The greatest company I never want to work for again - Software Engineer Duolingo Employee Review

5.0
6 Jul 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Brilliant coworkers - Fast-paced work - Fun office environment - Generous perks - Mission-driven - Transparent company culture

Cons

- Cliquey - Company culture rewards those who put work above all else (i.e. lack of work-life balance) - Expectations vary wildly between teams - High burnout rate - Insufficient leadership resources (i.e. if you can't deduce what senior management is really looking for, you'll flounder) - Lack of action on known systemic issues - Most of the awesome folks left years ago - Poor communication between teams and management

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.

1
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