Best for
- LingQ free users reaching saved-term or import limits
- Readers comparing a flexible monthly start with lower prepaid equivalents
- Input-led learners calculating the cost of an established weekly routine
Watch for
- The observed checkout was geo-localised in Swiss francs
- Annual and 24-month options charge the full term upfront
- The published 30-day refund window applies to first-time Premium purchases
Documented shortlist
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LingQ
DocumentedA self-directed reading and listening environment built around authentic content, saved words and imported material.
Best fit: Learners who want large amounts of reading and listening input
Watch: The open library is not a mandatory linear course
Documented product record
Facts below were checked against vendor sources on Sep 3, 2026. Regional offers may change.
| Criterion | LingQ |
|---|---|
| Learning format | reading, listening, vocabulary, structure |
| Languages | More than 50 languages; the verified selector contained 52 |
| Level context | All levels are marketed; the open content model is often easiest after the earliest beginner stage |
| Access model | Permanent free tier |
| Free access / trial | Free account with audio and transcripts, up to 20 saved terms, five imported lessons and one playlist |
| Pricing context | Geo-localized checkout showed CHF 13.50 monthly, CHF 107 annually or CHF 189.90 for 24 months; locale and channel can change the amount |
| Billing / renewal context | Recurring prepaid plans; first-time Premium purchases have a published 30-day refund window, while later charges are generally non-refundable |
| Platforms | Web, iOS and Android; offline access is a Premium feature |
What the free account currently allows
LingQ's free account includes access to audio and transcripts, with limits of 20 saved terms, five imported lessons and one playlist. Those limits allow a real workflow test, but they are restrictive for sustained vocabulary capture or a large personal content queue.
Before paying, complete several text-and-audio sessions and import material you genuinely intend to use. Upgrade because a known limit blocks that routine—not because the library size sounds impressive.
Verified checkout snapshot
The geo-localised checkout observed on 2026-09-03 showed CHF 13.50 for one month, CHF 107 for 12 months and CHF 189.90 for 24 months. The longer terms equal about CHF 8.92 and CHF 7.91 per month by arithmetic, but the full CHF 107 or CHF 189.90 is the relevant charge-today figure.
These are not universal prices. Recheck the live checkout for currency, tax, term and purchase channel before relying on the snapshot.
Monthly flexibility versus prepaid savings
The monthly plan costs more per month but reduces the cost of discovering that the open, self-directed format is a poor fit. An annual or 24-month term makes more sense only after the workflow has survived normal and disrupted weeks.
Include opportunity cost in the comparison: paying less per month is not a saving if the import queue, saved vocabulary and listening routine go unused.
Refund and renewal boundaries
LingQ publishes a 30-day refund window for a first-time Premium purchase. Its terms describe later charges as generally non-refundable, so an existing subscriber should not assume every renewal starts a new guarantee.
Record the next billing date and cancellation route immediately after purchase. Recheck app-store rules separately if the subscription is not bought directly.
When LingQ is not worth paying for
Do not subscribe when you want a mandatory linear curriculum, when early beginner material remains too open, or when free browser, ebook and audio tools already support the exact content without harmful friction.
Use the monthly option or choose neither plan while testing. The lower 24-month equivalent should not override a mismatch between the product's core input method and the way you actually study.
Decision criteria
Primary sources
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