Duolingo Doesn't Have Thai? 5 Best Alternative Recommendations
Want to learn Thai with Duolingo but found it's not supported? Don't worry! This article recommends 5 excellent Duolingo alternatives, including StudyThai.ai, Ling, Drops, and more, to help you find the best tool for learning Thai.
Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps globally, but unfortunately, it currently doesn't offer Thai courses. The good news is, there are many excellent alternatives that can help you learn Thai, some even better suited for learning Thai than Duolingo.
Why Doesn't Duolingo Have Thai Courses?
Duolingo currently supports about 40 languages, but Thai is not among them. Possible reasons include:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| User Demand | Relatively fewer Thai learners |
| Development Difficulty | Complex Thai writing system |
| Resource Investment | Requires extensive localization work |
| Priority | Prioritizing more mainstream languages |
Good news is: Duolingo doesn't have Thai, but there are many apps specifically designed for Thai, which may offer a better Thai learning experience!
5 Best Duolingo Alternatives
1. StudyThai.ai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Most Recommended)
Why is it the best Duolingo alternative?
| Duolingo Feature | StudyThai.ai Equivalent Function |
|---|---|
| Gamified Learning | AI-driven personalized learning |
| Spaced Repetition | ✅ Scientific Ebbinghaus algorithm |
| Daily Streak | ✅ Progress tracking |
| Free to Use | ✅ Rich free features |
| Learning in Snippets | ✅ Supports short study sessions |
Unique Advantages of StudyThai.ai:
- Designed for Chinese users: Full Chinese interface, optimized for native Chinese speakers
- Complete pronunciation training: 44 consonants + 32 vowels + 5 tones system learning
- AI Reading Review: Personalized content for 28 scenarios
- Tone Calculator: Unique Thai tone analysis tool
Price: Free / Pro ¥69/month / ¥499/year (Save ¥329)
🎯 Experience StudyThai.ai for free - A Thai learning platform designed for Chinese users
2. Ling ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features: The closest Duolingo experience for Thai learning
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gamified Learning | Similar style to Duolingo |
| Mini-games | Vocabulary matching, spelling, etc. |
| Conversation Practice | Simulates real-life dialogue scenarios |
| Speech Recognition | Evaluates pronunciation accuracy |
| Multi-language | Supports 60+ languages |
Pros:
- ✅ Fun gamified design, similar to Duolingo
- ✅ Has speech recognition feature
- ✅ Beautiful interface
Cons:
- ⚠️ Chinese localization is average
- ⚠️ Limited free content
- ⚠️ Higher price (annual fee approximately ¥500)
Suitable for: Users who like Duolingo style, need to learn multiple languages
3. Drops ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features: Vocabulary memorization master, 5 minutes a day
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Image Association | Beautiful illustrations aid memory |
| 5-minute Learning | Free version limited to 5 minutes daily |
| Thematic Vocabulary | Learn by scenario categories |
| Short Bursts | Perfect for fragmented time |
Pros:
- ✅ Beautiful design, visually pleasing
- ✅ Effective image association for memory
- ✅ Great for learning in short bursts
Cons:
- ⚠️ Vocabulary only, no grammar
- ⚠️ Strict time limit in free version
- ⚠️ Not suitable for systematic learning
Suitable for: Learners who want to add vocabulary in short bursts
4. ThaiPod101 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features: Professional audio and video course platform
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Audio Courses | Massive graded podcasts |
| Video Tutorials | Native speaker pronunciation explanations |
| PDF Notes | Course supplementary materials |
| Vocabulary Flashcards | Review tools |
Pros:
- ✅ Professional, systematic content
- ✅ Native speaker instruction, accurate pronunciation
- ✅ Large volume of courses
Cons:
- ⚠️ All-English interface
- ⚠️ Higher price ($4-$47/month)
- ⚠️ Average app experience
Suitable for: English speakers who like audio/video learning
5. Anki ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Features: The strongest spaced repetition tool
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Spaced Repetition | Most scientific memory algorithm |
| Customization | Fully customizable decks |
| Community Decks | Large number of shared Thai decks |
| Cross-platform | Syncs across multiple devices |
Pros:
- ✅ Strongest spaced repetition algorithm
- ✅ Completely free on desktop
- ✅ Highly customizable
Cons:
- ⚠️ Steep learning curve
- ⚠️ Requires creating own content
- ⚠️ Outdated interface
Suitable for: Advanced users willing to invest time in setup
Comprehensive Comparison Table
| App | Pronunciation | Vocabulary | Grammar | Chinese Interface | Free Content | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StudyThai.ai | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Rich | ¥69/month |
| Ling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠️ | Limited | ¥500/year |
| Drops | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ✅ | 5 mins/day | ¥300/year |
| ThaiPod101 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | Little | $47/month |
| Anki | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ✅ | Free | ¥168(iOS) |
Suitable Scenarios for Each App
Scenario 1: Zero-basis systematic learning
Recommended: StudyThai.ai
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Complete pronunciation training | 44 consonants + 32 vowels + 5 tones |
| Chinese interface | Barrier-free learning (for Chinese users) |
| Systematic courses | From beginner to advanced |
Scenario 2: Fragmented time learning
Recommended: Drops + StudyThai.ai
| Combination | Usage |
|---|---|
| Drops | 5 minutes daily for vocabulary |
| StudyThai.ai | Systematic learning when free |
Scenario 3: Want a Duolingo experience
Recommended: Ling
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Gamified design | Closest to Duolingo |
| Incentive system | Leaderboards, achievements |
Scenario 4: Preparing for a trip to Thailand
Recommended: StudyThai.ai
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 28 scenarios | Covers travel needs |
| Personalized content | AI-generated practical dialogues |
Scenario 5: Expanding vocabulary with existing foundation
Recommended: Anki + StudyThai.ai
| Combination | Usage |
|---|---|
| Anki | Custom vocabulary review |
| StudyThai.ai | AI dictionary lookup |
Selection Advice
If you are a Chinese user
First choice StudyThai.ai
- Full Chinese interface
- Optimized for native Chinese speakers
- Tone comparison learning
If you prefer gamified learning
First choice Ling
- Closest to Duolingo experience
- Rich achievement system
If you have limited time
First choice Drops
- Only 5 minutes daily
- Easy image association
If you pursue efficiency
First choice StudyThai.ai
- AI-driven personalization
- Scientific spaced repetition
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: Will Duolingo support Thai in the future?
There's no official word yet. Adding new languages to Duolingo requires significant resources and user demand. But you don't need to wait—existing alternatives can already meet your Thai learning needs effectively, with some even offering more specialized features than Duolingo.
Q: Which app is most like Duolingo?
Ling is most like Duolingo; both feature gamified design, mini-games, leaderboards, and achievement systems. However, Ling's Chinese support is not as good as StudyThai.ai.
Q: Is the free version sufficient?
StudyThai.ai's free version offers the richest features, generally enough for beginners. Other apps have more restrictions in their free versions: Drops allows only 5 minutes of study per day, and Ling has limited course content.
Q: Which should Chinese users choose?
Strongly recommend StudyThai.ai. It is the only Thai learning platform specifically designed for Chinese users:
- Full Chinese interface and explanations
- Tone comparison tailored for native Chinese speakers
- Suitable for Chinese users' learning habits
Q: Can I use multiple apps simultaneously?
Yes, a primary + secondary approach is recommended:
- Primary App (Systematic learning): StudyThai.ai
- Secondary App (Supplementary needs): Drops (vocabulary) / Ling (fun)
Q: Is it essential to use an app to learn Thai?
Not necessarily, but apps offer distinct advantages:
- Learn anytime, anywhere
- Progress tracking
- Spaced repetition algorithm
- Multimedia content Of course, apps are best combined with other learning methods: watching Thai dramas, finding language partners, and practical usage, etc.
Summary
Although Duolingo doesn't offer Thai courses, there are many excellent alternatives available. For Chinese users, we highly recommend StudyThai.ai:
| Reason for Recommendation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Designed for Chinese users | Full Chinese interface, barrier-free learning |
| Complete pronunciation training | 44 consonants + 32 vowels + 5 tones |
| AI-driven learning | Personalized, high efficiency |
| Rich free features | No barrier to entry |
| High cost-effectiveness | Paid version is also very affordable |
Choose the app that suits you best, stick with your learning, and you will surely learn Thai!
Experience StudyThai.ai for Free
The best Duolingo alternative! Designed for Chinese users, AI-driven efficient learning
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