understand what Duolingo Max is, it's important to know how much it costs. The service has a variable cost depending on the region and is subject to change.

On average, the available plans have the following costs:

  • Monthly individual plan: $29.99 per month.
  • Annual individual plan: $168 per year.
  • Family plan: $240 per year.

💵The only way to check prices in your region is to contact Duolingo customer service or directly from their app.

Exclusive features of Duolingo Max

Let's take a look at each of the features of Duolingo Max and how you can learn English with artificial intelligence.

interface of duolingo Max

Explain My Answer (explanation with AI)

When learning English, there are times when we know that a sentence is correct or incorrect, but we don't know exactly why. That's where you can use the option to expand your answers.

  • The AI will identify whether the sentence you wrote in English is correct.
  • It will give you a grammatical explanation of its meaning or what mistakes you made.
  • It will provide tips to make your sentence sound much more fluent and natural.

❌However, this option is only available for certain exercises during the app's lessons.

Roleplay (conversations with AI)

The second AI-powered tool is Roleplay, which is integrated into the side quest section of the app.

  • You can start conversations with some of the characters from the Duolingo world.
  • The conversations will be related to real, everyday situations such as ordering coffee at a café, shopping at a supermarket, etc.

❌Although the responses are generated by artificial intelligence, Duolingo Max does not yet allow users to modify the conversation topics to suit their preferences.

Other premium features

  • The third tool available for some languages, including English, is Video Calls with Lilly.
  • This option works similarly to Roleplay, but in this case, priority is given to pronunciation practice rather than just writing and reading comprehension.
  • During conversations with Lilly, you will receive recommendations on how to correct your grammatical or pronunciation errors.

Don't limit yourself with access to exercises, Papora has it all

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Is Duolingo Max worth it?

It's easy to see that Duolingo Max is a significant improvement over the free version and Super Duolingo. However, this doesn't eliminate some of the app's problems.

❌ Its lessons are still focused on teaching simple topics such as the use of was/were, but they do not delve deeper into the language.

❌ Although the inclusion of AI allows for more extensive conversations, the topics for practice are limited.

❌ It should also be noted that the price is high for an app service, considering that they do not offer classes with real teachers to hear the language in a more authentic way.

Super Duolingo vs Duolingo Max 

It is also worth evaluating which of the two premium subscriptions is best suited to you based on your goals:

Feature Super Duolingo Duolingo Max
Price Starting at $12.99 per month Starting at $29.99 per month
Advertising No No
Unlimited lives Yes Yes
Practice center Yes Yes
Use of AI No Yes
Explain my answer No Yes
Roleplay No Yes
Video call with Lilly No Yes

Advantages and disadvantages of studying with Duolingo Max

Before you subscribe to Duolingo Max, it is important to consider the benefits and disadvantages it offers:

Advantages Disadvantages
Lessons without interruptions: The app will be available 24/7 without advertising
AI errors: Language models continue to have flaws that can lead to erroneous lessons
Instant corrections: Its AI will offer you tips and corrections to improve your grammar
Ease of use: His lessons, designed as games, are easy to understand and remember.
Lack of human contact: There are no classes with real teachers to guide you through the process
No customization: The topics of conversation with AI are still limited and cannot be customized to your preferences
📌 Although the plan offers some interesting advantages, its service does not compare to more comprehensive alternatives such as Papora.

The best option: Papora

We are talking about an online platform designed by native speakers, offering unlimited classes per month with native-level teachers, where the service is as personalized as possible and with flexible schedules that adapt to your needs.

  • You speak from day one in live classes and perfect your accent.
  • The examples are based on real life and everyday situations, according to your knowledge.
  • You have access to a self-guided course with over 500 lessons up to C1.
  • You can certify your English level, starting from A1.

Authentic personalization, not confined by algorithms

While Duolingo Max gives you predefined conversations, Papora connects you with native teachers who tailor each class to your needs.

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Frequently asked questions about Duolingo Max

What is the difference between Super Duolingo and Duolingo Max?

The difference between the two plans is the inclusion of some AI-powered tools in Duolingo Max. This also means that the price of this plan is higher than Super Duolingo.

Is learning English with Duolingo Max effective?

The Duolingo Max service works well as a supplement to help you practice your writing, reading, and pronunciation. However, for the price, you can find much more comprehensive alternatives for learning English with native human voices, not AI like in Papora.