From the past few years, Duolingo has gained quite popularity based on its features and ease of the user to learn their desired language. However, if you are new to this portal and wondering, how much is Duolingo Max is then this is the right page where you landed.
Here, the Bmwatch team has been digging in Duolingo to understand and explain everything that you need to know.
So, let’s get started.
Duolingo App
Duolingo App is an innovative technology powered by AI that emerged as a frontrunner. Duolingo has transformed how millions learn languages worldwide with its game-like approach to language education, colorful animations, and adaptive learning methods.
However, like most freemium apps, Duolingo also offers tiered subscriptions. One of its most exclusive options is Duolingo Max—but how much does it cost, and is it worth it?
What is Duolingo Max?
Duolingo Max is the newest premium subscription tier introduced by Duolingo in early 2023. What sets it apart is its integration of generative AI using OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, making language learning far more interactive and immersive.
Unlike Duolingo Super, which primarily focuses on removing limitations, Duolingo Max adds features that actively enhance your learning journey.
The prominent key features this package is
- Explain My Answer: A feature that allows users to get instant feedback on why their answers were right or wrong, using natural conversational explanations.
- Roleplay: A groundbreaking feature that lets you have interactive conversations with AI-powered characters in different scenarios, such as ordering food at a restaurant or checking into a hotel.
- All benefits of Duolingo Super, including no ads, unlimited hearts, and enhanced practice tools.
This makes Duolingo Max particularly attractive to those who want a richer, more personalized, and contextual language learning experience.
How much is Duolingo Max? The Subscription Structure
Duolingo Max is the premium version; it is essential to understand Duolingo’s overall pricing model. The platform offers three major tiers of service:
- Free Plan
- Duolingo Super (previously called Duolingo Plus)
- Duolingo Max
The Free Plan offers basic access to language courses with limitations, such as the presence of ads, limited mistakes (hearts), and lack of access to some premium features. It’s functional and great for casual learners but can feel restrictive over time.
Duolingo Super removes ads, allows unlimited hearts (so you can make unlimited mistakes), provides personalized practice, and includes progress tracking features like “Mistakes Review” and “Practice Hub.”
Then comes Duolingo Max, the highest tier in the hierarchy, designed for serious language learners who want access to cutting-edge tools powered by artificial intelligence.
Pricing of Duolingo Max
As of 2024, Duolingo Max is priced at approximately $29.99 per month if you choose a monthly subscription.
Alternatively, if you opt for an annual subscription, the price drops significantly to around $167.99 per year, which breaks down to about $13.99 per month—almost half the cost of the monthly option.
However, pricing may vary slightly depending on:
- Your region or country
- The currency you are being billed in
- Occasional promotions or offers
- Whether you’re purchasing through Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or directly via the Duolingo website
Some users have reported minor price differences depending on their platform and location. It’s always a good idea to check the latest pricing directly in the app or on Duolingo’s website.
Is There a Free Trial for Duolingo Max?
Yes, Duolingo often offers free trials for its premium tiers, including Duolingo Max. Typically, users are eligible for a 7-day or 14-day free trial, giving them a chance to explore Max’s features before committing to a paid subscription.
However, availability of the free trial may vary based on your account status, location, or if you’ve used a trial before.
If you’re new to Duolingo or haven’t subscribed to Super or Max before, you’re more likely to see the free trial option when navigating to the upgrade page.
Duolingo Max vs. Duolingo Super: What’s the Difference?
While both Super and Max remove limitations and ads, the core distinction lies in interactive AI learning.
Feature | Duolingo Super | Duolingo Max |
Ad-free Experience | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Unlimited Hearts | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Personalized Practice | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Explain My Answer | ❌ | ✔️ |
Roleplay Conversations | ❌ | ✔️ |
Price (Annual Plan) | ~$83.99/year | ~$167.99/year |
Price (Monthly Plan) | ~$12.99/month | ~$29.99/month |
Duolingo Max effectively includes everything from Super but takes things further with AI-based enhancements. If you’re looking to move beyond flashcards and passive learning, Max may be the more effective choice.
Availability of Duolingo Max: Is It Available to Everyone?
As of now, Duolingo Max is not available globally. When it was first launched, it was limited to iOS devices in the United States and a few select markets. Over time, the rollout has expanded, but it’s still somewhat restricted compared to Super.
Some current limitations include:
- Only available in select languages (like Spanish and French for English speakers)
- Primarily available on iOS (with Android and desktop support gradually rolling out)
- Regional restrictions based on Duolingo’s market strategies
If Duolingo Max isn’t showing up in your app, you may be in a region or using a device where the feature hasn’t yet launched.

Why is Duolingo Max More Expensive?
The steep price tag of Duolingo Max compared to Super or the Free plan primarily comes down to the integration of AI technology.
It features like “Explain My Answer” and “Roleplay” leverage GPT-4, which is not only costly to license but also computationally intensive.
Here’s what your subscription is helping cover:
- AI Licensing Fees: Duolingo partners with OpenAI to offer GPT-4 experiences, which costs significantly more than traditional software tools.
- Ongoing Development: Maintaining and updating AI-based features requires continuous development.
- Personalization Engines: The AI must adapt to your language level and goals, meaning it’s running unique interactions for each user.
- Support and Quality Assurance: AI experiences also require extra support infrastructure and monitoring to ensure quality and safety.
In a nutshell, you are not just paying for “more features”—you’re paying for advanced, personalized, real-time language tutoring, something that traditionally costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year through private lessons.
Is Duolingo Max Worth It?
This is the million-dollar question—or in this case, the $167.99 question. The answer largely depends on your goals, learning style, and budget.
Duolingo Max is likely worth it if:
- You are a serious language learner who wants immersive, interactive learning experiences.
- You benefit from contextual conversation practice—something hard to replicate without a tutor.
- You’re comfortable with AI and enjoy experimenting with new technologies.
- You prefer a self-paced learning environment and don’t want to hire a tutor or attend language classes.
It might not be worth it if:
- You’re a casual learner or just learning for fun occasionally.
- You primarily want a cost-effective or free experience.
- Your target language isn’t supported under Max features.
- You’re already using another full-featured language learning platform.
Ultimately, Duolingo Max can offer excellent value compared to the price of private tutoring or other online services, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Are There Discounts or Student Plans for Duolingo Max?
Currently, Duolingo does not offer student discounts or family plans specifically for Max. However, it occasionally runs promotional offers where you can get discounts on annual subscriptions or bundle deals.
The company is known for experimenting with pricing models and trials, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for special offers, especially during:
- Back-to-School Seasons
- Holiday Promotions
- App Store Featured Weeks
- Duolingo Anniversaries
Make sure your push notifications are turned on in the app and check your email for possible promotional offers.
Alternatives to Duolingo Max
While Duolingo Max is cutting-edge in its integration of GPT-4, it’s not the only game in town when it comes to premium language learning. Some alternatives include:
- Babbel: Focuses on real-world conversational skills with grammar-focused lessons.
- Rosetta Stone: Immersion-based learning with speech recognition.
- Busuu: Offers feedback from native speakers and structured lessons.
- LingQ: Great for intermediate to advanced learners focused on reading and listening.
- italki or Preply: One-on-one sessions with real human tutors.
These platforms vary widely in pricing and approach, so if Duolingo Max feels too expensive or unavailable in your language, it may be worth exploring these alternatives.
Conclusively
Duolingo Max represents a bold step forward in the world of app-based language learning. As it leverages AI technologies like GPT-4, it offers features that are inching closer to real conversational practice—something that has always been a challenge in digital education.
Its pricing reflects the cutting-edge tech that powers it, and for many, the experience is well worth the cost. But for others, especially casual learners, the Free or Super tier may provide enough functionality without the hefty price tag.
In a world where personalization, convenience, and AI are becoming essential parts of education, Duolingo Max is not just a luxury—it may be a glimpse of what language learning will look like in the near future.
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