Last updated: October 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor. Prices and rules re-checked on Lingoda’s site on 24 October 2026. Lingoda’s affiliate program closed on 30 September 2026, so we earn nothing from the Lingoda links on this page. See our review methodology.
Lingoda Spanish is a live online Spanish course: 60-minute video classes with a native-speaking teacher and up to four other students, on a curriculum that runs from A1 (absolute beginner) to B2 (upper intermediate). It costs about $8.50 to $14 a group class at list price, and it suits learners who want to speak in every lesson and need a schedule to keep them going. This review covers how the classes work, what you pay for a whole level, the Sprint challenge, what 45 recent Trustpilot reviewers and several Reddit threads report, and where a tutor marketplace is the better buy.
QUICK VERDICT
Bottom line: Our rating: 4.1 / 5. Lingoda Spanish gives you a real curriculum, a teacher who corrects you, and small groups at a price few live courses match. Two things hold it back: the Spanish track ends at B2, and the subscription rules (four-week billing, credits that need an active plan) punish irregular study.
- Best for: beginners to intermediate learners who want structured speaking practice and accountability
- Price: $69.99 to $339.99 per four weeks for group classes; private classes from $214.99 for five
- Free trial: 7 days: three group classes or one private class
- Skip it if: you are already B2 or above, or you want the same tutor every week
ACTIVE PROMO
Lingoda’s Halloween sale runs for purchases from 22 October to 3 November 2026 (10 AM CET). Its terms give new students 20% off the first four weeks of the 12-, 20- and 40-class plans; the 5-class plan is excluded, and from the second cycle you pay the list price. “New” means anyone who has never held an active Lingoda subscription (a free trial does not count). Check the price shown at checkout: Lingoda can change or end a sale early.
See Lingoda Spanish classes and the free trial →
What is Lingoda Spanish?
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Lingoda is an online language school, not an app. It was founded in Berlin in 2013 by Felix and Fabian Wunderlich and says it works with more than 2,400 native-level teachers. Classes run around the clock in German, English, Business English, French, Spanish and Italian; Spanish runs A1 to B2, while Italian stops at A2.
What you buy is a number of class credits every four weeks. Each credit books one live 60-minute class, either in a group of up to five students or one-to-one. Between classes, Lingoda’s app adds practice exercises tied to the lessons; it now markets these as “100+ hours of AI-powered self-study materials.” For the platform-wide picture (billing, certificates, support), read our full Lingoda review. This page is about the Spanish program.
How the Spanish classes work
You choose a plan of 5, 12, 20 or 40 classes per four-week cycle, then book classes from a timetable that runs 24 hours a day. Each class covers one lesson of the curriculum: a grammar point, a reading, or a conversation topic, with the slides available to download beforehand. The practical rules:
- Class size. Group classes have 3 to 5 students. A few recent Trustpilot reviewers mention classes of four or fewer, and one says classes still run when they are the only student.
- Booking. Lingoda recommends booking about seven days ahead. If no class suits you, you can request one up to seven days in advance; if no teacher takes it two hours before the start, it is canceled and you keep the credit.
- Canceling a class. Lingoda’s pricing page says monthly-plan classes can now be canceled up to three days ahead with the credit returned. Its general FAQ still describes the older seven-day rule, which is the one that applies in the Sprint. You can also cancel within 30 minutes of booking.
- Rotating teachers. You meet a different teacher in most group classes. That gives you a range of accents; it also means quality varies, which is the most common complaint after billing.
- Placement test. A free test of about five minutes suggests your starting level, so returning learners do not have to begin at A1.
- Age. You must be 18 or older.
One Reddit learner who had studied Spanish with Lingoda for two years described the curriculum as far more thorough than Babbel’s live classes: classes are split into grammar, reading and speaking lessons, and reaching B1 or B2 takes many more hours. That is the trade: more structure, more classes, more cost.
Spanish levels: A1 – B2 — and the ceiling
Lingoda teaches Spanish from A1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). There is no C1 class, so advanced learners outgrow it. Lingoda’s own Spanish page describes B2 as the point where you are comfortable with technical discussions and abstract topics, with “a functional level of fluency.”
| Level | What you should be able to do |
|---|---|
| A1 Beginner | Introduce yourself, order food, ask for directions; simple present-tense sentences |
| A2 Elementary | Handle routine exchanges: shopping, appointments, small talk, simple past and future |
| B1 Intermediate | Hold everyday conversations, tell a story, manage travel and simple work situations |
| B2 Upper intermediate | Argue a point, follow fast discussion, read about abstract and technical topics |
A detail most reviews miss: what Lingoda calls a “level” in its pricing FAQ (about 50 classes) is a half-level. Learners on Reddit describe finishing “A1.1” after 50 classes, and Lingoda’s Sprint page counts progress in “CEFR sub-levels.” Each CEFR level is split in two (A1.1 and A1.2, and so on), so getting from zero to B2 means eight sub-levels: plan on roughly 300 to 400 classes, not 200.
What a class is actually like
You join the video classroom a few minutes early, the teacher shares the lesson slides, and the hour alternates short explanations with rounds where each student answers, reads or role-plays and gets corrected. With five students and a teacher in an hour, each learner speaks for a limited share of the time; one Reddit commenter estimated it at a few minutes per person and argued that a one-to-one tutor gives far more speaking time. Others in the same thread said their Spanish teachers kept classes interactive and never switched to English.
Recent reviewers describe a mixed picture worth knowing before you buy. In October 2026, one Spanish learner praised the conversation practice but called some topics repetitive and asked for more practical scenarios such as directions and transport; another asked teachers to speak more slowly to beginners and noted uneven audio quality between teachers. Lingoda has also been moving classes from Zoom to its own classroom this autumn; one October reviewer said the teething problems were sorted, while another left because the platform asked them to use Chrome instead of Safari.
What learners say about Lingoda Spanish
Lingoda holds a 4.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 5,898 reviews (read 24 October 2026). We read the 45 most recent. Nineteen gave five stars and eight gave four; nine gave one star. The pattern is consistent:
- Praised: professional, patient teachers; the flexibility to take a class at 6 a.m. or 8 p.m.; a clear sense of progress through the levels; real speaking practice from the first class.
- Criticized: credits that cannot be used once a subscription ends; credits that expire (two reviewers say after 12 months); strict Sprint rules; occasional late or overly corrective teachers; lessons some found stale or slide-bound.
The split is telling: complaints are mostly about the subscription rules, not the teaching. Learners who understand the rules before they pay are, on the whole, happy with the classes.
Lingoda Spanish pricing (verified October 2026)
Lingoda charges per four-week cycle. These are the USD prices for Spanish shown on its pricing page on 24 October 2026; the Halloween column is the first-cycle price for new students during the sale.
Group classes (3 to 5 students)
| Classes per 4 weeks | List price | Per class at list | Halloween sale (first cycle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $69.99 | $14.00 | not included |
| 12 | $129.99 | $10.83 | $103.99 |
| 20 | $219.99 | $11.00 | $175.99 |
| 40 | $339.99 | $8.50 | $271.99 |
Private classes (one-to-one)
| Classes per 4 weeks | List price | Per class at list | Halloween sale (first cycle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | $214.99 | $43.00 | not included |
| 12 | $399.99 | $33.33 | $319.99 |
| 20 | $549.99 | $27.50 | $439.99 |
| 40 | $994.99 | $24.87 | $795.99 |
Lingoda prints a per-class figure on each card that is “rounded to the nearest 50 cents”; our per-class column is the plain division. Group prices for Spanish and French were identical on 24 October; private Spanish runs from about $25 to $43 a class at list. The plan renews automatically every four weeks, which works out to 13 payments a year, not 12. Our Lingoda cost breakdown has the annualized math.
Two discounts sit outside the sale: Lingoda lists a UNiDAYS student discount, and its refer-a-friend scheme gives a new student 20% off the first month (minimum €100 purchase) and the referrer 20% off their next month.
The Spanish Sprint
The Sprint is Lingoda’s two-month challenge: you commit to 15 classes a month (Sprint) or 30 (Super Sprint), attend exactly that number each month under the rules, and get money back if you finish. The current Sprint’s months run 20 October to 18 November and 19 November to 18 December 2026, and its sign-up has closed; the page now offers a waitlist for the next one.
- The reward. The landing page headlines “earn up to 100%,” while its FAQ describes the cash refund as 50% of what you paid, or class credits of higher value (30 classes for the Sprint, 60 for the Super Sprint). The cash share has varied by Sprint and region, so plan on 50% unless your written rules say more.
- Who can join. Lingoda’s current FAQ sets no new-customer-only rule. Our earlier copy said only first-time customers qualify and that the 100% offer ended in 2023; both were wrong.
- Lateness. You are not disqualified if you miss no more than 10 minutes of a class.
- Exact counts. Taking extra classes in one month can disqualify you. An October 2026 reviewer completed the right total but front-loaded month one and lost the reward.
- Cancellation. You can cancel a Sprint within 14 days of signing up; after that the general terms apply.
A US learner who started Spanish from zero and finished a Sprint on Reddit called it “free if you do it right” but stressed reading the rules several times before signing up. Our Lingoda Sprint review covers the rules and the realistic odds.
Pros
- About $8.50 a group class on the 40-class plan at list, among the lowest prices for live, teacher-led lessons we have reviewed
- A full CEFR path from A1 to B2, with a certificate for each level you complete
- Native-speaking teachers and classes of 3 to 5 students, so you speak in every lesson
- Classes 24 hours a day, which suits shift work and other time zones
- A 7-day free trial and a 14-day money-back guarantee (minus classes taken)
Cons
- The Spanish track stops at B2
- Rotating teachers: most are good, some are late or read the slides
- Credits are locked when your subscription ends and, reviewers report, expire after 12 months
- Billing every four weeks, plus a trial that converts to a paid plan automatically on day 8
- The certificate records course completion, not an examined result
Who should take Lingoda Spanish — and who shouldn’t
Take it if you are between A1 and B1, apps have not got you speaking, and paid, scheduled classes are what make you show up. It also fits people who want a clear syllabus rather than open conversation with a tutor.
Look elsewhere if you are already at B2, you need one teacher who knows your weak spots, you study in bursts and gaps (the credit rules will cost you), or you need intensive preparation for an official exam.
The certificate: what it is and is not
When you complete a level, Lingoda issues a certificate aligned to the CEFR. Lingoda says its certificates “are accepted by many institutions worldwide.” It is evidence of structured study, which can help on a CV or with an employer who wants proof of effort. It is not a proctored exam. Universities, governments and many employers that need certified Spanish ask for an official exam such as the DELE from Spain’s Instituto Cervantes (covered below).
Five ways to get more out of it
- Read the slides the night before. The hour becomes practice instead of first exposure.
- Book a week ahead and request classes in sequence. One Reddit user notes that requesting the next lesson at a time you choose keeps the curriculum in order instead of jumping around.
- Note good teachers. You can see who teaches a class before booking; favor the ones who keep you talking.
- Add daily practice outside class. Ten to fifteen minutes of the app exercises, flashcards or a podcast makes the next class easier.
- Size the plan to your real week. Unused credits on an oversized plan are the costliest mistake on the platform; you can pause once per cycle for up to four weeks.
The fine print
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Free trial | Seven days, three group classes or one private class. The first payment is taken automatically when it ends; Lingoda emails a reminder one day before. |
| Refund | Cancel within 14 days of subscribing for a refund minus classes taken. |
| Billing | Every four weeks. Changing plan intensity takes effect at the next cycle. |
| Pausing | Up to four weeks, once per billing cycle; you cannot book classes while paused. |
| Unused credits | They roll over, but you can use them only while subscribed. Two recent reviewers say credits expire 12 months after purchase. |
| Class cancellation | Monthly plans: three days ahead (pricing page). Sprint: seven days ahead. Within 30 minutes of booking: always. |
Lingoda Spanish vs the alternatives
| Option | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lingoda Spanish | Live group or private classes, set CEFR curriculum, A1 to B2 | Structure and accountability |
| Preply | One-to-one tutors you choose, paid per lesson | One consistent teacher and more speaking time |
| italki | One-to-one tutors plus single group classes | Pay as you go, any level including C1 and C2 |
| Babbel | Self-paced app lessons | Cheap daily practice without a teacher |
The main trade-off is speaking time versus structure. A Reddit commenter who moved to a tutor pointed out that a tutor is cheaper per minute of speaking, while Lingoda is cheaper per hour of teaching. If you want a specific accent, such as Mexican or Argentine Spanish, choosing your own tutor on Preply or italki gives you that control; Lingoda does not say which variety its materials follow, and you will meet teachers with different accents. Head-to-heads: Lingoda vs italki, Lingoda vs Preply and Lingoda vs Babbel.
Is Lingoda Spanish worth it?
Yes, for the right learner: 4.1 out of 5. If you are a beginner or intermediate learner who will take two or more classes a week for several months, Lingoda gives you a teacher, a syllabus and a schedule for less than most live alternatives. It is a poorer buy if your study is irregular, because the credit rules turn missed weeks into lost money, and if you need C1 Spanish. Use the free trial to try three different teachers, and set a reminder for day 7.
Try Lingoda Spanish free for 7 days →
How much does one Spanish level cost on Lingoda?
Because each CEFR level is two sub-levels of about 50 classes, a full level (for example A2) is roughly 100 classes. At list prices on 24 October 2026:
| Plan | Per class | One sub-level (50 classes) | One CEFR level (about 100 classes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group, 40 a cycle | $8.50 | about $425 | about $850 |
| Group, 12 a cycle | $10.83 | about $542 | about $1,083 |
| Group, 5 a cycle | $14.00 | about $700 | about $1,400 |
| Private, 12 a cycle | $33.33 | about $1,667 | about $3,333 |
Figures assume you use every credit. Our sub-level reading comes from Lingoda’s “one level has 50 classes” FAQ example, its Sprint page’s “CEFR sub-levels,” and learner reports; check the course map in your account for the exact class count.
How long does it take to reach B1 or B2 Spanish with Lingoda?
Starting from zero, B1 is six sub-levels and B2 is eight. Using about 50 classes per sub-level:
| Pace | Classes a week | Zero to B1 (about 300 classes) | Zero to B2 (about 400 classes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 3 | about 23 months | about 31 months |
| Steady | 5 | about 14 months | about 19 months |
| Intensive | 7 (one a day) | about 10 months | about 13 months |
Lingoda’s own Sprint data says learners cover about 1.5 sub-levels in two months at 15 or 30 classes a month. Spanish is one of the faster languages for English speakers, so a learner with some school Spanish who places into A2 can cut these times sharply. Daily practice outside class matters more than the plan size.
Lingoda Spanish and the DELE exam
If you need proof of Spanish for a job, a university or residency, the standard credential is the DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera), issued by Spain’s Instituto Cervantes from A1 to C2. Instituto Cervantes already lists 2027 exam dates, with most levels offered several times a year. Lingoda can take you to the level, but it is not an exam-prep course: there are no mock DELE papers or timed writing tasks in the curriculum. A sensible route is Lingoda classes up to your target level, then a few weeks with a tutor who knows the exam format. One Reddit learner who tested outside Lingoda felt its B2 classes ran about half a level below the official standard, so take a practice exam before you book the real one.
What is new at Lingoda in 2026
- Shorter cancellation window. Three days instead of seven on monthly plans, per the pricing page.
- New classroom. Classes are moving from Zoom to Lingoda’s own platform; Lingoda recommends Chrome.
- AI features. AI-generated progress insights for teachers and adaptive practice in the app.
- Italian. Lingoda now lists Italian (A1 to A2) next to German, English, Business English, French and Spanish.
- Affiliate program closed. Lingoda ended its affiliate program on 30 September 2026.
How we scored Lingoda Spanish
We did not take a full Lingoda level for this review. The score combines Lingoda’s published prices and rules (read 24 October 2026), the lessons and levels described on its site, 45 recent Trustpilot reviews and seven Reddit threads from Spanish and French learners.
| Criterion | Weight | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching and class quality | 30% | 4.3 | Consistent praise for teachers; some late starts and uneven audio |
| Curriculum and structure | 25% | 4.4 | CEFR path A1 to B2, placement test, level certificates |
| Value | 20% | 4.0 | $8.50 to $14 a group class; billed every four weeks |
| Flexibility and policies | 25% | 3.6 | 24/7 timetable, but credits need an active plan and reviewers report a 12-month expiry |
Weighted, that is 4.1 out of 5. See our review methodology for how we work.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lingoda good for learning Spanish?
Yes, for beginner to upper-intermediate learners who want live practice. Classes are 60 minutes with a native-speaking teacher and 3 to 5 students, on a CEFR curriculum from A1 to B2, at about $8.50 to $14 a group class at list price (October 2026). It is less suited to advanced learners or anyone who studies irregularly.
How much does Lingoda Spanish cost?
Group plans cost $69.99 for 5 classes, $129.99 for 12, $219.99 for 20 and $339.99 for 40, per four-week cycle (read 24 October 2026). Private Spanish plans cost $214.99 for 5 up to $994.99 for 40. A Halloween sale took 20% off the first cycle of the 12-, 20- and 40-class plans for new students until 3 November 2026.
Does Lingoda teach Spanish from Spain or Latin America?
Lingoda does not say which variety its materials follow. Its Spanish page notes the differences between Spanish in Spain and in countries such as Mexico and Argentina, and you will meet native teachers with different accents. If you need one specific accent, a tutor you choose yourself gives more control.
Does Lingoda Spanish have a free trial?
Yes. The 7-day free trial includes three group classes or one private class. The first payment is charged automatically when the trial ends, and Lingoda sends a reminder one day before.
Is the Lingoda Spanish certificate recognized?
It is a CEFR-aligned certificate of course completion, useful as evidence of study. It is not a proctored exam, so official purposes usually require the DELE from Instituto Cervantes or a similar test.
Can you reach C1 Spanish with Lingoda?
No. Lingoda teaches Spanish up to B2. For C1 you will need a tutor or another school after B2.
How many classes does it take to finish a level on Lingoda?
Lingoda says one level has 50 classes, but it splits each CEFR level into two sub-levels, so a full CEFR level such as A2 is roughly 100 classes and zero to B2 is roughly 300 to 400.
Who can join the Lingoda Spanish Sprint?
Lingoda’s current FAQ sets no new-customer-only rule. You commit to 15 or 30 classes a month for two months; the FAQ describes a 50% cash refund (or more value as class credits) if you follow the rules, and missing up to 10 minutes of a class is allowed.
Related guides
Related guides: Lingoda review · Lingoda cost · Lingoda Sprint review · Lingoda vs italki · Lingoda vs Preply · Lingoda vs Babbel · Lingoda vs Duolingo · Preply vs italki · Best language learning apps · Lingoda French review · Lingoda German review · Best apps to learn Spanish · Preply review · italki review · Babbel review