Italki vs Cambly: A side by side comparison

1. italki vs Cambly: introduction

If you want to learn a language through live conversation with real tutors, you must have come across these two platforms: italki and Cambly. Both connect you with native speakers for one-on-one video lessons, but they have fundamentally different approaches. In this comprehensive italki vs Cambly side by side comparison, I will break down everything you need to know to help you choose the platform that is worth your money.

I have examined the two platforms extensively. I have looked at their features, pricing structures, tutor quality, user reviews, and learning methods. So, in this guide, I will help you decide which platform best fits your goals.

italki offers tutors for over 150 languages with pay-per-lesson pricing. Cambly focuses exclusively on English with a subscription model and on-demand access. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which approach suits your learning style and budget.

2. What is italki?

italki is an online language learning marketplace founded in 2007 and headquartered in Hong Kong, China. The platform connects language learners with tutors for one-on-one lessons via video chat. italki offers tutoring in over 150 languages and has more than 10,000 teachers serving millions of learners worldwide.

What sets italki apart is its marketplace model. Tutors set their own prices and create their own lesson styles. You can choose between Professional Teachers (who have verified credentials and teaching experience) and Community Tutors (who may be native speakers without formal teaching qualifications). This variety means you can find tutors at nearly any price point.

italki operates on a pay-as-you-go model. You purchase credits and book individual lessons rather than committing to a subscription. Trial lessons are offered at discounted rates, allowing you to test multiple tutors before choosing one. The platform also includes community features like language exchange partnerships and writing correction tools.

3. What is Cambly?

Cambly is an online English tutoring platform founded in 2012 by Sameer Shariff and Kevin Law. Cambly connects English learners with native speakers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries. The platform focuses exclusively on English and operates in over 150 countries.

What makes Cambly unique is its on-demand model. You can log in at any time and start a conversation with an available tutor within seconds. There is no need to schedule lessons in advance unless you prefer to do so. This instant access appeals to busy learners who cannot commit to fixed schedules.

Cambly uses a subscription model where you pay for a set amount of practice time per week. All tutors are native English speakers, though teaching qualifications vary. The platform also offers Cambly Kids for children ages 4-15, with tutors specially trained in teaching young learners. Lessons are automatically recorded for later review.

4. Learning method comparison

The most significant difference in the italki vs Cambly comparison is their teaching philosophy. Understanding these differences will help you choose the platform that matches how you learn best.

4.1 Lesson style

italki: Lessons are highly customizable because each tutor designs their own curriculum. You can find tutors who specialize in conversation practice, grammar instruction, business language, exam preparation (like IELTS or TOEFL), or specific skills like pronunciation. Lesson lengths typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, and you can request specific topics or materials.

Cambly: Lessons are primarily conversation-based. Cambly is designed for speaking practice rather than formal instruction. The platform provides pre-made curriculum slides on topics like business English, exam prep, and basic conversation, but tutors are not required to follow a structured syllabus. Sessions focus on building conversational confidence through real-time chat.

4.2 Speaking practice

italki: Speaking practice depends entirely on your chosen tutor. Many italki tutors focus on helping you build conversational skills through talking. You can request conversation-heavy lessons or mix speaking with grammar and vocabulary work. The flexibility allows you to balance speaking practice with other skills.

Cambly: Speaking is the core focus. Cambly is essentially paying to have conversations in English with native speakers. The platform encourages spontaneous discussion rather than scripted drills. This immersive approach helps build fluency and confidence, though some learners may miss structured grammar instruction.

4.3 Grammar explanations

italki: Grammar instruction varies by tutor. Professional Teachers typically offer more structured grammar lessons, while Community Tutors may focus on conversation practice. You can specifically search for tutors who emphasize grammar if that is your priority. Many tutors tailor lessons to your weak areas identified during sessions.

Cambly: Grammar instruction is limited.Cambly is advertised to tutors as a conversation practice platform rather than a teaching platform. While some tutors will correct mistakes and explain grammar when asked, systematic grammar instruction is not Cambly's strength. Learners seeking structured grammar work may need supplemental resources.

4.4 Real-life dialogues

italki: Tutors often incorporate real-life scenarios into lessons. Teachers can create customized lessons based on your goals, such as preparing for job interviews, practicing travel conversations, or discussing specific professional topics. The one-on-one format allows lessons to address exactly what you need.

Cambly: Every lesson is essentially a real-life dialogue. Students appreciate that conversations feel natural rather than scripted. You discuss actual topics with a native speaker, which closely mimics real-world communication. The spontaneous nature helps prepare you for unpredictable real conversations.

4.5 Review system and learning tools

italki: The platform offers learning tools including vocabulary sets, podcasts from around the world, and practice quizzes. italki Plus (a subscription add-on) provides AI-created study materials based on your lessons. Students can also use the Community feature to get writing corrections and ask questions.

Cambly: All lessons are automatically recorded and saved to your account. You can replay recordings to review vocabulary, catch mistakes you missed, and track your improvement over time. The chat feature within lessons also saves transcripts for later reference. However, there are no built-in flashcards or spaced repetition tools.

5. Features comparison

Beyond the core lesson experience, both platforms offer additional features. Here is how italki vs Cambly compare on the tools that can enhance your learning.

5.1 Tutor selection and vetting

italki: Tutors must have native proficiency or C2 level in the languages they teach. Professional Teachers must submit proof of degrees and teaching certificates. Each tutor profile includes an introduction video, student reviews, lesson statistics, and detailed teaching descriptions. The ratio of students to lessons helps identify tutors who retain students long-term.

Cambly: 100% of tutors are native English speakers. Many hold graduate degrees from universities in the US, UK, and Canada. However, no teaching certificate is required. Cambly simply requires English proficiency and approval of a short intro video. Tutor quality varies more widely than on italki.

5.2 Instant lessons and scheduling

italki: You can book lessons in advance by viewing tutor schedules. The platform also offers Instant Lessons that let you start a trial lesson immediately with available tutors. However, most lessons require advance booking, typically at least a few hours ahead.

Cambly: Cambly's biggest advantage is truly instant access. You can log in at any time and connect with an available tutor within seconds. You can also schedule lessons in advance if you prefer consistency with the same tutor. This flexibility suits learners with unpredictable schedules.

5.3 Progress tracking

italki: The platform tracks your lesson history, total learning hours, and credits spent. Tutors may also keep their own notes on your progress and areas for improvement. There is no formal proficiency assessment built into the platform, though you can pay for placement tests separately.

Cambly: Cambly tracks your minutes used, lesson history, and tutor ratings. The recorded videos serve as a progress record you can review over time. There is no formal curriculum or level system, so progress tracking is largely self-directed based on reviewing your conversation recordings.

5.4 Lesson recording

italki: Lesson recording requires written agreement from your tutor, who must enable the feature from their side. Not all tutors offer recordings. Sessions take place on italki Classroom or external platforms like Zoom or Skype, depending on tutor preference.

Cambly: All lessons are automatically recorded on Cambly's proprietary video platform. This is one of Cambly's standout features. Students can watch recordings repeatedly to catch things they missed, practice shadowing, and measure improvement. Recordings are stored in your account for future access.

5.5 Community features

italki: The Community feature lets you post content and receive feedback from other language learners. You can find free language exchange partners for mutual practice. The platform also offers discussion forums, article writing with corrections, and Q&A sessions with teachers.

Cambly: Cambly does not offer community features. The platform focuses entirely on one-on-one tutoring without social learning components. There are no forums, language exchange options, or peer interaction tools. Learning is strictly between you and your tutors.

5.6 Group lessons

italki offers group classes designed and led by expert teachers. These classes provide a more affordable option and let you learn alongside other students. Class sizes and formats vary by instructor.

Cambly offers a Group Plan for interactive lessons with other students. Group classes cost less per person than one-on-one sessions. These lessons follow Cambly's pre-planned curriculum with multiple students participating in discussions led by a tutor.

6. Languages supported

This is one of the most significant differences in the italki vs Cambly comparison.

If you want to learn any language other than English, italki is your only option between these two platforms. Cambly specializes exclusively in English, which allows them to focus on quality native speakers but limits their appeal to English learners only.

7. Pricing and plans

The pricing models differ fundamentally between these platforms. Here is how italki vs Cambly compare on cost.

italki pricing

italki uses a marketplace model where tutors set their own prices. Typical ranges are:

Cambly pricing

Cambly uses a subscription model based on minutes per day and days per week. The following prices are for 2 lessons at 30 minutes each.

These prices are for 30-minute lessons and can change based on plan type, lessons per week, country, currency, and promotions.

Cambly offers different plan types including Small Groups, Private+, and Pro (with specialized tutors). Monthly costs vary based on how many 30-minute lessons per week you choose. Cambly's cheapest option starts around $10.99/month for 30 minutes of conversation time. For more intensive plans (such as 2 lessons per week), expect approximately $52-109/month on a monthly plan or roughly half that on annual plans. Prices may vary by region and promotional offers.

8. Plans and policies

Understanding the fine print helps you avoid surprises. Here is what you need to know about each platform's policies.

8.1 Free trial availability

italki: New users receive 3 trial lessons at reduced prices (under $5 each) to test different tutors. Trial lessons are typically 30 minutes. This is not free, but it is significantly discounted from regular rates.

Cambly offers a trial lesson for $1 for 30 minutes. Some promotional codes provide free trial minutes. The trial allows you to test the platform before committing to a subscription.

8.2 Refund policy

italki credits do not expire as long as you log in at least once per year. If you do not log in for a full year, your credits may expire. Refunds for purchased credits are generally not offered, so buy only what you plan to use. Individual lesson refunds depend on tutor cancellation policies.

Cambly's refund policy is strict. They refund only the unused portion of your subscription at full price, removing any promotional discounts applied. Many user reviews report difficulty obtaining refunds. Cancellation must be done through Cambly's help center, not within the app.

8.3 Cancellation steps

italki: Since italki is pay-per-lesson, there is no subscription to cancel. You simply stop booking lessons. If you need to cancel a booked lesson, policies vary by tutor but typically require 24 hours notice to avoid losing your credits.

Cambly: You must submit a cancellation request through Cambly's help center. Cancellation through the mobile app is not supported. You can also pause your subscription if you need a temporary break. Your access continues until the current billing period ends.

8.4 Kids plans

italki: There is no separate kids platform, but many tutors on italki specialize in teaching children. You can filter for tutors who work with young learners. Parents book lessons the same way as adult learners.

Cambly Kids is a dedicated platform for children ages 4-15. Tutors are specially trained in teaching young learners. Courses range from A1 to C1 level. Pricing starts at approximately $10 per month with subscription options similar to adult Cambly.

8.5 Business and organization plans

italki for Business offers language training for organizations. Unlike Preply Business, italki does not offer free language assessments. The platform matches tutors with employees based on interests and learning styles.

Cambly for Organizations provides corporate English training with customized pricing based on organization size and needs. Features include administrative tools and progress tracking for employee accounts.

9. Device and access

Both platforms work across multiple devices. Here is the breakdown for the italki vs Cambly comparison.

10. Ratings and reviews

User reviews reveal the real-world experience on each platform.

italki users praise the variety of tutors and affordable pricing. Common complaints include the italki Classroom technical issues and recent commission rate increases affecting tutor pricing.

Cambly reviews are polarized. Students appreciate the convenience and friendly tutors, but many complain about high prices and strict refund policies. Tutor reviews frequently mention low pay ($10.20/hour) and a stressful rating system.

11. Support and trust

Customer support

italki: According to Trustpilot reviews, italki responds to support requests at [email protected]. The platform also offers live chat support. Response times are generally reasonable, though some users report delays during peak periods. italki actively responds to Trustpilot reviews, indicating engagement with customer feedback.

Cambly: According to multiple Trustpilot reviews, Cambly's customer support is a frequent source of complaints. Users report generic responses, slow resolution times, and difficulty obtaining refunds. Support is available through cambly.biz/help, with promised response times of 1 business day.

Company background

italki: Founded in 2007, headquartered in Hong Kong. The company has been operating for over 17 years and serves millions of learners globally. italki takes a 15% commission from tutors on each lesson.

Cambly: Founded in 2012, headquartered in San Francisco. The company has been operating for over 12 years. Cambly takes approximately two-thirds of what students pay, leaving tutors with $10.20 per hour.

12. Decision quiz: which should you pick?

13. Use-case scenarios

Scenario 1: Prepare for IELTS exam

Winner: italki

italki offers tutors who specialize specifically in IELTS preparation with structured lesson plans. You can find teachers with IELTS examiner experience. Cambly offers IELTS prep materials, but its conversation-focused approach is less suited to systematic test preparation.

Scenario 2: Casual conversation practice

Winner: Cambly

Cambly's instant access and conversation-based model is perfect for learners who just want to chat in English. No scheduling, no lesson plans—just spontaneous conversation with native speakers whenever you have free time.

Scenario 3: Learn Japanese

Winner: italki

Cambly only offers English. italki has thousands of Japanese tutors at various price points, from affordable community tutors to certified professional teachers with advanced degrees.

Scenario 4: English for a child

Winner: Cambly (Cambly Kids)

Cambly Kids is specifically designed for children ages 4-15 with age-appropriate curriculum and specially trained tutors. italki has tutors who teach children, but there is no dedicated kids platform with structured courses.

Scenario 5: Build a daily habit on a budget

Winner: italki

With tutors starting at $4-5 per hour, italki allows budget-conscious learners to book frequent lessons. Even practicing 3-4 times per week costs less than Cambly's minimum subscription for most learners.

14. Final scorecard

15. Conclusion

After this comprehensive italki vs Cambly comparison, I have come to the conclusion that italki is the platform that suits most language learners. Its marketplace model offers unmatched flexibility in tutor selection, pricing, and language options. With over 150 languages, tutors ranging from $4 to $80+ per hour, and pay-as-you-go pricing, italki accommodates nearly any learning goal and budget.

Cambly has a clear niche: English learners who want instant, on-demand conversation practice with guaranteed native speakers. The automatic lesson recordings and spontaneous chat format suit busy professionals who cannot schedule lessons in advance. However, the higher cost, limited language options, and mixed reviews on support make it harder to recommend broadly.

For English learners specifically, the choice depends on your priorities. If you want structured grammar lessons, exam preparation, or budget-friendly options, choose italki. If you prioritize convenience, spontaneous practice, and lesson recordings, consider Cambly.

For learners of any other language, italki is the clear winner by default since Cambly only offers English. Whatever your choice, both platforms demonstrate that live conversation with human tutors remains one of the most effective ways to achieve fluency.