The italki vs Preply choice comes down to flexibility versus structure. italki works pay as you go. This means that you book and pay for a lesson when you want. There’s no subscription or required weekly plan. Preply uses a subscription model that encourages regular weekly lessons through packages.

The fees mentioned in this comparison may not be entirely accurate due to promotions; always check their official websites for current pricing.

1. italki vs Preply business model

Aspect italki Preply
Payment structure Pay-per-lesson credits Subscription (auto-renews every 28 days)
Commitment None required Minimum weekly hours (typically 4+ lessons/month)
Unused hours Credits never expire (with annual login) Do not roll over; lost each billing cycle
Focus Language learning only 100+ subjects (languages, maths, science, etc.)
Platform age Founded 2007 (Hong Kong) Founded 2012 (Ukraine)

3. Teaching approach

3.1 Tutor types

Aspect italki Preply
Tutor categories Clear distinction: Professional Teachers (verified credentials) vs Community Tutors (native speakers) No formal distinction; qualifications vary widely
Credential verification Professional Teachers must provide verified certificates/degrees Credentials optional; identity verified only
Budget option Community Tutors from $4-10/hour No equivalent tier

3.2 Curriculum and tools

Aspect italki Preply
Materials Tutor-provided only Platform provides materials (primarily English); AI-generated learning plans
Lesson structure Entirely customisable; 30, 45, 60, or 90-minute options Structured recurring lessons; 25 or 50 minutes
Video platform italki Classroom, Zoom, or Skype Preply Classroom only (with whiteboard, file sharing)
Progress tracking Basic (lessons completed, hours studied) AI-powered analytics (speaking time, vocabulary, grammar patterns)
Between-lesson practice Free community features (language exchange, writing corrections) AI-generated daily exercises

4. italki vs Preply features

Feature italki Preply
Trial lessons 3 discounted trials ($3-8 for 30 min); tutors receive full payment 1 trial at tutor's rate; tutors receive nothing (100% commission to platform)
Tutor search Manual filtering (price, availability, credentials, country) AI-powered matching; "Super Tutor" badges
Scheduling Book whenever with any teacher Recurring weekly schedule with one tutor
Calendar sync Manual export Google, Outlook, Apple integration
Community features Language exchange, forums, writing corrections, Q&A Limited (group English sessions only)
Group lessons Available for some languages English only

5. Languages available

Category italki Preply
Total languages 150+ 50-90
Active tutors 20,000+ (language only) 35,000+ (all subjects)
Rare languages Extensive (Basque, Welsh, Yoruba, Khmer, etc.) Limited availability

If you are learning a less common language, italki almost certainly has more options.

6. Pricing

Category italki Preply
Budget option $4-15/hour (Community Tutors) $5-15/hour (limited availability)
Professional rate $15-30/hour (range: $10-80+) $15-30/hour (range: $5-80+)
Platform average ~$12-18/hour ~$18-26/hour
Transaction fees 4% on credit purchases $0.30 per transaction

Some tutors teach on both platforms but charge 20-30% more on Preply. italki's Community Tutor tier and lack of subscription pressure make it the more affordable option overall.

7. Payment and policies

Policy italki Preply
Cancellation notice Tutor-set (typically 24 hours) 12 hours
Subscription cancellation N/A (no subscription) Must cancel before next billing date
Refunds Unused credits refundable Satisfaction guarantee on trials; regular refunds difficult
Tutor commission (trial) 0% (tutor keeps all) 100% (tutor receives nothing)
Tutor commission (regular) Flat 15% 18-33% (sliding scale based on hours taught)

italki's lower commission attracts more experienced teachers who keep more earnings. Preply's high commission (especially 100% on trials) may push quality tutors toward competitors.

8. User reviews

Platform Trustpilot App Store Google Play
italki 4.7/5 (14,000+ reviews) 4.7/5 4.5/5
Preply 4.2/5 (19,000+ reviews) 4.7/5 4.5/5

italki complaints tend to focus on individual tutor experiences (expected variation in a marketplace). Preply complaints consistently target platform policies: the subscription model, unexpected charges, and losing unused hours.

9. Which platform suits you?

Choose italki if you:
  • Want complete flexibility with no subscription commitment
  • Need affordable conversation practice (Community Tutors from $4/hour)
  • Are learning a rare or less common language
  • Value free community features (language exchange, writing corrections)
  • Have an irregular schedule that varies week to week
  • Want to try many different teachers
Choose Preply if you:
  • Need external accountability through subscription commitment
  • Prefer AI-powered progress tracking and learning insights
  • Plan to commit to regular weekly lessons with one tutor
  • Also need tutoring in non-language subjects
  • Appreciate calendar sync and scheduling reminders

10. Verdict

Category Weight italki Preply
Value for money 25% 9/10 7/10
Flexibility 20% 10/10 5/10
Teacher variety 15% 9/10 8/10
Platform features 15% 7/10 9/10
Language options 10% 10/10 7/10
User experience 10% 8/10 8/10
Customer support 5% 8/10 7/10
Weighted total 100% 8.75/10 7.20/10

For most language learners, italki offers the better experience. Its pricing flexibility, teacher variety, language options, and user-friendly policies create a more accessible learning environment. Community Tutors starting at $4/hour and no subscription remove barriers to consistent practice.

Preply suits learners who specifically need external accountability through a subscription structure, appreciate AI-powered progress tracking, or require tutoring in non-language subjects. However, its "use it or lose it" policy, 100% trial commission (tutors receive nothing), and higher ongoing commission rates (up to 33%) create friction evident in user reviews.

My recommendation: Begin with italki for its flexibility and lower risk. Test multiple teachers using the three trial lessons, establish a routine, and see if you can maintain consistency without subscription pressure. If you find yourself lacking accountability, consider Preply's subscription model to enforce regular practice.
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