Duolingo Max
Duolingo is a language learning tool that offers courses in over 30 different languages. The courses are designed to be fun and effective w...
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What is Duolingo Max?
Duolingo Max is the premium subscription tier above Super Duolingo, offering an AI-powered language learning experience powered by OpenAI's GPT-4. It provides all Super Duolingo benefits including unlimited energy, no ads, and personalized review through the Practice Hub, plus two exclusive AI features: Video Call and Roleplay.
Video Call enables real conversations with Lily, an AI character who initiates discussions about topics you've studied and responds in real time to keep conversations going. Lily remembers previous discussions for future calls, and after hanging up, you can review a transcript of your conversation. Roleplay allows learners to practice real-world conversation scenarios like ordering coffee in Paris, discussing vacation plans, or furniture shopping with world characters, earning XP as Side Quests alongside the main learning path.
Duolingo Max is designed for intermediate language learners (A2-B1 level) who want to improve speaking skills without switching apps, particularly English speakers learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese. The service is available in 188 countries on iOS and Android devices, with humans from Duolingo's curriculum team reviewing AI content for accuracy and tone.
Duolingo Max pricing
Pricing model: Free
Duolingo Max includes a free 14-day trial. After the trial, pricing is: Individual Monthly $29.99/month, Individual Yearly $168.00/year (~$14/month when billed annually), Family Plan Yearly $119.99/year (up to 6 users). Super Duolingo users upgrading get prorated credit for remaining Super subscription time. Family plan monthly is $0.00. UK pricing: £19.99/month or £119.99/year. Pricing may vary by region. The subscription includes all Super Duolingo benefits plus Video Call and Roleplay AI features.
Duolingo Max pros
- All Super Duolingo benefits included (unlimited energy, no ads, Practice Hub)
- Video Call provides real-time conversation practice with AI character Lily
- Roleplay simulates authentic real-world scenarios like ordering coffee
- AI-powered feedback on response accuracy and complexity after each interaction
- Conversation transcripts available for review after Video Call ends
- Lily remembers previous discussions for continuity across calls
- No two conversations are exactly alike due to interactive AI
- English fallback option during Roleplay (responses auto-translate to target language)
- Reinforced learning reminds you of key takeaways from previous roleplays
- Available on both iOS and Android platforms
- Simple navigation between lessons, roleplay, and other features
- Stable performance with no glitches reported
- Humans write and review Roleplay scenarios for alignment with curriculum
- Side Quests earn XP alongside main learning path
- Family plan allows sharing with 5 other users
Duolingo Max cons
- Conversations end after only 2-3 exchanges, limiting depth
- No pronunciation scoring or feedback on specific mispronounced words
- Lily's responses are short and minimal, limiting complex practice
- Only one character (Lily) available for Video Call and Roleplay
- No web version - Max features only on iOS and Android
- Explain My Answer feature moved to free tier in January 2026
- Higher price ($168/year) nearly double Super Duolingo cost
- Scripts feel rigid - AI redirects off-topic questions back to script
- Limited language support for Max features (not all courses)
- Advanced learners find conversations too basic and scripted
Frequently asked questions about Duolingo Max
What is Duolingo Max and how is it different from Super Duolingo?
Duolingo Max is a new subscription tier above Super Duolingo that includes all Super benefits (unlimited energy, no ads, Practice Hub) plus two brand-new AI-powered features: Video Call and Roleplay, both powered by GPT-4. Super Duolingo focuses on ad-free learning without AI enhancements, while Max provides personalized adaptive learning through AI conversation practice.
What is Video Call and how does it work?
Video Call lets you use your learned language in real conversations with Lily, an AI character. Lily initiates conversations about topics you just studied, responds in real time to keep dialogue going, and remembers what you discussed for future calls. After hanging up, you can view a transcript of your conversation to review what you learned. Available on iOS and Android for English speakers learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
What is Roleplay and what scenarios are available?
Roleplay allows learners to practice real-world conversation skills with world characters in the app through challenging scenarios that earn XP. Examples include ordering coffee at a Paris café, discussing future vacation plans with Lin, furniture shopping with Eddy, or asking a friend to hike. These live as Side Quests alongside the main path. After each interaction, you get AI-powered feedback on accuracy and complexity plus tips for future conversations.
Which languages support Duolingo Max features?
Duolingo Max is available for English speakers learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. English speakers learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese get both Video Call and Roleplay. Those learning Japanese, Korean, and Chinese currently get Video Call only. Max features are not yet supported in all courses, and users learning unsupported courses still have access to all Super Duolingo benefits.
Is Duolingo Max available on Android?
Yes, Duolingo Max works on Android, including Video Call (added January 2025), Roleplay, and Explain My Answer. However, iOS sometimes gets new features and languages first. The service is available in 188 countries for both iOS and Android devices.
What is Explain My Answer and is it still part of Max?
Explain My Answer was an AI feature that gave detailed explanations for why answers are correct or incorrect, helping clarify tricky grammar and vocabulary. However, as of January 2026, Explain My Answer became free for all Duolingo users. So Max subscribers are now primarily paying for Video Call and Roleplay features only.
Can I try Duolingo Max before paying?
Yes, Duolingo Max offers a free trial that varies by region and offer, commonly 7 or 14 days. Check inside your Duolingo app on your account page to see which trial is offered to you. If you're in a free trial period and want to upgrade to Max, you can upgrade for the remainder of the trial but will be billed for Max unless you cancel 24 hours before trial expires.
Does Duolingo Max work on the web browser?
No, Duolingo Max is not available on the web. Max features including Video Call and Roleplay are only accessible through the iOS and Android Duolingo apps. If you prefer learning on your computer through a browser, you won't be able to access Max features, though you can still use the free Duolingo website.
What is the Duolingo Max Family Plan and how does it work?
Duolingo Max can be purchased as a Family Plan to share with 5 other users (up to 6 total). The Family Plan costs $119.99/year. If a family member doesn't use iOS Duolingo or is learning a course that doesn't support Max features, they still get all other Super Duolingo benefits including unlimited hearts, no ads, and mistakes review. Family Plan managers can upgrade from Super to Max through the iOS app.
What happens if the AI makes a mistake in Video Call or Roleplay?
Duolingo uses GPT-4, the most accurate and fastest version available, and has spent months collaborating with OpenAI to test and train the technology. If you notice an inaccurate AI-generated response, hold down the message to access a menu where you can report the error with your reason. Duolingo's team monitors these reports and uses them to train the model for better accuracy. Humans from Duolingo's curriculum team also review AI content to ensure factual correctness and appropriate tone.