If you’ve ever tried learning a new language on your iPhone, chances are Duolingo was your first stop. With its playful design, bite-sized lessons, and gamified learning, Duolingo has dominated the language-learning app world for over a decade. But is it still the best choice in 2025 for iPhone users? Here’s our detailed review.
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is a free language learning app available on iPhone that helps users practice speaking, reading, listening, and writing in more than 40 languages. Its strength lies in short, game-like lessons that encourage daily use through rewards, streaks, and competition.
Download Duolingo on the App Store
Visit Duolingo Official Website
Key Features on iPhone
✅ Learn 40+ languages including Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean, German
✅ AI-powered personalized lessons
✅ Fun, gamified experience (XP, Streaks, Leaderboards)
✅ Practice listening, speaking, reading, writing
✅ Duolingo Stories for real-life conversations
✅ English test preparation tools
✅ Sync progress across devices (iPhone, iPad, web)
Pros of Duolingo on iPhone
✔ Clean, user-friendly design perfect for iPhone
✔ Easy to stay motivated with streaks, gems, and levels
✔ Bite-sized lessons ideal for quick, daily practice
✔ Good starting point for beginners
✔ Free plan offers generous access to most features
✔ Supports over 40 languages — more than most competitors
Cons of Duolingo on iPhone
❌ Too basic for intermediate or advanced learners
❌ Free version contains ads
❌ Some translations feel unnatural (AI-focused, not human)
❌ Speaking exercises can be inconsistent in accuracy
❌ Heavy focus on memorization, less on conversation practice
Performance on iPhone (2025 Update)
Duolingo runs flawlessly on the latest iPhones (iPhone 15 and beyond). Animations are smooth, voice recognition works well most of the time, and sync across devices is reliable. Push notifications and widgets make it easy to keep up your daily habit.
iPhone Exclusive Perks:
-
Widgets for tracking streaks and XP
-
Integration with iOS Shortcuts for habit building
-
Optimized for Dynamic Island alerts (Pro users)
Who Should Use Duolingo on iPhone?
Absolute beginners who want to build a foundation
Casual learners seeking 5-10 minutes daily practice
Students supplementing school or university courses
Travelers preparing basic phrases for trips
Anyone learning languages as a hobby
User Ratings (App Store 2025):
⭐ 4.7 / 5 (Over 2 million reviews globally)
Alternatives to Consider
| App | Strength | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Babbel | More structured, grammar-focused | Visit Babbel |
| Busuu | Conversation practice with feedback | Visit Busuu |
| Memrise | Fun vocabulary and phrases | Visit Memrise |
| Pimsleur | Audio lessons for conversation | Visit Pimsleur |
Final Verdict: Is Duolingo Still the Best iPhone App for Language Learning in 2025?
Yes — and no.
For beginners and casual learners, Duolingo remains the most fun and accessible app on iPhone for picking up a new language. It keeps you consistent, motivated, and engaged with daily practice.
However, if you’re looking for deeper grammar understanding, serious conversation skills, or faster fluency, combining Duolingo with apps like Babbel or Pimsleur may serve you better.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
