A detailed Rosetta Stone vs Dulingo comparison to determine which platform reigns supreme in the realm of language learning.
Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone – Quick Comparison
| Duolingo | Rosetta Stone | |
| Lesson Length | 5-10 minutes | 10-30 minutes |
| Speech Recognition Software | Yes | Yes |
| Languages | 38 | 25 |
| Grammar Instruction | Minimal | Some Explanations |
| Live Classes and Coaching | No | Yes |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | Yes |
| Lifetime Membership | No | Yes |
Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo – In-Depth Feature Comparison
The main difference between the two apps is their approach to language instruction. Rosetta Stone uses dynamic immersion and introduces foreign languages in a way that’s supposed to accelerate the learning process, while Duolingo teaches through gamification of translating words and phrases.
Naturally, making such a distinction only scratches the surface of the many differences that exist between these two language-learning apps. To give a better idea of which app is right for you, let’s explore them in more detail.
Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone Language Selection
Duolingo offers 43 different languages, 39 of which are intended for English speakers. Currently, the app’s most popular languages are Spanish, French, Japanese, and German.
In addition to major languages, Duolingo offers courses for several less commonly spoken languages. It has Latin, which has long been pronounced dead and endangered languages like Yiddish and Navajo.
Moreover, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu are currently in the development phase meaning the number of languages offered will soon increase. And the best part is that Duolingo has High Valyrian and Klingon, which are fictional languages.
Like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone offers language courses in the most popular languages, like Spanish, Italian, German, English, and Japanese. It also has Latin and several endangered languages and has established partnerships with indigenous groups across the globe to help preserve and revitalize them.
However, as opposed to Duolingo’s 43 languages, Rosetta Stone has only 25.
Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo Learning Approach
Rosetta Stone’s teaching approach is called Dynamic Immersion and aims to expose learners to the target language through interactive activities, multimedia content, and context-based learning. It enhances learning by using listening, image-matching exercises, and advanced TruAccent™ speech-recognition technology.
The proprietary TruAccent™ technology makes Rosetta Stone stand out from similar apps, as it aims to help learners improve their pronunciation by comparing their speech to native speakers’ models. When a learner mispronounces a word, TruAccent™ prompts them until they get it right, which simulates getting feedback from a teacher.
In contrast, Duolingo offers a gamified approach to language learning, making it more interactive and enjoyable. It uses a system of points, streaks, and achievements to motivate learners and encourage regular practice. Users can also compete with friends and track their progress on leaderboards.
Duolingo employs a combination of multiple-choice questions, translation exercises, listening exercises, and speaking activities to engage learners actively in developing their language skills.
Rosetta Stone also emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing through word-picture associations to help build vocabulary, understand grammar patterns, and improve overall pronunciation.
And while both apps have voice recognition software, Duolingo’s is based on Google’s, and it’s not as good as Rosetta Stone’s patented TruAccent.
Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo Lessons
Depending on the language, Rosetta Stone’s courses consist of 12 or 20 units, each containing four core lessons to teach new material and a final milestone review lesson. According to the platform, users can spend around 30 minutes daily to complete a lesson or between 150 and 200 hours completing all units.
Additionally, users can spend time repeating lessons using the Extended Learning tab, with activities like Stories, Audio Companion, and Phrasebook. Or, they can use the Live Tutoring option, which is available for a fee, and practice their skills with a native speaker.
Rosetta Stone introduces new vocabulary and concepts gradually, allowing learners to reinforce their knowledge through repetition and practice. It also offers a flexible learning path, making it possible for users to jump from one lesson to the next, from one course to another, or go back should they decide to revisit a specific concept.
In contrast, Duolingo’s courses consist of modules that you unlock as you go. It has a more straightforward, linear approach to covering specific learning objectives. Each course may have 2 or 10 units organized into small, bite-sized modules, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.
Completing a lesson on Duolingo can take anywhere between 5 and 10 minutes or a total of 150 minutes to finish an entire module. To accomplish this within the given timeframe, the app has daily streaks which require you to complete at least one lesson a day, which also serves as motivation.
However, as opposed to Rosetta Stone’s flexible learning path, Duolingo users cannot access a unit or module which they haven’t “unlocked”. Also, Duolingo does not have Live Tutoring options.
Super Duolingo vs Rosetta Stone Pricing
Before we give our final verdict, it’s essential to consider the cost of these language learning platforms. One significant difference between the two is that Duolingo offers a free version.
And while a free product is always welcomed and can be an excellent option for casual learners, it’s important to note that Duolingo’s free version is limited and packed with ads. This is not only annoying but considerably slows down the learning process.
To truly compare Rosetta Stone and Duolingo, we dived into their paid versions to see which offers better value for money.
Duolingo Pricing Plans
| Super Duolingo | |
| Monthly Subscription | $6.99 |
| Annual Subscription | $83.88 |
| Free Trial | 14-day |
| Duolingo Family (up to 6 Super accounts) | |
| Annual Subscription | $119.99 |
| Free Trial | 14-day |
Rosetta Stone Pricing Plans
| Rosetta Stone Self-Study | |
| Quarterly Subscription | $15 ($45 billed as one payment) |
| Annual Subscription | $12 ($148 billed as one payment) |
| Lifetime Subscription | $246 as a one-time payment |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Rosetta Stone Self-Study + Tutoring | |
| Quarterly Subscription | $25 ($74 billed as one payment) |
| Annual Subscription | $19 ($222 billed as one payment) |
| Lifetime Subscription | $369 as a one-time payment |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
How much is Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo?
The monthly subscription to Rosetta Stone costs $12 per month, while Duolingo’s is $6.99. The quarterly Rosetta Stone subscription gives access to one language, while the annual has all the platform’s languages.
The Super Duolingo plan is free of ads, offers unlimited hearts, and allows unlimited test-out attempts. It also enables subscribers to add personalized lessons to review their mistakes.
Is Rosetta Stone better than Duolingo?
Yes, it is. Rosetta Stone is an overall more robust platform that offers a comprehensive and structured approach to language learning with a strong emphasis on natural immersion.
It incorporates visuals, audio, contextual cues, and top-notch speech recognition technology to help learners practice pronunciation. And it offers lots of extra resources and one-on-one tutoring lessons. These attributes make the app a great option for any learner and a much better package than Dulingo.
And while Rosetta Stone is pricier, it provides overall better value for money, considering its lessons are longer, more detailed, and supported by superior voice recognition technology.
Learn more about it in our detailed Rosetta Stone review.