Mondly vs. Busuu: The Ultimate Language App Face-Off

Image credit: © Katrin Adam

Mondly or Busuu – which language-learning program is better? We tested both solutions and compare them here. Which one will end up with the higher score at the end of our comparison?

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Table of Contents

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Mondly vs. Busuu – The Contenders at a Glance

Similarities: Where Mondly and Busuu Overlap

Based on advertising alone, Mondly and Busuu might not seem too different. And while there are definitely key differences – and ultimately a winner in this matchup – they do share certain similarities. Both Mondly and Busuu are accessible via app or web, so you can use all features on any device.

Both providers market their courses as the main part of your language-learning strategy, emphasizing mobile-friendly lessons that fit into a busy day. Each platform offers a well-structured learning path, letting you focus on topics you find most interesting.

Differences: Where Mondly and Busuu Diverge

Now let’s jump into the differences. While these two courses aim for the same end goal, their methods vary significantly. Mondly focuses on learning without endless drills, though it does offer classically inspired exercises. Busuu, on the other hand, follows a more traditional path of grammar explanations followed by relevant exercises.

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Busuu also has a unique feature: the integrated community of native speakers and other learners. This approach encourages more open-ended and creative questions, as other members help review your assignments. Great! Meanwhile, Mondly offers specialized vocabulary for various professional fields as a useful extra.

Mondly or Busuu – Scope and Features

For English speakers, Busuu currently supports 13 languages, including popular choices and some less commonly studied ones like Korean or Dutch. Mondly, however, has a total of 41 languages available – even “niche” options like Latvian or Afrikaans.

On the feature side, Mondly offers a well-designed learning path plus extras such as a conversation feature, industry-specific vocabulary, and an English placement test. Busuu’s strengths are its outstanding community feature, placement tests (in nearly all languages), and a social platform for connecting with others. You can also earn official language certificates through Busuu. It’s a tough choice here, so we’ll say:

– A Point for Both –

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While the next category may not be the core of a course, a user-friendly interface is a real advantage. Nobody wants to click through multiple tabs to find what they need. So how do our contenders fare in this area?

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Mondly vs. Busuu – User-Friendliness

Both providers feature an attractive, well-structured interface. You can easily navigate each app and find what you need. Busuu’s design is generally lighter, giving it a modern and friendly feel. Mondly’s learning path is a bit more open-ended, with fewer options – meaning less chance of getting lost. This might help less tech-savvy learners. Busuu is still very well organized overall.

One small drawback is that canceling Mondly can be slightly complicated, and you need at least basic English skills to handle it. Busuu does a better job here. So in this category, we say:

– A Point for Busuu –

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So far, so good. Let’s move on to the heart of the matter—the core learning approach and how effectively each course implements it. Which one stands out more, Mondly or Busuu?

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Mondly or Busuu – Learning Approach

Busuu (right) uses a traditional approach, reminiscent of school. Lessons and quizzes alternate to reinforce new concepts, and the app integrates community involvement—other learners check your answers, and you return the favor.

Meanwhile, Mondly (left) presents a series of varied exercises, regularly introducing new vocabulary. Grammar explanations and tables are available on demand by tapping on certain words. Learning from context works well thanks to a mix of different learning techniques and sensory inputs, reducing the need for rote memorization. This approach feels more intuitive. It’s a close call, but here we say:

– A Point for Mondly –

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No matter how good a language course may be, it won’t help much if you rarely use it. Along with a solid teaching method, motivational elements are key. How do Busuu and Mondly fare in keeping learners engaged?

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Mondly or Busuu – Motivation

Busuu keeps you on track with a daily study plan and the option to network with other learners. Depending on your subscription, you can also earn an official language certificate. If you struggled in school, though, you might want even stronger motivational elements.

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Mondly also offers quick lessons, a friends list, and leaderboards that refresh regularly. You can see exactly what you’ve learned each time and finish lessons with a star-based rating. This is a strong motivational boost, so we say:

– A Point for Mondly –

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A great language course is one thing, but the price should be fair for what you get. More features, more languages, and a stronger learning approach often justify a higher cost. So how do Mondly or Busuu stack up in that regard?

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Mondly vs. Busuu: Value for Money

Busuu lets you learn at no cost, with most course features accessible. Personalized lessons, however, require a paid plan—starting around €6.49 per month, and up to €8.33 per month for the top-tier subscription with extra features.

Mondly doesn’t have a free tier, but they do offer a fantastic deal: for a single payment of around €100, you get lifetime access to all 41 languages—no subscription required. Mondly also has some subscription options, but compared to the lifetime deal, those generally aren’t as cost-effective. Cancelation can be a bit more complicated, too.

All in all, Mondly’s lifetime offer is hard to beat. It even comes with free access to Mondly Kids, an excellent child-friendly version of the course. It’s a close race, but we have to give it to Mondly again:

– A Point for Mondly –

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We’ve looked at five categories in detail. Let’s see how the final tally stacks up:

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The Points Overview

Conclusion – Mondly or Busuu: Who Wins the Comparison?

When pitted against each other, Mondly takes the victory over Busuu with a score of 4:2. Mondly stands out thanks to its open-ended learning path and diverse activities. But there are plenty of reasons to consider Busuu as well—it likely offers the best execution of a traditional learning approach on the market.

So, should you buy Mondly with no reservations? We highly recommend it, but remember that no single program will suit everyone. Check out our Top 10 Language Courses for even more options—there’s something for everyone!

Regardless of which language course you ultimately choose, consistent use is key. If you have any questions about staying motivated, feel free to sign up here for our email tips.