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Online learning & e-learning

Busuu Statistics: Usage, Effectiveness, and Corporate Facts (2026)

The latest Busuu statistics: user numbers, website traffic, languages offered, effectiveness studies, funding, and the Chegg acquisition of the app.

Reviewed by the Skillademia editorial team Updated July 2026

Key statistics at a glance

120M+
learners worldwide
late 2021
14
languages offered
2023
500K+
paying subscribers
across 160 countries
5.1M
monthly website visits
October 2023
$436M
Chegg acquisition value
2021
13 hours
study to advance one college semester
10.46%
of website visits from the U.S.
3M+
users in the UK alone

Busuu Usage Statistics

Language learning apps, virtual reality games, and integrations like the Busuu Alexa bot significantly enhance the self-study experience. Amid the pandemic, Duolingo, Busuu, Babbel, and Preply have witnessed increased demand.

Busuu, based in London, has a 4.7-star rating on the Apple Store and over a million downloads, showing users are happy. On Google Play, it has an excellent 4.1-star rating.

Interested in how people use Busuu? Let’s check out the stats.

1. Busuu offers courses in 14 languages

In 15 years, Busuu has evolved into a prominent player in the Edtech arena. 

As of 2023, the platform offers courses in 14 languages. However, while some users praise its effectiveness, especially for Spanish, a common language, reviews also say the quality can differ for each language.

2. Busuu has more than 120 million users worldwide

Busuu has surged to the forefront of language learning, surpassing 120 million learners in late 2021, accompanied by over 500,000 paying subscribers across 160 countries.

The platform significantly impacted the UK, where, in 2020, its number of users surged by 312%. Today, Busuu has left its linguistic imprint on over 3 million users in the UK alone.

3. By October 2023, Busuu attracted 5.1 million visits to its website

According to Similarweb, as of October 2023, Busuu’s website had a 3.31% increase in visits compared to the previous month, indicating growing popularity.

With 5.1 million monthly visits, Busuu is second only to Babbel in the language-learning platform scene.

4. 10.46% of visits to Busuu’s website come from the U.S.

In 2023, 10.46% of visits to Busuu’s website originated from the United States, making it the top contributor with a 3.6% increase in visits. 

Brazil follows closely with 7.9%, securing the second spot, and Mexico comes in third with 6.96%.

5. The 18-24 age group leads Busuu’s user base

Busuu.com’s audience is vibrant, with an almost equal split between male (50.51%) and female users (49.49%). 

The spotlight is on the 18-24 age group, making up 30.54% of visitors, showcasing the platform’s appeal to young adults. 

The 25-34 age group closely follows, representing 26.4% of Busuu’s web traffic.

This demographic diversity reflects a broad appeal, offering an inclusive space for users of various ages and genders to embark on their language-learning journey. 

6. Busuu can boost language skills for a college semester with just 13 hours of study over two months

In a study led by a University of Maryland academic in early 2021, Busuu was found to be effective, requiring users an average of 13 hours over two months to progress one college semester, a significant reduction from the typical 90-105 hours.

The study shows users using the free or paid plans see real progress in their language skills. 

Corporate Statistics

Busuu is trusted by 500 global organizations, like Puma and DHL, for employee language learning programs. 

The platform helps connect international teams, motivate staff, and improve communication with clients and customers.

If you are curious about how Busuu operates, check its corporate statistics.

7. Busuu secured $2 million in its latest funding round in 2020

Busuu has navigated challenges and sustained itself through strategic investments over the years. 

The latest funding round, which took place on May 27, 2020, saw the language-learning platform securing $2 million from GP Bullhound and high net-worth individuals.

Despite this injection of funds, Busuu’s founding team retained majority ownership back then. 

8. Chegg acquired Busuu for $436 million

In 2021, Chegg, the NYSE-listed student media learning platform, acquired Busuu in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $436 million (€385 million). 

Dan Rosensweig, Chegg’s President and CEO, said the deal expands Chegg’s business and adds value for users. The agreement also lets Chegg enter global markets and help Busuu grow in the US.

9. Busuu got 15 million euros in funding for its launch

To succeed, Busuu focused on getting many users and intelligent fundraising. CEO and co-founder Bernhard Niesner shared that they grew significantly with just 15 million EUR in funding.

They got support from business angels like Hansi Hansmann and Martin Varsavsky and investments from ProFounders Capital, McGraw-Hill Education, and a family office.

10. Busuu’s team is made up of over 100 people 

According to Bernhard Niesner, CEO and co-founder of Busuu, despite the challenge of a limited initial investment for the average European country,  ten years after its foundation, the Busuu team could maintain and grow to 100 people, including freelancers.

Sources & methodology

Every figure above is drawn from primary research and public reporting. We refresh this page as new data is published.

  1. Student media giant Chegg acquires language learning startup Busuu for $436M - TechCrunch, 2021
  2. 8 Best Language Learning Apps: Online Courses and a Pocket Translator - WIRED, 2023
  3. UK leading the way in use of language-learning apps - BBC News, 2021
  4. busuu.com Traffic Analytics, Ranking Stats & Tech Stack - Similarweb, 2023
  5. Chegg to Enter Rapidly Expanding Digital Language Learning Market with Acquisition of Busuu - Business Wire, 2021
  6. 10 learnings from 10 years on the startup rollercoaster - Medium
  7. 2020 Winners - EdTech Breakthrough, 2020
  8. Language platform Busuu acquires video tutor startup, now plans IPO - TechCrunch, 2020

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Frequently asked questions

How many languages does Busuu offer?

As of 2023, Busuu offers courses in 14 languages. Reviews note the quality can vary by language, with Spanish often praised as one of its strongest.

Why did Chegg acquire Busuu?

Chegg acquired Busuu in 2021 for approximately $436 million to expand globally and grow Busuu's presence in the US market. The deal added Busuu's curriculum and language-learning community to Chegg's on-demand education business.

How effective is Busuu for learning a language?

A University of Maryland study in early 2021 found users needed an average of 13 hours over two months to progress one college semester, down from the typical 90 to 105 hours. Both free and paid users saw real progress.

How many people use Busuu?

Busuu surpassed 120 million learners in late 2021, including over 500,000 paying subscribers across 160 countries. It has more than 3 million users in the UK alone.

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