Preply vs. Italki: Which Is Better for Learning English?

Preply and Italki are two well-known platforms for learning English online, but they offer different learning experiences. This comparison explains how each platform works, focusing on tutor selection, lesson flexibility, pricing, and learning outcomes. Preply is known for personalized learning plans, while Italki emphasizes language exchange and conversation practice. This guide helps English learners choose the right platform based on their goals, budget, and schedule. It is useful for beginners, intermediate learners, and professionals who want to improve spoken English.

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What Are Preply and Italki, Really?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly define what we’re talking about.

• Preply is an online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors in a variety of subjects, but it’s particularly popular for language learning.

• Italki is also a language learning marketplace, focused solely on languages, where you can choose from thousands of teachers for 1-on-1 lessons.

Both offer:

• Flexible scheduling

• Wide price ranges

• Native and non-native teachers

• Personalized, conversational learning

At first glance, they seem almost identical. But as we dig in, you’ll see the differences matter—especially if you’re serious about improving your English in a way that fits your personality, pace, and goals.

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My Experience Teaching on Both Platforms

Here’s the inside scoop. I’ve taught English on both Preply and Italki.

I’ve also guided students who used these platforms on their own.

Here’s what I noticed:

• On Preply, students often book lessons regularly. The platform encourages long-term learning with features like homework, progress tracking, and structured courses.

• On Italki, students tend to explore more. Some use it casually—maybe one lesson every few weeks—while others build consistent routines.

Both have pros and cons. But what struck me was how differently each platform feels to both students and teachers.

Let’s break it down.

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1. Teacher Quality and Types: Who Will You Be Learning From?

🟩 Preply: More Structured, More Screening

• Teachers apply with credentials, intro videos, and lesson plans.

• There’s an emphasis on professionalism—think well-designed profiles, trial lessons, and guided learning paths.

• Many teachers follow Preply’s in-built curriculum (especially for Business English and beginners).

Best for: Learners who want structure, accountability, and measurable progress.

🟦 Italki: More Diverse, More Flexibility

• Teachers are categorized as:

  • Professional Teachers (with certifications)

  • Community Tutors (native speakers or near-native, less formal training)

• The vibe here is often more relaxed. You can choose based on accents, experience, or even just vibes.

Best for: Learners who want more casual conversation, pronunciation practice, or culture exchange.

Personal Tip: If you’re shy or nervous about speaking, Italki’s community tutors can feel less intimidating than formal Preply instructors.

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2. Lesson Format and Customization: How Personalized Is It?

🟩 Preply: Curriculum-Driven with Optional Personalization

Preply has its own English course content. Some teachers use it heavily; others blend it with custom materials. It’s very goal-focused.

You’ll often see things like:

• Lesson slides and vocab lists

• Built-in homework

• Progress tracking dashboards

Great if you like: Consistent progress, clear structure, and someone keeping you on track.

🟦 Italki: 100% Tailored by the Teacher

On Italki, every lesson is different. Teachers bring their own materials or ask what you want to learn. Want to practice interview questions? Talk about the news? Review your writing? All possible.

Great if you like: A more relaxed, open-ended approach where your needs drive the lesson.

💡 Teacher Insight: I’ve had Italki students send me work emails for proofreading before big meetings. You won’t find that kind of real-world personalization in most Preply courses.

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3. Pricing and Payment: What’s It Going to Cost You?

Both platforms let you filter teachers by price range, so you can find someone who fits your budget. But their pricing models differ slightly.

🟩 Preply: Subscription Model

• You book a set number of hours per week or month.

• Lessons are often slightly cheaper per hour because of the commitment.

• You can cancel or reschedule easily, but unused hours don’t always roll over forever.

Pros: Cheaper hourly rates with regular lessons. Motivates consistency.

Cons: Less flexible if your schedule changes a lot.

🟦 Italki: Pay-as-You-Go

• You buy lesson credits or pay per lesson.

• No pressure to commit long-term.

• You’re free to try different teachers anytime.

Pros: Ultimate flexibility. Great if you’re exploring or don’t want pressure.

Cons: Slightly higher hourly rate for some teachers. Less incentive to build routine.

🙋‍♂️ My Advice: If you’re serious about regular progress, Preply’s subscription model helps build a habit. But if you travel, have a busy job, or like variety, Italki gives you breathing room.

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4. Scheduling and Time Zones: How Easy Is It to Book?

This might sound minor—but it’s huge when you’re learning online.

🟩 Preply: Set Schedule

You’ll usually book a recurring slot (like every Tuesday at 6 PM). It helps you stay on track, but can feel a bit rigid.

🟦 Italki: On-Demand Booking

You see your teacher’s calendar and choose any available time. Great for people with shifting work or family schedules.

⌛ Real-Life Example: One of my students was a nurse working night shifts. She used Italki because she couldn’t commit to the same time every week. That flexibility made all the difference.

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5. Community and Extras: Beyond the Lesson

Both platforms offer some additional features that can boost your learning.

🟩 Preply Extras

• Homework assignments through the platform

• Vocabulary review tools

• “Preply Classroom” with interactive whiteboards and chat

Preply is more of a “complete learning platform”—less DIY, more plug-and-play.

🟦 Italki Extras

• Language Exchange Community: Find partners for free conversation.

• Notebooks and Exercises: Share writing, get feedback.

• Italki Challenges: Motivation through learning streaks and badges

Italki has a stronger social and self-study vibe. It’s less structured, but more supportive if you like sharing progress or connecting with others.

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6. Reviews and Reputation: What Do Other Learners Say?

I always tell students to read reviews—just like you would for a hotel or restaurant.

💬 Preply Reviews (from Trustpilot and Reddit)

• Praised for: Professional tutors, solid curriculum, fast improvement

• Criticized for: Rigid structure, subscription confusion

“I loved the progress I made, but I had to keep up with the subscription even when life got busy.” — Reddit user

💬 Italki Reviews

• Praised for: Diversity of teachers, flexible scheduling, cultural immersion

• Criticized for: Inconsistency in tutor quality

“It’s like online dating for language learning—you need to ‘shop around’ to find your perfect match!” — Italki learner

Both platforms have high satisfaction rates overall. But your experience depends heavily on the tutor you choose.

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7. Which Platform Works Better for Different Types of Learners?

Let’s put it all together:

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Limitations to Keep in Mind

No platform is perfect. Here’s what you should be aware of:

❗ Preply

• Subscription model can feel pushy

• Some teachers rely too much on Preply’s course content

• You may lose hours if you don’t manage your schedule carefully

❗ Italki

• Quality varies (you must read reviews)

• No unified curriculum—progress depends on teacher

• Some teachers may cancel/reschedule more often

And remember—your learning success depends more on consistency and practice than the platform itself. A fantastic teacher on either site can make all the difference.

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So… Which Should You Choose?

Here’s my honest take as a teacher:

If you:

• Crave routine

• Want structured improvement

• Don’t mind paying monthly

👉 Go with Preply.

If you:

• Prefer casual, flexible learning

• Want to speak with different native speakers

• Need lessons to fit an unpredictable schedule

👉 Try Italki.

Still not sure? Here’s a simple experiment:

1. Create an account on both platforms.

2. Book 1 trial lesson on each.

3. See how you feel after the class—relaxed? Challenged? Motivated?

Your gut feeling will tell you a lot.

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Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Platform—It’s About You

Choosing between Preply and Italki isn’t like choosing a magic pill. You’re not going to wake up fluent just because you clicked the right button.

What really matters?

• Finding a teacher who gets you

• Showing up consistently

• Practicing what you learn outside class

In the end, these platforms are just tools. You are the learner. You’re in charge. And with the right support, you’ll be amazed how far you can go.

So go on—book that first lesson. Whether it’s Preply or Italki, your English journey is about to get a lot more personal.

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Have questions or want help choosing the right tutor?

Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to help you get started.

Happy learning! 😊

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