italki review

italki is the second tutor marketplace on this list and the one to choose if you dislike subscriptions. You book one lesson at a time with no rigid schedule, picking from more than 20,000 teachers across 150+ languages, the widest live choice here. Teachers are labeled as professional teachers or community tutors, and each sets their own lesson price, so you can choose an experienced instructor for exam preparation or a cheaper tutor for relaxed conversation. Beyond one-on-one lessons, italki runs online group classes led by teachers, a free language assessment to check your level, and free community features, podcasts and articles for practice between sessions. For beginners, a teacher can provide structure that apps lack, and for intermediate learners regular conversation is the fastest way to build speaking confidence. The downsides are the same as any marketplace: prices vary widely, finding a good match can take a few trial lessons, and we could not confirm a single starting price for the US.

Who it is for

Learners who want to pay lesson by lesson with no subscription.

Price

Pay per lesson, no subscription (see vendor pricing, USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 20,000+ teachers across 150+ languages
• One-on-one lessons with professional teachers and community tutors
• Online group classes led by teachers
• Free language level assessment
• Free community, podcasts and practice tools

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No subscription or fixed schedule
• Strength: The widest language choice for live lessons
• Strength: Free tools and a community for practice between lessons
• Weakness: Each teacher sets a different price, so costs vary
• Weakness: Booking and comparing teachers takes time
• Weakness: Lessons need scheduling, unlike self-paced apps

Key facts

• Teachers: 20,000+
• Languages: 150+
• Subscription: None, pay per lesson
• Group classes: Yes
• Free level test: Yes

Where it ranks

italki is No. 5 in our Best Language Learning Apps verdict.