Mosalingua vs. Busuu: Which App Gets You Speaking Faster?

Image credits: © Katrin Adam

Busuu or Mosalingua – Which language program is better? We tested both learning solutions and compare them in this article. Which one will end up scoring more points by the finish?

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Table of Contents

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Mosalingua vs. Busuu – The Contenders at a Glance

Similarities: Where Mosalingua and Busuu Overlap

If you go by the ads, Busuu and Mosalingua may seem quite similar. Both offer digital learning via apps and web, along with a few extra features and bite-sized lessons. Yet their core concepts already diverge significantly, and so does their execution:

Differences: How Mosalingua and Busuu Truly Differ

Let’s jump right into what sets them apart. Though both programs are promoted in a somewhat comparable way, they actually follow very different methodologies. Busuu is a classic language course, similar to a school-based approach, mixing vocabulary and grammar in small, manageable units. It’s enhanced by a well-designed community feature.

Mosalingua, on the other hand, centers around a customizable vocabulary trainer supported by a range of high-quality add-ons. It uses AI-backed learning and offers various formats of premium content, such as grammar explanations, videos with native speakers, and even entire learning storylines.

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Mosalingua or Busuu – Scope and Features

Busuu offers 13 foreign languages for English speakers, featuring a solid mix of common European tongues and some less typical options. Mosalingua currently provides 11 languages, with more in development. While mainstream languages are fully covered, Mosalingua also includes opportunities to learn Korean or Japanese, for example.

Busuu’s well-designed interface includes additional features like pronunciation training – and notably – a terrific, active community. Mosalingua likewise stands out with many functions: its AI-powered learning integrates seamlessly with the vocabulary trainer, and there’s no shortage of authentic materials for self-guided study. So here we say:

– A Point for Both –

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Although it may not be a course’s main focus, a user-friendly, visually appealing interface is definitely an advantage. Nobody wants to navigate through multiple tabs just to find what they need. How do our competitors fare in this category?

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Mosalingua vs. Busuu – User-Friendliness

Both platforms feature a well-organized interface. Busuu may feel more intuitive, while Mosalingua packs in more functions that naturally require more menu tabs. One thing that gives Mosalingua an edge: it offers an excellent introduction to the course.

Every feature you click for the first time is accompanied by a pop-up explaining what it does, so there’s no confusion and it’s easy to see everything Mosalingua has on offer. Meanwhile, Busuu’s design is a bit more streamlined, with clearer menu names. So in this category as well:

– A Point for Both –

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That’s all well and good, but let’s move on to the heart of any course: the learning method and how it’s executed. Which program, Mosalingua or Busuu, holds its own better here?

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Mosalingua or Busuu – Learning Concept

Busuu (right) follows a more classic, school-like structure. You cycle through learning segments and quizzes via varied exercises. The community feature is part of the process—you can review other learners’ answers while receiving feedback on your own in return.

By contrast, Mosalingua’s (left) learning experience focuses on vocabulary training and independent exploration of grammar. It uses the Spaced Repetition System (SRS) to help you retain words quickly in your long-term memory. You also get freeform conversational practice with AI, which is one of the most advanced of its kind, in our view. It’s a close call, but:

– A Point for Mosalingua –

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A language course can be excellent, but it won’t matter if you never use it. In addition to the core curriculum and an effective learning design, motivating users is critical. How do Busuu and Mosalingua compare in this regard?

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Mosalingua or Busuu – Motivation

Neither provider has a deeply fleshed-out motivational framework. In that sense, many apps could take a cue from Duolingo. Busuu excels by incorporating its community, giving you the chance to interact with others. Mosalingua, meanwhile, offers a leaderboard that feels rather impersonal, as it doesn’t allow direct comparison with other users.

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Both platforms have room to grow here. If you want to stay engaged anyway, you can use techniques like self-nudging or check out our tips for staying motivated!

– A Point for Both –

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A great language program is wonderful, but the price must also reflect its value. The more features, languages, and effective learning strategies a course has, the easier it is to justify a higher cost. So how do Busuu and Mosalingua compare here?

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Mosalingua vs. Busuu: Value for Money

Mosalingua offers a limited free version—primarily the vocabulary trainer. After that, full-course access costs $4.99 per month (with an annual subscription) or $9.99 monthly. There’s sometimes a lifetime subscription available, for example on Black Friday.

Busuu also allows some free studying, but it’s more limited than it used to be. The community feature—which is arguably its main differentiator—does require a paid plan, as do additional personalized materials. Premium plans start at $5.25 per month. So here our point goes to:

– A Point for Mosalingua –

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We’ve covered our five categories in detail. Now let’s take a look at the final result:

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The Score Overview

Conclusion – Mosalingua or Busuu: Who Comes Out on Top?

In a head-to-head between Mosalingua and Busuu, Mosalingua emerges victorious with a solid 5:3. It shines particularly thanks to its well-executed vocabulary-based concept and a broad range of bonus features. While there’s still room for growth in motivation aspects, self-nudging and our 1-Meter-HACK can help. Busuu still has plenty to recommend it, especially if you enjoy learning with—and from—other people.

Curious whether Mosalingua can hold its own against other platforms? We put it to the test in other matchups, like against Mondly.

No matter which language course you ultimately choose, it’s crucial to use it consistently. If you have questions or want to learn how to stay motivated, feel free to sign up here for our email tips.