Last updated: June 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. See our review methodology.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: Preply and italki are the two best online tutoring marketplaces, and they differ on one thing: commitment. italki is pay-as-you-go with no subscription, the widest language selection, and usually lower prices — the better pick for flexible, self-directed learners. Preply locks you into a recurring weekly package, which is more rigid but keeps less disciplined learners consistent. For most people, italki edges it on flexibility and value; choose Preply if a fixed weekly schedule is what keeps you showing up.
- Pick italki if: you want flexibility, pay-as-you-go pricing, and the most languages
- Pick Preply if: a recurring weekly commitment keeps you accountable
- Either way: both have large, high-quality tutor pools — you won’t go wrong
Preply vs italki at a glance
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| italki | Preply | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment model | Pay-as-you-go, no subscription | Weekly package, auto-renews |
| Typical price | ~$5–$60/hr, most near $10 | ~$15–$30+/hr |
| Languages | 150+ | 90+ |
| Tutor tiers | Professional teachers + community tutors | One tier (vetted tutors) |
| Trial lesson | Discounted 30-min trial | Paid; refund/replace if unhappy |
| Best for | Flexibility, budget, rare languages | Structure, accountability |
What Preply and italki have in common
Before the differences, it is worth saying how much these two share — because on the fundamentals they are very close. Both are large, reputable marketplaces of independent tutors who teach one-on-one over video. Both let you filter by language, price, availability, and specialty, and both show ratings, reviews, and intro videos so you can vet a tutor before booking. Both run lessons in a built-in classroom, both protect your first lesson with a trial or guarantee, and both have polished mobile apps. Whichever you pick, you are getting real human instruction at a fraction of the cost of a private in-person tutor — the choice between them is about fit, not quality.
The core difference: flexibility vs structure
Both connect you with independent tutors for one-on-one video lessons, and both have large, well-reviewed pools. The decision really comes down to how you want to pay and commit. italki sells lessons individually — you buy credits and book when you like, with no recurring charge. Preply sells subscription packages — you commit to a set number of lessons per week that renews automatically. Neither model is better in the abstract; they suit different temperaments.
Pricing and commitment
italki tends to be cheaper, partly because its community tutors offer conversation practice at lower rates, and partly because you only pay for the lessons you book. Preply’s tutors generally start a little higher, and the weekly package means you are billed on a cycle whether or not you used every lesson. If budget control matters or your schedule is unpredictable, italki’s pay-as-you-go model is the safer bet. If you know you will study on a fixed weekly rhythm and want the platform to hold you to it, Preply’s structure is an asset rather than a constraint.
Tutors, languages, and trials
italki offers more languages (150+ vs 90+) and splits tutors into two tiers: credentialed professional teachers for structured lessons and cheaper community tutors for conversation. That mix is great for budget-conscious learners who want lots of speaking time. Preply keeps a single vetted-tutor tier and a slightly more polished booking platform. On trials, italki tutors usually offer a discounted 30-minute lesson, while Preply’s first lesson is paid but backed by a happiness guarantee — a refund or free replacement if the tutor is a poor fit. Both make trying a new tutor low-risk; italki’s is simply cheaper up front.
OUR DEFAULT PICK — ITALKI
Flexible, affordable tutoring in 150+ languages — no subscription
For most self-directed learners italki’s pay-as-you-go model and lower prices win. Prefer a fixed weekly schedule? Preply is the better fit.
Affiliate partnership — we may earn a commission when you book via either link, at no extra cost to you. Both are platforms we’d recommend to a friend.
Which should you choose?
Choose italki if you want maximum flexibility and value: pay per lesson, no recurring commitment, the widest language selection, and the option to mix affordable community tutors with professional teachers. It is our default recommendation for most learners and the clear pick for rarer languages.
Choose Preply if you know that a recurring weekly package is what keeps you consistent, or you simply prefer its platform. The accountability of a fixed schedule genuinely helps some learners stick with it — and consistency beats any feature.
Frequently asked questions
Is italki cheaper than Preply?
Usually, yes. italki rates often start near $10 an hour (lower with community tutors), while Preply tutors typically start a bit higher. italki’s pay-as-you-go model also means you never pay for unused lessons, unlike Preply’s recurring weekly package.
Which is better for beginners?
Both work well. Beginners who want a professional teacher and a structured weekly rhythm may prefer Preply; those who want to start cheaply and flexibly often do better with an italki professional teacher plus community-tutor practice. Either way, book a trial first.
Can I use both?
You can, though most learners settle on one to keep things simple. Some try a tutor on each during the trial stage, then commit to whichever platform and tutor they click with.
Which has better tutors?
Neither has a clear edge — both pools are large and well-reviewed, and quality varies more by individual tutor than by platform. italki’s two tiers give you cheaper community tutors for conversation; Preply’s single vetted tier is more uniform. In both cases, the reviews and a trial lesson tell you more than the brand does.
Do I even need a tutor, or is an app enough?
An app like Babbel is great for vocabulary, grammar, and a daily habit, but it cannot replace speaking with a person. If your goal is conversation, a tutor from either platform is the missing piece — many learners use an app for foundations and a tutor once or twice a week for practice.
RELATED GUIDES
- Full italki review — the flexible, affordable pick in depth
- Full Preply review — the structured weekly-package option
- Babbel review — the self-study app to pair with a tutor