Memrise and Duolingo are two of the world’s most popular language-learning websites. They are both straightforward, engaging, and efficient. Similarly, their prices are extremely close.
Which platform, Memrise or Duolingo, should you choose? Obviously, everything depends on your tastes and learning style. However, one of these platforms is marginally superior to the other. Which is correct? Let’s find out!
Memrise vs Duolingo 2024
Memrise vs Duolingo: Which Platform Wins?
In this Memrise vs Duolingo comparison, we will examine each platform’s most prominent features and structure.
After all, each educational app is designed with a particular student in mind. Memrise is perfect for visual learners and vocabulary-expanding individuals.
In addition, Duolingo is well-known for its game-like elements and iconic design. Take a look at Duo the owl if you don’t understand what we’re talking about. Duolingo and Memrise have numerous distinctions, despite their superficial similarities.
Let’s begin by examining their rates and subscription plans.
Pricing and Plans
Duo the owl is not the only factor that contributed to Duolingo’s success. Duolingo, unlike many other platforms, offers a free plan. You need only register to begin learning. But what about Super Duolingo? It is an advertisement-free version that will enhance your user experience.
You’ll have unlimited Hearts (though you can lose Hearts if you answer incorrectly too often) and unlimited attempts to pass the test (you can complete a skill test to jump to the next level.)
A monthly subscription to Duolingo Plus costs $7. That’s not much, and you’ll receive greater flexibility. Similar circumstances apply to Memrise.
Memrise also offers a free plan, but it is somewhat limited. You can upgrade to Memrise Pro and select the most suitable plan.
You may select from:
- Monthly subscription price of $8.49
- At the time of writing, annual subscriptions are available for $29.99 per month with a 50% discount.
- Lifetime membership for $129.99
When you purchase one of these plans, you will have access to all courses, languages, and features. But what exactly will you receive with a Memrise subscription?
Structure and Features
Memrise is an app that uses flashcards to teach you a new language in a simple and effective manner. However, is the platform as effective as it claims to be?
In comparison to many other flashcard applications, Memrise’s structure and functionality are superior. It involves more than just visual help; it is more immersive.
With Memrise, you will view video clips with native speakers. They are quite brief and simple, but they will make you feel as though you are actually in the nation whose language you are studying.
Additionally, these video snippets and graphic representations will expedite your language acquisition.
It is difficult to memorise words if you simply see their translations on the screen. However, if you associate the term with an action, you will immediately gain a greater comprehension of its meaning.
Some languages also have an emphasis on pronunciation. After learning at least three words in this course, the pronunciation mode becomes accessible.
Additionally, Memrise employs a spaced repetition approach. It is a common memory practise that typically involves flashcards.
The strategy involves recalling material at predetermined periods. Thus, the knowledge will be transferred to long-term memory.
Additionally, Memrise uses adaptive technology to customise your lessons. In other words, the app will supply you with content that is tailored to your skill level and learning preferences.
For instance, if you are struggling with a concept, Memrise will compel you to review it until you master it.
Additionally, Memrise offers user-generated material. In reality, Memrise used to provide community-created courses, but it appears that they have been deleted from the “Search” function of the Memrise mobile app.
The courses have not been removed or deleted, but Memrise currently focuses solely on official courses developed by its staff of linguists, translators, and language researchers. Nonetheless, there is an abundance of knowledge devoted to specific themes and abilities.
On the other side, Duolingo is fairly straightforward. It will offer brief, sequential lessons. And you gain a level whenever you accumulate a particular number of experience points.
Each session lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. There are also fill-in-the-blank exercises, matching exercises, listening exercises, etc.
In numerous ways, using Duolingo is comparable to playing a game. You will receive badges, XP, Hearts, etc. In addition, the application is rich in animations, visuals, and visual assistance.
And Duo the owl will maintain your enthusiasm. On the other hand, Duolingo’s crowdsourced translation mechanism raises certain problems.
Apparently, as you’re completing their fill-in-the-blank exercises, you’re submitting translations, which they then sell in partnership with other businesses.
According to online sources, Duolingo outsourced its translation services for years, which explains why there are so many incorrect sentences. In spite of these disadvantages, Duolingo has expanded and improved throughout time.
Duolingo has a number of sections at the moment. The Duolingo podcast, the Duolingo blog, and the Duolingo Stories can be found on the Duolingo website. Connect with other students by attending live events.
Community is certainly one of Duolingo’s assets. There are devoted users and an active online community on the platform. And you can always rely on Duolingo’s social media commentary on current events.
Duolingo appears to have a reputation for being a simple, gamified application. And that’s very true, but the platform also expanded over the years and now it offers versatile, engaging content that will enrich your learning experience. But what happens after completion of Duolingo?
How much will you actually know?
Levels and topics
Let’s be clear: Duolingo will not lead to fluency.
However, you will not become fluent using Memrise or any other language software. Apps and online courses can be excellent learning resources, but you must also put in extra effort.
You must engage in frequent practise, converse with native speakers (if possible), and immerse oneself in the language by watching films, reading books, etc.
In other words, language learning programmes such as Duolingo and Memrise will assist you through the learning process and give you with helpful tools, but you cannot expect to achieve proficiency levels overnight.
Regarding different levels, Duolingo is truly based on level completion. It has a very logical and transparent curriculum (if you can call it a curriculum.) In any case, complexity and sophistication increase over time. Just not too sophisticated.
Duolingo implemented Crown Levels at some point. Crown Levels provide more difficult exercises at greater levels.
Therefore, each skill now begins at the introductory level (level 0), and the following row of skills is unlocked when all the lessons have been completed. And upon completing a level, you receive a crown.
Nonetheless, the purpose of the leveling-up system is to allow students to view increasingly difficult material without forcing them to do so.
Memrise, on the other hand, will provide you the option to select a starting point. And on Memrise, course levels are simply a collection of courses subjects.
The Memrise app covers thousands of words, and you are expected to be an independent speaker upon completion of the course. But we don’t think that’s entirely true.
Yes, Memrise will teach you a great deal of vocabulary. You will also learn how to pronounce them and ideas of basic grammar. However, you will not develop great conversational abilities.
On the other hand, you will acquire valuable terminology for travel and everyday scenarios.
Duolingo attempts to accomplish the same, but is not always successful. Occasionally, Duolingo may present you with words and phrases that you will likely never use in real life. This is described by Duolingo as an eccentric sense of humour and enjoyable learning.
So, contrary to popular belief, it appears that Duolingo does this on purpose. Certainly, strange sentences can be quite memorable.
Learning such sentences can be discouraging in either case. We believe it is preferable to focus on context and actual dialogues.
What about design?
Memrise is enjoyable to use if you care about how a particular app appears. The Memrise app is attractive. It is organized, visually appealing, and captivating. And short video clips featuring locals are a wonderful addition.
Duolingo is no less engaging. In comparison to other language platforms, the app’s design (and Duo the owl) have become recognizable.
However, the Duolingo app will also provide clarity. Even though it is vibrant and animated, it is simple enough to keep you focused on what really matters.
Benefits
Did you know that Duolingo is the world’s most downloaded educational app? It is simply because it is free. However, this is likely only one of the primary reasons.
Nevertheless, Duolingo is an excellent learning resource because to its simplicity. Every day, you will acquire new knowledge and make progress without feeling stressed or overwhelmed. And you may learn on the go, for instance when commuting or travelling.
Additionally, Duolingo teaches 19 languages today. There are also some invented languages. Duolingo is for you if you wish to study Klingon or High Valyrian.
However, you should also give it a shot if you are a motivated learner. Due to the game-like nature of Duolingo, you will feel motivated and eager to learn more.
Certainly, their reward system will keep you motivated. You can also set weekly objectives. You will feel more productive and accomplished as a result.
Duolingo will provide you with structure and motivation overall. But Memrise also has numerous benefits. Possibly more than Duolingo.
Initially, it is incredibly useful for memorising vocabulary. It employs a spaced repetition system and study aids.
But Memrise is also superior to Duolingo in its use of natural language. You will learn how to communicate effectively. And the application will prepare you for real-world circumstances. It will also teach you fundamental grammar.
With Memrise, you can browse lessons and focus on the desired skill or topic. Memrise contains user-generated courses, unlike Duolingo. It doesn’t work that way anymore, but you can still access the courses.
Moreover, you can tailor the duration of your lessons to your schedule. Thus, you can maintain consistency. And if you want to learn a new language, consistency is the key.
You’ll learn languages faster and more effectively with the app’s adaptive technology. And what do user reviews say?
What Do Users Say?
In general, people appreciate using Duolingo. They find it practical, entertaining, and simple to use. However, some people complained about inaccurate translations and awkward wording.
And individuals expressed similar complaints regarding Memrise. Some Trustpilot evaluations emphasise the website’s poor translations and issues.
Additionally, some customers grumbled about their customer service. Other than that, users are pleased with Memrise. They appreciate that it is free to use and that there is a wealth of content.
It is evident that neither Duolingo nor Memrise is flawless. However, if you have realistic expectations, either platform can be a useful language-learning resource.
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Final Verdict: Memrise vs Duolingo 2024
So, between Memrise vs Duolingo, which platform is superior? This time, we must give an advantage to Memrise.
Memrise is more comprehensive and flexible than Duolingo. The app’s video snippets make it more engaging, and lessons may be tailored to your preferences.
Additionally, user-generated courses on Memrise allow you to focus on your own interests and objectives. There are numerous quality lessons available.
Duolingo is a nice app for casual language learners who require motivation and a sequential learning procedure. Memrise will also assist you in incorporating language learning into your daily routine.
However, Memrise is most effective when used as a supplement to other learning methods. You will learn a great deal, but you will not actively practise conversational skills.
And feeling at ease when communicating with others should be one of the objectives, right? Memrise is not merely a flashcard application. However, it is not the finest alternative available. However, it will definitely help you achieve fluency if used alongside another language program!
