Avatalks vs Duolingo Max

Two fact sheets from our own research, side by side — pricing, platforms, API access and status re-checked by us rather than quoted from the vendors.

The short answer

Free plan: Both have one
Higher Trust score: Duolingo Max — 90 vs 75 for Avatalks
Best fit: Avatalks: Learners who specifically want spoken conversation practice over flashcard-style drilling · Duolingo Max: Daily Duolingo users who want speaking practice with feedback at a fraction of a tutor's rate
Platforms: Avatalks: Web · Duolingo Max: iOS, Android
Status: Both up at our last check — Avatalks Sep 1, 2026, Duolingo Max Sep 6, 2026

From our own records as of each tool's last check. Anything we have not confirmed is left out rather than guessed. How we verify

AvatalksPractice a new language by talking to 3D avatar tutors that hold spoken conversations with you.

Duolingo MaxDuolingo's top subscription tier, adding AI roleplay and video-call speaking practice to the gamified lessons

Side by side

Fact	Avatalks	Duolingo Max
Category	Language Learning	Language Learning
Pricing model	Freemium	Freemium
Starts at	$19.99/mo	—
Trust score	75 / 100	90 / 100
Platforms	Web	iOS, Android
Company	Avatalks	Duolingo, Inc.
Launched	—	2023
Last verified	Sep 1, 2026	Sep 6, 2026

What our research says

Avatalks

Avatalks leans on avatar-based spoken conversation as its hook, which suits learners who specifically struggle with speaking practice rather than vocabulary or grammar drills. The stamina system limiting free use, with a separate paid bundle to recharge it, adds a layer of monetization on top of the subscription worth understanding before committing.

Pros

3D avatar conversation practice is a different format from most text-based language apps
Includes pronunciation and writing tools alongside conversation
Annual billing roughly halves the effective monthly price

Cons

Free use is limited by a stamina mechanic, with paid top-ups sold separately from the subscription
Monthly price ($19.99) is high relative to established language apps
No company name or country disclosed on the site

Duolingo Max

Max is worth it for a learner who already finishes Duolingo lessons daily and wants to speak out loud without a tutor: Video Call is the one Duolingo feature that forces unscripted talking, and Roleplay fills the gap between drills and conversation. Anyone not yet consistent with the free app is paying for features they will not reach, and the price is only visible in the app, differs by country and sits well above Super.

Pros

Video Call gives unscripted spoken conversation that adapts to your level, which the free and Super tiers lack
Roleplay scenarios come with feedback on what you said, not just a right-or-wrong mark
Everything in Super (no ads, unlimited hearts, practice mode) is included, so there is no separate upgrade
Backed by a public company with a large, actively updated app on both mobile platforms

Cons

The price is shown only in the app's shop and changes by region, so it cannot be compared before installing
Video Call and Max purchases are mobile-only; the web app cannot sell or fully run the tier
The AI features cover a subset of the 40-plus courses, so learners of smaller languages pay Max prices for Super features
Billing runs through the App Store or Google Play, so refunds and cancellation follow Apple's or Google's rules

Which one fits

Choose Avatalks if you need

Learners who specifically want spoken conversation practice over flashcard-style drilling
Anyone who responds well to a visual avatar rather than a plain chat interface
Users willing to commit to yearly billing for the lower effective monthly rate

Choose Duolingo Max if you need

Daily Duolingo users who want speaking practice with feedback at a fraction of a tutor's rate
Learners of Spanish, French, German, Italian or Portuguese, where both Roleplay and Video Call are available
People who prefer a game loop with streaks and leagues over a textbook course