The short answer

Choose by task.

Use a course when you want a sequenced path across different language skills. Use a separate flashcard trainer when you want to retain specific words and phrases from your own life.

How the approaches differ

NeedDuolingoEasy Peasy English
Main formatInteractive course along a learning pathCards and a personal review queue
Language skillsReading, writing, speaking and listening exercises vary by courseFocus on vocabulary comprehension and active recall
Your own materialLearners follow course contentUsers can create and edit cards
ReviewBuilt into lessons and personalised practiceEvery card has an FSRS schedule
Best fitStructured independent learningTargeted retention of useful phrases

When Duolingo is the logical choice

Choose it when you want the app to determine the sequence of topics and exercise types. Duolingo's official description says course units are organised around communicative goals and combine vocabulary and grammar for those goals.

When Easy Peasy English is useful

  • you want to save vocabulary from work, travel, a book or a video;
  • you need separate EN → RU and RU → EN practice;
  • you want to see the exact cards due today;
  • you prefer ready-made content designed for Russian-speaking learners;
  • you want a calm flashcard workflow rather than a course path.

How to use both

  1. Use the course for sequenced practice.
  2. Select only the expressions you genuinely want to use.
  3. Add them to Easy Peasy English with clear context.
  4. Complete the short vocabulary queue separately from the lesson.

The course provides breadth; the cards maintain access to selected vocabulary.

Sources

The Duolingo description was checked against its official explanations of the Duolingo Method, course structure and skills, and spaced repetition. Easy Peasy English facts come from the current build and the official product facts page.

Duolingo is a trademark of its respective owner. This independent page is not affiliated with Duolingo and does not claim that one product is universally superior.

Need a separate vocabulary queue?

Save useful phrases and review them on a personal schedule.