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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Is it worth paying for

Busuu

65
Value score / 100 Worth paying? Depends It depends

Busuu is a generally effective language learning app, praised for its structured lessons and community feedback, but its value is significantly hampered by aggressive paywalls, numerous ads in the free version, and high subscription costs.

Free + in-app purchases seen up to $139.99 4.7★ lifetime (99,362) since 2010

Busuu offers well-organized, bite-sized language lessons with native speaker corrections, making it a strong alternative to apps like Duolingo R1R18R28. However, the free version is heavily interrupted by ads and paywalls, restricting access to core features like reviews and AI conversations R67R148R150. While some find the paid content valuable, many users complain about high prices, predatory subscription practices, and lack of transparency regarding language-specific features R23R35R37R295.

Free vs paid

The free version of Busuu offers comprehensive lessons, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation practice, allowing users to learn a lot without paying R2R5R15R40. However, it is heavily ad-supported, with frequent interruptions and ads after almost every lesson R67R131. Many essential features, such as the review section, AI conversations, and offline downloads, are locked behind a paywall R146R150R254R308. The paid premium version removes ads, unlocks all features, and provides access to more advanced learning tools R295.

Value complaints

  • The free version is heavily laden with ads, making the learning experience frustrating and pushing users towards premium.R67R131R148R288
  • Many core learning features, such as the review section and AI conversations, are locked behind a paywall, even with existing ads.R146R150R254R308
  • Users report high prices for subscriptions, with some feeling it's too expensive for students or that the value doesn't match the cost.R23R247R456R548
  • There are complaints about predatory subscription practices, including automatic annual renewals without clear notice and difficulty obtaining refunds.R35R37R155R508
  • Some languages lack full feature support, such as AI speaking options, despite paying for premium, with no prior disclosure.R2R695
  • Mandatory AI voice recognition and sharing of recordings raise privacy concerns for some users.R196R210R420
  • Existing customers sometimes face higher renewal prices than new customers, forcing them to create new accounts to get better deals.R295

Where it delivers

  • Busuu is well-organized, easy to use, and provides effective, bite-sized lessons for daily practice.R1R8R18R19
  • The app is praised for teaching grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances effectively, often surpassing other apps like Duolingo.R1R10R18R28
  • The community feedback feature, allowing corrections from native speakers for written and spoken exercises, is highly valued.R2R10R11R13
  • The free version is considered useful and comprehensive for learning a lot of material, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.R5R15R22R40
  • Some users find it more engaging and less boring than Duolingo.R1R29R30R38
Worth paying if

It is worth paying for Busuu if you are serious about learning a language, find its structured lessons and native speaker feedback highly effective, and are learning a popular language with full feature support R2R10R13R19. It is also suitable if you are willing to pay for an ad-free experience and access to features like AI conversations and review sections that are paywalled in the free version R146R150R254.

Skip / stay free if

You should skip paying for Busuu if you are on a tight budget, as many find the subscription expensive and the free trial system predatory R23R35R247R456. If you are learning a less common language, you might find that certain premium features, like AI speaking options, are not available, making the premium less valuable R2R695. Also, if you value privacy and are uncomfortable with mandatory voice recording for AI features, you should avoid the app R196R210R420.

Evidence note: Reviews are generally positive about the learning content, but recent reviews, especially those mentioning monetization, show a strong negative sentiment regarding ads, paywalls, and subscription practices. The lifetime rating of 4.7 is likely inflated by earlier, more positive experiences before the current aggressive monetization strategy.

Frequently asked

Is Busuu truly free?
Busuu offers a free tier that allows users to learn a lot of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, but it is heavily supported by ads and many core features like review sections and AI conversations are locked behind a paywall R5R15R22R40.
How much does Busuu Premium cost?
While specific monthly prices vary, users have reported seeing prices ranging from $6.99 to $139.99 for various in-app purchases and annual plans, with some mentioning monthly costs around $18.99 - $25.90 and annual plans between $150-$270 CAD R23R35R456R508.
Does Busuu offer refunds?
Some users have reported issues with refunds, with one user stating they were promised a refund within 14 days but were refused after one day R37.
Are all languages supported equally on Busuu Premium?
No, some users have found that certain premium features, such as AI speaking options, are not available for all languages (e.g., Korean, Japanese), despite purchasing the premium version R2R695.
Are there privacy concerns with Busuu?
Yes, some users have expressed privacy concerns regarding mandatory AI voice recognition, as voice recordings are uploaded to servers and can be listened to by random people for corrections, with no option to opt out R196R210R420.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R67] 1/5 · US Too many adds for premium: Have been using it for a while now and haven’t been keeping up the practice because of how many ads they have or how often they want you to go to premium
  2. [R131] 1/5 · US In your face advertising: Obvs I can upgrade to no ads but it feels like it’s over the top intentional to get you to buy. And I haven’t used it long enough to know if I will commit that long. So I’ll start looking for a different app.
  3. [R148] 3/5 · US Advertises ruined app: I used before years ago it was great and I made really good progress but apparently they are trying to force people to buy premium with lots of advertisements
  4. [R288] 2/5 · GB To many ads about premium: After each properly after each lesson they puts 15-30 seconds ads. Deleted after 15 minutes of use.
  5. [R146] 3/5 · US worth it for learning: its great for learning a new language and it allows you to help others through their journey in learning a new language, but when you do not have premium in the app you have endless ads and you cant use the review section.
  6. [R150] 3/5 · US This is very good app: The only nit pick I have is that you can’t do the AI conversations or the AI listening without premium. And unfortunately, for kids trying to learn languages, premium really gets in the way with that. It would be nice to have access to the AI stuff even without premium, as for me, I found that’s the best way I learn German. Side note: they already have adds, why do they need
  7. [R254] 3/5 · GB Good but the ads and the reviewing of words: I think they should change the app so that we need to pay premium for a language ai thing instead of to stop ads and to review words. The amount of adds as u get past lesson 8 is to much
  8. [R308] 1/5 · GB Spanish speaking: Not a free app after one day asked to upgrade to premium or no access to speaking practice
  9. [R23] 2/5 · US A2 level for Chinese sucks: I spent 131 days learning A1 level. I was really looking forward to A2 level; however, when I started A2 level lessons. It had vocabulary that it never taught me nor did it teach me any grammar. This app has a lot of ads and I paid for the premium. It feels like a huge waste of time and money. The only good thing I got out of this is that I am proficient in A1. Wish th
  10. [R247] 3/5 · US A balanced program: The program is a bit expensive, but it's the best app in the world for learning English. Please dedicate just one hour a day to it and see the result for yourself, or you can hold me accountable for these words. · translated
  11. [R456] 2/5 · GB Wish it was cheaper: Its a good app but the fact that its so expensive for monthly payments is what deters me from using it. I think the developers should consider poor uni students that cant afford to be paying 18.99 - 25.90 a month - it should be max £9
  12. [R548] 3/5 · CA Payments: Too expensive. If you are don’t pay options are limited.
  13. [R35] 1/5 · US I just downloaded may have gotten charged: I was downloading the app because I wanted to learn French when o downloaded the app I went on ChatGPT which told me it was free and I didn’t need a subscription but now I believed it charged me 200 dollars so I’m not sure why it wasn’t clear and I DO NOT want to get charged cause I am fully ok which just having the basics
  14. [R37] 1/5 · US No refund: Busuu promised a refund. They mentioned 14 days for a refund. After a day, I asked for a refund and they refused. Buyer beware! This program reminds me of all the reasons I hated High School Spanish class.
  15. [R155] 1/5 · US AUTO ENROLLS FOR 1 YEAR: Beware, even if you delete this app, they will automatically enroll you in a 1 year plan and charge you for THE ENTIRE YEAR without notice.
  16. [R508] 1/5 · CA Scam: I did not ask for a renewal plan and the app automatically renewed for a year and it cost me $290 CAD!! Why is app scamming people now?! Unbelievable the app is not even half good as Duolingo! And it renew itself for a year! If you guys don’t want to get suddenly deducted money from your account then don’t get this stupid app
  17. [R2] 4/5 · US amazing app!: if you are trying to learn any language, Busuu is a great option for daily, bite-sized practice. You can get corrections from native speakers and have comprehensive free lessons. Before you buy the premium version, however, make sure all the features are available in your language or else it may not be worth it to you. For example, I’m learning Korean, and was a little disappointed w
  18. [R695] 3/5 · CA No AI Conversations on Premium+ for Japanese: The app itself is good. However, there is no disclosure PRIOR to purchasing what specific languages have or have not access to AI Conversations in the Premium+. Only after purchasing did I find out that Japanese doesn’t offer them. No use to pay the extra between Premium and Premium+ in this case. That information should be clearly disclosed prior to
  19. [R196] 3/5 · US Great app but AI and Voice recording-no: I really like the way Busuu structures the lessons but occasionally it will start making you answer questions before covering the lesson. This is very frustrating. Also since they are now using AI they want you to give the app permission to use your microphone and record your voice. That is a bad idea given how easy such recordings can be abused. It doesn’t
  20. [R210] 2/5 · US Not private at all. Stay safe.: This app is good for learning, however when you (HAVE) to use the voice option for a lesson it gets uploaded to the server and RANDOM people can listen to it and correct you. I was not informed of this and as soon as I found out I deleted my account because there wasn’t any options to make it so that doesn’t happen. If you value privacy and don’t want your voice on
  21. [R420] 1/5 · GB Mandatory AI voice recognition: I signed up for a 6 months pro version and I am very disappointed to see that I cannot proceed further in the lessons without agreeing to share my voice with their AI. No matter how much reassurance Busuu gives about the safety of this feature, I think we all know by now that our data is never safe online. There should be an option to opt out of AI features. The app
  22. [R295] 2/5 · GB A great app terrible for existing customers: I loved this app. Bought the premium version to avoid advertising. Less than £50 . At the end of the year the premium version was nearly double!!! I contacted Busuu and they said no deals for existing customers. So I had to delete my account and lose a year’s worth of learning. Then use a different email to re subscribe for the reduced price for new cus
  23. [R1] 5/5 · US Really helpful: It’s well organized. I like it a lot more than duo
  24. [R8] 5/5 · US Great!: Easy to use.
  25. [R18] 5/5 · US Love it!: I’m learning German, and this taught me more in a day than Duolingo has in a month! But, since you learn so much so quickly, go back and take the chapter reviews again to sharpen up your skills once in awhile
  26. [R19] 5/5 · US Lessons stick and are easy to follow: I love the teaching style and how their lessons are easy to follow. They also give tips for learning as well as a good explanation for why something is. Great learning tool!
  27. [R10] 5/5 · US Very useful: It’s vary good with grammar rules and having native speakers correct your written and spoken practice exercises.
  28. [R28] 5/5 · US Busuu: It is a very good learning tool to help you learn new languages. I was doing Duolingo but it only taught me the basics. But Busuu has really helped me learn a lot more about Japanese.👍🏻
  29. [R11] 5/5 · US It’s good!: Nice clearly laid out curriculum, and I like the community feedback feature a lot.
  30. [R13] 5/5 · US It’s a game, a fun way to learn.: I like how you can correct your pronunciation with native speakers. I also like that there are weekly leader boards; it gives you a competitive drive to learn more.
  31. [R5] 5/5 · US Good for brokies: Im a highschool student and don’t have much money, so I use it free and i love it. Its useful, helpful, and doesn’t block the app after a few tries!
  32. [R15] 4/5 · US Um app excelente para aprender outros idiomas: O Busuu é o app de aprendizado de idiomas gratuito mais completo que eu já testei! Mesmo sem pagar o plano Premium, você consegue aprender muita coisa, gramática, vocabulário, pronúncia. Ele é bem completo mesmo!
  33. [R22] 5/5 · US I love it: I have honestly been learning Russian rappidly❤️ I love this app so much it has helped me with my journey a lot and it’s the best app I have ever used for learning that is FREE
  34. [R40] 4/5 · US Phenomenal: Unlike the majority of language learning apps, Busuu is legitimately helpful. They teach grammar, vocabulary, and throw in cultural tidbits. Not only that, but premium is actually optional. Most apps would make you buy premium just to get a full course and learn the basics, Busuu provides full courses and explanations for free. There are ads, but not enough to be annoying. I’ve learned
  35. [R29] 5/5 · US Excelente: Te juro que esta app te entretiene. Está completa. Tiene todas las habilidades. Dualingo es bien aburrido
  36. [R30] 5/5 · US better than duolingo: teachers language is better than Duolingo
  37. [R38] 5/5 · US Awesome foreign language app!: I used Duolingo for over one year, but prefer this app so much more.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store