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italki and Preply are online marketplaces where you book one-to-one lessons with independent tutors. Both cover many languages, but they differ in how you pay and in how widely they reach beyond language learning.
Reviewed November 2026| italki | Preply | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Online language tutoring marketplace | Online tutoring marketplace |
| Subjects | Focused on languages | Languages plus other subjects; check the site for the current range |
| Tutor types | Distinguishes professional teachers and community tutors | Independent tutors with individual profiles |
| Payment style | Pay per lesson or lesson package, set by each teacher | Typically subscription-style plans after a trial; check current terms |
| Lesson format | One-to-one video lessons | One-to-one video lessons |
| Platforms | Web and mobile apps | Web and mobile apps |
| Who it suits | Learners who want flexible, lesson-by-lesson booking | Learners who want a regular weekly schedule with one tutor |
| Trial and refunds | Trial lessons commonly offered by teachers; check current terms | Trial lesson offered with tutor-switch options; check current terms |
Both platforms connect you with independent tutors, so the tutor you pick matters more than the platform. italki suits flexible, pay-as-you-go learners, while Preply suits those who like a regular plan; check each site's current payment and refund terms.
Both offer a wide range of languages, including many less common ones, though tutor availability varies. Search the platform for your target language before signing up.
italki is generally pay per lesson or package. Preply generally uses recurring plans that you can change or cancel under its terms. Check the current policies on each site.
No. On both platforms tutors are generally independent and set their own prices and availability.
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Preply connects you with human tutors for live lessons, while Talkpal AI is an app that uses artificial intelligence to give you conversation practice. They solve different problems and many learners use one alongside the other.
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