Comparison
PrepMyJapanese vs Duolingo for JLPT
Quick answer: Duolingo is gamified daily japanese lessons built for habit — not for jlpt exam simulation. PrepMyJapanese is better when your goal is a timed JLPT mock with approximate scaled scores and sectional minimums — the failure mode that surprises candidates on results day.
| Capability | PrepMyJapanese | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Timed full-length JLPT mock | Yes | No |
| Sectional pass minimums | Yes | No |
| Scaled-score style 0–180 feedback | Yes | No |
| Explicit N5–N1 focus | Yes | No |
| Vocab / kanji SRS depth | Partial | Partial |
| Grammar drill depth | Partial | Partial |
| Generous free tier | Partial | Yes |
Where PrepMyJapanese is better
- Full-length timed JLPT mock flow with pass/fail style feedback
- Sectional minimums surfaced the way the real exam fails unbalanced candidates
- Approximate scaled 0–180 scoring with an explicit disclaimer (not an official JEES conversion)
- Mock credits you can spend across levels — buy once, use on the level you need
- Supporting path: video courses, ebooks, vocab/kanji practice, and an AI tutor
Where Duolingo is better
- Excellent habit loops and streak motivation
- Low friction for absolute beginners
- Huge brand recognition and free tier
Gaps for JLPT exam day: Does not mirror JLPT sections, timing, or pass rules Weak as a last-mile mock-exam tool Progress feels productive without proving sectional readiness
Choose PrepMyJapanese if…
Learners who have a JLPT date (or SSW/career goal tied to N4+) and need realistic timed mocks with section-level diagnosis.
One-time mock packs (not a subscription): from a single timed mock (~$13 USD) up to multi-mock packs; video courses and ebooks sold separately.
Choose Duolingo if…
Beginners building a daily Japanese habit before they care about an exam date.
Free tier + Super Duolingo subscription.
Can you use both?
Yes — and that is often optimal. Keep Duolingo for what it does best (general language app), then run PrepMyJapanese mocks to check whether vocabulary, reading, and listening hold up under real timing and sectional floors.
Practice scores on PrepMyJapanese are approximate readiness signals, not official JLPT results.