Image credits: © Katrin Adam
LingQ or Busuu – Which language course is better? We put both language-learning solutions to the test and compare them here. Which one will score more points by the end of this showdown?
Quick Verdict: We’d lean toward Busuu, thanks in large part to its engaging community features that give this provider a real edge. But LingQ also has plenty going for it. See for yourself:
Table of Contents
LingQ vs. Busuu – The Contenders at a Glance
LingQ stands for a top-notch self-study system with an international community of learners and native speakers.
versus
Busuu stands out with free lessons and a vibrant, welcoming worldwide community, cleverly integrated.
Similarities: Where LingQ and Busuu Are Alike
Judging by ads alone, Busuu and LingQ might appear similar—yet that’s not entirely true! The main thing they share is a lively community of fellow learners and native speakers, which enriches both platforms. While they each implement it differently, both LingQ and Busuu let you learn languages alongside real people, so you never have to feel isolated on your journey to the next proficiency level.
Differences: Fundamentally Different Approaches in LingQ and Busuu
And here’s where they really diverge—these two courses have completely distinct concepts from the ground up. Busuu is a traditional course, similar to what you might experience at school, where you learn vocabulary and grammar in manageable steps. The program is enhanced by a thoughtfully integrated community feature tightly woven into the exercises. Busuu also offers official language certificates, creative tasks, and a professional placement test.
LingQ, on the other hand, revolves around a flexible self-study system that features high-quality, native-speaker audio lessons on a variety of topics. This platform is further enriched by numerous extra tools, plus a community of LingQ users. You can also take private lessons, participate in learning challenges, or request corrections for your own texts.
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LingQ or Busuu – Scope and Features
Busuu offers 13 target languages for German speakers, including a good mix of common European tongues and some more offbeat options. Meanwhile, LingQ currently boasts nearly 50 languages—29 in full release, with the rest in beta testing. Common languages are well covered, but you’ll also find the likes of Swahili, Belarusian, and Khmer.
Busuu’s nicely designed interface includes extra features like pronunciation training, plus a fantastic, dynamic community. LingQ also excels in this area: regular learning challenges keep users motivated, and you can book private tutors to immediately apply what you’ve learned. There’s not much to criticize with either provider, so…
– A Point for Both –
Although it might not be the core factor in a language course, having an intuitive and appealing user interface is still important. After all, nobody wants to click through multiple tabs to find what they need. So how do our contenders measure up here?
LingQ vs. Busuu – User-Friendliness
Both platforms offer a fresh, modern interface—though Busuu is slightly more intuitive and clutter-free. LingQ, by comparison, has more open content and functionalities, which means more menu tabs. A built-in tutorial could help new users discover all these features right away (like Mosalingua does so well!).
So if you’re less tech-savvy or just want to jump in easily, Busuu might be more up your alley. Therefore, in this category:
– A Point for Busuu –
All that’s well and good, but let’s get down to the core of any course: the learning method and how it’s implemented. Who does better here—LingQ or Busuu?
LingQ or Busuu – Learning Concept
Busuu (right) relies on a classic approach reminiscent of school lessons. You’ll rotate between learning phases and test phases, using interactive exercises. The community is integrated closely: you review other users’ answers, and they’ll do the same for you.
In contrast, the learning process at LingQ (left) is highly flexible. It offers audio-based texts across myriad topics and difficulty levels, where you convert unknown words into “LingQs” (vocabulary flashcards). You can then reinforce these words with quick exercises, similar to a flashcard method.
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re seeking in a language course. If you prefer guided lessons and a more traditional learning path from the start, Busuu is ideal. LingQ is better for intermediate or returning learners who want to explore topics freely without being tied to a specific curriculum.
– A Point for Both –
A language course can be fantastic, but if it never gets used, it won’t do much good. In addition to having a solid program and an effective learning method, motivation elements make a real difference. How do Busuu and LingQ stack up here?
LingQ or Busuu – Motivation
Neither provider offers a deeply gamified experience. In this regard, many platforms could learn a thing or two from Duolingo. Busuu’s biggest plus is its community feature, built right into the coursework, allowing for meaningful interaction. LingQ encourages regular learning challenges where you can voluntarily participate and earn points—and you can also connect with others there!
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Both platforms have room to grow in terms of motivation. In the meantime, methods like self-nudging or our tips for staying motivated can help!
– A Point for Both –
A great language course is all well and good, but the price should also align with what’s offered. The more features, languages, and robust teaching methods included, the more a higher price can be justified. So how do Busuu and LingQ compare here?
LingQ vs. Busuu: Value for Money
LingQ offers a highly limited free version—it lets you access all content but only create up to 20 LingQ flashcards. Beyond that, full access starts at $8.99 per month (two-year plan) or $14.99 on a monthly basis. There’s also a package with points for tutoring and text corrections starting at $35.99 per month. You can find a detailed price breakdown right here.
Busuu also offers a free tier, and it’s even less restricted than LingQ. Although full access to its community features costs money, you can theoretically complete the whole course without paying—a big plus! If you want the premium version, plans start at $6.99 per month (when billed annually). Thus, our point here goes to:
– A Point for Busuu –
Those were our five categories in detail. Let’s take a look at the final result:
The Score Summary
Scope
Learning Concept
Motivation
versus
Scope
User-Friendliness
Learning Concept
Motivation
Value for Money
Conclusion – LingQ or Busuu: Who Comes Out on Top?
In this direct comparison, Busuu comes out on top over LingQ with a solid 5:3. Its tightly woven, international community and beginner-friendly course design are strong advantages. While there’s still some room for improvement with motivational elements, methods like self-nudging or the 1-Meter-HACK can help. LingQ also has plenty to offer, especially for self-directed learners who are already at an intermediate or advanced level. Its extensive language selection is another big plus.
Wondering if Busuu can hold its own against other language apps? We compare it against other popular platforms, such as Babbel.
No matter which language course you choose, the key is consistency. If you have questions about staying motivated or want to share your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment!