TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Get Free Tools

Why Is Preply So Popular?

Preply is a digital platform designed to connect language learners with private tutors from around the world. Whether you’re aiming to master a new language, improve your conversational skills, or delve into specific language nuances, Preply tutoring provides a tailored experience to meet those needs. The platform boasts a vast selection of tutors for a wide range of languages, each with their unique teaching styles and expertise. Students can browse through tutor profiles, check their reviews, and watch introduction videos to find a perfect match. Additionally, the platform offers flexible scheduling and lesson prices set by tutors themselves, ensuring that learners can find instruction that fits their budget and availability. Through its interactive interface, students and tutors can engage in real-time video sessions, exchange resources, and track learning progress. With its focus on personalized learning, Preply offers a convenient and effective way for individuals to achieve their language goals at their own pace and would be amazing to have a little discount on everything mentioned above. What student doesn’t like a good bonus?

Relevant Preply Black Friday Discounts

Black Friday is around the corner, and Preply is making language learning more accessible than ever. This year, however, there are no specific deals related to Black Friday mentioned on their website. However, Preply has regular discounts for new and former users to make the deal just a bit sweeter.

The Black Friday deal “avalanche” has already started! So take out your dictionaries and be prepared to immerse yourself in the world of language tutoring, with a little bit of money saved on the side, of course.

How Much Does Preply Regularly Cost?

Preply is a platform where tutors set their own prices, so there isn’t a fixed rate for lessons across the board. The cost largely depends on the tutor’s qualifications, expertise, and the language they teach. Prices can vary significantly, with some tutors charging as low as $5 per hour, while others, especially those with specialized skills or in high demand, might ask for upwards of $50 per hour or more.

Several factors can influence the rates tutors set, including the rarity of the language, the tutor’s level of experience, their teaching credentials, and the specific subject or specialization they offer. For example, a general conversational English lesson might be priced differently from a specialized Business English course or preparation for proficiency exams.

To help students find the right fit within their budget, Preply’s search function allows filtering by price range. Additionally, many tutors offer trial lessons at a reduced rate, giving students an opportunity to experience their teaching style before committing to regular lessons.

The post Preply Black Friday Deals appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Get Free Tools

What Can You Expect From iTalki Black Friday Deals?

iTalki has made its mark as a premier language learning platform since its inception in 2006. With a legacy spanning over a decade, it boasts over 10,000 tutors proficient in more than 130 languages. According to our Italki review 2025, the platform operates by seamlessly linking eager students with skilled instructors in an online environment. 

This 2025 Black Friday, iTalki doesn’t seem to be rolling out any special deals, so that’s quite upsetting.

Regular Lesson Pricing on iTalki

When you look at Italki’s pricing, you’ll see it’s quite flexible. Tutors on the platform set their own prices for the lessons they offer. Typically, lessons can cost anywhere from $4.00 to $30.00 an hour, but there are tutors who charge both less and more than this range. The cost can also vary depending on the language you want to study.

A good tip is to try out a few discounted trial lessons first. This way, you can find out how different tutors teach and figure out which one you like best before committing to more sessions. Also, some tutors give you a better deal if you book several lessons with them at once.

The post Italki Black Friday Deals appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Lingoda is an online language learning platform that offers live lessons with qualified native-speaking teachers. Catering to a range of language learners, Lingoda provides courses in several languages, including English, German, Spanish, and French. One of its distinct features is the emphasis on real-time, interactive classes, allowing students to practice speaking and receive immediate feedback. Learners can choose from various course structures, whether they prefer private lessons or small group classes. The platform’s curriculum covers different proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced, and incorporates both general and business language courses. But, perhaps you can get those services for a sweet deal?

Lingoda Black Friday Offers 2025

As educational tools, resources, and services join the discount wave, students have the chance to access premium offerings without putting a strain on their wallets. It’s a timely window for those looking to optimize their learning experiences while keeping an eye on savings.

Lingoda has a special Black Friday sale happening around November 24th. It’s their biggest discount event of the year. If you’re interested in Lingoda’s Language Marathon courses, you can get them at a 20% discount. This is a great deal if you’re looking for an intensive language-learning experience. So, whether you want to dive deep into language learning quickly with the Marathon courses or take your time with the monthly ones, there are savings for everyone. Make sure to check out these offers and save on your language lessons!

Lingoda Regular Pricing and Features

Lingoda pricing starts at the point of around $17 per hour for those outside Europe, and €17 per hour for European residents. The cost per class becomes more economical when you book multiple lessons together, in a bundle. The pricing also depends on the specific language and course format you select. For instance, if you’re interested in a course in German, which includes 8 lessons, it’s priced at $87.99 (including the Black Friday Discount; $109.99 if not included).

On the other hand, a similar course structure in Business English is slightly more affordable, costing €120. Therefore, depending on your language preference and course type, the fees can differ. However, during the Lingoda Black Friday sale, you will be able to enjoy the lessons for even less! 

So, if you have been dreaming of learning a new language or improving your English level, the sales on Black Friday will be an excellent addition to your study journey.

The post Lingoda Black Friday Deals appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Learning a new language can sometimes bring about feelings of anxiety. This nervousness often stems from the fear of making mistakes or not being understood by others. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone learns at their own pace, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. After all, they’re a natural part of the learning process and a compassionate tutor can help you make it much much easier.

Cambly and Preply are both popular websites in the online language learning arena, offering easy and flexible access to tutors. But they do cater to somewhat different learning styles and needs. Cambly focuses entirely on English conversational practice, giving you a more casual, real-time chat experience with native speakers. Preply, on the other hand, stretches its features beyond just English to cover a multitude of languages and even other subjects like math and science. Additionally, Preply often features tutors with formal qualifications, lending itself to a more structured learning environment. So whether you’re after casual chats to improve your English or looking for a more academic setup, comparing the services can help you pick the platform that fits you like a glove.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Quick Overview

Cambly and Preply are popular online platforms for people wanting to get better at languages. Cambly lets users chat with native English speakers in real time, which is great for casual practice and quick feedback. On the other side, Preply offers lessons in many languages and connects students to both expert teachers and regular tutors. This means learners can choose between focused lessons or just relaxed chats. Both Cambly and Preply move away from old-school classroom teaching and let users learn in ways that best suit them.

Comparing Value for Money: Preply vs Cambly

The first criterion we consider is value for money. This is a crucial factor for many learners when selecting a platform. In our Preply.com review and Cambly overview, we evaluated the financial aspect of each platform and provided answers to any related queries a student might have. And now it’s time to compare which is better.

Comparing Overall Experience: Preply vs Cambly  

The Winner

Which is the top pick: Preply or Cambly? Both are great spots for learning languages. But if you’re watching your budget but still want to get high-quality tutoring, Preply might be more up your alley. According to our and Cambly reviews, the platform mostly focuses on English, so if you’re exploring other languages, it has significant limits. Plus, having a good refund policy means you’ve got a safety net if things don’t work out just right.

FAQ

Main Specs

	Preply	Cambly
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	50 minutes	from 15 to 120 min
re-scheduling of classes
late cancelation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language	both Natives and Non-natives	Only Natives
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
	Visit website	Visit website

The post Preply vs Cambly: Which one is better? appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

In today’s fast-paced world, learning a new language presents a unique set of challenges that go beyond mastering grammar and vocabulary. The overwhelming amount of resources available can lead to decision paralysis. From apps and online courses to traditional classes and textbooks, the sheer number of choices can make it difficult to pinpoint the most effective method for individual learning styles. Many students are hesitant to choose between platforms, so that’s why A*Help is here – to ease the process and give you some information to rely on when picking out the best language learning website. Amidst the various considerations when selecting a platform, potential users often find themselves questioning, “is Verbling reliable?” or “is Preply safe?” This review will address all of these questions and many others.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Quick Overview

Preply and Verbling are two of the standout stars in the world of online language tutoring. While both aim to bridge the gap between eager learners and proficient tutors, their methods and offerings differ in notable ways. For example, Preply offers a broader range of subjects beyond just languages, allowing students to find tutors in areas like math, science, and art. This versatility makes it an all-in-one hub for various learning needs. On the other hand, Verbling focuses exclusively on language learning, ensuring a specialized experience. Their platform boasts an integrated system where lessons, video chats, and resources are all connected, providing a cohesive learning journey. Both platforms, with their distinct features, cater to different learner preferences.

Comparing Value for Money: Preply vs Verbling

Comparing Overall Experience: Preply vs Verbling

The Winner

So, which service is better? For more diverse learning needs, Preply is the go-to choice. The site offers a wider range of tutors and subjects, including areas beyond languages, whereas Verbling focuses solely on language learning with a more consistent teaching quality due to stricter tutor requirements. Verbling’s platform is more integrated, combining lessons, chat, and resources, while Preply emphasizes connecting students to tutors. Your preference between the two will depend on your specific needs, budget, and desired learning level.

Main Specs

	Preply	Verbling
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	50 minutes	60 minutes
re-scheduling of classes
late cancelation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language	both Natives and Non-natives	both Natives and Non-natives
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
	Visit website	Visit website

FAQ

The post Preply vs Verbling: Which one is better? appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Lingoda and iTalki are online platforms dedicated to helping language enthusiasts reach their communication goals. Lingoda focuses on offering structured lessons in group settings, enabling learners to interact and learn in a more collaborative environment. Each session is tailored to meet the participants’ needs, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. On the other hand, for those asking “Is Italki safe?”, it presents a diverse offering, linking students with both professional instructors and community tutors. This flexibility appeals to a wide range of learners, from those looking for structured lessons to those wanting informal conversation practice. Both platforms transcend the traditional classroom approach, offering resources and interactions tailored to each learner’s unique language objectives.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

The main difference between Lingoda and iTalki is that Lingoda is an excellent language-learning platform that offers group sessions, whereas iTalki provides cost-effective tutoring with a vast selection of instructors.

Learning a new language is challenging because it introduces unfamiliar words, sounds, and grammar rules. It’s like learning a whole new way to think and express yourself. Plus, mastering the correct pronunciation and understanding cultural nuances can be tricky. It requires time, practice, and dedication.

This is where online language platforms like Lingoda and iTalki come into play. Both offer a flexible and interactive approach to language learning, connecting students with qualified teachers around the world. Despite similarities in their core offerings, these two platforms have distinct features that set them apart. For instance, Lingoda reviews reveal it has a more structured curriculum, while iTalki offers a broader range of languages to choose from. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision on which platform best suits your learning needs.

Comparing Value for Money: Lingoda vs iTalki 

Comparing Overall Experience: Lingoda vs iTalki  

The Winner

Although the distinctions between Lingoda and iTalki might appear minimal, with both platforms delivering top-tier language learning experiences, iTalki frequently emerges as the more affordable option. Therefore, for those language learners mindful of their expenditures, iTalki could be the more appealing choice. Plus, with its user-friendly refund policy, iTalki offers a safety net to users should things not align with their expectations.

Main Specs

	Lingoda	iTalki
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register		Optional
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	60 minutes	30, 45, 60, 90 minutes
re-scheduling of classes
late cancelation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language	both Natives and Non-natives	both Natives and Non-natives
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type		both Professional & Community tutors available
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
	Visit website	Visit website

FAQ

The post Lingoda vs iTalki: Which one is better? appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Mastering a new language can be a daunting task for many individuals. Whether it’s figuring out complex grammar structures or getting a hang of pronunciation, sometimes self-study or group classes fall short. It’s natural to seek more personalized guidance in such cases, emphasizing the value of one-on-one lessons. Many people have turned to online platforms for this personalized touch, and searching for specifics besides Verbling and iTalki (see Verbal Planet reviews) might give insights into one such platform’s effectiveness and user experience.

The solution to this lies in online language learning platforms. Verbling and iTalki are both well-known language tutoring websites. Those platforms connect language enthusiasts with native speakers and professional tutors from around the world. While they might seem similar in their services, there are distinct differences between the two that cater to diverse learning preferences and needs. If you’re curious about user experiences on one of these platforms, looking through italki.com reviews might provide you with useful insights from other language learners.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Quick Overview

Verbling and iTalki are online platforms geared towards language learners aiming to achieve fluency and cultural competence. Verbling specializes in facilitating one-on-one language tutoring, connecting learners with native speakers and certified teachers for tailored lessons. This personal touch ensures lessons are adapted to individual needs, making language acquisition more efficient. iTalki, meanwhile, offers a broader spectrum, connecting users not only with professional teachers but also with community tutors or conversational partners. This variety makes it popular among both serious learners and those seeking casual conversation practice. Both platforms aim to enhance language learning beyond traditional classroom settings, offering tools and connections specific to individual linguistic goals.

Comparing Value for Money: Verbling vs iTalki 

Comparing Overall Experience: Verbling vs iTalki  

The Winner

Though the distinctions between them might seem subtle, as both platforms offer comprehensive language learning experiences, iTalki often comes across as the more budget-friendly option compared to Verbling. Additionally, with its flexible refund policy in place for certain situations, iTalki ensures learners have some security if things don’t go as planned.

Main Specs

	Verbling	iTalki
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register		Optional
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	60 minutes	30, 45, 60, 90 minutes
re-scheduling of classes
late cancelation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language	both Natives and Non-natives	both Natives and Non-natives
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type	both Professional & Community tutors available	both Professional & Community tutors available
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
	Visit website	Visit website

FAQ

The post Verbling vs Italki: Comparison appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Verbling has been a notable player in the realm of the best online language learning sites since 2011, positioning itself alongside platforms like Preply. As we explore Verbling vs Preply, it’s evident that Verbling’s strength lies in its collection of professional tutors, dedicated to meeting learners’ needs and assisting them in achieving their language learning objectives.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Value for Money — 19/25

Overall Experience — 23/25

Verbling Specs

> Variety of subjects
Language classes
Arts (music, theater)
Literature
Science (mathematics, IT, biology, chemistry)
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans	for a number of classes
> Special offers
Discounts	3% off when buying in bulk, 10% coupon for first timers
Free lesson/trial	30-min free trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)	Apple ID, Facebook, Google
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	60 minutes
re-scheduling of classes
late cancellation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language	both Natives and Non-natives
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type	both Professional & Community tutors available
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover

FAQ

The post Verbling Review appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Verbalplanet is a platform that gathers tutors ready to help you with any language, starting with English, and ending with Zulu and Yiddish. Here, booking a 1-on-1 class is as easy and quick as ever. But can it compare to the best language tutoring websites?

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Value for Money — 13/25

Overall Experience — 21/25

Verbalplanet Specs

> Variety of subjects
Language classes
Arts (music, theater)
Literature
Science (mathematics, IT, biology, chemistry)
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial	50%-70% off trial lesson
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)	Facebook, Google
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools	Zoom, Skype, MS Teams
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	40 min
re-scheduling of classes	24-hours prior
late cancellation
Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type	Both, community and professional
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
WebMoney

FAQ

The post Verbalplanet Review appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Specializing in language tutoring online, Rype offers a varied selection of tutors to work with. Their main idea is that you can always make time for a 30-minute lesson, especially if you are a dedicated language learner.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Value for Money — 11/25

Overall Experience — 19/25

Rype Specs

> Variety of subjects
Language classes
Arts (music, theater)
Literature
Science (mathematics, IT, biology, chemistry)
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson	Corporate classes
Pay in installments/per class	Corporate classes
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)	Corporate classes
Subscription plans	15/8/4-hours per month subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts	If billed annually – 15% off + promo codes
Free lesson/trial	7-day free trial, or 30-min trial lesson for $5
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)	Facebook, Google, and Apple ID
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools	Skype
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	30 min
re-scheduling of classes
late cancellation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type	non specified
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover

The post Rype Review appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

LiveXP, often considered among the best online language tutor platforms, is an online educational platform that gathers tutors from around the globe. It helps students connect with the right teachers, who will assist them in achieving their goals, whether that’s learning the basics or exam preparation, and will also align with their interests.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Value for Money — 16/25

Overall Experience — 22/25

LiveXP Specs

> Variety of subjects
Language classes
Arts (music, theater)
Literature
Science (mathematics, IT, biology, chemistry)
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes	4/8/12/16/20 classes per month
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)	Facebook, Google, Apple ID
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools	n/a
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	30, 45, 60-min classes
re-scheduling of classes
late cancellation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type	Both community and Professional
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover

The post LiveXP Review appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Cambly, one of the prominent language tutor websites, is solely dedicated to elevating your English language skills to the highest levels. Here, you will find a variety of native speakers from different origins, who will teach you according to your specific needs and requirements.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Value for Money — 15/25

Overall Experience — 23/25

Cambly Specs

> Variety of subjects
Language classes
Arts (music, theater)
Literature
Science (mathematics, IT, biology, chemistry)
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes	bought monthly
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans	1/3/6-months or yearly
> Special offers
Discounts	10%, 15%, 20% off on monthly subscriptions
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools
Easy to navigate
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)
specific time
any time
time zone
class duration	from 15 to 120 min
re-scheduling of classes	24 hours in advance
late cancellation
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover

The post Cambly Review appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Lingoda is an online language tutor platform, that has been offering language courses since 2007. It is mainly oriented on teaching English, Spanish, German, and French. Here, you will be able to find a variety of courses concentrated on different parts of the language learning journey.

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

Value for Money — 13/25

Overall Experience — 21/25

Lingoda Specs

> Variety of subjects
Language classes
Arts (music, theater)
Literature
Science (mathematics, IT, biology, chemistry)
> Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes	5/12/20/40-lesson packages
Speaking clubs
Corporate classes
> Price
Can choose the price per lesson
Pay in installments/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans	for a number of lessons
> Special offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial	attend 3 classes for free during an initial 7-day trial period.
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)	vocabularies, exercises
Referral program
> Registration
Need a phone number to register
Need an email to register	Yes
Uses third-party registration methods (Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft account)	Yes, Google, Facebook, Apple ID
> Accessibility&Use
Built-in classroom
Third-party video call tools	Yes, Zoom
Easy to navigate	Yes
> Lesson time
general time of the day (time period)	Yes
specific time	Yes
any time
time zone	Yes
class duration	60 minutes
re-scheduling of classes
late cancellation	Yes
> Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language
Additional languages (if the teacher speaks more than 1 language)
Skill level/teacher type
Certificates/ Credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
> Payments
Paypal
Google pay
Apple pay
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover

FAQ

The post Lingoda Review appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Preply and iTalki are the most famous language-learning websites that are popular around the globe. Academic Help tried these two services and we can state that while iTalki can give enough support for those who are just taking small steps, Preply provides a more personalized teaching approach and their teachers give better immersion into the subject. Easy and quick teacher search

TOP services	Our verdict	AHelp Score	🔥 Updated January 2024
Preply	Best platform	91.8/100	Visit website
iTalki	Best professional tutors	78.25/100	Visit website
Lingoda	Best lesson categories	75/100	Visit website

	iTalki	Preply
Best fit for	Students who like both short and long sessions	Students who want to practice language and get ready for international exams
A*Help Score	78.25/100	81.8/100
Tutoring Quality	Our iTalki tutor did her best to help understand different aspects of Spanish.	Personalized approach, attention to detail during TOEFL preparation, and dedication are Preply’s winning cards.
Value for money	Affordable lessons, different subscription plans, and lesson duration times.	Trial lessons, a community for learners, and a wide range of class specifications.
Overall Experience	With iTalki you can have lessons anywhere on any device and enjoy your classes.	With Preply it is easy to choose a tutor from any corner of the world.
	Visit website	Visit website

Learning a new language is like entering a maze with many unknowns. At first, the journey seems exciting, and every language enthusiast is overbrimmed with motivation and desire to jump over the Grammar swamp, pass by the pitch-black Tongue Twisters woods, fight the Phonemigon beast who lives in a secluded cave, and cross over the Vocaburiver. Those challenges are to lead amateurs to the biggest treasure of all – linguistic fluency. This is the golden key that unlocks doors not only to new worlds but even galaxies. 

As amazing as it may sound, the reality is slightly far from the imaginative world. In practice, many learners cannot find that treasure alone. Disheartened ones come to terms with the present situation and distance themselves from discovering more opportunities. However, they should not do it anymore. The solution to their problems is iTalki and Preply. These titans in the industry have been in the language learning market since 2006 and 2012 and taught over 5 million students.

AcademicHelp has earlier talked about iTalki and Preply and how they aid language learners. We don’t just talk. On the opposite, we walk the walk. And in our reviews, we described our personal experiences with these two language learning websites and our real lessons. This time we are comparing these services and discovering which is better and which can be the right fit for you. 

How We Tested iTalki VS Preply

The Academic Help team sets high standards for ourselves and our readers. Hence, the testing process is an all-encompassing approach that includes many minute yet essential details. We will walk you through our method. 

Since the A*Help team is the eyes and ears of our audiences, we do everything possible to mirror their approach when looking for a tutor. So, as always, we start with checking the feedback from real users online. Our team peruses the comments, takes notes of certain aspects, and compiles them in the Negativity Rank. This helps our experts to spot the significant issues when having lessons and check if they are true. Then it is high time to get started. 

Our experts check the platform, take all the steps on the user-journey path, and try to book lessons. In this process, we evaluate the overall experience of the platform and the value-for-money aspect. These criteria are vital for students since they need to be sure that the service is user-friendly, goal-oriented, and cost-effective.

When all these steps are done, comes the most important part of our assessment – Tutor Quality. Our experts really take lessons on the tutoring platforms with real teachers and learn the material. Such immersion in the process helps us impartially assess each platform and what it provides. See How We Test Language Learning Websites for more details about our testing approach.

Right now, we will go into detail about every criteria of each language learning website and decide which one is better. 

Comparing Value for Money: iTalki VS Preply

The first stop on our map is the value-for-money aspect. It is important because every learner starts their search from this step. And so does the A*Help team. We take time to assess what each platform offers money-wise and answer the questions like “Is iTalki worth it?”. 

Types of Classes

	iTalki	Preply
Single lessons
Group lessons
Subscription plans
Speaking clubs		Only English
Corporate classes

One of the major aspects that we include in the value-for-money index is the Types of Classes. We believe that the broad choice of lessons and various approaches on how to study are necessary. iTalki seems to get slightly ahead in this category. What the A*Help team notices is that flexibility matters on this platform. Students can choose any type of lessons be they single, group, or subscription plans. Preply, on the other hand, lags behind a tad. Their platform also tries to be flexible, however, not to the fullest. Language learners can find speaking sessions on Preply, but as of now, they are only available for English learners. We hope that in the near future, Preply will present a broader and more inclusive list of speaking clubs language-wise. To top it all, both iTalki and Preply teams provide corporate lessons for the business community. 

Price

Moving on to the touchy subject – Price. Preply and iTalki understand that there are learners with different budgets. So, browsing for a teacher that comes within your price range is easy and clear on both websites. On Preply every student can even pay for their lessons in installments. Up to this moment, everything seems to be great, until a few minor points come up. When you choose to take lessons with a particular tutor, you can purchase them in bulk, meaning you can only get a subscription plan (minimum of 4 lessons). On the opposite, iTalki grants its users both options to pay for a single class or purchase a subscription. But what platform gives the cha-ching effect? It’s iTalki. The average price we paid for lessons there was $20, and on Preply it was $26.5.  While on iTalki learners can get discounts when purchasing lessons in bulk, Preply users do not have such an option. You can save up to 9% if you choose to have 60-minute lessons with iTalki and even 14% if you dare to book 90-minute classes.

Special Offers

After a  long walk on a twisted Finance Lane, it is great to take five and see what the road holds ahead. We don’t want to be secretive with you, but we always have something pleasant on our minds. That’s the reason why we have Special Offers on our A*Help evaluation list. We know that even if the platform is budget-friendly, students always try to find possibilities for how to slash prices or find ways how to get better at learning languages. Both Preply and iTalki have a special community for their users where all language buffs can read interesting articles, watch fun videos, and even chat with other learners. Our experts can confirm that it is amazing to have such a place where you can find like-minded people, share learning experiences, and feel that you are not alone on this daring journey.  It proves that these companies strive to build a friendly environment and they are on the right track. 

Another point that unites them is the referral program. Does your buddy want to polish their Spanish or get the hang of Mandarin? Invite them to have classes on iTalki or Preply by the referral programs and save yourself some money. 

Both platforms go the extra mile to make learning even more flexible and offer trial lessons. During our mystery shopping experience on iTalki and Preply, our team also tried to take advantage of this option to find the right match for a teacher. And trust us, coming from experience, this is an essential option to have. Preply and iTalki understand that. Both our try-out sessions on Preply and iTalki were fun and friendly. Nayeli and Johannes, our editors and mystery shoppers, liked every bit of the trial sessions and could not wait to continue studying. English and Spanish tutors were understanding and professional. From the very first minute, Johan started intense preparation for TOEFL and was actively training for the speaking part of the exam. While Naya was not afraid to pass the “¡Hola!” stage and was confidently making small conversations in Spanish. For experts, these trial lessons helped to make the final call. 

Based on the Value for Money criteria, iTalki shows better results (25/25 points) while Preply falls shortly behind (19/25 points). However, both platforms are worth the money.

Visit iTalki Visit Preply

Comparing Overall Experience: iTalki VS Preply

Having wondered for a while, we steer a course to the top of the mountain. We can almost see our first real lesson with a teacher, and we are dreaming that it will be as smooth as butter on bread. Sure, money talk is an important one indeed. But for now, the arrow of the compass is pointing at the overall experience of using the service. That’s why, the Academic Help team pays enough attention to the user-friendliness of every platform and whether it truly aligns with students’ needs. For those looking for even better options – have a look at Duolingo promo codes to get the best out of language learning.

Accessibility & Use

There is no time like the present to compare usability with climbing a mountain. In the modern-day world, every platform needs to be intuitive. So Accessibility and Use are of high priority for the A*Help team. And we are delighted to say that iTalki and Preply understand this and put user experience on top. Both platforms are easy to navigate. Not only are their websites smooth, but the apps are too. Additionally, iTalki and Preply care about students being right on time for their lessons by sending notifications either on the platform or via email. And then learners are ready to hop on the lessons since iTalki and Preply have built-in classrooms where students meet their teachers. But Johan and Naya could not always join the built-in classroom, so they asked if it was possible to switch to Zoom or Skype. And the positive answer was only from iTalki tutors, Preply could not provide such an option. 

Lesson Time

Having dealt with figuring out how to enter the lesson, it is essential to mention the Lesson Time aspect. Preply and iTalki welcome students from all over the globe who come with different needs and goals. Being flexible in this aspect is the key. Both tutoring websites give the possibility to students to choose teachers from different time zones and automatically align the lesson time with the learners’ local time. Trust our word when we say that this is necessary. When Nayeli, one of our editors, was trying to master Spanish with iTalki, she was frequently traveling. And, of course, the priority for her was to find a tutor that was available in her current time zone. We can say the same for Johannes who was getting ready to nail his TOEFL exam and wanted to find a native speaker on Preply who was in the same location to align work and classes in the schedule. But the difference between the platforms is the option to choose lesson time duration. While Preply classes come with a settled 50-minute lesson duration, on iTalki learners can choose 30, 45, 60, and even 90-minute lessons.

In the Lesson Time aspect, we also check the possibility to reschedule and cancel the lesson. During our experiment, there were times when Johannes and Nayeli simply could not make it on time for the lesson. You know how it can be: working late in the office, being stuck in traffic and so many other things that unexpectedly come up when you least expect them. Why sweat about losing a lesson when you can reschedule or even cancel it? Let’s take a look at what Preply and iTalki can do in force majeure, shall we? Preply is just that understanding therapist that has a prepared solution for all your troubles. On their platform, every user can reschedule and cancel the class for free up to 4 hours before the scheduled time of the lesson. Sweet! The iTalki canceling and rescheduling policies are slightly different. There, learners can put off or shift lessons 24 hours prior to the initial time. 

Tutor Browsing

Tutor Browsing	iTalki	Preply
Origin (country)
Language	Native and non-native speakers	Native and non-native speakers
Additional languages
Skill level	Community and professional tutors	Professional tutors
Certificates/credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch

Step by step, little by little, we are getting closer to the final part. Moving on to the Tutor Browsing. As we mentioned earlier, in real-life scenarios one cannot roll the dice or flip a coin and find the perfect match. Learners always peruse and attentively scan what teachers can offer them. And so does the A*Help team. Having checked iTalki and Preply we want to point out that both websites provide a lot of essential information about teachers. Here comes the long list that includes: the country of origin of the tutor, what their mother language is and what additional languages they speak, and their skill sets. Preply adds additional information about the professional credentials of teachers. 

And while this comprehensive information is enough to get acquainted with tutors online, sometimes the human factor does not match. Preply and iTalki allow students to change teachers if the first try did not end up being the match right away. We experienced this situation with Preply. There was one hiccup on the road, Johannes did not match with the tutor after the first tryout session. Luckily, he had a chance to request a free tutor replacement. The second try worked like a charm for Johan and he decided to settle with Sean and start preparing for TOEFL with him.

So, in general, the overall experience criteria is satisfactory on both language learning websites. The A*Help awards iTalki 22/25 points and Preply gets 24/25 points. Our experts believe that these services are easy to use and they can help learners find a teacher who matches their requirements. 

iTalki VS Preply: Which Is Better for Learning Languages?

And now we are on the top of the mountain looking down the trace of our journey beaming with pride over which challenges we had to overcome, and with the sweet memory of our lessons lingering we dare to ask this intriguing question: what is better, iTalki or Preply? 

The Academic Help believes that the answer to this question is complete only after the full experiment is over. The final stage of our mystery shopping and evaluation checklist is the Teacher Quality. 

This aspect consists of tutor-student communication, available materials, and teaching methodology. The first one, tutor-student communication is a building block for a great rapport. On Preply and iTalki it is easy to contact the teacher on the platform or through the app if a student has a question to clarify. Some teachers can agree to share contacts through social media messengers to keep in touch with learners. But tutor-student communication goes beyond messaging. It is about communication during the lesson. Naya and Johannes pointed out the helpfulness of teachers. Whenever there was an issue, the tutors were just one click away. For instance, when Nayeli was full of doubts about her Spanish, Patricia on Preply was ready to give constructive criticism and useful tips on how to get better. Both iTalki and Preply tutors sent Naya extra homework, so she could feel more confident with Spanish. And, bits of cultural exchange made every lesson unique and fun. And, bits of cultural exchange made every lesson unique and fun. Johannes always received lots of support from Sean from Preply, positively answering the pending question “Is Preply legit?”. This teacher in particular made Johan feel confident in the structure of the exam. From that point, Johan was sure that he was making steps in the right direction.  

Now, let’s take a look at the educational resources. iTalki and Preply do not have any built-in materials ready, so all tutors share personal experiences, handouts, and copies. Teachers on Preply try to make learning even more inclusive from all aspects and work with other tools that can streamline the learning process. However, both platforms seem to have trouble with helping students to make confident first steps. When you are preparing for international exams like TOEFL or IELTS, you need to understand where your starting point is. And it can be done with mock tests. These tests help to check the level of your language skills, identify weak and strong points, and map out the individualized plan for preparation. But this step is omitted on Preply and iTalki. 

And now to teaching methodology which is all about how lessons are being held. The A*Help team believes it needs to start with a placement test. The placement test is a more general way to diagnose language skills. Sadly, it costs $30 on iTalki which is a tad too steep. But on Preply this option is free. Nayeli could skip this part since she was a newbie in Spanish and her vocabulary bank was full of words like Hola, Adios, Si, Claro, and De Nada. Obviously, she had to start from the zero level. But for Johannes, already fluent in English, this test was needed to prove how proficient he was. After a detailed scanning, Naya and Johan felt that their tutors, Patricia and Sean, could tailor lessons specifically for individual needs. 

And the final point for all students who are planning to have lessons on iTalki and Preply – please note that neither issues certificates by the end of the learning experience. 

Overall, iTalki and Preply do a tremendous job to help students with learning a new language or polishing skills. Preply takes a smaller lead in the Teacher Quality criteria and gets 38.8/50 points while iTalki receives 31.25/50 points. 

Visit iTalki Visit Preply

Overall Winner

Drum roll: and the winner is Preply. Their welcoming site, easy-to-navigate application, clear canceling and rescheduling policies, and dedicated teachers are real guides through the language learning process. 

Main Specs

	iTalki	Preply
Types of classes
Single lessons
Group lessons
Bulk classes
Speaking clubs		(only English)
Corporate classes
Price
Can choose price per lesson
Pay in installment/per class
Price per lesson (e.g. 30/45/60 minute lesson)
Subscription plans
Special Offers
Discounts
Free lesson/trial
Community for learners (articles, podcasts, tests)
Referral program
Accessibility&Use
Application
Device accessibility
Notifications regarding the beginning of the lesson
Built-in classroom
Third-part video call tools
Easy to navigate
Lesson time:
General time of the day (time period)
Specific time
Any time
Time zone
Class duration	30, 45, 60, 90 minutes	50
Re-scheduling of classes
Late cancellation
Tutor browsing
Origin (country)
Language	Native and non-native tutors	Native and non-native tutors
Additional languages (if teacher speaks more than1 language)
Skill level/teacher type	Community and professional teachers	Professional teachers
Certificates/ credentials
Availability
Change of a tutor
Course switch
Support
Support availability 24/7
Helpfulness of support	Low	High
Tutor-student communication
Tutor’s availability (when can be contacted)
Contact sharing (communication through social media)
Helpfulness	Medium	High
Feedback on progress	Only some
Cultural + personal experience exchange
Uses translation if not a native speaker	No need	Probably
Fun and entertaining activities
Available materials
Built-in lesson materials
Additional tutor materials (books, tests, etc.)
Access to different tools
Mock tests
Teaching methodology
Placement test
Flexible & incorporates student’smaterials/needs	Sorf of
Individualized approach	Sort of
Student’s speaking time during lesson	Less than a tutor(30%)	45%
Homework (on the platform or personalized by a teacher)	personalized	by teacher
Homework check (automatic or by a teacher)	By teacher	Yes, by teacher
Certificate after level/course completion
Lesson structure	Just speaking	given at the beginning of each lesson
Reference to previous lessons
Developed Curriculum
	Visit website	Visit website

The post Preply vs Italki: Which one is better? appeared first on AcademicHelp.net.

Quick Overview

iTalki is an online language learning website that connects students and professional teachers. Our experts were satisfied to see a great number of lesson types, a community for learners, and many available teachers ready to help with mastering languages. Discounts and affordable classes were highly appreciated by our mystery shoppers. However, when it comes to browsing for tutors, engaging with support, and various other aspects of individualized teaching, there's considerable room for improvement, particularly in the context of comparing Italki vs Verbling.

[top-list-service-advatages] [top-list-service-advatages-list title="The Good" icon="good"] [top-list-service-advatages-list-item]Diverse lesson types[/top-list-service-advatages-list-item] [top-list-service-advatages-list-item]Professional and community tutors[/top-list-service-advatages-list-item] [top-list-service-advatages-list-item]Speaking clubs and blog for learners[/top-list-service-advatages-list-item][top-list-service-advatages-list-item]Discounts[/top-list-service-advatages-list-item] [/top-list-service-advatages-list] [top-list-service-advatages-list title="The Bad" icon="bad"] [top-list-service-advatages-list-item]Limited help from support[/top-list-service-advatages-list-item] [top-list-service-advatages-list-item]Paid placement test[/top-list-service-advatages-list-item] [/top-list-service-advatages-list] [/top-list-service-advatages]

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Picture this: you need to build a connection with creatures from outer space to save the planet Earth as Amy Adams did in “Arrival”. Or perhaps you have itchy feet to travel to the far corners of the world and completely immerse yourself in a yet unknown culture as Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson did in “Lost in Translation”. Might you have a spark to become a United Nations interpreter and follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman’s character in “The Interpreter”? 

iTalki is one of the best language learning websites that can help you achieve all of that. Established back in 2006 this pioneer in the education field has more than 10,000 tutors teaching over 130 languages.The A*Help experts decided to check if this tech-fueled online service could change the traditional teaching approach. Our editors – Johannes and Nayeli, agreed to help us and became real students on iTalki and mystery shoppers for Academic Help. In this review, they will share whether this platform is worth giving a shot. 

A few words behind our experts’ motivation. Nayeli never backs down from a challenge. She is keen to discover and learn something new. So, the idea of learning Spanish only excited her. Currently, she is traveling across the states and daily she’s meeting people from different backgrounds. More often than not, she comes across immigrants from Latin America and feels like knowing the basics in their mother tongue can help in building a stronger bond and making new friends. 

Johannes loves exploring his urban area and connecting with the people who live there. Right now, Johan is surrounded by English speakers, and while he comes across as the local he once felt, may readers forgive the pun “as an alien, an Englishman in New York”. Hence, he eagerly met our request to take TOEFL exam preparation lessons to try to see the hurdles international students need to overcome before getting accepted to American colleges and universities. 

Our mystery shopping experience serves as a true indicator of what you, our readers, might experience when seeking a tutor on this platform who can introduce you to a new language, or get prepared for an upcoming exam. In this following review, you will follow the authentic narration of Johannes and Naeyli about iTalki. Traditionally, at Academic Help, everything is backed by rigorous evaluation criteria. 

iTalki Tutoring Service: The Basis of Mystery Shopping Review

For most language enthusiasts, the journey to find a mentor is long and filled with doubts. In the quest to find the best platform, comparing Italki vs Lingoda becomes essential. The A*Help experts dedicate themselves to evaluating if iTalki is a platform that can open a door to an entirely new language universe, considering how it stacks up against alternatives.

As we previously mentioned, Johannes chose to follow in the footsteps of foreign students and took lessons to prepare for the TOEFL exam. Johan focused on speaking and writing as he thinks these are the most tricky exam blocks for non-native speakers. As for Nayeli, she went with Spanish lessons and wanted to learn the basics so that in the near future she could maintain a conversation with all her Hispanic friends that she had made during her trips. 

The actual experiment lasted for 3 and a half weeks (10 lessons in total). During this period, Nayeli and Johannes did everything that a general student would do. They had online sessions with their tutors and did homework and additional tasks when it was needed to better their knowledge and understanding of certain topics. In short, our editors were our eyes and ears during the experiment. They paid attention to all aspects of the detailed checklist, including usability and accessibility, payment and pricing policies, teacher browsing options, the responsiveness of support, and many more. You can find more information in our detailed description of the criteria Value for Money, Overall Experience, and Tutor Quality. See How We Test Language Learning Websites for more details about our testing approach.

Both experts will talk you through all stages of working with iTalki. Based on their impressions, we will present the final score that this platform has been awarded. Shall we proceed?

Studying with iTalki: Value for Money — 25/25

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We will start with the criteria Value for Money because quite often students themselves begin to ponder if the chosen platform or service is worth investing their money in. Provided that our editors Johannes and Nayeli wanted to echo the true student experience, they paid attention to everything iTalki could offer them, like types of classes, prices, special offers and discounts, and more. 

Johannes:The first thing I noticed when starting my search for the tutor was that I could choose the specification of my future classes. For me, the teacher must be aware of what exactly I need the lessons for. After all, it allowed me to narrow down the choice as it only highlighted the teachers who could help me with TOEFL preparation. I also liked that I could choose group lessons as well, and not only 1-on-1 sessions. Yet, I opted for personal studying and I appreciated that even by picking that option I didn’t have to purchase lessons one by one. The service offers bulk classes, where I could buy 5 or even 10 lessons at once. A pretty simple and convenient system that keeps you hooked up on that learning journey. And I don’t know if Nayeli noticed, but they also provide corporate classes. And they had all these packages for different business needs. Talk about a versatile platform, huh? I suppose that business lessons require more skilled professionals to teach the specifics. That certainly tells us something about iTalki’s broad expertise. 

Nayeli:“This is so nice that iTalki covers all different types of classes. I felt more comfortable with one-on-one lessons, especially at the early stages of the learning process. I know, when I’m confident about my gramática y pronunciación I’d be keen to join a Spanish-speaking class. It sounds like a lot of fun. But I digress, I wanted to point out that the pricing policy is just great. So, let me start with a trial lesson. Sure we both appreciated the fact that it comes with a discount. My Spanish class was $10 and you told me that the TOEFL try-out session was $16. Frankly, it is superb.”

Johannes: “Just do not forget to mention that trial lessons on iTalki last for 30 minutes.”

Nayeli: “Thanks Johan, it was right on the tip of my tongue. Yes, all trial lessons are short. Here’s the catch, I simultaneously liked and disliked such an approach. Yes, the try-out lesson seemed to be dynamic and fast but I lacked extra time to ask some additional questions. And I got the impression that my tutor felt the same. As if she was trying to speed up to leave a lasting impression about our first virtual meetup. She did a good job in a short time. Given that the first session was great I did not hesitate when purchasing the next lessons. I was happy to see that on iTalki every student can purchase either just one lesson with the chosen teacher, or if they are aiming to shoot stars, they can go all in and buy lesson packages (5 sessions). So, first, you would need to choose how long you want your real lessons to last, either 30, 45, 60, or even 90 minutes. The price changes for both single and bulk lessons depending on which duration you pick. iTalki says that if students purchase the subscription model of 60 and 90-minute lessons, they can save up to 9% and 14%. Nice initiative indeed. But Johannes and I decided to buy a subscription plan for 45-minute lessons. In our case, both Spanish classes and TOEFL preparation cost $100.”

Johannes:  “We could save up to 14%?? What a delicious offer. I didn’t pay much attention to it I guess and now I am ready to kick myself because I missed such a deal! Well, of course, if I was really in need to get a juicy discount, I could just make use of their referral program. I could earn $10 to use for my lessons if I just sent you the referral link. And you would also receive $5 from this deal. It’s good that at least I didn’t miss the opportunity to check out their learning community with all the different topic clubs. I especially liked the tongue twisters section – they messed with my pronunciation skills a bit.”

Nayeli: “Yes, the community for learners is a great initiative. During my interaction with iTalki, I always had a feeling that there were like-minded people at the click of a button. There I could read interesting articles about Spanish nuances in vocabulary or pronunciation, or take additional tests to get the most out of grammar and verb conjugations. Highly appreciated.”

The Value for Money aspect on iTalki showed stellar results and the A*Help track scored it at 25/25 points. Great variety of classes, a community for learners, discounts, and affordable classes – all of this and more you can get when having lessons on iTalki.

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iTalki’s Convenience & Overall Experience — 22/25

[top-list-service-score-box] [top-list-service-score-item value="3/3" caption="Registration" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="5/5" caption="Accessibility & Use" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="4/4" caption="Lesson time" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="4/6" caption="Tutor browsing" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="3/4" caption="Support" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="3/3" caption="Payments" /] [/top-list-service-score-box]

A smooth interaction with the service is important. These platforms were initially designed to streamline the search for teachers and make it easier. And our editors paid attention to the main aspects that contribute to that: seamless usability, helpful support, easy tutor browsing, convenient payments, and registration.

Nayeli: “When I use any service no matter what it is I have this mental note that ‘it needs to be accessible’. Perhaps I should provide some context. I am a very active creature and I never stay put in one place. One day I might be strolling through the bustling streets of an urban city and the next thing you know I am in a desert or on the golden beaches of Bali. So, the thought that I could access iTalki both through my laptop and an application on the phone just instantly marked that checkbox. This way the process of having an online lesson is as easy as a walk in the park. All you have to do is join the built-in classroom on iTalki and enjoy their lesson. But if by any chance you do not feel comfortable working this way, there are alternatives, such as Zoom and Skype. As I said earlier, I always adjust to new places and life scenarios. So does iTalki. There I could easily choose the tutor who was available in my current time zone. In general, I could simply build the learning schedule around my preferences. Another mental tick was granted to iTalki for the chance to reschedule lessons. Johan, I am getting fancier with words in your company, but force majeure is a normal thing in life, and I did not want to sweat and worry that the lesson would go to waste. With iTalki, you practically need to become a fortune teller because you can only cancel late up to 24 hours before the start of the lesson. But predicting my availability in advance can be challenging.”

Johannes: Yeah, the fact that I could conveniently choose lesson time & even reschedule sealed the deal. I mean, time management is the most important thing when you need to stay productive. However, quick and effective tutor searches should also be in priority. I wouldn’t say that I saw all the information I needed when looking for the teacher. There weren’t any credentials included in their profiles. I appreciated that I could choose whether I want to learn with a professional or a community tutor. It narrowed down the wide choice that allowed me to distinguish the best candidates. And, another important thing, at least for me, was that, when I found my tutor, I could book and pay for my lesson right away. There was a convenient calendar that showed available time slots, and, after I picked the most suitable one, the system allowed me to make the payment. By the way, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have PayPal – after all, it’s much more convenient than debit cards. No need to enter all your details (which I don’t remember anyways) or contact support asking why the card wouldn't be accepted (that happened a few times). Huh, Nayeli, did you speak to the support at all? Because I do not remember needing that during my learning journey. 

Nayeli: “Yes, when browsing for my Spanish tutor, I had mixed feelings. Some teachers showed all their credentials and backed up their professional experience with certificates. However, others did not seem to include any information. Still, the process of choosing the right tutor didn't take long. Overall, I must admit that the whole interaction with the platform was smooth and easy. A minor issue was with support. Sure, anyone can access them on the platform at any time of the day. However, you will not be able to get a straightforward answer to your individual question. iTalki has many pre-prepared articles that highlight common issues. Frankly, I am not a fan of such an approach. So, the lack of human communication was a real downside for me.”

Our experts, Johannes and Nayeli followed all the possible scenarios any student would. And based on their experience, Academic Help awarded the platform 22/25 pts. The editors spotted that there was room for improvement with support and tutor browsing. 

Tutor Quality on iTalki — 31.25/50

[top-list-service-score-box] [top-list-service-score-item value="14.25/20" caption="Tutor-student communication" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="1.75/5" caption="Available materials" /] [top-list-service-score-item value="15.25/25" caption="Teaching methodology" /] [/top-list-service-score-box]

Tutoring is not just about the gained knowledge. It’s a process of connection between two people, communication, exchange of materials, and an effective approach to the learning process. And that’s exactly what Nayeli and Johannes checked when interacting with their educators. 

Tutor-student communication

Tutor-student communication helps to build a bond between two parties. Now we will hear from our mystery shoppers on this matter.

Nayeli: “I chose to place my trust in a native speaker from Argentina. Ari did her best to make me feel comfortable and secure during our trial lesson. As I mentioned earlier, the only drawback was the short duration of the trial lesson. It was too short to build a sense of camaraderie. Despite that, Ari introduced me to basic Spanish phrases and gave me a framework for our future lessons. All further communication was only through the platform. While I am okay with it, it would have been better to get in touch with Ari through messaging apps. I appreciated the close rapport with my teacher. Whenever either of us had to reschedule our lesson due to personal situations, we could easily arrange it”

Johannes: “I liked how my tutor Marina was open and ready to share some details about herself. We always kicked off our lessons with a lively conversation which set me in a good mood. Moreover, she even told me all the intricacies of TOEFL that involved cultural differences, which I believe would be of much help to take an exam like that. That was the most fun about our interactions, because, other than that, I didn’t notice any engaging activities (aside from occasional debates, of course). She was also open to questions and shared her Zoom profile so we could schedule our lessons and so I could ask her anything regarding the tasks. She wasn’t available all the time but still addressed my queries. I didn’t get much feedback from her though. Marina corrected my answers and helped me with speaking a lot, but didn’t keep track of the progress we made.”

Available materials

Getting better at languages is also possible with updated and authentic materials. Let’s take a look at Johannes and Nayeli’s experience. 

Johannes: “To be honest, I didn’t get anything either from my tutor or the platform. There weren’t any notes built into the classroom or even storage for files. We did all the exchanges through Zoom and it was by screen sharing mostly. Marina also didn’t organize any mock TOEFL exam for me, which I feel would be useful in my case. I was disappointed with this aspect — I left iTalki with no materials or books for preparation that I could refer to later, only a single link to a website with speaking topics.” 

Nayeli: “Yes, I did not get anything from the platform either. But from the trial lesson, Ari made it clear that we would work with her materials. All the essential information was in our shared document which I could access at any moment. I found it extremely valuable since I was and still am a novice in Spanish. We worked extremely productively on the document with pictures, dialogues, common phrases, and other things.”

Teaching methodology

Proper teaching methodology can help get higher results in general language learning and exam preparation. Nayeli and Johannes will describe their personal experience in this regard.

Johannes: “I believe that choosing the right teaching path is half of the success of the learning process. Unfortunately, even though I tried to pick a professional tutor, she didn’t use an expert approach. Marina was flexible and paid attention to what I wanted to do more as she gave me writing homework when I asked for it. And of course, I noticed her using a more personal approach, rather than just going by a standardized lesson plan. But our lessons didn’t incorporate diverse activities. The only thing we did was the speaking activity. And even though I know that it’s one of the most intricate parts of the TOEFL examination, it’s still not the only one. I wish we had more writing and maybe at least one reading task as well, just to try my knowledge out there too. I also noticed that she didn’t have any planned lesson plans and just went with the flow, so to say. We just picked the topics from previous lessons and that’s all. My point is, I would expect much more from a tutor than free conversational practice and improvisation.” 

Nayeli: “For a beginner like me there was only one way to go. To start with the basics. And we did so. By the end of our first lessons, I had already known how to introduce myself and at least I could maintain small talk. Yet again, I appreciated the fact that all the necessary information was in my document. My tutor Ari had an excellent command of English and she did this cool trick on me. At times she tried practicing English-Spanish translation with me and it helped. We did not do any listening, which was a bummer. But, Ari always spoke in Spanish with me regardless of the topic. When I failed to follow I asked her to repeat it slower and with time I could get the hang of some complex phrases. Nearly forgot, my tutor suggested the exercise when we had to create a dialogue on the spot. That was awesome practice. Besides, Ari always shared interesting cultural nuances when we discussed vocabulary.”

The Verdict

Language learning is a long road and you don’t have to take it alone. Based on the experience of both our editors, Nayeli and Johannes, iTalki can help you find the right companion to guide you through this path. It’s a simple platform that gives you an opportunity for an organized tutor search. Of course, as you can see in Johannes’s example, it doesn’t always guarantee to connect you with a professional. Still, it can surely speed up the search process, thanks to its options to specify lesson purposes and convenient tutor browsing. Nayeli and Johannes both agree that, even though iTalki doesn’t always provide you with tutoring gurus, it’s a perfect budget and beginner-friendly option to start your language learning journey.

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 What Pitfalls to Expect? iTalki’s Negativity Rank — 27.4%

Even though we checked iTalki out ourselves, we also decided to weigh in on what other customers had to say about their experience of working with the platform. After all, if we didn’t have any particular difficulties, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there are none.

As such, we launched an investigation and dug into the client feedback on TrustPilot and Sitejabber platforms. Having looked through the comments, we noticed that many users were dissatisfied with iTalki’s no-refund policy regarding the purchased lessons. Another common problem seemed to be with tutors canceling classes very soon or right before the scheduled time which left many students confused as to what they should do next. And, when they contacted support, it wasn’t of much help with mechanical or late responses. The general frustration seemed to be with the platform not being smart enough for usage, buggy at times, and ineffective in terms of lesson credits.

We checked all the mentioned comments on the premise of their possibility and severity, and that’s how we counted out iTalki’s 27.4% Negativity Rank. This is not a severe result, which means, that, even though there are some issues that the platform’s administration can look into, you are still more likely to get a pleasant experience working with this service. 

Main Specs

FAQ

iTalki Reviews

We cherish our devoted users and we only want to share with them trusted tools and platforms. So, our A*Help team always works by the same pattern – we verify all possible information regarding the chosen service we can find. Such services as Trustpilot, Reddit, and Sitejabber are our go-to places to get true feedback from previous users. All unbiased and honest comments we present in our Negativity rank section (take a look at the details above). Combined with user feedback and our mystery shopping, we can impartially evaluate every service. 

Is iTalki a Scam?

Our editors checked iTalki’s services ourselves. They paid for a 5-lesson package each and both studied with the tutors for these 5 classes. They also communicated with the teachers face to face so they were sure to be studying with people they specifically hired. Hence we can say that iTalki is not a scam but a platform that provides real tutoring assistance. 

Is iTalki Legit?

The A*Help team only reviews legitimate websites that have a proven experience in the market. We also check whether the platforms have a distinguished customer base with a record of satisfied clients. As far as we checked, iTalki matches all the above criteria and so can be rightfully called a legitimate service provider.

Is iTalki Safe?

Indeed it is. The A*Help team took real classes from this learning platform and everything in our interaction with iTalki was safe. Starting with signing in to paying for lessons, and joining a tutor in the virtual classroom was secure. 

Is iTalki Trustworthy?

iTalki utilizes a safe registration and payment process. You are not asked to provide any sensitive data or details when interacting with their platform. When we had our lessons, we didn’t notice any suspicious activity or data breaches. Besides, iTalki provided us with the services we paid for throughout the whole experience. This service can be called worthy of your trust.  

Is iTalki a Good Service?

We’ve evaluated iTalki on all the main criteria running it through our specially curated checklist. After a close look at all the scores, the service received 78.25/100 pts of the A*Help score. This result confirms that the website is a good option for those looking forward to learning a new language or developing already existing skills.  

Can I Learn a Language with iTalki?

Of course, you can! This platform was specifically designed to provide language learning opportunities to people around the globe. It gathers numerous tutors from different countries ready to share their native language with you. So, if you are diligent enough and have a clear goal of language acquisition, you will be able to learn something new here. 

Can I Prepare for my Exams with iTalki?

As far as our experience goes, iTalki tutors provide a range of services and exam preparation is one of them. Keep in mind though that you will need to look for teachers who specialize in test preparations. You will also need to specify which exam exactly you need to be ready for. In general, we don’t doubt that you will be able to find the right iTalki tutor to prepare you for future knowledge assessments. 

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