Duolingo Promo Codes: 10% Off Discounts in January 2026

If you've resolved to learn a new language this January, you've likely already encountered Duolingo and its notoriously pushy green owl. While the app's freemium model is fantastic for casual learning, the constant ad breaks can kill your momentum faster than forgetting how to say "bathroom" in Spanish. That's where promo codes come in handy, letting you bypass the interruptions and unlock features like unlimited hearts without emptying your wallet.

Upgrading to the premium tier usually comes with a monthly fee, but finding the right deal can significantly lower the Super Duolingo cost. We're here to help you track down the latest active offers so you can level up your skills for less in 2026.

Best Duolingo Promo Codes in January 2026

Super Duolingo 12-Month Subscription

$40

Save $20 on this 1-year subscription, offering you ad-free learning with unlimited hearts, offline lessions, personalized practice, and more. Note that this offer is eligible for users without an active paid subscription; if you do, wait for it to expire before redeeming this deal.

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Super Duolingo Subscription

Free 1-week trial

Duolingo is one of the most well-known services for learning a language and you can get a one week trial of its premium Super Duolingo service totally for free. Note that you should receive a reminder before the trial is up and as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before day 7, you shouldn't be charged. Super Duolingo offers perks like unlimited mistakes, no ads, personalized practice to focus on topics you want to work on, and unlimited legendary status - that means you'll have unlimited tries to reach Legendary Level without having to use your hard-earned gems.

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Duolingo Promo Code

Up to 50% off

New Duolingo users can apply promo code "SAVE50" to take up to 50% off your subscription. Note that some exclusions may apply and you must sign up through the website in order to redeem promo codes.

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Duolingo Promo Code

10% off

New Duolingo users can apply promo code "BACKTOSCHOOL10" during signup to save 10% on all subscriptions. Note that some exclusions may apply and you must sign up on the desktop and not through the app in order to redeem the code.

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Duolingo Promo Code

Up to 30% off

New Duolingo users can apply promo code "DUOLINGO50" to your order and save up to 30% on your first year of the service. Note that some exclusions may apply and you'll need to sign up on the website in order to redeem a code.

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Duolingo Promo Code

500 free gems

New and existing Duolingo users can apply promo code "FREEGEMS10" to your next gem order to receive 500 additional gems at no extra charge. Gems are great for users on the free tier to buy bonus lives, try extra challenges, and more.

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Duolingo Promo Code

Up to 15% off

New Duolingo users can apply promo code "WELCOME15" to your order to save up to 15% off your subscription. Note that some exclusions may apply and you must sign up via the website in order to redeem a promo code.

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Duolingo Promo Code

10% off annual subscriptions

New and existing Duolingo users can apply promo code "THANKYOU100" to your order to save 10% on your annual subscription. Note that some exclusions may apply and you'll have to sign up via the website in order to redeem the code.

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Duolingo Promo Code

Up to 20% off

New and existing Duolingo users can apply promo code "TAKE20" to save up to 20% on your monthly subscriptions. Note that some exclusions may apply and you'll need to sign up via the website in order to redeem a code.

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Duolingo Promo Code

Up to 20% off monthly subscriptions

New and existing Duolingo users can apply promo code "EXTRA20" to your order and save up to 20% on your monthly subscriptions. Note that some exclusions may apply and you'll need to sign up via the website in order to redeem promo codes.

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What Duolingo Promotions are Available Right Now?

If you are hunting for a Duolingo promo code to kickstart your New Year's resolutions, we have some good news and some bad news. The reality is that the internet is often littered with expired codes, but because January is prime time for self-improvement, Duolingo often leans into the "new year, new you" momentum with strategic offers. While the famous green owl loves his freemium model, there are legitimate ways to lock in discounts for Super Duolingo if you know where to look.

Here is a breakdown of the current promo landscape for January 2026, organized to help you find the best deal for your learning style.

Active Super Duolingo Discounts and Trials

While sitewide coupons are rare, specific codes frequently circulate on deal sites and community forums. The biggest "secret" to saving is often choosing the right billing cycle or trial offer.

• Standard Promo Codes: Users have reported success with codes like "THANKYOU100" for 10% off annual plans or "TAKE20" for up to 20% off monthly subscriptions.
• Extended Free Trials: While the standard trial is 7 days, you can often find 14-day or even 1-month trial links through referral programs or seasonal marketing campaigns.
• Annual Plan Savings: Even without a specific code, switching from a monthly to an individual annual plan drops the effective monthly cost significantly, acting as a built-in discount of roughly 40% to 50% depending on your region.

Student And Group Savings

If you are currently enrolled in school or have a group of friends who want to learn a language together, you should never pay full price.

• Student Plan: University students can unlock nearly 50% off a Super Duolingo subscription. You will need to verify your status through services like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or SheerID.
• Family Plan Math: The Family Plan is arguably the best deal available. It costs $119.99 per year but covers up to six accounts. If you split this with five friends or family members, the cost drops to under $20 per person for the entire year.
• Teacher Perks: Through Duolingo for Schools, educators can access ad-free experiences for their classrooms at no cost.

In-App Currency And English Test Coupons

Sometimes the goal isn't just a subscription discount but also boosting your in-app resources or saving on certification.

• Free Gems Codes: Look for codes like "FREEGEMS10", "FREEGEMS600", or "LOVELANGUAGE" which have historically provided free bundles of gems to buy streak freezes and hearts.
• English Test Discounts: If you are taking the Duolingo English Test (DET) for university admissions, look for vouchers from partners like Arno or EduVouchers, which can shave money off the exam fee.

Expert Strategies To Maximize Savings

Finding the code is only half the battle. Because Duolingo operates across mobile apps and desktop browsers, the redemption process can be confusing. Here is how to ensure your code actually works.

• Redeem on Desktop: This is the most critical tip. You generally cannot redeem promo codes inside the iOS or Android mobile app. You must log in via a web browser at duolingo.com/redeem to apply your code.
• Check Reddit: The r/duolingo subreddit is a goldmine for active referral links. Users frequently post their invite links, which can grant you an extended free trial that you won't find on the main homepage.
• Stack Your Savings: If you have a credit card that offers cash back on streaming or educational subscriptions, or use a browser extension like Capital One Shopping, you might be able to earn rewards on top of your subscription discount.

At DealNews, we know that learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint, and we believe your budget should last just as long. Whether you grab a family plan with friends or snag a rare seasonal code, checking our updated listings is the best way to ensure you are getting the most value out of your language journey.

How to Redeem a Duolingo Promo Code

Unlocking a Duolingo promo code is significantly easier than remembering how to conjugate irregular verbs in French. There are no secret handshakes or complex hoops to jump through, but you do need to be in the right place to make it work. Since the mobile app doesn't always support code redemption directly, we highly recommend doing this through a web browser to ensure your discount applies correctly.

Here is the step-by-step process to claim your offer:

• Go to the Redeem Page: Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Safari, or Edge) on your phone or computer and head directly to duolingo.com/redeem. This is the most reliable method, as the mobile app settings can sometimes hide the redemption field.

• Enter Your Code: Type or paste your specific promo code into the box and click the "Redeem" button. If the code is valid, you will see a confirmation message.

• Log In or Sign Up: If you aren't already logged in, you will be prompted to sign into your existing account or create a new one to attach the promotion to your profile.

• Select Your Plan and Payment: This is the step that catches some users off guard. Even for free trials of Super Duolingo, you will likely need to select a plan (Individual or Family) and enter valid payment information. Don't worry, you won't be charged until the trial period ends, but you do need to provide a card to activate the perks.

If you are trying to redeem a code for the Duolingo English Test, the process is slightly different. You will need to apply that specific coupon during the checkout process on the Duolingo English Test website rather than the main Duolingo redemption page.

A few final things to keep in mind regarding eligibility: standard promo codes generally cannot be used if you already have an active Super Duolingo subscription. Additionally, because of account eligibility practices, these discounts cannot be redeemed by users under the age of 13.

Key Things to Know About Duolingo Discounts

As with all those New Year's resolutions that might already be wobbling in mid-January, success on Duolingo hinges on building a habit. Setting a realistic daily goal and enabling streak reminders is your first line of defense against quitting. But maximizing your language learning means going beyond just tapping through lessons. Read on to find out everything you need to know about navigating plans, avoiding ads, and finding the best price in 2026.

Which Duolingo Plans Have Ads?

The Free tier of Duolingo displays ads between lessons and after practice sessions. Super Duolingo, along with premium plans like the Family Plan and Duolingo Max, removes ads for an uninterrupted learning experience.

If you are trying to figure out if you need to pay to get rid of interruptions, here is the breakdown of the ad experience across the different tiers:

• Duolingo Free Version: Yes, this tier is supported by ads, which you'll see between lessons and after practice sessions. It does not require a monthly subscription fee but lacks some advanced features and imposes limits on features like hearts.
• Duolingo for Schools: This version is designed for classroom use and does not show ads to students when they access assignments through the teacher's dashboard. However, if students use the app outside of assigned lessons, ads may reappear.

How Much Does Duolingo Cost Without Codes?

Duolingo's mission to make learning universally available means the core content is completely free, ensuring that financial constraints never stand in the way of education. However, the "freemium" model does come with trade-offs—specifically, the time you spend watching ads and the management of the dreaded hearts system.

On the other end of the spectrum, the platform has also leaned heavily into high-tech features for 2026 with "Duolingo Max," a tier that utilizes AI to offer Roleplay scenarios and "Explain My Answer" feedback, simulating a real-world tutor. If you are ready to ditch the ads and turbocharge your study sessions, here is the standard pricing you can expect to pay this year without a promo code:

How Long Do Duolingo Promo Codes Last?

Duolingo discounts vary wildly in duration depending on the type of promotion. Major sales events like Black Friday usually offer discounts for a window of about one week. Seasonal promotions, such as back-to-school deals, may linger for several weeks. However, flash sales and unique promo codes found on social media can be available for just a few hours or days. Since Duolingo rarely announces expiration dates upfront, if you see a code like "SAVE50" that works, you should redeem it immediately.

How Do Duolingo Discounts Stack Up With Competitors?

When choosing a language app, pricing structures vary significantly. Duolingo is the king of the "Free" tier, while competitors like Babbel and Rosetta Stone rely closer on paid models with deeper promotional discounts.

The Verdict: If your budget is zero, Duolingo is the clear winner. If you are willing to pay and want a structured, grammar-heavy approach, Babbel's frequent 50% off sales make it very competitive. For visual learners who hate subscriptions, Rosetta Stone's lifetime deal offers the best long-term value.

When Is the Best Time to Save on Duolingo?

To maximize savings on Duolingo subscriptions, timing your purchase is everything. Since you are reading this in January, you are currently in one of the prime windows for deals. Duolingo frequently leans into "New Year, New You" promotions in late December and January, often discounting annual memberships to capitalize on resolution season.

If you miss the January window, keep an eye on the calendar for these major savings events:

• New Year's (January): This is the best time for immediate gratification. Deals often focus on annual subscriptions to help users lock in their resolutions.
• Back-to-School (August/September): As students head back to class, we frequently see percentage-off codes circulate, such as "BACKTOSCHOOL10", offering modest discounts on monthly or annual plans.
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November): This is historically the absolute best time to buy. In November 2025, we saw the deepest discounts of the year, with Family Plans discounted by roughly 30% and Individual plans slashed by 50%.

The Bottom Line: If you need a subscription right now, check for a New Year's offer. However, if you can hold out until November, Black Friday is invariably the best time to lock in a long-term subscription at the lowest possible price.

What Do Expired Duolingo Promo Codes Look Like?

Duolingo has a long track record of offering promo codes and discounts, but many of these codes are only available for a limited time or specific campaigns. Codes often align with New Year, Back-to-School, and Black Friday events, with short-term codes sometimes released for social media campaigns or through partner collaborations.

As a result, it's common to encounter expired codes when searching for deals. Free gem and XP codes tend to expire quickly and are less frequently renewed.

Over the years, several popular codes have provided significant discounts or bonuses, including:

• SAVE50, DUOLINGOSALE: Frequently offered 10–20% off subscriptions during 2020–2023.
• BACKTOSCHOOL10, PUMPKIN, NEWYEAR2024: Seasonal codes targeting students or holiday shoppers, typically offering 10–15% off.
• DUOLINGO50, BLACKFRIDAY: Larger discounts (20–30%) for annual plans, often tied to major sales events.
• DRACARYS, JETBLUE, LOVELANGUAGE: Special partnership or event-based codes, with discounts ranging from 15% to as high as 60%.
• FREEGEMS600, FREEGEMS10: Occasionally, codes have provided free gems or in-app bonuses, but these are often short-lived.

Most codes are tied to specific events, partnerships, or seasonal promotions and are set to expire after a fixed period. Duolingo rarely announces expiration dates in advance, so codes may stop working without notice. User reports and community feedback often highlight when codes become inactive, as seen in comment sections and deal forums, but there may be a lag.

If a code no longer works at checkout, it's likely expired; likewise, codes mentioned in older blog posts or deal roundups are more likely to be outdated.

What Have Duolingo Discounts Looked Like Previously?

Despite not having one active promo code that we could find right now, Duolingo actually has a pretty impressive and active history of offering discounts and coupons to engage with customers.

The platform has experimented with various discounts, from modest savings on monthly subscriptions to dramatic percentage-off deals. Between 2020 and 2024, promo codes like "SAVE50" and "DUOLINGOSALE" frequently offered 10-20% off, while seasonal codes such as "BACKTOSCHOOL10", "PUMPKIN", or "NEWYEAR2024" targeted discounts around holidays.

Beyond traditional discounts, Duolingo has occasionally launched free gem giveaways and partner promos to engage customers. For those hunting deals, keeping an eye on seasonal sales and official Duolingo announcements remains the best way to score savings.

Beyond Promo Codes: Other Ways to Save on Duolingo

If you can't find a working promo code for January 2026, don't let the green owl guilt trip you into paying full price. There are plenty of structural ways to lower your cost—or avoid paying entirely—by understanding how Duolingo's billing and account systems work. From splitting accounts to strategic cancellations, here is your comprehensive guide to hacking the system for maximum value.

Slash Monthly Costs to $1.67 by Sharing a Family Plan

This is arguably the best "discount" available on the platform, effectively functioning as a permanent 85% off sale if you maximize it. Since Duolingo's Family Plan allows up to six members, splitting this plan is the most effective way to save.

• Cost Breakdown: The Family Plan costs roughly $119.99 per year.
• Capacity: It supports up to six distinct accounts (You plus five others).
• The Math: $119.99 divided by 6 users equals roughly $20 per person per year.
• Monthly Equivalent: That breaks down to about $1.67 per month.
• How to Do It: Find five (eligible) friends, roommates, or family members. One person pays the annual fee upfront, and the other five Venmo their share.

Save 45% Instantly by Switching to Annual Billing

If you are currently paying the $12.99 monthly fee, you are voluntarily overpaying by a wide margin. The monthly plan is designed for short-term users, but language learning is a long-term game. Switching to the individual annual plan (roughly $83.99) instantly saves you about 45% over the course of the year compared to the month-to-month rate.

While the upfront sticker shock of paying ~$84 all at once can be intimidating, the math is undeniably in your favor if you plan to stick with the language for more than six months. Plus, committing to a year is a great way to ensure you actually keep that New Year's resolution.

Stack Extra Savings with Discounted App Store Gift Cards

A classic deal-hunter strategy is to fund your subscription using discounted gift cards rather than a direct credit card charge. Since you can subscribe to Super Duolingo through Apple or Google, you can take advantage of retail sales on gift cards to lower your effective price.

1. Find a Deal: Look for discounted Apple or Google Play gift cards at retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, or Target (often 10% to 20% off face value).
2. Redeem the Card: Load the gift card balance onto your Apple ID or Google Play account.
3. Subscribe via App: Open the Duolingo app on your device and select the Annual Plan.
4. Pay with Balance: Ensure your payment method is set to use your account balance first.
5. Result: If you bought a $100 gift card for $80, you just saved an extra $20 on top of the annual plan savings.

Unlock 50% Off with the Duolingo Student Plan

If you are currently enrolled in a university or college, you should never pay full price for premium features. Duolingo offers a generous Student Plan, but it requires specific verification steps to unlock the lower rate.

• The Discount: ~50% off the annual subscription price.
• Cost: Roughly $3.99/month (billed annually at ~$47.99).
• Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled student at an accredited university or college.
• Verification: You must verify your status via SheerID inside the Duolingo app settings (or UNiDAYS in some regions).
• Maintenance: You generally need to re-verify your student status once a year to keep the discounted rate.

Earn Cash Back on Subscriptions via Credit Card Offers

Before you hit "pay" at checkout, take a moment to look at your credit card rewards portal. Major issuers like American Express (Amex Offers), Chase (Chase Offers), and Capital One frequently have targeted "cash back" offers for streaming services, subscription apps, or general education purchases. We often see rebates of 5–10% cash back for Duolingo purchases. Additionally, using a browser extension like Capital One Shopping on the desktop site can sometimes trigger exclusive rewards or auto-apply coupons that aren't visible on the mobile app.

Get Ad-Free Learning for Free with Duolingo for Schools

This is a completely free, "gray hat" workaround for avoiding ads that some users have tried for years. Duolingo allows teachers to create "classrooms" for free at schools.duolingo.com to track student progress. However, you don't actually need to be a certified teacher to create one. If you set up a classroom and "enroll" yourself as a student, you often gain an ad-free learning experience on the web version without paying a dime. It eliminates the heart limits and ad breaks, though it may restrict some social features like Leagues. It is a legitimate feature designed for education that happens to be a massive perk for budget-conscious learners. Taking this step as a non-educator may violate Duolingo's terms of service, so beware this could result in penalties if you try it and they decide to take action.

Score Free Super Duolingo Weeks with Referrals

You can earn weeks or even months of free Super Duolingo simply by being social. Duolingo has a built-in referral program where you get a free trial extension (usually one week per person) when someone creates a new account using your unique invite link. If you have a social media presence, or just a family group chat full of people looking to start a New Year's resolution in January, post your link. You can stack these referrals to postpone the date you need to start paying real money, giving you premium features for free just for spreading the word.

Avoid Streak Repair Fees with Smart Gem Management

If you are determined to stick to the free tier, managing your "Gems" effectively is better than paying cash. The app is designed to make you panic when you lose your streak, tempting you to buy a "Streak Repair" or upgrade to Super. Instead, play defensively by hoarding your gems to buy "Streak Freezes" before you need them. It is much cheaper to equip a freeze in advance than to pay the "repair" penalty after a missed day. By keeping a healthy gem balance and always having a freeze equipped, you can maintain your streak indefinitely without ever opening your wallet.

The "Cancel and Wait" Method

One of the most effective strategies for scoring a discount is simply threatening to leave. Subscription services track "churn" closely and often have automated systems designed to win you back with a better price.

1. Subscribe Monthly: This works best if you are on a month-to-month plan.
2. Initiate Cancellation: Go to your subscription settings and select "Cancel Subscription" a few days before your renewal date.
3. Check for Retention Offers: During the cancellation process, the app may offer you a discount (e.g., "Stay for 1 more month at 50% off") to prevent you from leaving.
4. Check Your Email: If they don't offer it immediately, let the subscription lapse. Watch your inbox for a "We miss you" email in the following weeks, which often contains a promo code for 20-30% off to reactivate your account.

Are Duolingo Discounts Worth Pursuing in 2026?

Duolingo remains a strong contender in the language-learning space in 2026, thanks to its ever-expanding course offerings and gamified approach to learning. The platform continues to add new features, refine its AI-driven exercises, and offer an unmatched free-tier experience.

The free tier continues to be one of the most generous in the industry, making Duolingo an easy recommendation for casual learners. For those looking for an ad-free experience with added perks like unlimited hearts and personalized lessons, Super Duolingo is often available at a discount, making it a great value compared to other premium language apps.

While it may not replace traditional language courses or in-depth grammar instruction, Duolingo excels at keeping users motivated and reinforcing language skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

Frequent updates, new AI-driven conversation tools, and the company's commitment to making language education accessible only add to its appeal. If you're looking for an engaging, affordable, and effective way to learn a language in 2026, Duolingo is absolutely worth considering — especially if you can grab a promo code to make Super Duolingo even more budget-friendly.

How We Find and Verify Learning App Promotions

At DealNews, our team of expert deal hunters carefully scours the web to find the best discounts and promo codes for Duolingo and other top products and services. We verify offers from official sources, including Duolingo's website, email newsletters, and social media channels, as well as reputable third-party coupon sites.

When we find a deal, we evaluate its legitimacy, expiration date, and actual savings to ensure our readers get real, worthwhile discounts.

Once a deal is confirmed, we publish it on DealNews with clear details on the discount amount, eligibility, and any special conditions. We update listings frequently to reflect new promotions, limited-time flash sales, and seasonal savings events.

Our goal is to save you time and money by providing accurate, up-to-date information on the best ways to maximize savings on Duolingo and other popular services.

Why Should You Trust DealNews for Duolingo Discounts?

DealNews has been a trusted source for verified discounts for upwards of 25 years. Our team of expert deal hunters doesn't just scrape the web; we manually verify offers to ensure they actually work before we post them. But we don't just find the deals—we bring them directly to you.

By setting up a specific Deal Alert for Duolingo, you can stop refreshing this page and let us notify you the second a new promo code or flash sale drops. Additionally, subscribing to our daily newsletter ensures that the internet's best offers—from language apps to tech—are delivered straight to your inbox every morning, so you never miss a limited-time "New Year" or "Back-to-School" promotion again. Those years of experience go into making sure that every deal we post is the best price you'll find, regardless of our relationship with the store.