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 connects you with 50,000+ live tutors for one-on-one language lessons via video call. Unlike apps that gamify vocabulary drills, you get actual conversation practice with a human who adapts to your level.

Strengths

50,000+ live tutors
1-on-1 video lessons
50+ languages
Flexible scheduling
Tutor ratings and intro videos

Best for

Anyone serious about speaking a new language

Try Preply →

The verdict

italki is better if:

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

Preply is better if:

Anyone serious about speaking a new language