Online tutor marketplace

Reviewed November 2026

italki: what to know before you buy

italki is an online marketplace where learners book one-to-one video lessons with language teachers and tutors from around the world. Tutors set their own rates and schedules, so prices and teaching styles vary widely. You pay per lesson or in packages rather than through a fixed subscription, which makes it flexible for learners who want to practise at their own pace.

Language Learning & TutorsWorldwidePartner link

What you can buy

  • Individual online lessons
  • Lesson packages with a chosen tutor
  • Trial lessons with new tutors
  • Lessons with professional teachers or community tutors

Best for

  • Learners who want live conversation practice
  • People studying less common languages
  • Learners who prefer pay-as-you-go over subscriptions
  • Exam or business language preparation

Ways to save at italki

General money-saving moves that apply to this brand. Availability changes, so confirm on the brand's site.

  1. 1

    Book trial lessons

    Many tutors offer shorter trial lessons, which help you find a good fit before committing.

  2. 2

    Compare tutor types

    Community tutors focused on conversation are often less expensive than certified professional teachers.

  3. 3

    Buy packages from a tutor you like

    Tutors often offer packages that work out cheaper per lesson than booking one at a time.

Check before you pay

The small print most worth reading for this brand.

  • The tutor's cancellation and rescheduling policy
  • Whether the tutor is a professional teacher or community tutor
  • Any platform fees on top of the lesson price
  • Time zone and availability for regular lessons

Pros and considerations

What's good

  • Very wide choice of languages and tutors
  • Flexible scheduling and pay-per-lesson model
  • Trial lessons make it easy to try tutors

Worth knowing

  • Lesson quality varies from tutor to tutor
  • Last-minute cancellations may be charged
  • Structured curricula depend on the individual tutor

Alternatives to italki

Similar brands with their own BuySmart guides.

  • Preply

    Online tutor marketplace

    Online marketplace for one-to-one tutoring in languages and other subjects

    WorldwideFeatured

  • Talkpal AI

    AI language tutor app

    AI chat and voice app for practising conversation in a new language

    WorldwideFeatured

Compare italki

  • vs

    italki vs Preply

    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.

Related buying guides

  • Buying guide · 6 min read

    How to Choose an Online Language Tutor

    Online tutoring marketplaces make it easy to find a teacher for almost any language. The challenge is choosing someone whose teaching style fits your goals, and deciding where AI practice tools can help between lessons.

italki FAQ

Is italki legit?

italki is a long-running language tutoring marketplace. Read tutor profiles and lesson policies before booking.

Does italki have trial lessons?

Many tutors offer trial lessons. Availability and pricing are set by each tutor.

Can I get a refund on italki?

Refunds depend on the lesson status and italki's current policy. Check the help centre for current terms.

How can I save on italki?

Use trial lessons, consider community tutors for conversation practice, and buy packages once you find a tutor you like.

Ready to check italki?

Confirm the current price, renewal terms and refund policy on the brand's own site before you pay.

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