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Streak apps have become extremely popular in recent years. There's something about watching that little number go up that makes you think, "Okay, I can't break this now." It sounds silly, but it actually works!
So which app deserves space on your phone? We compared four of them, each focusing on something different — from languages to books to coding to random trivia that makes you sound smart at parties.
Quick answer: What these learning streak apps are all about
Duolingo — That green owl who haunts your notifications until you learn Spanish. Offers more than 40 languages.
Headway — Book summaries you can finish in 15 minutes. Perfect if you keep buying books but never read them.
Mimo — Learn to code on your phone. Sounds weird, but it actually works.
Nibble — Quick lessons on topics like history, philosophy, finance... basically everything. Great for replacing your doomscrolling habit.
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Get started1. Duolingo — For language learners who need a little pressure
You probably already know Duolingo. That owl is everywhere. Miss a lesson, and he'll send you increasingly desperate notifications. ("These reminders don't seem to be working. We'll stop sending them." Brutal.)
But the guilt trips work! The app covers over 40 languages with bite-sized lessons you can finish while waiting for your coffee. And once you get into the league system? Forget it. You'll find yourself doing extra lessons at 11 pm just to stay in Diamond.
One warning, though: Some people end up repeating easy lessons just to keep their streak alive instead of actually learning new material. Don't be that person.
Pricing (December 2025): Free with ads. Super is about $12.99/month. Max with AI features is $29.99/month.
2. Headway — For people who want to read more (but have zero time)
Here's the thing about reading. Everyone wants to do more of it. Almost nobody has the hours.
Headway gets around this by turning bestselling nonfiction books into 15-minute summaries. We're talking about over 2,000 books on subjects like productivity, money, relationships, and career growth. And they're not just cliff notes — you get the actual insights you'd underline if you read the whole thing.
The streak system here is solid. You also get personalized plans that match your interests and help you achieve your goals. So three weeks later, you remember what 'Atomic Habits' was about and know how to apply those principles in everyday life!
Pricing (December 2025): One free summary per day. Paid plans are around $89.99/year or $12.99/month.
3. Mimo — For anyone curious about coding
Bootcamps are expensive. Degrees take forever. And sometimes you just want to see if coding is even your thing.
That's where Mimo comes in. You can practice Python, JavaScript, HTML, and SQL — all on your phone. You start writing real code from day one, instead of watching someone explain variables for an hour.
Coding needs daily practice, or you will forget everything. (Trust us on this one.) Mimo's streak system keeps you coming back, and the career paths help you work toward actual goals like becoming a front-end developer.
Pricing (December 2025): Free intro lessons. Pro costs about $8.33/month yearly. Max with AI is $24.99/month.
4. Nibble — For the casually curious
Nibble is a productive version of scrolling. Instead of losing an hour to random videos, you spend it learning things you can actually bring up in conversation.
Each lesson takes two to five minutes and covers everything from philosophy to personal finance to art history. Each one ends with a little quiz to make sure you're paying attention.
It won't make you an expert, but you'll have a broad base of knowledge. And the streak tracking works a lot like Duolingo's — daily goals, progress charts, that satisfying feeling of keeping your count alive.
Pricing (December 2025): Limited free access. The premium is about $20/year.
So which one should you pick?
Headway, if you want to book knowledge without the time commitment. Fifteen minutes at lunch equals dozens of books per year.
Duolingo, if you're actually serious about learning a language, and competition motivates you.
Mimo, if coding has been on your "I'll get to it someday" list for way too long.
Nibble, if you want variety and hate feeling like you wasted time scrolling.
Frequently asked questions about learning streak apps ranked
What apps have streaks?
There are so many now! Duolingo made streaks famous, but Headway tracks them for reading, Mimo for coding, and Brilliant for math and science. Even meditation apps like Calm and Headspace count your active days. The psychology is simple — once you've built up a streak, you really don't want to lose it.
Which learning app is best and free?
Duolingo has the most generous free version for languages. You get full lessons, just with ads and limited lives. Headway gives you one free book summary every single day — enough to build a real habit without paying anything. And maybe that's all you need to lay the foundation.
Is Khan Academy 100% free?
Yep! All the core subjects — math, science, history, and test prep — are completely free. No ads, no subscriptions. It's a nonprofit funded by donations. The only paid thing is their AI tutor (Khanmigo) at $4/month (free for teachers).
What is the most useful learning app?
Honestly? The one you'll actually use. Headway is great if you want practical wisdom fast. Duolingo is a good option if you need to learn a new language. Khan Academy is best for school subjects. Mimo works well for job-ready coding skills. Pick the one that solves YOUR specific problem.
How can I focus 100% on studying?
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode. Close the extra tabs (yes, all of them). Tell people that you're busy for the next 25 minutes. Then take a 5-minute break. Repeat. Apps like Headway help because 15 minutes is short enough that your brain won't fight you.
