ReadLang Alternatives: Comparing ReadLang, LingQ, and Lingo Champion
If you’re looking for alternatives to ReadLang, three well-known options in the reading-based language learning space are ReadLang, LingQ, and Lingo Champion.
All three are built around the comprehensible input method, helping learners improve through reading and listening to real-world content.
This comparison outlines their features, pricing, and differences so you can decide which is best for your study style.
Feature & Pricing Comparison
| Feature | ReadLang | LingQ | Lingo Champion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | |||
| Free plan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Premium plan price per month | $6 | $14.99 | $5.99 |
| Content Features | |||
| News feed | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Video feed | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Texts & books library | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Song & lyrics library | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Import/Export Features | |||
| Import texts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Import books | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Import songs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Import vocabulary | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Export vocabulary | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tools & Learning Features | |||
| Text to speech | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Flashcards | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Spaced repetition system (SRS) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Chat | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| AI text simplification | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grammar guides | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tutoring | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Browser Extension | |||
| Import web pages to app | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Translate words automatically while browsing | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Select text to translate | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Import Duolingo vocabulary | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| YouTube captions import | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mobile Apps | |||
| Android | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| iOS | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Common Approach
All three platforms are comprehensible-input-focused, aiming to build vocabulary and fluency through reading and listening.
They share several core elements:
- Known-word tracking — users can mark words as known, unknown, or “learning” to track progress.
- Import tools — ways to bring in outside content such as web pages, ebooks, or video transcripts.
- Integrated review — flashcards or spaced repetition to help retain vocabulary.
Summary
- ReadLang – A straightforward tool suited for learners who want to read and translate without curated feeds or heavy AI features. Supports the most languages but has a relatively static and smaller library.
- LingQ – Established platform with a large content library, tutoring, and grammar guides. It’s by far the most expensive of the three. Some users find the interface confusing, and while grammar content is available, it’s not fully embedded into the reading flow.
- Lingo Champion – A newer, AI-first platform with modern design, real-time news and video feeds, Duolingo vocabulary import, and embedded grammar guides. Offers fewer languages than LingQ but focuses on fresh, up-to-date content and automation.
