---
title: "ContextCat vs Toucan: two very different ways to pick up words"
description: "Toucan swaps a few words on English websites into the language you learn. ContextCat explains words in texts written in that language. Which one fits you."
url: https://contextcat.app/compare/contextcat-vs-toucan
---

[ContextCat](https://contextcat.app/)[Compare](https://contextcat.app/compare)

# ContextCat vs Toucan: two very different ways to pick up words

Toucan swaps a few words on English websites into the language you learn. ContextCat explains words in texts written in that language. Which one fits you.

By [ContextCat](https://contextcat.app/about) · Updated October 27, 2026 · 3 min read

**The short answer:** Toucan is a free browser extension that replaces a few words on the English pages you already read with their translations in the language you are learning, so you meet new words without changing your habits. ContextCat does the opposite: you read a whole text in the language you are learning, and tap the words you need explained. Toucan is for passive exposure from zero effort. ContextCat is for actually reading in the language. They do not compete much, and they work fine side by side.

_ContextCat is our app. Facts about Toucan come from its website, checked on October 27, 2026._

## At a glance

Toucan

ContextCat

Where it works

Chrome and Edge on a computer

iPhone

What you read

Your usual websites, mostly in your own language

Texts written in the language you learn

How words reach you

A few words on the page are swapped into the new language

You tap the words you do not know

Languages to learn

11, including Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean

39

Price

Free

Free plan; Pro $7.99/month or $49.99/year (US App Store)

## Where Toucan is the better choice

-   **You are a beginner with little time.** Toucan teaches single words while you browse as usual. You do not need to read anything in the new language yet.
-   **You want it free.** Toucan costs nothing.

## Where ContextCat is the better choice

-   **You want to read real texts.** News, books, PDFs and articles in the language itself, with help on every word.
-   **You want words in context.** A swapped word on an English page gives you one translation. A tap in ContextCat explains how the word works in a real sentence of the language.
-   **You want review.** Every word you tap comes back as a card with its sentence.
-   **You read on your phone.** Toucan is a desktop extension.

Read real things. Tap any word.

Read real things in another language. Tap any word to see what it means in that sentence, in your own language.

[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6737737343?pt=122713589&ct=site_vs_contextcat_vs_toucan&mt=8)

## Questions

### Is Toucan free?

Yes. Toucan's site says the extension is free to install. It runs in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, and its site shows Babbel as the owner (checked October 27, 2026).

### Can I use Toucan and ContextCat together?

Yes, easily. Toucan works in your desktop browser while you read in your own language; ContextCat is for reading texts written in the language you learn, on your iPhone.

## Sources

1.  [Toucan (official site)](https://jointoucan.com/)
2.  [TechCrunch: Babbel acquires Toucan (2023)](https://techcrunch.com/2023/09/19/babbel-acquires-language-learning-browser-extension-toucan/)
3.  [ContextCat on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6737737343)

## Read next

-   [ContextCat vs Duolingo: lessons or reading?](https://contextcat.app/compare/contextcat-vs-duolingo): Duolingo teaches with short gamified lessons from zero. ContextCat helps you read real texts once you have the basics. What each is for, and how they fit together.
-   [ContextCat vs Language Reactor: shows or texts?](https://contextcat.app/compare/contextcat-vs-language-reactor): Language Reactor adds dual subtitles and a pop-up dictionary to Netflix and YouTube. ContextCat helps you read news, books and PDFs on iPhone. How they compare.
-   [ContextCat vs LingQ: which reading app should you use? (2026)](https://contextcat.app/compare/contextcat-vs-lingq): LingQ and ContextCat both teach a language through reading. How they differ on library, word help, review, platforms and price, and who each one suits.
-   [Graded readers vs real news: what should you read in a new language?](https://contextcat.app/guides/graded-readers-vs-real-news): Graded readers control vocabulary so you can read fluently; real news is the language people actually write. When to use each, and how to move between them.