Finding the right language tutor can be overwhelming, especially with so many platforms like Preply, iTalki, and Baselang offering online tutoring services. Preply is one of the most well-known platforms for affordable one-on-one language lessons, but many people wonder: Is Preply legit? Is it worth your money?
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After reviewing hundreds of real user experiences, analyzing the platform’s features, pricing, and comparing it to competitors, here’s everything you need to know about Preply before you decide to book a lesson.
✅ What is Preply?
Preply is an online tutoring platform where students can book lessons with freelance tutors from around the world. The platform is not limited to languages—it also offers tutoring for math, science, business, and other subjects.
However, its language learning services are by far the most popular, making it one of the biggest competitors to iTalki and Verbling.
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How Preply Works:
- Find a Tutor – Browse tutor profiles, watch their intro videos, and check reviews.
- Book a Trial Lesson – Most tutors offer discounted 25- to 30-minute trial lessons.
- Subscribe to a Tutor – Unlike iTalki, Preply requires students to buy lesson packages (weekly/monthly subscriptions).
- Take Lessons – Lessons happen via Preply’s built-in video platform (not Zoom or Skype).
🏆 Pros of Using Preply
1. Huge Selection of Tutors
✅ There are thousands of tutors available in over 50 languages, including Spanish, Japanese, French, German, Arabic, and more.
✅ You can choose between professional teachers (certified educators) or casual tutors (native speakers without formal teaching qualifications).
✅ Many tutors offer trial lessons for just $5-$10, so you can test different teachers before committing.
2. Flexible Pricing – Lessons Can Be Affordable
✅ Prices vary depending on the tutor’s experience, qualifications, and location.
✅ Some tutors charge as little as $5 per lesson, while others charge $30-$50 per hour.
✅ You can filter tutors by price to find an option that fits your budget.
3. Access to Native Speakers for Real Conversations
✅ Many learners find that talking to a native speaker dramatically improves their speaking skills and listening comprehension.
✅ Unlike classroom learning, you control the lesson content—whether you want to focus on grammar, conversation, pronunciation, or business vocabulary.
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4. User-Friendly Interface & Scheduling
✅ The platform makes it easy to schedule, reschedule, or cancel lessons.
✅ It sends automatic reminders for upcoming lessons.
✅ You can message your tutor directly to discuss goals and lesson plans.
5. Great for Accountability & Consistency
✅ The subscription model ensures that students stay committed to their lessons.
✅ Some learners say the prepaid system forces them to take lessons consistently, which speeds up progress.
🚨 Cons of Using Preply
1. Subscription System is Inflexible
⚠️ Unlike iTalki, which lets you pay per lesson, Preply requires subscription-based lesson packages.
⚠️ If you miss a lesson or don’t use all your prepaid hours, you may not get a refund.
⚠️ Some users find the automatic renewal annoying and feel pressured to take lessons regularly.
2. Tutors Are Not Vetted – Quality Varies
⚠️ Anyone can sign up as a tutor on Preply—there’s no strict qualification requirement.
⚠️ Many tutors lack teaching experience or formal training, even if they are native speakers.
⚠️ The best tutors are not always the highest-rated—some market themselves well but aren’t great teachers.
📌 Tip: Always check reviews, credentials, and teaching experience before booking a tutor.
3. Tutors Are Not Paid for Trial Lessons
⚠️ Many users don’t realize that Preply doesn’t pay tutors for trial lessons.
⚠️ Because of this, some tutors rush through trials or don’t take them seriously.
📌 Tip: If a tutor seems rushed or unprepared in your trial lesson, they may not be invested in helping you long-term.
4. Preply’s Video Platform Can Be Glitchy
⚠️ Unlike iTalki, which allows Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, Preply requires tutors to use its built-in video chat platform.
⚠️ Some users report audio/video issues during lessons.
⚠️ Connection quality depends on both the student’s and tutor’s internet.
📌 Tip: If you experience technical issues, ask your tutor if they’re willing to use Zoom or Skype instead.
5. Not Ideal for Absolute Beginners
⚠️ Some tutors don’t explain grammar well—they just talk in the target language.
⚠️ If you’re a complete beginner, you may need structured courses or textbooks first.
📌 Tip: Choose a tutor who has teaching experience, not just a native speaker.
📊 Preply vs. iTalki: Which One is Better?
| Feature | Preply | iTalki |
|---|---|---|
| Payment System | Subscription-based (auto-renewal) | Pay-per-lesson |
| Trial Lessons | Tutors are not paid | Tutors are paid |
| Lesson Scheduling | Pre-scheduled subscription model | Flexible—book when you want |
| Video Platform | Built-in (can be glitchy) | Tutors can use Zoom, Skype, Google Meet |
| Tutor Vetting | Anyone can join (no strict qualifications) | Some verification process |
| Best For | Consistency & frequent lessons | Flexibility & quality tutors |
📌 Final Verdict:
- Choose Preply if you want a subscription model to stay accountable.
- Choose iTalki if you prefer pay-per-lesson flexibility and higher-quality tutors.
🔍 What Real Users Say About Preply
💬 Positive Experiences:
✔️ “I found an amazing Spanish tutor on Preply, and my fluency improved faster than with apps or self-study.”
✔️ “Having a weekly lesson keeps me consistent. The subscription system forces me to practice.”
✔️ “Affordable compared to in-person tutoring. I found a great tutor for $10/hour.”
💬 Negative Experiences:
❌ “I don’t like that tutors aren’t paid for trial lessons—it makes some of them less motivated.”
❌ “Preply charged me for the next month automatically, and I didn’t use all my lessons.”
❌ “My first tutor was terrible. It took me three tries to find someone good.”
🔔 Final Verdict: Is Preply Worth It?
| Category | Rating (⭐️ out of 5) | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Legitimacy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 100% legit, but quality varies by tutor. |
| Affordability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Some tutors are very affordable (as low as $5/hour). |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | Good interface, but the subscription model can be restrictive. |
| Tutor Quality | ⭐⭐⭐ | Hit or miss—some are excellent, others not. |
| Flexibility | ⭐⭐ | Subscription-based, so not as flexible as iTalki. |
✅ Who Should Use Preply?
- If you need accountability (regular weekly lessons).
- If you want affordable tutoring ($5-$15/hour).
- If you don’t mind testing multiple tutors to find a good one.
❌ Who Should Avoid Preply?
- If you prefer pay-per-lesson flexibility (iTalki is better).
- If you want higher-quality, vetted tutors.
- If you don’t like auto-renewal subscriptions.
🚀 Final Takeaway
Preply is a legit tutoring platform, but it’s not perfect. If you choose the right tutor, it can be an amazing learning tool. However, its subscription model and lack of tutor vetting can be downsides for some learners.
🔹 If you use it wisely, Preply can be a fantastic way to learn a new language!