Finding a legitimate online tutoring platform can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Preply is one of the most popular tutoring marketplaces, offering language lessons, academic subjects, and even business coaching. But the big question is: Is Preply legit?
If you’re considering using Preply as a student or tutor, this detailed, experience-based review will walk you through how it works, its pros and cons, pricing, user experiences, and whether it’s worth your time and money.
What Is Preply?
Preply is an online learning marketplace that connects students with tutors in over 50 different languages and multiple academic and professional subjects. Founded in 2012 by three Ukrainian entrepreneurs, it has since grown into a global platform with over 35,000 tutors and millions of students from 185+ countries.
Unlike traditional learning platforms, Preply is not a course-based program—it’s a one-on-one tutoring service, meaning students get personalized lessons rather than pre-recorded videos or standardized exercises.
How Preply Works
Preply operates as a marketplace, allowing students to:
✔ Search for tutors based on language, expertise, price, and availability
✔ Book lessons at flexible times that suit their schedule
✔ Learn via live video calls through Preply’s platform
Tutors, on the other hand, can:
✔ Create a profile, set their hourly rate, and attract students
✔ Teach from anywhere in the world
✔ Get paid per lesson, with earnings deposited directly into their account
Is Preply Legit for Students?
If you’re considering hiring a tutor on Preply, you may wonder: Is it safe? Will I get a good tutor? Can I trust the platform?
The short answer is YES, Preply is legit. But like any marketplace, your experience depends on the tutor you choose and how well you understand Preply’s policies.
Pros of Using Preply as a Student
✅ Huge Selection of Tutors – With 35,000+ tutors, students can find native speakers, professional teachers, and affordable options in almost any language.
✅ Flexible Scheduling – Unlike traditional language schools, Preply lets you book lessons at any time, making it perfect for busy students and professionals.
✅ One-on-One Learning – Unlike language apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone, Preply focuses on real conversations, which improves fluency, confidence, and pronunciation.
✅ Personalized Lessons – Tutors customize lessons to fit each student’s learning goals, whether they want to improve speaking skills, pass an exam, or learn business vocabulary.
✅ Safe & Secure Payments – Payments are processed through Preply, so students don’t need to worry about scams or fraud.
Cons of Using Preply as a Student
❌ No Free Trial Lessons – Students must pay for their first lesson, and if they don’t like the tutor, they won’t get a refund. However, Preply offers a tutor replacement policy (more on this later).
❌ Subscription Model Can Be Tricky – Preply encourages students to buy lesson packages (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 lessons at a time). If you don’t cancel your subscription, it may auto-renew unexpectedly.
❌ Tutor Quality Varies – While most tutors are qualified and professional, some are less experienced. Checking reviews, ratings, and trial lessons is essential to finding the right match.
Is Preply Legit for Tutors?
If you’re a teacher or tutor, you might wonder: Is Preply a good way to earn money? The answer is YES, but it comes with a commission system that tutors need to understand before signing up.
Pros of Using Preply as a Tutor
✅ Global Student Base – Preply connects tutors with millions of students worldwide, increasing earning potential.
✅ Set Your Own Rates – Tutors can charge anywhere from $5 to $100 per hour, depending on experience, subject, and demand.
✅ Work from Anywhere – Preply is 100% online, so tutors can teach from home or while traveling.
✅ Flexible Scheduling – Unlike traditional schools, tutors choose their availability and work as much (or as little) as they want.
Cons of Using Preply as a Tutor
❌ High Commission Fees – Preply takes a 100% commission on a tutor’s first lesson with a new student. After that, the commission ranges from 18% to 33%, depending on total hours taught.
❌ No Guaranteed Students – Unlike fixed teaching jobs, tutors must attract their own students by creating a strong profile, setting competitive rates, and marketing themselves.
❌ Customer Support Can Be Slow – Some tutors report delays in resolving issues with student cancellations, payments, or technical problems.
Preply’s Payment System: How Much Does It Cost?
Preply uses a subscription-based system where students pay for lesson packages rather than paying per class.
Here’s how it works:
✔ Students prepay for a set number of lessons (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 lessons).
✔ If a student is not happy with a tutor, Preply allows them to switch tutors but doesn’t offer refunds.
✔ Tutors are paid after each lesson, and earnings can be withdrawn via PayPal, Payoneer, or bank transfer.
Tutor Commission Structure
Preply’s commission starts at 33% but decreases the more hours you teach.
| Total Hours Taught | Commission Preply Takes |
|---|---|
| 0–20 hours | 33% |
| 21–50 hours | 28% |
| 51–200 hours | 25% |
| 201–400 hours | 22% |
| 400+ hours | 18% |
This means new tutors start with a high commission but pay less over time as they build experience.
Common Complaints About Preply
While Preply is legit, there are some complaints students and tutors should be aware of:
👎 No Full Refunds for Students – If you don’t like a tutor, you can switch, but you won’t get your money back.
👎 Tutors Lose Money on First Lessons – Since Preply takes 100% of the first lesson, new tutors earn nothing for their first class with each student.
👎 Customer Support Can Be Slow – Some users report slow responses when dealing with payment issues, cancellations, or technical problems.
Final Verdict: Is Preply Worth It?
⭐ Overall Rating: 8/10 ⭐
✔ Yes, Preply is legit. It’s a great platform for students who want affordable, flexible, and personalized lessons and for tutors who want to teach online and reach a global audience.
✔ Students should be cautious about the refund policy and choose tutors carefully by reading reviews.
✔ Tutors should be prepared for high commission fees initially and focus on building a strong student base.
Who Should Use Preply?
✔ Great for students who want personalized one-on-one tutoring
✔ Great for tutors looking for a flexible, remote job
❌ Not ideal for students looking for free trial lessons or refunds
❌ Not ideal for tutors who don’t want to market themselves or deal with commissions