italki vs Preply

Honest comparison for Language Learning in 2026

italki

italki is the world's largest language learning marketplace, connecting students with 30,000+ tutors for live, one-on-one lessons via video call. Teachers set their own rates, creating a range from budget to premium.

Strengths

Largest tutor marketplace with 30,000+ teachers
Wide range of pricing (from $4/hour to $80+/hour)
Both professional teachers and community tutors available
150+ languages available
No subscription required — pay per lesson

Weaknesses

Quality varies widely between tutors
No structured curriculum — you choose or build your own
Platform takes a cut, affecting tutor pricing

italki.com

Preply

Partner

Preply matches you with 100,000+ vetted tutors for live 1-on-1 video lessons in 50+ languages. Ideal for professionals preparing for interviews or presentations in English, expats settling into a new country, students prepping for IELTS/TOEFL, or career changers adding a language to their resume. 50% off your first lesson.

Strengths

100,000+ vetted tutors worldwide
1-on-1 live video lessons
50+ languages including business English
Flexible scheduling across time zones
Tutor ratings, intro videos, and trial lessons
50% off first lesson

Best for

Professionals, expats, and students who need real conversation practice — not just an app

Try Preply →

The verdict

italki is better if:

Language learners who want affordable, flexible one-on-one tutoring

Preply is better if:

Professionals, expats, and students who need real conversation practice — not just an app