Babbel vs Busuu: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Babbel scores 76 out of 100 and Busuu scores 65. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Babbel | Busuu | |
|---|---|---|
| Learning | 91 | 58 |
| Price | 25 | 25 |
| Guarantees | 100 | 100 |
| User ratings | 85 | 81 |
| Transparency | 100 | 100 |
Pros and cons
Babbel
- Published refund policy
- Real-time lessons with a human teacher
- You can start for free
- The company publishes learning efficacy research
Busuu
- Published refund policy
- You can start for free
- The company publishes learning efficacy research
- Automated speaking practice with feedback
Facts side by side
| Fact | Babbel | Busuu |
|---|---|---|
| Languages to learn | 14 babbel.com | 14 busuu.com |
| Lessons with a human teacher | Yes babbel.com | Not verified |
| Speaking practice (speech recognition or AI partner) | Yes babbel.com | Yes busuu.com |
| CEFR-aligned levels or certificate | Yes babbel.com | Yes busuu.com |
| Free plan or free trial | Yes babbel.com | Yes busuu.com |
| Refund policy | Yes babbel.com | Yes busuu.com |
| App Store rating | 4.7★ itunes.apple.com | 4.7★ itunes.apple.com |
| App Store ratings | 757,116 itunes.apple.com | 101,413 itunes.apple.com |
| Company founded | 2007 babbel.com | 2008 busuu.com |
| Efficacy research published | Yes babbel.com | Yes busuu.com |
| Company country | Germany babbel.com | United Kingdom busuu.com |
| Company | Babbel GmbH babbel.com | Busuu Limited busuu.com |
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