Amazing culture. Hopefully that stays - Software Engineer Duolingo Employee Review

5.0
20 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Great culture and emphasis on collaboration/having fun - Made several life long friends here - Post IPO stock gains were great while they lasted - CEO is smart and still in 'founder mode' - It's fun to work on problems in education for a brand that people love

Cons

- Comp is 80% of what you would get at Google or Facebook. The company is relying on its feel-good mission/stock growth to make up for the remaining 20%. The recent stock price crash has made this worse - HR had better act soon before best talent leaves. - We're hiring more people, but the scope of work for each person seems to be getting smaller over time. - Pittsburgh is a great city to live in but limits your career opportunities if you want to switch companies

Explore other reviews about Duolingo

5.0
21 May 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mission, smart and kind people, great work, hard working teams focused on results and delivering against an awesome mission. People push themselves and each other to learn and grow. Swarms of smart and creative problem solvers.

Cons

Small number of people are unhappy and instead of leaving they complain. A lot. I think it's like this everywhere but in a smaller company you feel it.

3.0
18 Apr 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1. Great, and I mean great people 2. PTO policy very generous and unlimited sick time 3. Pretty flexible hours and the offices themselves are nice. 4. Super good for new grads, do your time for a couple years then move on.

Cons

1. Pittsburgh is the worst city I’ve ever had to live in. If that’s your assigned office good luck trying to transfer. No ability for remote work even temporary for legitimate family reasons. 2. Promos are based on favoritism. If you’re saddled with a bad manager you get a bad review for no reason. If your manager doesn’t like you, they will complain to others on the team about you behind your back.

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