Italki vs Preply - Which one should you choose?

1. Introduction

The italki vs Preply choice centers on flexibility versus commitment. italki operates as a pure marketplace where you pay per lesson with no ongoing obligations. Preply uses a subscription model that encourages regular weekly lessons through lesson packages. This structural difference shapes everything from pricing to how tutors approach their teaching.

The two platforms have millions of users and thousands of tutors. But which one should you choose? Well, the right choice depends on your learning style, budget, and commitment level. By the end of this guide, you will understand exactly which platform aligns with your language learning goals.

The fees mentioned in this article may not be entirely accurate due to promotional price. Always check their official websites for up-to-date pricing.

2. What is italki?

italki is an online language learning marketplace founded in 2007 in Hong Kong by Kevin Chen and Yongyue Jiang. The platform has grown to become the world's largest marketplace for language tutoring, connecting over 10 million learners with more than 20,000 teachers across 150+ languages. italki raised $3 million in funding and operates as an independent company focused exclusively on language learning.

The platform distinguishes itself through a two-tier tutor system. Professional Teachers hold verified credentials and teaching certifications, while Community Tutors are native or advanced speakers who provide conversation practice without formal qualifications. This distinction allows learners to choose between structured instruction and casual speaking practice at different price points.

Beyond paid lessons, italki offers extensive free features including language exchange partnerships, community forums, writing correction services, and Q&A sections. The platform operates on a simple pay-per-lesson model with no subscriptions, packages, or long-term commitments required.

3. What is Preply?

Preply is an online tutoring platform founded in 2012 in Kyiv, Ukraine by entrepreneurs Kirill Bigai, Dmytro Voloshyn, and Serge Lukyanov. Originally focused on language learning, Preply has expanded to cover over 100 subjects including academic tutoring, test preparation, and professional skills. The company has raised over $120 million in funding across multiple rounds, with offices in Barcelona, London, and the United States.

Preply positions itself as a "human-led, AI-enabled" learning platform, combining personalized tutoring with technology-driven features like lesson insights, daily exercises, and progress analytics. The platform hosts over 35,000 tutors teaching more than 50 languages to approximately 800,000 learners annually. Major corporations including ByteDance (TikTok), Mercedes, and McKinsey use Preply Business for employee language training.

Unlike italki's marketplace approach, Preply operates on a subscription model where students commit to weekly lesson hours. After an initial trial lesson, learners subscribe to a plan (typically 4+ lessons per month) that automatically renews every 28 days. This structure encourages consistent study but requires more upfront commitment.

4. Teaching approach compared

Understanding how each platform structures learning helps determine which approach matches your preferences in the italki vs Preply decision.

4.1 Lesson structure

italki: Lessons are entirely customizable with no platform-imposed structure. Teachers design their own curriculum, select materials, and adapt to each student's goals. Standard lessons run 60 minutes, though many teachers offer 30, 45, or 90-minute options. You can take lessons as frequently or infrequently as you want, with different teachers for different purposes.

Preply: The platform encourages structured, recurring lessons with the same tutor. After your trial, you select weekly lesson hours and establish a regular schedule. Lessons typically run 50 or 25 minutes. Preply's AI tools generate personalized learning plans based on your goals, and tutors receive guidance on structuring progression. The subscription model naturally creates continuity with one primary teacher.

4.2 Tutor types and qualifications

italki: Clear distinction between Professional Teachers and Community Tutors. Professional Teachers must provide verified credentials (teaching certificates, degrees, or documented experience). Community Tutors need only demonstrate language proficiency. This transparency helps you choose: pay more for qualified instruction or less for conversation practice.

Preply: No formal distinction between tutor types. Anyone can apply to teach, and qualifications vary widely. Some tutors hold TEFL certificates and teaching degrees; others are simply native speakers. Preply verifies identity and conducts basic background checks, but teaching credentials are optional. You must examine individual profiles to assess qualifications—the platform does not categorize tutors by credential level.

4.3 Curriculum and materials

italki: Teachers bring their own materials with no platform-provided curriculum. Quality varies significantly—some teachers offer comprehensive lesson plans with homework, while others prefer free conversation. You can request specific materials or topics, and many teachers share notes after class through the messaging system.

Preply: The platform provides learning materials for tutors (currently available primarily for English). Preply's Classroom includes a virtual whiteboard, file sharing, and note-taking features. The AI system generates lesson insights and daily exercises based on your sessions. However, like italki, most content comes from individual tutors rather than a standardized curriculum.

4.4 Speaking practice

italki: Speaking practice is central to most lessons. Community Tutors exist specifically for affordable conversation practice, while Professional Teachers incorporate speaking into structured lessons. The massive tutor base ensures you can find native speakers of any dialect for authentic practice. Group lessons are available for some languages at reduced rates.

Preply: One-on-one lessons focus heavily on speaking. Preply's 2025 efficiency study found learners improved speaking confidence after 24+ lessons with the same tutor. The platform recently introduced group speaking sessions for English learners. AI-powered "Scenario Practice" (in beta) provides additional speaking practice between lessons through simulated conversations.

4.5 Learning tools and technology

italki: Basic built-in classroom (italki Classroom) with video, chat, and screen sharing. Many teachers prefer external tools like Zoom or Skype. Free community features include writing corrections, discussion forums, and language exchange. The platform emphasizes simplicity over technology.

Preply: More technologically advanced with AI-powered features. Preply Classroom includes virtual whiteboard, file sharing, and integrated notes. After lessons, the system generates Lesson Insights showing speaking time, vocabulary use, and grammar patterns. Daily Exercises provide personalized practice between sessions. The platform invests heavily in AI to enhance learning outcomes.

5. Platform features

5.1 Tutor search and matching

italki: Extensive manual filtering by language, price, availability, teacher type, country, languages spoken, and lesson category. Teacher profiles include video introductions, written bios, lesson statistics, reviews, and specializations. The search process is thorough but requires time to browse hundreds of options for popular languages.

Preply: AI-powered matching algorithm suggests tutors based on your goals, schedule, and preferences. Filters include price, availability, native language, specialties, and ratings. "Super Tutor" badges highlight top-performing teachers. The algorithm prioritizes tutors likely to convert based on your profile, potentially limiting exposure to the full tutor pool.

5.2 Trial lessons

italki: New users receive three discounted trial lessons (typically under $5 for 30 minutes) to use with different teachers. Teachers set their own trial prices—some offer free trials, others charge reduced rates. italki does not take commission on trial lessons, so tutors receive full payment and have incentive to deliver quality instruction.

Preply: Trial lessons are either 25 or 50 minutes at a discounted rate set by the tutor. However, Preply takes 100% commission on trial lessons—tutors receive nothing. This controversial policy means trial lessons essentially serve as unpaid auditions for teachers, which may affect effort levels. If dissatisfied, Preply offers a free tutor replacement or refund.

5.3 Booking and scheduling

italki: Complete flexibility. Purchase credits, then book lessons whenever you want with any available teacher. No minimum commitment, packages, or subscriptions required. Credits never expire as long as you log in once per year. You can take one lesson this month and ten next month—the platform adapts to your schedule entirely.

Preply: Subscription-based scheduling. After your trial, you select weekly hours (minimum 1 hour/week, often 4+ lessons/month) and set recurring lesson times. Your subscription auto-renews every 28 days. You can pause or cancel, but unused hours do not roll over to the next billing period—a significant pain point in user reviews. Changing tutors transfers your remaining hours.

5.4 Progress tracking

italki: Basic tracking shows lessons completed, hours studied, and teachers used. No formal progress assessment or AI-generated insights. Your learning journey depends on teacher feedback and self-assessment. The platform philosophy emphasizes human connection over technology-driven metrics.

Preply: Comprehensive AI-powered analytics. Lesson Insights track speaking time, vocabulary acquisition, grammar range, and fluency indicators. The dashboard shows scheduled lessons, completed sessions, and improvement trends. Preply's 2025 study claims learners progress "3× faster than industry expectations" with regular lessons—though this self-reported data should be viewed with appropriate skepticism.

5.5 Community features

italki: Robust free community including language exchange partnerships (find practice partners worldwide), discussion forums, writing correction requests, Q&A sections, and podcasts. These features add significant value beyond paid lessons—you can practice for free with language partners indefinitely.

Preply: Limited community features. The platform focuses on paid tutoring rather than free peer interaction. Group speaking sessions exist for English learners. No language exchange, forums, or writing correction services. Preply's value proposition centers entirely on the tutor relationship and AI tools.

6. Languages available

Language variety represents a significant differentiator in the italki vs Preply comparison.

Key difference: italki offers significantly more languages with dedicated tutors. If you are learning a less common language, italki almost certainly has more options. Preply's broader subject coverage makes it versatile for non-language tutoring but dilutes focus on language learning specifically.

7. Pricing and costs

Pricing represents a critical factor in the italki vs Preply comparison, with both platforms offering teacher-set rates but different purchasing structures.

italki pricing

Preply pricing

8. Payment and policies

8.1 Payment models

italki: Pure pay-as-you-go. Purchase credits using credit/debit cards, PayPal, or regional payment methods. Buy any amount—no minimum. Use credits to book individual lessons whenever you want. Credits never expire with annual login. A 4% processing fee applies to purchases. Complete flexibility with zero commitment.

Preply: Subscription-based with automatic renewal every 28 days. After your trial, you commit to weekly hours that repeat each billing cycle. Unused hours do not roll over—if you miss lessons, you lose them. You can pause your subscription, but this requires advance notice. A small per-transaction fee ($0.30) applies to purchases. The model encourages consistency but penalizes irregular schedules.

8.2 Cancellation policies

italki: Teacher-set cancellation policies, typically requiring 24-hour notice. Late cancellations may result in partial or no refund depending on the teacher. Teachers who cancel receive platform penalties. Disputes are mediated by italki support.

Preply: Standard 12-hour cancellation policy for lessons. You can reschedule with proper notice, but last-minute cancellations forfeit the lesson. Subscription cancellation requires stopping auto-renewal before the next billing date. Many users complain about being charged unexpectedly when they forget to pause or cancel.

8.3 Refunds

italki: Unused credits can be refunded to your original payment method. The platform handles refund requests reasonably, though processing times vary. Lesson disputes are mediated by support with generally fair outcomes.

Preply: Offers a satisfaction guarantee on trial lessons—if unhappy, you receive a free tutor replacement or refund. Regular subscription refunds are more difficult; many users report challenges getting money back for unused hours. The "use it or lose it" policy means hours expire each billing cycle regardless of whether you scheduled them.

8.4 Tutor commission comparison

Commission rates affect tutor quality—higher platform cuts may discourage experienced teachers.

Impact: italki's lower, flat commission attracts more experienced teachers who keep more of their earnings. Preply's high commission (especially the 100% trial cut and 33% for new tutors) may push quality teachers toward competitors. Multiple reviews note this affects the overall tutor pool quality on Preply.

9. Device compatibility

Both platforms offer polished mobile experiences. Preply's calendar integration provides better scheduling convenience, while italki's flexibility with external video tools (Zoom, Skype) may appeal to users who prefer familiar interfaces.

10. User reviews and ratings

User reviews provide valuable insight into the real-world italki vs Preply experience beyond marketing claims.

Trustpilot reviews for italki praise the platform's flexibility, affordable pricing, vast teacher selection, and free community features. Common complaints include occasional video platform connectivity issues and inconsistent tutor quality (expected in an open marketplace). The platform maintains "Excellent" status.

Preply reviews are more polarized. Positive reviews highlight quality tutors, the Preply Classroom interface, AI learning tools, and responsive customer support. Negative reviews consistently focus on subscription frustrations—users report difficulty pausing, unexpected charges, and losing unused hours. The 100% trial commission policy frustrates tutors, and some users report tutor quality varies significantly.

11. Customer support

italki support

Email support at [email protected] and comprehensive Help Center. The platform mediates disputes between teachers and students with generally reasonable outcomes. Response times are typically within 24-48 hours. italki maintains active Trustpilot engagement, responding to reviews publicly. The large user base means support handles high volume but maintains quality.

Preply support

Email support, in-app chat, and Help Center. Preply emphasizes responsive customer service and actively engages on review platforms. Many users report fast response times and helpful agents. However, reviews also mention difficulty resolving subscription and refund issues, with support sometimes directing users to policy documents rather than providing solutions. The company's Trustpilot responses are proactive but occasionally feel templated.

Company stability

italki: Independent company operating since 2007 with steady growth. Focused exclusively on language learning. Long track record of consistent service without major pivots or ownership changes.

Preply: Well-funded startup with $120+ million raised. Headquartered in Barcelona with global offices. Expanding into corporate training (Preply Business) and AI-powered features. Active development but rapid growth sometimes creates growing pains evident in user reviews.

12. Which platform suits you?

The right choice in the italki vs Preply decision depends on your learning style and commitment preferences.

13. Real-world scenarios

Scenario 1: Budget-conscious student wanting regular practice

Winner: italki

Community Tutors provide conversation practice from $4-10/hour without any subscription commitment. You can take lessons when your budget allows and pause during tight months without losing paid hours.

Scenario 2: Professional preparing for international relocation

Winner: Preply

The subscription model creates accountability for consistent study. AI-powered progress tracking helps measure readiness. Preply Business features suit corporate-sponsored learning. The commitment structure matches deadline-driven preparation.

Scenario 3: Casual learner maintaining existing skills

Winner: italki

Pay-per-lesson flexibility suits irregular maintenance practice. No pressure to use hours by a deadline. Community features provide free practice between paid sessions. Take a lesson this week, skip next month—no penalty.

Scenario 4: Parent scheduling lessons for a child

Winner: Tie

Both platforms have tutors experienced with young learners. Preply's recurring schedule provides routine structure beneficial for children. italki's flexibility accommodates unpredictable family schedules. Consider your family's consistency needs.

Scenario 5: Learning a rare language like Welsh or Basque

Winner: italki

With 150+ languages and a massive tutor base, italki has active teachers for uncommon languages. Preply's smaller language selection may have few or no tutors for niche languages.

14. Final verdict

The italki vs Preply scorecard below evaluates each platform across key criteria for language learners.

15. Conclusion

After this comprehensive italki vs Preply analysis, italki emerges as the stronger choice for most language learners. The platform's advantages in pricing flexibility, teacher variety, language options, and user-friendly policies create a more accessible learning experience. With Community Tutors starting at $4/hour and no subscription commitments, italki removes barriers to consistent practice.

Preply is not without merit. Its AI-powered learning tools, progress tracking, and structured subscription model suit learners who need external accountability. The integrated Preply Classroom provides a polished experience, and the platform's investment in technology continues to add value. For corporate language training or learners who thrive with recurring commitments, Preply delivers.

However, Preply's subscription model creates friction that appears frequently in user reviews. The "use it or lose it" hour policy, 100% trial commission (tutors receive nothing), and higher ongoing commission rates (up to 33%) represent structural disadvantages. These policies may discourage quality tutors and frustrate learners with variable schedules.

For most language learners—especially those valuing flexibility, affordability, and low commitment—italki offers the better experience. Start with italki's three discounted trial lessons to explore teachers at minimal cost. If you specifically want structured AI-powered learning with subscription accountability, Preply's trial lesson lets you evaluate their approach. The italki vs Preply choice ultimately depends on whether you value flexibility or structure more in your learning journey.