Italki vs Preply
Compare italki vs Preply for 1-on-1 language tutoring.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Choose italki for the largest tutor selection and flexible scheduling. Choose Preply for structured learning packages and trial discounts. Both connect you with native speakers—your choice depends on preference for flexibility vs structure.
How to decide between italki and Preply
italki
- Use when
- Personalized learning. Native speakers.
- Check before choosing
- Can be expensive. Quality varies by tutor.
- Pricing model
- Per-lesson pricing varies by tutor. Plans start at $5-80/lesson.
Preply
- Use when
- Large tutor marketplace. Good tutor filtering.
- Check before choosing
- Tutor quality varies. Costs add up with weekly lessons.
- Pricing model
- Per-lesson pricing varies by tutor, language, and lesson package. Plans start at $5+/lesson.
Comparison Table
| Feature | italki★ 4.6 (100+ reviews) | Preply★ 4.5 (100+ reviews) |
|---|---|---|
| Languages | 150+ | 50+ |
| Tutor Count | 10,000+ | 50,000+ |
| Trial Lesson | Paid, varies | 50-100% off |
| Price Range | $5-80/hour | $5-60/hour |
| Package Deals | No | Yes (5-20 lessons) |
| Scheduling | Flexible | Flexible |
| Video Platform | Built-in | Built-in |
| Teacher Types | Community/Pro | All tutors |
| Best For | Flexibility | Structured learning |
Platform Differences
italki distinguishes between community tutors (native speakers, lower cost) and professional teachers (certified, higher cost). This gives you options based on budget and goals.
Preply treats all tutors equally but encourages package purchases. The platform offers trial lessons at significant discounts to help you find the right tutor.
Pricing Model
italki charges per lesson with prices set by individual tutors. No package required—you can book single lessons as needed. Trial lessons are available at tutor's discretion.
Preply encourages package purchases (5-20 lessons) with discounts. Trial lessons are discounted 50-100%. If you don't like your tutor after the trial, you can switch for free.
Best For
**Choose italki if:** You want maximum flexibility, need less common languages, prefer booking lessons as needed, or want to choose between professional and community teachers.
**Choose Preply if:** You want structured learning with packages, prefer trial lesson discounts, want a satisfaction guarantee, or are learning common languages.
Frequently asked questions
Is italki worth it?
italki is absolutely worth it for speaking practice with native speakers. Even one lesson per week dramatically improves conversation skills. The variety of tutors means you can find someone who fits your learning style.
Which is cheaper, italki or Preply?
Both have similar price ranges ($5-60/hour). Preply's package discounts can make it cheaper for committed learners. italki's pay-per-lesson model works better for flexible scheduling.
Can I switch tutors if I don't like my teacher?
Yes, both platforms allow switching tutors. Preply offers a satisfaction guarantee—if you don't like your trial tutor, you can try another with the same discount.
Final checklist before you choose
Before choosing between italki and Preply, decide what would make the platform successful after the first month. A lower price is not enough if you will not finish the lessons, and a larger catalog is not enough if the format does not match how you learn.
Choose based on the next course or project you will actually start, not the total number of courses in the library.
Check whether you keep access after canceling, especially when comparing per-course purchases against subscriptions.
Look at the weakest point for each platform: italki has to clear "Can be expensive", while Preply has to clear "Tutor quality varies".
If both options look close, start with the one that has the lowest switching cost or the clearest trial, free plan, or refund path.