Side by side
Duolingo vs Level One Reading
Both stand on phonics apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+1
Duolingo combines language learning with chess and math lessons, plus practice and review tools. A free plan is available, while the listed trial information is inconsistent.
Visit Duolingo
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose Level One Reading for free phonics practice for children ages 4–6, especially when a teacher wants families to follow the same weekly sounds. Families seeking a different named phonics scheme may want to look elsewhere, as the teacher page says it follows ELS and invites interest in Little Wandle and Read Write Inc.
Visit Level One ReadingThe facts
| Duolingo | Level One Reading | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Duolingo | Not published |
| Website | duolingo.com | levelonereading.com |
| On phonics apps | #1 of 47 | #4 of 47 |
Duolingo: what it does well
- Free plan available
- Offers 40 languages
- Lessons adapt to learner level and pace
- Offline lessons and speech practice
- Available on Android, iOS, macOS, and web
What to know first
- Free trial length is listed differently: 14 days in pricing note, one week in plan
- No price is listed for the free trial
Level One Reading: what it does well
- Free plan with no ads or signup.
- Available on web, iOS and Android.
- Includes 52 decodable books matched to phonics stages.
- Teachers can align family practice with a class code.
- Site says children’s data stays on their device.
What to know first
- Designed for children ages 4–6.
- Teacher coordination follows ELS; other schemes are invited for interest.
Alternatives to Duolingo Alternatives to Level One Reading The whole list