Duolingo Max is Duolingo's paid tier with AI features and offline lessons
Duolingo Max is the premium subscription option for the Duolingo language-learning app. It costs $14.99 per month or $167.99 per year (billed annually). The main additions over the free version are access to Duolingo's AI tutor called Max, the ability to read lessons to use offline, and removal of ads.
Max is designed for people who want personalized feedback on their speaking and writing, or who want to study without an internet connection. It's not required to learn a language on Duolingo — the free version includes the same lessons and exercises — but it adds tools that some learners find helpful.
Key Takeaways
- Duolingo Max costs $14.99 per month or $167.99 per year and includes an AI tutor, offline lessons, and ad removal.
- The AI tutor (called Max) can answer questions about grammar, correct your writing, and have conversations with you in your target language.
- You can read lessons to your phone and complete them without internet, then sync your progress when you reconnect.
- The free version of Duolingo includes the same core lessons and exercises; Max adds convenience and personalized feedback features.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings in the app or on the Duolingo website.
What the AI Tutor (Max) Does
The Max AI tutor is a chatbot built into the Duolingo app that can answer questions about the language you're learning. You can ask it to explain grammar rules, correct sentences you write, or have a conversation in your target language. It's meant to supplement the lessons, not replace them.
For example, if you're confused about when to use the subjunctive mood in Spanish, you can ask Max to explain it. If you write a sentence and want feedback on your grammar or word choice, you can paste it in and Max will review it. The tutor responds in text only — it does not include voice or video.
Max is available in the languages Duolingo teaches. The quality and speed of responses depend on your internet connection and Duolingo's servers, not on your device.
Downloading Lessons to Use Offline
Max subscribers can read individual lessons to their phone so they can complete them without internet. This is useful if you commute on a train, fly frequently, or want to study in places without WiFi.
To read a lesson, open it in the app and tap the read icon (usually an arrow pointing down). The lesson saves to your device. When you complete it offline, your progress syncs to your account the next time you connect to the internet. You can delete downloaded lessons to free up phone storage.
Downloaded lessons include the same exercises as the online version — matching, multiple choice, typing, and speaking. Lessons that require the AI tutor or real-time feedback cannot be downloaded.
Ad Removal and Other Convenience Features
Max removes ads from the Duolingo app. The free version shows ads between lessons and in some menu screens; Max subscribers do not see these.
Max also includes a feature called Duolingo Stories without ads or paywalls. Stories are short interactive narratives in your target language that let you practice reading and make choices that affect the plot. Free users can access a limited number of stories per week; Max removes that limit.
Additionally, Max subscribers get early access to new features and lessons before they roll out to free users.
How to Start a Max Subscription
To subscribe to Max, open the Duolingo app and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Duolingo Max" or "Subscription" (the exact wording varies by device and app version). You'll see the pricing options: monthly or annual billing.
Tap the plan you want and follow the payment steps. Duolingo accepts credit cards, debit cards, and payment methods like Google Play or Apple Pay depending on your device. Your subscription begins when ready after payment.
You can also subscribe through the Duolingo website by logging in, clicking your profile, and selecting subscription options. Subscriptions purchased on the website and in the app are linked to your Duolingo account, so you only need one active subscription regardless of where you bought it.
Canceling Your Subscription
You can cancel Max at any time. If you cancel before your next billing date, you keep access to Max features until that date. After it passes, your account reverts to the free version.
To cancel on the app, go to your profile, select "Duolingo Max" or "Subscription," and look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Cancel" button. On the website, log in, go to your account settings, and find the subscription section. The exact steps vary slightly by device and operating system.
If you subscribed through Google Play or Apple Pay, you may need to cancel through those platforms instead of in the Duolingo app. Check your app store's subscription settings if you don't see a cancel option in Duolingo itself.
Comparing Max to the Free Version
| Feature | Free Duolingo | Duolingo Max |
|---|---|---|
| Core lessons and exercises | Yes | Yes |
| AI tutor (Max) | No | Yes |
| Offline lessons | No | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | No |
| Unlimited Stories | Limited per week | Unlimited |
| Cost | Free | $14.99/month or $167.99/year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Max to learn a language on Duolingo?
No. The free version includes all the core lessons and exercises. Max adds the AI tutor, offline access, and ad removal, but you can reach a high level of language proficiency using only the free version. Max is optional.
Can I try Max before I pay?
Duolingo sometimes offers a free trial of Max, usually for 7 to 14 days, but this varies by region and changes over time. When you tap to subscribe, you'll see whether a trial is available. If you start a trial and don't want to continue, cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
What languages can I use Max with?
Max works with all the languages Duolingo teaches. That includes Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and many others. The AI tutor responds in the language you're learning.
Will my progress be saved if I cancel Max?
Yes. Your lesson progress, streaks, and level are tied to your Duolingo account, not to your subscription. If you cancel Max and later resubscribe, all your progress remains. You only lose access to Max-only features like the AI tutor and offline lessons.
Can I use Max on multiple devices?
Yes. Your Max subscription is linked to your Duolingo account, so you can use it on any phone, tablet, or computer where you log in. You don't need separate subscriptions for each device.