Duolingo Super Lite vs Super vs Max: 2026 Comparison

Updated: 12 September 2026. Are you seeing Super Lite and Super in Duolingo while other users still mention Max? This reflects the ongoing changes to its subscriptions. The previous distinction of “Super without AI conversation practice, Max with AI conversation practice” is therefore no longer enough for a useful comparison.

What is changing at Duolingo in 2026?

Duolingo is adding Video Call, its AI conversation practice with Lily, to Super. Its official shareholder letter dated 5 August 2026 says that most new Super subscribers already receive access. Existing Super subscribers are expected to follow later in the year. This is a gradual rollout, not a promise for every individual account and language course. Source: Duolingo, Q2 2026 shareholder letter (PDF, page 4).

At the same time, Duolingo is testing Super Lite as a cheaper option between free access and Super. Someone choosing a subscription today may therefore see different options from someone with an older subscription. The date the user account was created is not the only factor: when the subscription started and whether it is included in a test also matter.

Free, Super Lite, Super and Max compared

This overview combines Duolingo’s more recent company statements with its feature descriptions. Older Max pages still describe the previous arrangement. A feature listed there for Max is therefore not necessarily still exclusive to it. Duolingo’s earlier explanation of Max.

What is Super Lite?

In the earnings call on 5 August 2026, CEO Luis von Ahn describes the version being tested as costing roughly half the Super price, depending on the country, while retaining ads and offering double energy instead of unlimited energy. He explicitly stresses that it is a test. This is neither a binding German price nor a final worldwide plan description. Source: transcript of Duolingo’s earnings call.

Lite may interest you if you want to spend as little as possible and accept ads. If you specifically want to avoid ad interruptions or waiting for energy, compare the offered features particularly carefully. A lower price alone does not make two subscriptions equivalent.

Does Duolingo Max still exist?

At the time of research, there is no evidence of a completed worldwide discontinuation. In the published transcript of his Citi conference appearance on 9 September 2026, the CEO says that Max still exists and people are paying for it. Duolingo is still testing different options, including discontinuing it or differentiating its Video Call usage from Super in another way. The transcript comes from an external provider. Source: conference transcript dated 9 September 2026.

If Max is missing from your subscription options, this therefore does not automatically mean that all existing Max subscriptions have ended. Equally, an older Max subscription does not prove that new customers receive the same options everywhere. Before switching an existing subscription, check its current features, next renewal price and any notices about your subscription.

Video Call, Roleplay and free practice

Video Call: conversations with Lily

With Video Call, you speak to an AI character, not a human teacher. During the ongoing rollout, this conversation practice is moving beyond its previous Max positioning into Super. Check whether the feature is actually enabled for your course and whether your offer specifies usage limits. The plan name alone does not currently provide a reliable answer.

Roleplay: practising everyday situations

Roleplay offers guided conversation scenarios, such as ordering in a café, with AI feedback. Duolingo continues to describe the feature in connection with Max. We do not have equivalent evidence that Roleplay is being added to all Super subscriptions. The Video Call change therefore does not promise that Super automatically includes all former Max features. AI answers and feedback may contain errors.

Answer explanations and the practice area

“Explain My Answer” provides explanations for answers and is now available for free; availability still depends on the course and rollout. Targeted exercises in the Practice area, including speaking, listening and reviewing mistakes, have also been made free. These features therefore no longer provide a general reason to buy Max or Super solely to access them. Duolingo on answer explanations and the free practice area.

How to compare your specific offer

1. Check your own language courseDistinguish the language you learn from the language you learn in: learning English through German is a different course from learning German through English. Check your preferred features on the device you actually use.
2. Read the list of included featuresLook for ads, energy, Video Call and any limits. A feature list from another account may not match your offer.
3. Compare total pricesCompare the same duration and plan type. A monthly equivalent for an annual payment is not a subscription you can cancel monthly. Also check the price after a promotion or trial.
4. Distinguish an individual subscription, a family plan and a family plan slotHaving your own plan and being a member of a plan managed by someone else give you different management rights. Compare more than the price per person.

What do you receive from Pinclair?

Pinclair offers Super Duolingo as a code or as a family plan invitation. You can find the current price on the offer page. Super Lite and Duolingo Max are currently unavailable from Pinclair.

• Redeem the code yourself: You receive a code for twelve months of Super Duolingo and redeem it yourself on the Duolingo website. Redemption is only available in a browser, not in the app. We do not need your username or login details for this.
• Family plan invitation: You receive an invitation directly in Duolingo. We need your username for the invitation, not your password. The person managing the plan holds the plan subscription; you cannot renew this plan yourself or invite additional members.

Both options use your own Duolingo account, which must not have an active Duolingo subscription. Our guide to the Super family plan slot explains the requirements and process for the invitation.

For the invitation: The purchase price is based on twelve months of Super Duolingo. If the family plan started before your purchase and therefore has less than twelve months remaining, we refund the portion of the price you paid that corresponds to the missing days.

You pay at Pinclair with PayPal. We process orders every day, including weekends and public holidays. Digital delivery takes place no later than 24 hours after successful payment confirmation. Order review is included in this period.

Frequently asked questions about the subscription changes

Is Super now the same as Max?

It is not that straightforward. Video Call is being expanded to Super, but the final distinction from Max is still open. Compare the features actually shown for your offer.

Do new user accounts automatically get the new system?

There is no evidence of such a general rule. Duolingo’s statements distinguish between new and existing Super subscribers. Creating a new free account is not the same as starting a new Super subscription.

Why can’t I see Super Lite?

Super Lite is being tested. A missing option therefore does not automatically mean that there is an error in your account. We cannot arrange access to this plan.

Is Super still worth it when practice is free?

That depends on what gets in your way or helps you in everyday use. Try the free exercises first. Someone who wants to learn without ads and energy breaks has different requirements from someone mainly looking for a particular conversation feature.