What to look for in an Urdu app
Ways to learn Urdu, compared
| HeyUrdu | Big general apps (like Duolingo) | Audio courses | Online tutors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teaches Urdu? | Yes, only Urdu | Duolingo: no Urdu course (Oct 2026) | Some do | Yes |
| Speak out loud from lesson one | Yes, every lesson | Varies | Yes | Yes |
| Roman Urdu and Urdu script | Both, side by side (or Hindi letters) | n/a | Mostly audio only | Depends on the tutor |
| Phrases for family life | Yes: Nani, Dadi, home, phone calls | n/a | Usually travel and general | If you ask |
| Regional Urdu (Karachi, Lahore, Lucknow…) | Yes, side by side | n/a | Rarely | Depends on the tutor |
| For children | Yes, all ages, child-safe settings | n/a | Mostly adults | Some tutors |
| Cost | Free to start; optional Pro | n/a | Usually a paid subscription | Paid per lesson |
Based on what each type of option usually offers. Check each provider for current details.
How HeyUrdu is different
Questions people ask
Does Duolingo have Urdu?
Not as a course for learning Urdu, at the time of writing (October 2026).
Is there an app like Duolingo for Urdu?
Yes. HeyUrdu works in short, game-like daily lessons, with streaks and XP, and focuses on speaking Urdu out loud.
Is HeyUrdu free?
HeyUrdu is free to start, with one new lesson and one chat every day. HeyUrdu Pro unlocks unlimited lessons and removes ads, with a 7-day free trial.
What is a good Duolingo alternative for Urdu?
HeyUrdu works like Duolingo (short daily lessons, streaks, XP) but is made only for Urdu, with real audio and speaking practice.
What is the best Urdu learning app for children?
Look for real audio, short lessons, lots of praise and child-safe settings. HeyUrdu is for all ages; under-13s never see ads from other companies.
Which Urdu app is best for someone who grew up hearing it?
One that gets you speaking rather than starting from the alphabet. HeyUrdu's level check skips what you know, and its phrases are for real family life.
Which Urdu app is best for South Asian families in the US and UK?
HeyUrdu was made for families in the diaspora: family phrases, regional Urdu side by side, and lessons for children and adults.
